North Dakota is an amazing state to explore, boasting a variety of attractions from natural wonders to unique cultural experiences. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities such as fishing and camping, want to take part in some urban exploration or discover local attractions, North Dakota has something for everyone.
With its diverse landscapes ranging from the rolling prairies of the Great Plains, expansive forests bursting with wildlife, imposing mountains lacing with history and recreation opportunities scattered throughout the state, it is no wonder that North Dakota continues to be a favorite among guides who come seeking adventure.
From family vacations and romantic getaways to group trips or solo expeditions – this guide will show you all that North Dakota has on offer.
Wine Festivals in North Dakota (January – June 2024)
Bismarck Winter Wine Festival (January 27-30, 2024)
The Bismarck Winter Wine Festival, held each year in January, is an event that will make your winter days a little brighter. The festival celebrates North Dakota’s rich winemaking history and showcases the best of local vintners. Enjoy tastings, seminars, food pairings and more all while experiencing this winter wonderland.
Valley City Wine & Cheese Fest (March 3-5, 2024)
Valley City’s annual Wine & Cheese Festival takes place each March and celebrates the state’s best wines and cheeses. Sample local wines while enjoying live music, food trucks, art displays and more. This family-friendly event is a great way to get out and explore the local wineries in Valley City.
Fargo Winemakers Festival (April 28 – May 1, 2024)
The annual Fargo Winemakers Festival is a four-day event celebrating North Dakota’s growing wine industry. Attendees will be able to sample some of the best wines from across the state, attend seminars and demonstrations, enjoy food pairings and entertainment, and more. A great opportunity to learn a bit about this vibrant industry and mingle with local winemakers.
Grand Forks Spring Wine Festival (June 17-19, 2024)
The Grand Forks Spring Wine Festival celebrates the growing wine industry in North Dakota. Enjoy tastings, seminars, food pairings, live music and more at this three-day event. Attendees will have a chance to sample some of the best wines from across the state and learn about winemaking from local experts.
The 11 Best Wineries in North Dakota!
Red Trail Vineyard, Buffalo, ND
- Venue:
Red Trail Vineyard, located near the town of Buffalo in North Dakota, is a family-owned estate winery and vineyard that produces a variety of wines made from their own grapes as well as other local fruit. The estate grows 7 varieties of grapes for their wines, specializing in red varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Zinfandel. Red Trail Vineyard offers regular tastings, tours and events throughout the year that give visitors a unique experience of life on the vineyard, as well as opportunities to purchase their wines.
- Address: Red Trail Vineyard, 16493 N School Rd, Buffalo ND 58622
Maple River Winery, Casselton, ND
- Venue:
Maple River Winery is located in the small town of Casselton, North Dakota. This family-owned winery specializes in producing unique, handcrafted wines from estate grown grapes as well as locally sourced fruits and berries. Their selection of wines features a range of styles from dry to sweet, including the popular Blushing Bison Rosé.
- Address: Maple River Winery, 2300 11th Ave W, Casselton ND 58012
Bully Pulpit Winery, Bismarck, ND
- Venue:
Bully Pulpit Winery is located in the bustling city of Bismarck, North Dakota. This locally owned and operated winery produces a variety of estate wines made from grapes grown in their own vineyards as well as other local growers. Visitors can enjoy tastings and tours of the winery, or purchase bottles to take home with them.
- Address: Bully Pulpit Winery, 3203 N Centennial Dr, Bismarck ND 58503
Pointe of View Winery, Burlington, ND
- Venue:
Pointe of View Winery is located in the quaint town of Burlington, North Dakota. This winery specializes in producing wines from locally grown grapes and other fruits, creating a unique selection of flavors. The winery offers regular tastings and tours as well as special events throughout the year, giving visitors an opportunity to learn more about the winemaking process and sample some of their delicious wines.
- Address: Pointe of View Winery, 1101 4th St NW, Burlington ND 58722
Dakota Sun Gardens and Winery, Carrington, ND
- Venue:
Dakota Sun Gardens and Winery is located in the small town of Carrington, North Dakota. This family-owned winery specializes in producing wines from locally grown grapes as well as other fruits. The winery also features a beautiful garden where visitors can take a stroll or enjoy lunch. They offer regular tastings as well as tours of the winery and garden, giving visitors a unique experience.
- Address: Dakota Sun Gardens and Winery, 402 19th Ave W, Carrington ND 58421
Lonetree Winery, Cando, ND
- Venue:
Lonetree Winery is located in the small town of Cando, North Dakota. This family-run winery specializes in producing a range of wines from grapes grown in their own vineyard as well as other local sources. Visitors are invited to enjoy tastings and tours of the winery and vineyard, as well as special events throughout the year.
