10 Common Questions About Wine

Here is a great link that answers questions about wine including headaches to corks. Enjoy!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gregory-dal-piaz/wine-questions-answers-faq_b_791773.html#s198616

Pawlenty Vetoed Grape Research

The development of Minnesota's rapidly growing wine industry has been a cooperative effort between the growers, the state of Minnesota and the University of Minnesota's horticulture department. In 1982, the Minnesota Legislature directed research funding to the U. Since that time, a coordinated effort existed between the state and the university. The relationship soured in 2005 when Governor Tim Pawlenty vetoed funding for field research in the production of cold hardy grapes. Hopefully, the fledgling industry can fund independent research so the wine industry does not die on the vine.

2010's Final Three Rivers Wine Trail Event

The weekend of December 11th and 12th is your last chance to participate in the Three Rivers Wine Tour in 2010. The Holiday Cheers tour will be the last of seven tours held this year. The 80 mile tour - including five of Minnesota's oldest wineries -  spans from Chisago City to Redwing. The trail winds through the Mississipi, St. Croix and Cannon Rivers. Tour buses and limousines have become popular modes of transportation for this event. This is a great chance to stock up  because before long, old man winter will be blowing by.

Two Roberts From the Iron Range

Robert Zimmerman (Bob Dylan) is not the only Robert from the Iron Range to reach the top of his profession. Robert Mondavi, the Vintner Hall of Fame member, was born in Virginia, MN. His family moved from Italy to Hibbing - Dylan's childhood hometown - during the great immigration period of the early 1900's. If you make it to Hibbing, go to Zimmy's Restaurant and sip on a glass of Mondavi wine while listening to Highway 61 revisited. Priceless.

Ice Wines

Ice wine is not wine over ice cubes. They are a variety of wines produced from grapes that have frozen on the vine. Originally developed in Germany, they have found a home in Minnesota. Vintners found the thawing and freezing result in intense flavor. The Winehaven Winery of Chisago City has patented the "Chisago" grape, which is winter hardy to -40 degrees. If you are interested in an award winning ice wine, try the envy of the Napa Valley: Winehaven's Deer Garden Red. http://www.winehaven.com/Red2369.php

Elmer Swenson's Birthday Anniversary is Approaching

If you are a Minnesota wine enthusiast, December 12 should be marked on your calendar. It is the birthday of Elmer Swenson: Minnesota's Godfather of grapes. The Osceola, Wisconsin native was the preeminent breeder of cold weather grape varieties. From his development of the "Swenson Red" to his key role in the University of Minnesota's horticulture department, Swenson was the Thomas Edison of Minnesota grape breeding. This blog and all Midwestern wineries owe much to Elmer Swenson. http://www.mngrapes.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/future-of-the-swenson-hybrids-mark-hart.pdf

Christmas Shopping

With Christmas shopping bearing down on us, the Minnestalgia Winery may be able to take the edge off - in more ways than one. The McGregor based winery specializes in on-line gift packages for wine lovers. Beyond selling their line of wines, they sell glasses, cork screws, shirts and an array of Minnesota food products including jams, honey and wild rice. For more informatiion click on the following link: http://minnestalgiawinery.com/

Minnesota's Northern-Most Winery

What is an appropriate name for a winery about an hours drive from Manitoba, Canada? The actual name is Two Fools Winery. Although the growing season is short, the area has plenty of summer sunshine and rich glacial soils. The combination makes intensely flavored grapes. Along with traditional cold grape varieties, they produce apple, blackberry and strawberry-rhubarb. Two Fools has received numerous awards from the American Wine Society Commercial Wine Society. Next time you are heading "Up North," swing by Two Fools for ice fishing beverages. It would be nice if they sold bait, too. http://www.twofoolsvineyard.com/?www.catchwine.com

Want To Buy Cold Hardy Grape Vines?

The cold hardy wine industry has grown enough that satellite industries are growing like vines themselves. For those interested in purchasing vines for Minnesota vineyards, Aberfoyle Vineyards and Nursery of  Mapleton, MN can get you started. They specialize in grapes developed at the University of Minnesota, along with the famous Elmer Swenson grapes and grapes of other local breeders. http://www.aberfoyle.org/

Comprehensive Guide to MN and WI Wineries

For those who want to know where all the wineries of Minnesota and Wisconsin are, Patricia Monaghan's book Wineries of Minnesota and Wisconsin (Minnesota Historical Society) is a comprehensive guide. The book delves into the history of the rapidly expanding Midwestern wine industry. Beyond giving each winery a review, the book is full of interesting tidbits and sidebars.

New Winery In Mower County

Last Monday another winery broke ground in Minnesota. Four Daughters Vineyard and Winery will be the 33rd winery in Minnesota. The winery is located west of Spring Valley, in Eastern Mower County. The winery is expected to produce its first wine in 2012, with a full crop the following year. Ultimately, they hope to produce 5000 cases per year. The great Minnesota wine rush continues.

Minnesota Wines Dominate Cold Climate Awards

Minnesota wineries dominated the 2010 International Cold Climate Competition. The competition - representing 17 states - awarded Minnesota wines with three best of show: Indian Island Winery won Best Red Wine with their 2009 Marquette; Morgan Creek Vineyards took Best Specialty & Fortified with their 2009 Black Ice; and St. Croix Vineyards captured the Minnesota Governor's Cup with their 2009 Le Crescent Dessert Wine. Three cheers for Minnesota.

Three Rivers Wine Trail Event

If the season's first snowstorm kept you away from the Great River Wine Trail Tour, you are in for a second chance. Barring another storm, the Three River Wine Trail gives you a second chance at a fall wine tour. Along with wines, locally made cheeses and chocolates will be featured. The short tour consists of five wineries located in the St. Croix, Mississippi and Cannon River Valleys. For a good time, shift into four-wheel drive and enjoy the wines, cheeses and chocolates of Minnesota artisans. Check it out at: http://www.3riverswinetrail.com/

2010 Wine Ready for Thanksgiving

The Cannon River Winery's 2010 Nouveau is bottled and ready for consumption. The light-bodied red wine takes just six to eight weeks from picking to bottling. The wine, which originated in France, is renowned as the first wine released after harvest. Nouveau is a good Thanksgiving choice, as it pairs well with poultry and ham. The wine will be available November 18, 2010. The season's first wine can be ordered at Cannon River's website:  http://www.CannonRiverWinery.com/news/?id=153