Minnesota Wine Trail Itinerary: 3 Scenic Winery Stops for the Perfect Weekend Sip Trip

This Minnesota Wine Trail Itinerary is one we just did with friends, and it was the perfect way to spend a spring weekend. Whether you’re celebrating something special like Mother’s Day or just looking for a fun day out, these three beautiful Minnesota wineries are worth the drive. Minnesota is still a newer grape-growing region, with many winemakers learning to work with cold-climate grapes developed by the University of Minnesota. It’s been fun to watch the wines evolve over the years, and even more exciting to see them win awards alongside wines from all over the world. I’m always curious to see where Minnesota wine is headed, and this itinerary is a great way to introduce yourself (or your friends!) to what local wine can be.

Minnesota Wine Trail Itinerary Overview

These three wineries have become my go-to stops, perfect for grabbing a bite with a glass of local wine or making a scenic loop through the northern part of the state.

➡️ Stop 1: 7 Vines Vineyard, Dellwood, MN

➡️ Stop 2: Rustic Roots, Scandia, MN

➡️ Stop 3: Winehaven, Chisago City, MN

Stop One: 7 Vines Vineyard, Dellwood, MN

7 Vines Vineyard in Dellwood, MN, is a premier destination nestled 20 miles northeast of the Twin Cities. As one of Minnesota’s largest full-experience wineries, it offers the scenic setting for meals, entertainment, and is the perfect wedding venue.​

In addition, 7 Vines has earned its national recognition for their wines. Notably, the winery earned four awards at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, including a Best of Class Double Gold for its 2019 Reminisce. These accolades underscore the winery’s commitment to quality and its role in elevating Minnesota’s presence in the national wine scene.​

This was our first of three stops on our wine trail itinerary. We opted for the 11:00AM tour to kick off the day, aiming to introduce our group of new Minnesota wine drinkers to the region’s unique viticulture. The tour provided insights into the cold-climate grape varieties developed by the University of Minnesota, such as La Crescent, Frontenac Gris, Marquette, Frontenac Blanc, Itasca, and Clarion. We also had the opportunity to see where the wines are made. Personally, I find that starting with a tour deepens my connection to the wines I taste, enhancing my appreciation for each sip.

Stop Two: Rustic Roots, Scandia, MN

​Rustic Roots Winery in Scandia, MN, is an 80-acre vineyard on a hilltop with views of the St. Croix River Valley. Founded by Andrea and Greg Sandager in 2019, the winery opened its doors in 2020, which transformed a family home into a tasting room and crafts approachable wines on-site. ​

This was our second stop of the day, where we grabbed lunch including flatbread pizzas and sandwiches. It’s a great spot to relax with a glass of wine and take in the vineyard views. There’s plenty of space to roam, with several seating areas, including open grass where you can set up a picnic near the vines and let kids play. They also offer a few wine hard ciders, which are super refreshing and available to take home in crowlers.

Stop Three: Winehaven, Chisago City, MN

Winehaven Winery & Vineyard in Chisago City, MN, is a standout destination on the Minnesota wine scene. Family-owned, Winehaven has earned over 200 awards in the past decade, including multiple gold medals at the San Francisco International Wine Competition and the International Eastern Wine Competition. Their acclaimed Stinger Mead has been recognized as Best of Show and Best in Class.

Winehaven’s diverse portfolio includes not only grape wines but also fruit wines like their semi-sweet “Just Peachy” or rhubarb wine. ​

This was our third and final stop of the day, and we ended on a high note. We shared a charcuterie board and couldn’t resist trying their wine slushy flight, because wine not? It was the perfect way to wrap up a day of exploring Minnesota’s evolving wine scene with friends.

Getting Around Safely

Getting around safely is key to enjoying your wine tasting adventure responsibly. Consider designating a driver for the day or booking a local wine tour company to handle transportation. That way, everyone can relax and savor the experience without worrying about the drive.

FAQs

If you’re planning a Minnesota wine day, you might be wondering how many stops to make, what to expect with food, or which grapes grow here. These FAQs cover everything from wine shipping to the best time to visit and how to sip safely.

1. How many wineries can you visit in a day in Minnesota? I recommend visiting 2–3 wineries in a day to allow enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. Your final number may depend on whether you’re planning to eat at a winery, if they offer food options, or if you’re adding an extra tasting room or scenic stop along the way.
2. Do Minnesota wineries offer food or just wine? It depends on the winery. Some Minnesota wineries offer full-service restaurants or food trucks, while others serve smaller snack plates or charcuterie boards. Always check in advance so you can plan your wine tasting itinerary around meals. All three wineries in this Minnesota wine trail itinerary offer food options.
3. What types of grapes grow in Minnesota? Minnesota is known for cold-hardy grape varietals developed by the University of Minnesota to withstand temperatures below -30°F. Common grapes include Marquette, Frontenac, Frontenac Gris, La Crescent, and Itasca.
4. Are Minnesota wineries kid-friendly or pet-friendly? Many Minnesota wineries are kid-friendly and have open outdoor spaces, but it’s always best to check ahead of time, especially if you’re planning to take a guided wine tour, which typically does not allow children. Pet policies vary by winery, so confirm in advance if you want to bring your dog along.
5. Is it better to visit Minnesota wineries on weekends or weekdays? Weekends can be fun but busy. If you’re looking for a quieter wine tasting experience, visit on a weekday. Some wineries are only open Friday through Sunday, but others with full-service restaurants may be open daily. Always check current hours before planning your visit.
6. Can I buy Minnesota wine online after visiting? Yes! Many Minnesota wineries offer shipping and local pickup options. You’ll also find a selection of locally made wines in Twin Cities-area liquor stores. It’s a great way to stock up on favorites you discovered during your visit.
7. What is the best time of year for Minnesota wine tasting? The best time to visit Minnesota wineries is from spring through fall. Many wineries operate seasonally, with reduced hours or closures during the winter. Visiting during warmer months also gives you the chance to enjoy vineyard views, outdoor patios, and special events like live music and tours.

Final Thoughts On This Minnesota Wine Trail Itinerary

I recommend this Minnesota Wine Trail Itinerary to give you the perfect mix of education, great food, and beautiful views. We started the day at 7 Vines Vineyard with a guided tour that helped us understand the history of cold-climate grapes and Minnesota’s growing wine scene. It set the tone for the day, and gave our group of mostly first-timers a new appreciation for local wines.

Rustic Roots was our second stop, where we relaxed with lunch overlooking 80 acres of vines. With a casual vibe, multiple outdoor seating areas, and a few refreshing wine ciders on tap, it was the ideal mid-day break. Finally, we wrapped up at WineHaven with a charcuterie board and a wine slushy flight, because wine not end on a fun note? Their award-winning wines and fruit-forward options like peach and honey wine offered something for everyone.

If you’re looking to explore local wine without leaving the state, this Minnesota Wine Trail Itinerary is an easy way to experience what our northern region has to offer. Whether you’re new to wine or a seasoned sipper, this trio of stops showcases how far Minnesota winemaking has come, and just how fun a day of tasting close to home can be.

Safe Travels, Jacki

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