- Address: Lonetree Winery, 25487 ND Hwy 43, Cando ND 58324
Eagle Ridge Winery, Dickinson, ND
- Venue:
Eagle Ridge Winery is located in the city of Dickinson, North Dakota. This family-owned winery specializes in producing a range of wines from grapes grown onsite as well as other local sources. The winery offers regular tastings and tours that give visitors a unique experience of life on the vineyard, as well as opportunities to purchase their wines.
- Address: Eagle Ridge Winery, 2945 11th Ave W, Dickinson ND 58601
Fluffy Fields Vineyard, Dickinson, ND
- Venue:
Fluffy Fields Vineyard is located in the city of Dickinson, North Dakota. This family owned winery specializes in producing unique, handcrafted wines from estate grown grapes as well as locally sourced fruits and berries. Their selection of wines features a range of styles from dry to sweet, including their flagship variety, Fluffy Fields Red.
- Address: Fluffy Fields Vineyard, 1245 15th Ave W, Dickinson ND 58601
Prairie Rose Meadery, Fargo, ND
- Venue:
Prairie Rose Meadery is located in the bustling city of Fargo, North Dakota. This family owned meadery specializes in producing unique meads crafted from local honey, as well as other locally sourced fruits and berries. Visitors can enjoy tastings and tours of the meadery, or purchase bottles to take home with them.
- Address: Prairie Rose Meadery, 2438 Main Ave W, Fargo ND 58103
Wolf Creek Winery, Coleharbor, ND
- Venue:
Wolf Creek Winery is located in the small town of Coleharbor, North Dakota. This locally owned and operated winery specializes in producing a variety of estate wines made from grapes grown in their own vineyards as well as other local growers. Visitors can enjoy tastings and tours of the winery, or purchase bottles to take home with them.
- Address: Wolf Creek Winery, 474 3rd St SE, Coleharbor ND 58531
Thumbs Up Winery, Minot, ND
- Venue:
Thumbs Up Winery is located in the city of Minot, North Dakota. This family owned winery specializes in producing wines from grapes grown onsite as well as locally sourced fruits and berries. The winery offers regular tastings and tours that give visitors a unique experience of life on the vineyard, as well as opportunities to purchase their wines.
- Address: Thumbs Up Winery, 3425 10th St SW, Minot ND 58701
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How To Make Your Own Wine at Home
Making your own wine at home is not as difficult as it may seem, so why not give it a try? With just a few basic supplies and some time, you can create delicious wines that rival those from the store. Here’s what you need to get started:
- A clean and sanitized fermentation vessel (5 gallon carboy or bucket with lid)
- An airlock
- White wine yeast
- Wine grapes or juice concentrate
- Siphon hose
- Bottles and corks for bottling your finished product
The first step in making your own wine is to prepare the fermentation vessel. Make sure it is clean and sanitized before adding the wine grapes or juice concentrate. You will then add water to make up for the volume of sugar that will be added from the grapes or juice concentrate. Next, sprinkle in the yeast and mix thoroughly. Secure a lid on top and attach the airlock.
Tips for Visiting North Dakota Wineries
As North Dakota’s winemaking industry continues to grow, more and more people are visiting local wineries to experience the unique wines and flavors of the region. Here are a few tips for making the most of your visit:
- Call ahead. Many wineries require reservations, so be sure to call ahead to make sure you can get in.
- Bring a friend. Visiting with a friend or two can make the experience more enjoyable.
- Dress appropriately. Many wineries have dress codes, so be sure to check in advance.
- Be prepared to sample. Most wineries offer tastings of their products, so come prepared with a means of keeping track of your favorites.
- Be respectful. Winemakers work hard to create the perfect wines, so show your appreciation with kind words and by keeping the tasting area clean.
- Be safe. Do not drink to excess, and always have a designated driver.
With these tips in mind, you will be well on your way to having an amazing time at North Dakota’s wineries. Enjoy!
Happy hour specials can be another great way to experience wine from North Dakota wineries. Many locations offer discounts on glasses of wine or bottles when purchasing during happy hour. Check with the winery ahead of time for more information and take advantage of these deals while enjoying the unique wines and flavors of the area.
The Top Wine Festivals in North Dakota
Spring Wine Festival:
Held annually in April, the Spring Wine Festival is a great way to kick off the season with some of North Dakota’s most exquisite wines. Attendees can look forward to an array of tastings from different wineries around the state, as well as local food vendors and live music for entertainment.
Summer Wine Festival:
The Summer Wine Festival is the perfect way to celebrate the summer months in North Dakota. This event features some of the region’s finest wines, delicious eats from local restaurants and live music performances. Guests can also enjoy a variety of activities such as wine making workshops and cheese tastings.
