Early mornings are already starting to feel as if fall is just around the corner — and it is. September and October is harvest season for vineyards in the area. Here are some fun ways to explore vineyards in the fall!
2016 Harvest Events & Festivals
August 27 & 28 – Apple Picking Benefit for Children’s Hospitals at Parley Lake in Waconia, MN
September 9 – Toast to Tamarac Event at Richwood Winery in Callaway, MN
Sept thru Oct – Corn Maze at Crow River Winery in Hutchinson, MN
Sundays in Sept & Oct – Harvest Party, Next Chapter Winery in New Prague, MN
Weekends in Sept & Oct – Harvest Crew at Cannon River Winery in Cannon Falls, MN
Sept 24 & 25 – Fall Harvest Festival at Château Saint Croix in Saint Croix Falls, WI – FREE
October 15 – Progressive Dinner at Glacial Ridge Winery in Spicer, MN
October 15 – Scarecrow Building at Glacial Ridge Winery in Spicer, MN
October 15 – Harvest Fest at North Shore Winery in Lutsen, MN
October 15 – Harvest Bonfire Schram Vineyards in Waconia, MN
October 22 – Pumpkin Fest at Crow River Winery in Hutchinson, MN
October 22 – Applefest at Carlos Creek in Alexandria, MN – FREE
October 22 – Roaring 20’s Masquerade Ball at Indian Island Winery in Janesville, MN
October 22-23 – Federwisser & Roter Rauscher Festival at Winehaven in Chisago City, MN
November 12-13 – Holiday Harvest Food & Wine Fest, Great River Road Wine Trail (11 wineries)
November 19-20 – Cheese & Chocolate Weekend, Three Rivers Wine Trail (5 wineries)
November 19 – Flower Arrangement Class: Fall Centerpieces Glacial Ridge Winery in Spicer, MN
Harvest Helpers Needed
Many vineyards hand-harvest their grapes — which as you can imagine, is not only time-sensitive to make sure they get harvested at the peak of ripeness, but time-consuming to hand pick acres of grapes. Several vineyards have programs for “harvest help”, looking for volunteers to pick grapes — each location handles harvest differently, but typically involves a few hours of grape picking in exchange for a hearty farm lunch, and fabulous wine, of course! Some vineyards may provide donations to qualifying charity organizations who volunteer, a fantastic way to get out and help two causes at once. Check with each for details:
Alexis Bailly Vineyard in Hastings, MN
Flower Valley Vineyard in Red Wing, MN
Falconer Vineyards in Red Wing, MN
Grandview Valley Winery in Belview, MN
Millner Heritage Winery in Kimball, MN
Painted Prairie Vineyard in Currie, MN
Prairie Pond Winery in New Prague, MN
Salem Glen Winery in Rochester, MN
Schram Vineyards in Waconia, MN
Urban Forage Winery in Minneapolis, MN
Wild Mountain Winery in Taylors Falls, MN
If you don’t see a location listed, you can always contact your favorite vineyard and see if they need a hand!
2016 Grape Stomps
If harvesting grapes isn’t your thing, you can always just stomp on them – vineyards throughout the area are hosting grape stomp events, a fantastic way to celebrate the harvest without getting your hands (but maybe your feet) dirty!
August 20 & 21 – Parley Lake in Waconia, MN
September 10 – Richwood Winery in Callaway, MN
September 10 & 11 – Château Saint Croix, St Croix Falls, WI – FREE
Sept 16, 17 & 18 – Carlos Creek in Alexandria, MN
September 10 & 11 – Saint Croix Vineyards in Stillwater, MN
Sept 24 – Crow River Winery in Hutchinson, MN
September 24 & 25 – Dancing Dragonfly in St Croix Falls, WI – FREE
October 1 – Morgan Creek Vineyards in New Ulm, MN
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