Minnesota Nice is more than an expression—it’s a serious wine—one with a sense of whimsy embraced by Carlos Creek Winery, where you can drink wines such as “Hot Dish Red”, “Wobegon White”, and “You Bethcha Blush”. If the names of the wines don’t make you smile the taste surely will. The labels featuring a moose named after the historic characters Spike and Ole, change each year and have even become collectors bottles to some.
The “Fun Winery”
Carlos Creek Winery in Alexandria, Minnesota brands itself as “Serious Wine. Serious FUN!” So, I decided to visit and see for myself. I enjoyed discovering it’s true — unpretentious in their approach to wine, owners Kim and Tami Bredeson want you to learn at least one new thing about wine before you leave. Tami’s unabashed enthusiasm for her wines was apparent as she boosted my knowledge with a tour of the wine cellar. You can take your own opportunity to descend the stairs for a self-guided tour and start acquiring your facts. Here’s one: I learned that slow growing oak—much like what grows in Minnesota—results in barrels that give off less tannin in the wine. The production tour was an educating experience where I learned the process for creating a variety of excellent wines. Carlos Creek has magnificent new equipment from Italy that allows the winery to effectively bottle standard as well as sparkling wine.
Running a winery is a challenging business that puts the vintner at the mercy of the harsh Minnesota elements. The Bredeson’s give themselves an edge on Mother Nature by growing clippings in their green house instead of planting bare root. Twenty acres of the one hundred-sixty acre property is in production as a vineyard. From that twenty acres Carlos Creek anticipates to produce between thirteen to fourteen thousand cases of wine in 2016. Of that, twenty-two percent of their production is fruit wine—Apple Blueberry, Peach Street, Apple Cranberry, and Raspberry Road. Expecting overwhelming sweetness I was pleasantly surprised to find each of them crisp and clean. Sipping a glass or pouring your choice over ice with a splash of soda on one of our remaining warm nights will have you look twice at fruit wines.
There is no flamboyance at Carlos Creek
No one cares if you swirl the wine in your glass like a sommelier or sniff until your eyes cross. What is important is that you enjoy yourself and the wine. Belly up to the cork topped bar or barrel tables and you’ll find amazing choices and many award winners from the 2016 International Cold Climate Wine Competition. They were awarded Double Gold for their 2013 Petite Pearl, Gold for 2015 Frontenac Blanc, Silver encompassed NV Vintner’s Blend, 2015 Apple, 2014 Frontenac, 2015 Frontenac Rose, 2015 Apple Blueberry and Apple Hopper. My trouble was finding a favorite. As I selected my wines for purchase, I loved the fact that I could add a variety pack of the Minnesota Nice wines in 187mL bottles. Makes for a fun gift along with a vast array of wine accessories and T-shirts available in the gift shop.
Immerse yourself in a day trip
With many lovely days of autumn weather remaining immerse yourself in a day trip. Purchase picnic fare from the Minnesota Nice Deli and spread out on the lawn or sit on one of Carlos Creek’s fabulous carved benches. Nosh and sip wine while you challenge someone to a game of garden chess. You’ll have to put down your glass only to move the giant pieces around the board. Stay over on the weekend and kick back to live music during the afternoon. There are a large number of places to stay in or near to Alexandria. Several hotels along with Bed & Breakfast and campgrounds are available and close to the winery. Arrowwood Resort is right down the road.
Bare feet—why are you blue?
If you normally like to get your hands into the soil, get your feet into the grapes during Grape Stomp instead. Reported to be the largest Stomp in the country it runs from Friday September 16th through Sunday, September 18th. Be one of 15,000 people who attend three days of wine, artists, food and live music.
If you miss the stomp, head up for Applefest on October 22nd. Perhaps you can attend a paint and sip party or you’ll be fortunate enough to either host or attend an event at the lavish facility available at the winery. An upscale horse barn has been transformed in one of the most spectacular facilities I’ve had the privilege to encounter. The Minnesota Nice Deli is open all year round so join the wine club and have an excuse to show up at Carlos Creek at least once a quarter. I’m already licking my lips in anticipation of my next visit.