Grape Stomp at the Winery:
This summery event takes place in July and is a perfect way to cool off. Visitors will be able to take part in an old-fashioned grape stomp, sample various wines from local vineyards, and enjoy some delicious cuisine too.
Red Wine Fall Festival:
Celebrate autumn with this fun event that happens in September each year. The Red Wine Fall Festival is a great way to sample the best of North Dakota’s red wines while enjoying live music and delicious food.
Harvest Wine Fair:
The Harvest Wine Fair is an event held in October that showcases some of the state’s top wineries. Sample special vintages, take part in various workshops and seminars, and enjoy some tasty food from local vendors.
Holiday Wine Festival:
A favorite among locals and visitors alike, the Holiday Wine Festival is an ideal way to celebrate the winter season. Sample wines from local wineries, purchase special holiday gifts, and take advantage of food stands that will be sure to keep you warm!
No matter what time of year it is, North Dakota offers plenty of opportunities to experience the best of its wines. So, come to North Dakota and savor some of the finest offerings from this beautiful state. From enjoying award-winning bottles to discovering new vineyards, you’re sure to find something that suits your taste buds!
The Grape Growers Annual Festival
The Grape Growers Annual Festival is a celebration of all things wine-related in North Dakota. Organized by the North Dakota Grape Growers Association, this festival brings together winemakers, growers, and enthusiasts from around the state for an unforgettable weekend of tastings, seminars, and more. Held every August, the festival is the perfect opportunity to sample some of the best wines that North Dakota has to offer.
At the festival, guests can enjoy live music, food vendors, and plenty of wine tastings. Whether you’re a seasoned sommelier or a casual wine fan, there’s something for everyone here. You can also attend workshops on grape growing and winemaking techniques, giving you an insider’s look at how these delicious wines are produced.
The Red River Valley Winter Wine Festival
For those who prefer their wine alongside a cozy fire, the Red River Valley Winter Wine Festival is the event for you. Taking place in January, this festival showcases the best of North Dakota’s wines in a warm and welcoming indoor setting.
Guests can enjoy tastings from local wineries, as well as samples from regional cheese and chocolatiers. With live music and a festive atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to beat the winter blues while savoring some of North Dakota’s finest wines.
The North Dakota State Fair
While not strictly a wine festival, the North Dakota State Fair is still a must-visit for any wine lover. Held every July in Minot, this multi-day event offers rides, games, and exhibits alongside an impressive selection of local wines.
Visitors can sample wines from across the state, as well as take part in workshops on winemaking and grape growing. With plenty of food vendors and live entertainment, it’s a great way to experience all that North Dakota has to offer in one place.
The Downtown Fargo Street Fair
Another annual event worth checking out is the Downtown Fargo Street Fair. While not focused solely on wine, this street fair offers a wide variety of food and drink options, including some amazing local wines.
Taking place over three days in late July, the street fair features over 250 vendors selling everything from jewelry to handmade crafts. But the real star of the show is the food and drink offerings, with local favorites like hotdish and lutefisk alongside delicious wines from North Dakota wineries.
The Turtle Mountain Vineyards Harvest Festival
If you’re looking for a more intimate wine tasting experience, look no further than the Turtle Mountain Vineyards Harvest Festival. This family-owned winery in North Dakota offers tastings throughout the year, but their annual Harvest Festival is especially noteworthy.
Taking place in September, the festival offers guests guided tours of the vineyard and cellar, as well as tastings of some of their most popular wines. With live music, food vendors, and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside, it’s the perfect way to spend a fall afternoon in North Dakota.
Conclusion
North Dakota has many great wine festivals that provide its citizens and visitors with an opportunity to sample a variety of local wines. From Grand Forks’ Rhubarb Wine Festival to Bismarck’s White Zinfandel Jubilee, there’s a festival to fit every enthusiast’s taste and desired experience.
With a growing number of vineyards, wineries, and tasting rooms in North Dakota, there are countless places for residents and visitors alike to embrace the state’s vibrant culture of fine wines. The level of enjoyment achieved from spending time at one these events is palpable, so you should consider attending one on your next visit or staycation if you have not done so already.
You should consider one of North Dakota’s many unique wine festivals for an experience unlike any other. From tastings to entertainment, each event offers something special to everyone who attends!
I’m Kara Chavez, and I love coffee. I like to create some of the best coffees around – espressos, lattes, macchiatos – you name it. I strive for perfection in my coffee-making skills, and I take great pride in providing a delicious cup of joe to my customers.
I’ve been working in the coffee industry for years now, and I know everything there is to know about making a perfect cup of coffee. My passion for coffee shines through in every cup that I make, and I hope that you’ll stop by soon so that I can share my love of coffee with you!