A Winery in Rochester?

Twenty-second birthdays. The pressure from only a year before to partake in a crazy night of inebriation has waned.

This past Thursday, I visited Salem Glen Vineyard and Winery with friends to celebrate Sarah's 22nd birthday. For only $4 we enjoyed a full round of wine tasting--from driest to sweetest. The owner, Dustin, asked what wines we preferred. Only knowing the difference between red, white, and rosé wines, I told him it depended on whether I was with my parents or making the purchase by myself. We learned how to properly taste wine and a received a broad overview of the fermentation process. Grapes ferment in large stainless steel vats opposite the simple bar where we tasted. The owner and founder, Dustin, left St. Paul, MN and turned a dairy farm in the Zumbro River Valley into a vineyard and winery. Dustin began growing vines in 2000 and opened the winery in 2006. Now, 2400 vines that can resist temperatures down to -40 F cover the sloping plains.

In August, Salem Glen plans to complete construction of a new wine-tasting venue on the property. The new home will be rented out for private gatherings (weddings, parties...) and hopefully be home to live music events. Also in August, they will open the vineyard to guests to pick grapes in exchange for wine. Good deal.








It would be financially irresponsible for me to develop a fine taste for wine at 22. While I look forward to using my new wine-tasting skills, I will always be ready to share a boxed wine with friends.