Bringing wine country to Minnesota

By News Team
ads@fillmorecountyjournal.com

Thu, Jan 26th, 2012
Posted in All Progress Edition

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The building site of the soon to be Four Daughter's Vineyard and Winery just past the junction of MN Hwy. 16 and US Hwy. 63. Photo by Gabby Gatzke

Driving on Minnesota State Highway 16 outside of Spring Valley, you can't help but notice the construction of a big building surrounded by several rows of a vineyard. This 9,000-square-foot building site will soon be the home of Four Daughters Vineyard and Winery come July 2011.

Vicky and Gary Vogt, Grand Meadow residents, have been in the process of creating a state of the art facility that will include a wine tasting room, restaurant, event space and a production center for wine making.

The name, Four Daughters Vineyard and Winery, came from the couple's four daughters who have all had a part in the forming of this business. "Our family plays a large part in decision making with the winery and vineyard," Vicky said. "Whenever a decision needs to be made I email everyone and ask them what they think before I make a decision."

As far as the dream of building this facility and vineyard, it's been a long time coming. Both Gary and Vicky have been avid wine lovers. They have also traveled to wine country both here in the United States and to places like Italy. To Vicky, it seemed like a fun thing to do because it's a great way to bring people to the area.

Vicky's father also played a large role in her decision to build the vineyard. Her father was a legislator who helped pass a bill in the 1990's to fund the University of Minnesota in their quest to develop cold hardy grapes that would grow in Minnesota for wine making. And because of that, her dream can become a reality.

The Vogt's actually began growing their vineyard in May of 2010. Vicky said it would take about three years for the grapes to grow to the point where they can create juice for wine making.

The Vogt's are hoping to make their business into a place where people can hold gatherings, test out some delicious wines and eat a little food too. There will also be a small retail spot for wine in the building. Vicky also mentioned the possibility of partnering up with local artists to display their art.

Vicky, who recently finished her marketing degree, said her and her daughter's have some great events that they are looking forward to having. "We have some really fun things planned and there are just so many fun things we can do out here," Vicky said.

The Vogt's recently participated in Rochester's Wedding Expo where Vicky said they had a lot of people interested in what they had to offer. "We can offer a lot for weddings. In fact, people could even get married out here in an outdoor wedding," Vicky said.

With a lot to offer, this business will be a great asset for the surrounding areas. Wine lovers will of course love it and even if you don't love wine, the views are worth the trip.

If you're interested in more details and the progress of Four Daughters Vineyard and Winery, they do have a Facebook Group you can join. Otherwise, look for their grand opening sometime in July. And don't forget to try some wine!

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