Buffalo Rock Winery

Atmosphere: The winery tasting bar was located outside. Unfortunately a lot of the ambience was ruined by the smell of citronella candles. 

Audience:the wine maker was pouring us wines. She was friendly. There was another couple that were at the tasting bar. Pretty nondescript location.

Wines: The wines consisted of mostly sweeter wines. The drier wines were missing that smooth characteristics we are used too. Most of the wines could use  a little more finessing as they seemed unfinished. There were a lot of wines using Concord grapes and as a result the wines tasted like Welches Grape Juice. The ports had a strong alcohol taste. The names on the wines were catchy, but seemed almost too cheesy to take seriously. 

Wine Purchased: none

Overall notes: This winery is not for us! This is the second try in 3 years and has not improved.

Wine ranking: 2/10

Atmosphere ranking: 4/10

Price: Average ($7 per tasting)

Woodlands Hills Winery

Atmosphere:  The winery is located in its own building. The interior is nice and welcoming. Pretty landscape and tucked away from the road.

Audience: When we first arrived we were greeted by two Golden Retrievers. We came on a Friday and we were the only ones here to start. As the time went on, a few more couples came for the live music. The bartender was new and young, but very friendly. Both the wine makers came in and were very friendly and welcoming and gave us samples of new vintages and were excited that we were back.

Wines: The wine selection was greatly improved since we came here last in 2012! The wines are no longer as sweet. The wines are mostly aged in oak and you can definitely tell. The 2013 Hunters Red wine was by far our favorite wine. It was much smoother and had a subtle hint of charred oak, unlike the 2012 vintage which was more robust and needed a little more time in the barrel. As the Hunters Red wine opened up more, it had a jammy flavor.  Great wine to sit on the porch with.

There were 3 whites, 1 rose, and 2 reds, and 1 port. Overall the whites were average for MN, and the port just tasted like rubbing alcohol. 

They also had a large selection of flavored oils and vinegars. Great for cooking with.

Wine Purchased:  Hunter 2013 

Overall notes: Good for people that are looking to escape the city and it is still close to home. We definitely will be back. ( Might be slightly dangerous as close as we are to this winery.)

Wine ranking: 7/10

Atmosphere ranking: 8/10

Price: $20ish a bottle, $6 per tasting (all wines per tasting), $7 a glass

                                   

                                   

Woodland Hill Winery

731 County Road 30 SE 
Delano MN 55328 
763-972-4000

Tasting Room Hours

May 2015
Friday 2-8
Saturday 11-8
Sunday 12-5

June - Aug 2015
Thursday, Friday 2-8
Saturday 11-8
Sunday 12-5

http://www.woodlandhillwinery.com/index.php

James Perry Vineyards

Atmosphere:  The winery is located in the garage. Both wine makers were very friendly and it was a cozy atmosphere.

Audience: Grandparents and their daughter were enjoying a wine and were very excited to compare notes on different wineries around the state.

Wines: The wine selection was very limited. There were 4 whites and 1 red and 7 fruit wines. The red was semi sweet. It had a nice aroma and the flavor started out like the Hastings Reserve and finished off with a large vanilla flavor. The other wine that was good was their blackcherry which would make a good sangria. Wines were made in limited quantities and appeared to be more hobby farm style than true vineyard. 

Wine Purchased:  Jvp Red, and blackcherry 

Overall notes: Good for the ones that like sweeter wines and a smaller atmosphere. 

Wine ranking: 5/10

Atmosphere ranking: 6/10

Price: $15 a bottle, $5 per tasting (5 wines x per tasting), $5 per glass

                     

                      

• 4790 480th Street
• Rush City MN 55069
• 651-528-2858

http://www.jamesperryvineyards.com/