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Interestingly enough, Minneapolis lies at the same latitude (45 degrees north) as the Bordeaux wine region in France.

Just as in Bordeaux, summers in southern Minnesota are sunny, warm, and with ample rainfall.

The Land o' Lakes also has an abundance of good vineyard sites, near rolling hills and bluffs that hug miles of shoreline. Unlike Europe, Minnesota's early autumn frosts cut short the growing season, so the challenge always has been to find hardy grape varieties that can be harvested early, and survive the harsh winter climate.

Learn more about how winegrowers have defied the odds to produce quality wines enjoyed at Minnesota at winery tours, events, tastings and festivals throughout the year...

Minnesota Grape Growers Association - Besides the directory of vineyards and wineries with links and contact information, "the new features of the site are a discussion forum, cold climate varietal matrix and extensive links to grape growing and winemaking resources..."

Explore Minnesota - Minnesota Wineries - The Minnesota tourism directory with a good directory of wineries and tours, plus tool around the rest of the site for related attractions, hotels & restaurants.

Minnesota Wine Trail - Tour the Three Rivers Wine Trail comprised of six Minnesota wineries all located within the St. Croix, Mississippi, and Cannon River Valleys, including photos, directions and contact details.

Minnesota Wine Tasting and Dinners - Current listings of events and wine happenings with descriptions, locations and contact info.

University of Minnesota - Cold Hardy Grapes - The new web site of the U of M Grape Breeding and Enology Projects seems to have abandoned the wineries listing that was on the old site, but the info & pictures of the grape varieties they've managed to breed to survive the short growing season and cool winters is still intact.

also see -> Minnesota Beaches | Minnesota Tourist Attractions

Minnesota Fall Foliage