We met at St. Croix Vineyards for a tour of the vineyard and winemaking facilities with winemaker Paul Quast. We toured an extensive and well-managed vineyard, looking at the vinifera and hybrids both, and wondering yet again at the proliferation of foliar phyloxxera in this part of the world.

We toured the winery facilities, which again greatly reminded me of one of the better new, small operations in Niagara. The staff here is friendly and helpful, and the facilities clean and inviting. The place is "Friendly" not "Snobby". In fact, if in Stillwater, you would be missing much by not visiting both wineries. In addition to the winery, there is an apple orchard, neat animals for the kids, candy apples and a whole store devoted to apple products as well.

We toured and tasted and tasted and finally headed out to see Castle Plocher (or is that Schloss Plocher, or Schlossed Plocher)? We ended our tour to Minnesota and Wisconsin by looking at Tom's vines, tasting a number of wines, sharing comradeship with fellow grape-growing and winemaking nuts, and thoroughly enjoying the afternoon. We saw absolute evidence that Tom's Bird Gard birdscarer works. (See pictures on the link below). The only rough spot was knowing that I faced a long trip back to Canada with Bryan the Bad... and I still harbour an evil - doubtless suicidal - urge to trim Howard Krosch's moustaches...

About the last thing they asked us was why we didn't say "Eh" like other Canajuns. Guess we're just simple-minded Canucks, not up to 2-letter words... A trip well worth the time, cost and effort.

Friday Aug 24Pictures from University of Minn HRC Aug 24

Saturday Aug 25Pictures from Northern Vineyards Winery Aug 25
Pictures from Elmer Swenson's Vineyard Aug 25

Sunday Aug 26Pictures from St. Croix Vineyards Winery Aug 26
Pictures from Tom Plocher's Vineyard Aug 26

In Search of Elmer Swenson Wine Growers www.littlefatwino.com