Uncorking North Dakota: A Journey Through the State’s Emerging Wine Scene

North Dakota Wines & Wineries-Badlands

Here’s a 2-day itinerary for exploring North Dakota’s wineries, featuring winery visits, dining options, and local attractions to enhance your experience.

Day 1: Fargo and Maple River Valley

Morning:

• Arrival in Fargo, ND

  • Check into your accommodation. Consider staying at The Hotel Donaldson for its boutique charm and central location.
    • Website: The Hotel Donaldson

• **Breakfast at Sickies Garage

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Sickies Garage, known for its creative breakfast dishes and casual atmosphere.
    • Website: Sickies Garage

Late Morning:

• Visit Maple River Winery
  • Head to Maple River Winery in Casselton, just a short drive from Fargo. Sample their selection of locally crafted fruit wines and blends in a cozy tasting room.
    • Address: 324 3rd Ave NE, Casselton, ND 58012
    • Website: Maple River Winery

Afternoon:

• **Lunch at The Toasted Frog

  • Enjoy lunch at The Toasted Frog, known for its delicious farm-to-table dishes and laid-back vibe.
    • Website: The Toasted Frog

• Visit Bison Brew

  • After lunch, visit Bison Brew in Bismarck for a unique experience. Enjoy tastings of their fruit wines and craft beers, and learn about their production process.
    • Address: 1625 N 12th St, Bismarck, ND 58501
    • Website: Bison Brew

Evening:

• **Dinner at The Capital Grille

  • Savor a fine dining experience at The Capital Grille, known for its dry-aged steaks and extensive wine list.
    • Website: The Capital Grille

• Overnight in Bismarck

Day 2: Minot and Strawberry Patch Vineyard

Morning:

• **Breakfast at The Beanery

  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Beanery, a local coffee shop known for its fresh pastries and breakfast sandwiches.
    • Website: The Beanery

• Drive to Minot, ND

  • Head to Minot, approximately a 2-hour drive from Bismarck, to explore the local wineries.

Late Morning:

• Visit Prairie Harvest Winery
  • Begin your day in Minot at Prairie Harvest Winery. Enjoy tastings of their diverse selection of wines, including dry reds and fruit wines.
    • Address: 903 Main St, Minot, ND 58701
    • Website: Prairie Harvest Winery

Afternoon:

• **Lunch at Brewster’s

  • Enjoy a casual lunch at Brewster’s, which offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and local brews.
    • Website: Brewster’s

• Visit Strawberry Patch Vineyard

  • After lunch, make your way to Strawberry Patch Vineyard for a taste of their locally made wines. Take a tour of the vineyard and enjoy the scenic views.
    • Address: 127 3rd St SE, LaMoure, ND 58458
    • Website: Strawberry Patch Vineyard

Evening:

• **Dinner at The Depot

  • Wrap up your trip with a delightful dinner at The Depot, known for its delicious dishes and warm ambiance.
    • Website: The Depot

• Return Home

This itinerary provides a well-rounded experience of North Dakota’s wine country, combining winery visits with delicious dining and exploration of the local culture and landscapes. Enjoy your adventure through the unique flavors and beautiful scenery of North Dakota!

North Dakota’s Bright Future: Celebrating Positive Developments Across the Peace Garden State

Here’s a list of fun activities and attractions to enjoy while exploring North Dakota, especially around the wineries and major cities:

1. Explore the Great Outdoors

• Visit Theodore Roosevelt National Park

  • Experience stunning badlands, diverse wildlife, and scenic hiking trails. The park offers beautiful vistas and opportunities for wildlife viewing, including bison and prairie dogs.
  • Website: Theodore Roosevelt National Park

• Hike at Fort Robinson State Park

  • Enjoy hiking and outdoor activities at Fort Robinson State Park, which features beautiful landscapes and rich history.
  • Website: Fort Robinson State Park

2. Cultural Experiences

• Visit the North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum

  • Located in Bismarck, this museum offers exhibits on North Dakota’s history, culture, and natural history. It’s a great way to learn about the state’s heritage.
  • Website: ND Heritage Center

• Explore the Plains Art Museum

  • Situated in Fargo, this museum features contemporary art exhibits and collections that reflect the culture and history of the Great Plains.
  • Website: Plains Art Museum

