Best 11 Wineries in North Dakota: A Guide to the Top Vineyards and Tasting Rooms

ByTony Parker Last Updated:

North Dakota may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about wineries, but the state has a growing wine industry that is worth exploring. From the Red River Valley to the Badlands, North Dakota’s wineries offer a unique taste of the region’s terroir.

Despite the harsh climate and short growing season, winemakers in North Dakota have been able to produce award-winning wines using cold-hardy grape varieties and fruits like chokecherries and rhubarb. The state’s wineries range from small family-owned operations to larger commercial ventures, each offering a different experience for visitors. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking for a fun day trip, North Dakota’s wineries have something to offer.

Exploring North Dakota’s Wine Scene

North Dakota may not be the first state that comes to mind when thinking of wine, but it has a growing wine scene that is worth exploring. From Fargo to Dickinson, Minot to Bismarck, there are wineries and vineyards scattered throughout the state that offer a unique experience for wine enthusiasts.

One of the most popular wineries in North Dakota is the Pointe of View Winery in Burlington. This family-owned winery offers a variety of wines, including red, white, and fruit wines. Visitors can enjoy a tasting in the winery’s cozy tasting room or take a tour of the vineyard and production facility.

Another must-visit winery is the Fluffy Fields Vineyard in Dickinson. This picturesque vineyard offers guided tours and tastings on an open patio, where visitors can take in the beautiful North Dakota scenery while sipping on wine.

For those looking for a year-round wine experience, the Vintner’s Cellar Winery in Bismarck is a great option. This winery offers both in-person and virtual tastings, as well as the opportunity to create your own custom wine blend.

In Carrington, the Dakota Sun Gardens and Winery is a unique destination that combines wine with agriculture. Visitors can tour the winery and vineyard, as well as the adjacent gardens and greenhouse, which produce a variety of fruits and vegetables.

If you’re looking for a winery with a historical twist, check out the Red Trail Vineyard in Buffalo. Named after the Old Red Trail, one of the first established trails guiding settlers through the Dakota Territory, this family-owned vineyard specializes in the subtle flavors and aromas of native hybrid grapes.

No matter where you go in North Dakota, there is a winery or vineyard waiting to be discovered. So grab a glass of wine and start exploring!

Prominent Wineries in North Dakota

4e Winery

Located in Mapleton, 4e Winery is a family-owned and operated winery that has been producing high-quality wines since 2011. The winery offers a wide variety of wines, including red, white, and fruit wines. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, tours, and events throughout the year.

Website: http://4ewinery.com/

Address: 3766 156th Ave SE, Mapleton, ND 58059, United States

Maple River Winery

Maple River Winery is located in Casselton and is home to the largest selection of locally made Pride of Dakota products in the state. The winery produces over 200 different items, including chokecherry, rhubarb, and honeycomb plum wines, as well as chokecherry jelly and horseradish. Visitors can take tours and enjoy tastings year-round.

Website: http://www.mapleriverwinery.com/

Address: 630 Front St, Casselton, ND 58012, United States

Pointe of View Winery

Pointe of View Winery is located in Burlington and offers a variety of wines made from locally grown grapes. The winery’s tasting room features a stunning view of the surrounding countryside, and visitors can enjoy wine tastings, tours, and events throughout the year.

Website: http://www.povwinery.com/

Address: 8413 19th Ave NW, Burlington, ND 58722, United States

Red Trail Vineyard

Red Trail Vineyard is located in Buffalo and is known for its award-winning wines made from cold-hardy grapes. The winery offers a variety of red, white, and fruit wines, as well as wine tastings and tours.

Website: http://www.redtrailvineyards.com/

Address: 3510 142nd Ave SE, Buffalo, ND 58011, United States

Fluffy Fields Vineyard

Fluffy Fields Vineyard is located in Dickinson and offers a relaxing atmosphere for visitors to enjoy. The winery produces a variety of wines made from locally grown grapes and offers guided tours of the vineyard as well as tastings on an open patio.

Website: https://www.fluffyfields.com/

Address: 2708 21st St E, Dickinson, ND 58601, United States

Wolf Creek Winery

Wolf Creek Winery is located in Coleharbor and produces a variety of red, white, and fruit wines. The winery’s tasting room features a cozy fireplace and a stunning view of Lake Sakakawea.

Website: http://www.wolfcreekwinerynd.com/

Address: 3631 Wolf Creek Rd, Coleharbor, ND 58531, United

Dakota Sun Gardens

Dakota Sun Gardens is located in Carrington and is known for its award-winning wines made from cold-hardy grapes. The winery offers a variety of red, white, and fruit wines, as well as wine tastings and tours.

Website: https://dakotasunwinery.com/

Address: 955 73rd Ave NE, Carrington, ND 58421, United States

Bear Creek Winery

Bear Creek Winery is located in Fargo and produces a variety of wines made from locally grown grapes. The winery’s tasting room features a cozy fireplace and a stunning view of the surrounding countryside.

Website: http://bearcreeknd.com/

Address: 8800 25th St S, Fargo, ND 58104, United States

Rookery Rock Winery

Rookery Rock Winery is located in Killdeer and produces a variety of red, white, and fruit wines. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings and tours of the winery.

