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Discover Award-Winning Wines Grown Right In Glenwood At This Locally-Owned Vineyard

Picture this:

You’re holding a glass of locally-crafted wine while gazing across rolling vineyards toward the sparkling waters of Lake Minnewaska, with Minnesota’s glacial hills painting the perfect backdrop.

Rolling Forks Vineyards transforms this dream into reality just outside Glenwood, where the Cihlar family has been living their winemaking passion since 2009.

This family-owned treasure sits on 18 acres of carefully tended cold-hardy grape varieties, all planted with GPS precision and nourished by underground drip irrigation.

What started as a couple’s shared dream back in 2007 has blossomed into one of Minnesota’s most scenic wine destinations, where every bottle reflects their dedication to both exceptional wine and unforgettable experiences.

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Wine Highlights & Signature Selections

The Famous Ruby Rhubarb: You’ll discover why this unique creation has guests raving season after season.

The Ruby Rhubarb offers a delightful balance of sweetness with just enough tartness to keep things interesting, and during summer months, you can enjoy it as a refreshing wine slushie that perfectly captures Minnesota’s farm-fresh flavors.

Le Crescent Delight: This crowd-pleasing white wine earns praise for its year-round appeal and smooth finish. Made from cold-hardy Le Crescent grapes, it delivers the perfect harmony of body and complexity that pairs beautifully with both their food menu and the stunning surroundings.

Cold-Hardy Varieties: You’ll taste the unique character of Minnesota-grown Marquette and Petite Pearl grapes, specially selected to thrive in the state’s challenging climate.

Most wines lean toward semi-sweet profiles, each crafted with careful attention to achieving that ideal balance of flavor and smooth finish that makes every sip memorable.

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Wine Tasting Experience: For just $6, you can sample up to four different wines in their welcoming tasting room, learning about each variety while deciding which bottles to take home. Many visitors end up trying all twelve available wines, discovering new favorites they never expected to love.

Menu Masterpieces & Culinary Delights

Autumn Delight Pizza: This seasonal masterpiece combines crispy apples, tangy blue cheese, melted mozzarella, savory bacon, and aromatic rosemary oil into a pizza that captures Minnesota’s harvest season perfectly. The creative combination earns rave reviews for its unexpected but harmonious flavor profile.

The Steve Pizza: Meat lovers rejoice over this hearty creation loaded with multiple proteins that satisfy even the heartiest appetites. The generous portions and quality ingredients make it a standout choice for sharing or indulging solo.

Artisanal Charcuterie Boards: You’ll savor locally-sourced cheeses from Redhead Creamery paired with fresh turkey and andouille sausage, creating the perfect complement to your wine selections. The quality of local ingredients shines through in every bite.

Turkey Pesto Specialties: The Turkey Pesto and Cran-Wild Rice sandwich combines flavors that celebrate Minnesota’s culinary traditions while offering something unique you won’t find at typical restaurants.

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Pretzel Perfection: Don’t miss the warm pretzels served with an array of unique cheese dips that provide the ideal accompaniment to wine tasting, especially when you want something more substantial than crackers but lighter than a full meal.

Atmosphere & Setting

Patio Paradise: The outdoor patio delivers what many consider the crown jewel experience – sweeping views across the vineyard rows toward Lake Minnewaska’s shimmering waters. Summer evenings here feel magical as you watch unforgettable sunsets paint the sky while live music adds to the ambiance.

Indoor Comfort: The tastefully designed tasting room provides cozy refuge during cooler months, maintaining the welcoming atmosphere with rustic charm and large windows that frame the scenic landscape. Even on snowy winter days, the warm environment makes you feel perfectly at home.

Glacial Hills Backdrop: You’ll find yourself surrounded by the rolling terrain carved by ancient glaciers, creating dramatic elevation changes that make every photo look like a postcard. The undulating hills provide natural windbreaks that keep the patio comfortable even during breezy days.

Vineyard Views: The carefully planned vineyard layout allows you to see the grape-growing process up close while enjoying your wine, creating an educational and visual feast that connects you directly to what’s in your glass.

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Other Considerations

Pricing Value: You’ll find the wine prices reasonable for the quality and experience, with most bottles around $21, making it accessible for regular visits or special occasions. The $6 tasting fee represents excellent value when you’re sampling premium, locally-made wines.

Seasonal Operations: Hours expand significantly during summer months (June-August) when they’re open Tuesday through Sunday, while fall and winter see a more limited schedule focusing on weekends and Mondays. Always call ahead during off-season to confirm availability.

Perfect for Groups: The venue accommodates everything from intimate date nights to larger celebrations, with spaces that can handle up to 150 people for special events. Reservations are recommended for groups of seven or more in the tasting room.

Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The relaxed, casual environment welcomes families, though the experience particularly appeals to adults who appreciate quality wine and scenic beauty. Children can enjoy the open space and views while adults savor the sophisticated offerings.

Fall Activities: During autumn, you’ll discover additional attractions including corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and special harvest dinners that transform the vineyard into a celebration of Minnesota’s agricultural bounty.

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Wedding Venue Excellence: The stunning lake and vineyard views create picture-perfect backdrops for ceremonies and receptions, with both indoor and outdoor spaces available for events ranging from intimate gatherings to celebrations of several hundred guests.


Rolling Forks Vineyards
📍 21505 Selnes Rd, Glenwood, MN 56334

Writer: Alicia Verville
Click to read bio

I love writing and I love Minneapolis! My favorite places to explore are charming small towns, vibrant arts scene, and hidden gems anywhere outdoors. Fall foliage with a good documentary is my version of heaven.