IN SEARCH OF ELMER SWENSON
Pictures of the Trip


Left - Found Him!      Right - Elmer relaxing
Saturday Aug 25 at the Northern Vineyards Winery
All photos courtesy of Mark Hart


Winemaker Robin Partch of Northern Vineyards Winery leads a discussion of winemaking and use of barrels in Minnesota with the group. This winery has seen much new investment recently, and I think it will do well (if only the Freight House nearby would sell their wines!) The barrel-fermented LaCrosse (Prairie Smoke) from NVW was a clear crowd favourite at the 2001 Central Ontario Viniculture Association seminars...


An interesting mural done on the wall beside a platform (future deck?) on the second floor at the back of Northern Vineyards Winery. This looks out to a great view of the St. Croix River and would be a great spot to eat lunch if the winery decides to develop in this direction.


A well-managed display at Northern Vineyards. They have created a very appealing shopping experience, friendly but not intimidating. The labels are well-designed and attractive, and the winery has wisely decided not to stress the grape varietals on a number of wines made from more obscure varietals. After all, doesn't the name "Columbine" have more appeal than Seyval Blanc, or "Prairie Rose" more than Marechal Foch rose? Nicely done. Pictures on the labels remind me greatly of those used very successfully by Pelee Island Winery in Ontario.


To the right, John Antony and Fabien Gagne standing in front of NVW. These guys came all the way from Quebec just to block traffic? Then another group of unsavoury characters loitering in front of the winery. Bryan Pell, Howard Krosch, some escaped lunatic, and trip organizer Tom Plocher. (All the women had to be restrained when they saw Tom's knees).

And to the right, you have park bench winos Mariette Lageux, Alain Breault and Mike Marler. Stillwater is Stilltrembling since the visitation, and apparently considering running even deeper...

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