Painted Prairie Vineyard, nestled in the southwest corner of the state, transforms Minnesota Grown grapes into exceptional local wines. Krista and Andy Kopperud grow 1 ½ acres of cold climate varieties like Marquette, La Crescent, and Frontenac at their vineyard near Currie, and purchase additional fruit from local producers, all within a 90-mile radius. Krista says, “Why Minnesota Grown? We believe in supporting local and think the grape varieties are top-notch! Kudos to the University of Minnesota for their work on these varieties that thrive in our weather and yield high-quality wines with distinctive flavors.”
The picturesque 29-acre property reflects Krista and Andy’s love for nature and community. Alongside the new tasting room and production facility built in 2018, there’s a serene pond with abundant wildlife, a six-acre corn maze, vibrant flower fields, and a wide variety of events. From live music and weddings to the fun Bacon Crawl each fall, there’s always something exciting happening at the vineyard. “One of the joys of owning a winery is being part of special moments,” says Krista. “Whether it's witnessing the start of a marriage or seeing friendships blossom in our tasting room, the sense of community here is truly special.”
Visit Painted Prairie for wine tastings and delicious meals from the kitchen. Relax on the patio and immerse yourself in the beauty of a Minnesota vineyard. “We take pride in every step of our winemaking process,” Krista adds. “Andy is our dedicated winemaker, meticulously crafting each bottle, while I manage the day-to-day operations. Our amazing team, including a tasting room manager and a full-time chef, ensures your visit is unforgettable.”
Remember, even if the grape names are unfamiliar, Minnesota wines are a delightful adventure. Join us in celebrating Minnesota Wine Day on August 31, and support local wineries like Painted Prairie.
Learn more about Painted Prairie in their Minnesota Grown directory listing, or find a winery near you offering locally grown wines!