3. Unique Attractions

• Visit the Fargo-Moorhead Visitor Center

  • Stop by this visitor center for local information, including attractions, restaurants, and events. The center features the famous “Woodchipper” from the movie Fargo.
  • Website: Fargo-Moorhead Visitor Center

• Explore the North Dakota State Capitol

  • Take a tour of the Capitol building in Bismarck, known for its striking Art Deco architecture and panoramic views from the observation deck.
  • Website: ND State Capitol

4. Local Food and Drink

• Dine at Local Restaurants

  • North Dakota is known for its hearty fare. Try local specialties at places like The Toasted Frog in Fargo or Sickies Garage for delicious burgers and comfort food.
  • Website: The Toasted Frog

• Visit Local Breweries

  • Explore the craft beer scene at local breweries such as Fargo Brewing Company or Drekker Brewing Company in Fargo for unique brews and a fun atmosphere.
  • Website: Fargo Brewing Company

5. Festivals and Events

• Attend the North Dakota State Fair

  • If you’re visiting in July, the North Dakota State Fair in Minot features rides, games, live music, and food, celebrating the state’s agriculture and culture.
  • Website: ND State Fair

• Check out the Fargo Film Festival

  • Held annually in March, this festival showcases independent films, documentaries, and short films, attracting filmmakers and movie enthusiasts from across the region.
  • Website: Fargo Film Festival

6. Relaxation and Leisure

• Visit a Spa

  • Treat yourself to a day of relaxation at one of North Dakota’s spas, which often feature treatments using local ingredients and traditional methods.

• Enjoy a Scenic Drive

  • Take a leisurely drive through the North Dakota Badlands or along the Missouri River for stunning views and opportunities to stop for photos.

7. Family-Friendly Activities

• Visit the Dakota Zoo

  • Located in Bismarck, the Dakota Zoo features a variety of animals and interactive exhibits, making it a great destination for families.
  • Website: Dakota Zoo

• Explore the Children’s Museum at Yunker Farm

  • This interactive museum in Fargo offers hands-on exhibits and activities for children, encouraging creativity and exploration.
  • Website: Yunker Farm

8. Day Trips

• Explore Medora
  • A charming town near Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Medora is known for its Old West charm, shops, and the Medora Musical, a popular summer outdoor musical show.
  • Website: Medora

With a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, unique attractions, and delicious local cuisine, North Dakota offers a rich variety of experiences to enjoy during your visit. Have fun exploring all that this beautiful state has to offer!

1. North Dakota Wine & Beer Festival

• Location: Fargo, ND
• Description: This annual festival features a variety of North Dakota wines and craft beers. Attendees can sample wines from local wineries, enjoy food pairings, and participate in a lively atmosphere with entertainment.
• Website: Check local event listings for specific dates.

2. Mandan Rodeo Wine Festival

• Location: Mandan, ND
• Description: Held in conjunction with the Mandan Rodeo, this festival showcases wines from local and regional wineries. It typically features live music, food vendors, and a festive atmosphere.
• Website: Check local tourism sites for specific dates and information.

3. North Dakota State Fair

• Location: Minot, ND
• Description: While primarily an agricultural fair, the North Dakota State Fair includes a wine competition and showcases wines from various local wineries, making it a great opportunity to sample North Dakota’s offerings.
• Website: ND State Fair

4. Harvest Wine Festival at Dakota Magic Casino

• Location: Hankinson, ND
• Description: This festival typically takes place in the fall and features wine tastings from various wineries, local food vendors, and entertainment. It celebrates the grape harvest season and offers a fun atmosphere for attendees.
• Website: Dakota Magic Casino

5. Wine & Food Festival at the Bismarck Event Center

• Location: Bismarck, ND
• Description: This festival usually features tastings from local wineries, gourmet food from local restaurants, and opportunities to meet winemakers. It’s a great way to experience North Dakota’s culinary and wine scene.
• Website: Check local event listings for specific dates.

6. Grape Stomp Festivals

• Location: Various wineries across North Dakota
• Description: Some wineries host grape stomp events in the fall to celebrate the harvest season. These events often include wine tastings, live music, and family-friendly activities.
• Example Winery: Check local wineries like Red Trail Vineyard or Maple River Winery for specific events.

These festivals provide a fantastic opportunity to experience North Dakota’s growing wine culture, sample local wines, and enjoy food pairings and entertainment. Be sure to check the respective websites or local event listings for specific dates, ticket information, and updates related to the events!