MN-UN: How would you describe how you got your start in the business?

NFW: Making wine from local fruit has been a hobby and a passion of ours for many years. As the hobby evolved, we had the “crazy idea” that we’d open a winery to have fun and enjoy our retirement years.

MN-UN: I know a little bit about running a vineyard (AKA, operating a farm, and a winery, and a tasting room, and retail shop…) How’s that “retirement” going for you?

NFW: We’re working harder than we’ve ever worked in our lives! But the journey has been fun and we are grateful to their family and friends who’ve helped along the way. It has been rewarding to share not only our wine, but wine stories with customers who constantly affirm our decision to bring a winery to our beloved community in east central Minnesota.

MN-UN: Of the ciders you produce, which is your favorite & why?

NFW: Mike and Ann have different favorites. Mike’s first choice would be apple because it is tart and dry, which is the type of wine he prefers. Ann prefers fruitier semi-dry wines and her favorites are La Crescent, which won two gold medal awards in 2016, and their newly bottled Frontenac Gris Rose’.

MN-UN: Tell us about a unique wine cider products you have at North Folk Winery?

NFW: One of the best sellers at North Folk Winery is our Two Springers Hard Cider. The cider has a distinctive apple flavor, the perfect effervescence, but made drier than most cider, and the label of our two English Springer Spaniels is also a draw!

(Editor’s note: We’re suckers for any wine that has a dog on the label!)

MN-UN: What is something about your business, that you wish more people knew?

NFW: That wine made in Minnesota easily compares in quality with wine made in the west coast states.

MN-UN: We recommend stopping by for…

The annual Carols and Candlelight on December 17, 2016: Carols are sung by local favorites, Kenny Krona and Gwen Anderson, in the beautiful candle-lit timber frame tasting room.

Also, from November though the end of December Soup N Sip is scheduled every Friday night. Customers enjoy their glass of wine with hearty soup, fresh bread and a delicious dessert, while listening to live and local entertainment.

You can visit next North Folk Winery just a short drive North of the twin cities in Harris, MN at 43150 Blackhawk Rd or online at northfolkwinery.com.

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