Website: https://www.google.com/

Address: 3660 147th Ave SE, Wheatland, ND 58079, United States

Dakota Vines Vineyard and Winery

Dakota Vines Vineyard and Winery is located in Colfax and offers a variety of wines made from locally grown grapes. The winery’s tasting room features a stunning view of the surrounding countryside, and visitors can enjoy wine tastings, tours, and events throughout the year.

Website: http://www.dakotavines.com/

Address: 17355 Co Hwy 4, Colfax, ND 58018, United States

Prairiewood Winery

Prairiewood Winery is located in Lisbon and produces a variety of red, white, and fruit wines. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings and tours of the winery.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/p/Prairiewood-Winery-100054228501315/

Address: 12443 68th St SE, Lisbon, ND 58054, United States

Unique Wine Varieties in North Dakota

North Dakota is known for its unique wine varieties, including mead, fruit wines, rhubarb, honey wine, and cold climate grapes. In the state’s cold climate grapes are grown in the Red River Valley region, where the temperature is suitable for the cultivation of the grapes.

Fruit wines are also popular in North Dakota, with chokecherry and rhubarb being the most common fruits used in winemaking. The chokecherry wine has a tart taste, while rhubarb wine has a sweet and sour taste.

One of the unique wine varieties in North Dakota is mead, also known as honey wine. Mead is made by fermenting honey and water, resulting in a sweet and alcoholic beverage. Mead is available in various flavors, including apple, raspberry, and blackberry.

North Dakota also produces fruit wine, which is made by fermenting fruits other than grapes. The state’s fruit wines include apple, blackberry, cherry, and raspberry wine.

Rhubarb wine is another unique wine variety in North Dakota. Rhubarb wine is made by fermenting rhubarb juice, which results in a sweet and sour taste. The wine is best served chilled and pairs well with spicy foods.

Wine Tasting Experiences

North Dakota is home to several wineries that offer wine-tasting experiences. Wine tasting is an excellent way to learn about different wines and enjoy a variety of flavors. Most wineries offer daily wine tastings, and some even offer tours of the vineyards and wineries.

Visitors to North Dakota can enjoy wine-tasting experiences at wineries such as Fluffy Fields Vineyard, Red Trail Vineyard, and Prairie Rose Meadery. These wineries offer a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and meads.

At Fluffy Fields Vineyard, visitors can take a guided tour of the vineyard and taste some of the resulting wine on an open patio while enjoying the North Dakota scenery. Red Trail Vineyard, on the other hand, specializes in the “subtle flavors and aromas of our native hybrid grapes.” Visitors can take a tour of the winery and sample some of their unique wines.

Prairie Rose Meadery, located in Fargo, offers daily wine tastings and tours of the winery. Visitors can taste a variety of meads, including traditional meads, melomels, and metheglins. The winery also has a gift shop where visitors can purchase bottles of their favorite meads.

In addition to wine tastings, some wineries also offer food pairings. For example, at 4e Winery in Mapleton, visitors can enjoy a wine and cheese pairing while learning about the winery’s history and winemaking process.

Exploring Vineyards

North Dakota may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about vineyards and wineries, but the state actually has a number of locally grown vineyards that produce high-quality wines. Visitors to North Dakota can enjoy exploring these vineyards and experiencing the unique flavors of the region.

Many of the vineyards in North Dakota are family-owned and operated, and visitors can often meet the owners and learn about the history and techniques of winemaking. Some vineyards offer guided tours of their facilities, including the grape vines and fruit trees that are used to produce their wines.

Visitors can also enjoy tasting the wines produced by these vineyards, which often feature unique and flavorful blends. Some vineyards specialize in fruit wines, using locally grown fruits like chokecherries, raspberries, and strawberries to create delicious and refreshing beverages.

Exploring North Dakota’s vineyards is a great way to experience the state’s unique agricultural offerings and learn about the winemaking process. Whether you’re a wine aficionado or simply looking for a fun and educational activity, a visit to one of North Dakota’s vineyards is sure to be a memorable experience.

Additional Attractions

North Dakota’s wineries offer more than just delicious wines. Many of them provide additional attractions that make them a must-visit for wine enthusiasts.

For those who enjoy RV travel, Prairie Rose Meadery in Fargo is a great option. The winery has ample parking for RVs and offers tastings of their meads and wines. Visitors can also enjoy live music on weekends during the summer.

Urban wineries are becoming increasingly popular, and Vintner’s Cellar Winery in Bismarck is an atypical brewery that offers a unique experience. Visitors can create their own wine blends and customize their labels. The winery also has a selection of craft beers from Laughing Sun Brewing Company.

Cold-climate grape varieties are used in many of North Dakota’s wineries. Red Trail Vineyards in Buffalo is one such winery that specializes in these native hybrid grapes. Visitors can enjoy tastings of their wines and take a stroll through their vineyards.

Lake Sakakawea is a hidden gem in North Dakota, and Wolf Creek Winery in Coleharbor offers stunning views of the lake. The winery is family-owned and offers tastings of their delicious wines.

Fluffy Fields Vineyard in Dickinson is another family-owned winery that offers guided tours of their vineyards. Visitors can taste some of their wines on an open patio and take in the North Dakota scenery.

Art and wine enthusiasts will enjoy Souris Valley Vineyard in Burlington. The winery has a gallery that features local artists and offers tastings of their wines. They also host festivals and events throughout the year.

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly outing or a romantic getaway, North Dakota’s wineries offer something for everyone.