Napa Valley, MN...!?

Interesting fact of the day: The Midwest is one of the fastest-growing areas for vineyards and grape crops in the nation in both land mass and production, and major wine-producing states such as California are already starting to feel the economic "pressure" from the rolling plains in the Midwest. Jared and I learned that tidbit of knowledge this past weekend on the 2nd Annual "Barefoot Bus to the Vineyards" sponsored by Twin Cities Friends of St. Judes. This AWESOME event loaded about 40 "young professionals" onto a bus from Minneapolis to three amazing vineyards on the MN Wine Trail (numbers 1 - 3 on the below map). When the event "hostess" cracked a bottle of champagne as the bus departed at 10am, I knew it was going to be a great day.

The day started at stop #1: Valley Vineyards in Prescott, Wisconsin. We were amazed as the bus pulled into a quaint, country neighborhood and led us to a beautiful home and vineyard on a hill. It turns out the owner got "the itch" three years prior and started making his own wines in his basement, and soon after his hobby turned into a full-blown vineyard. It was inspiring to talk to him as he has my dream job! We tasted his wines, toured his cellars, ate cheese and had great conversation with his neighbors who poured the wine for us. He recruited them in the very beginning stages to help him bottle, label, and eventually build his cellar. I hope I have neighbors like that someday.

Stop #2 brought us to Maiden Rock Winery & Cidery in Maiden Rock, WI. This is a GORGEOUS little town that is literally on a rock overlooking the river. I would highly reccommend passing through if you ever have a chance. This winery was adorned with hay bales, pumpkins, scarecrows, and anything else you would hope to see in the fall. It was very impressive to see a larger more festive location after visiting a small, newer vineyard. They lead us on a tour, showed us how they make their fruit wines & hard ciders, and finally lead us to the tasting room!

Stop #3: Vino in the Valley in Ellsworth, WI was last but definitely not least. Out of all three vineyards this was by far the most beautiful. The building was fantastic and the scenery was breathtaking. I couldn't believe I had lived only an hour from such a beautiful place for my entire life but I had never been there nor even heard of the place. The "outdoor" building was toasty in spite of the 40-degree weather (thanks to the wine and many heat lamps) and they lead us straight into a tasting which was followed by a yummy outdoor italian dinner. We then sat by the bonfire, played bean bags, and relaxed on a hayride.

The day wasn't cheap, but every penny we spent went toward helping the kids at St. Jude's Hospital. It was an amazing day, and we can't wait to go back next year!!