After a perfect day spent navigating the gentle currents of the Cannon River, there’s a unique satisfaction that settles in—a blend of tired muscles and a peaceful mind. The products offered by cannon river winery represent the ideal culmination of such an adventure, a chance to transition from the raw beauty of the water to the refined pleasure of a local vintage. This isn’t just about buying a bottle of wine; it’s about capping off your watersports experience with an authentic taste of the Sogn Valley. For anyone who has paddled, fished, or simply floated down this iconic Minnesota waterway, understanding the offerings of this local gem transforms a great day into a memorable one, complete with a perfect wine tasting, an exploration of local artisan goods, and a truly immersive vineyard experience.
Contents
- More Than Just Grapes: A Journey into Minnesota Terroir
- Uncorking the Signature Wines: What’s in the Bottle?
- Beyond the Bottle: Exploring the Full Range of Products Offered by Cannon River Winery
- What Makes the Vineyard Experience a Must-Do After a Day on the Water?
- How Do I Plan My Visit from the River?
More Than Just Grapes: A Journey into Minnesota Terroir
Before you even uncork a bottle, the story of the products from Cannon River Winery begins in the soil. Unlike the sprawling vineyards of California or France, this is a testament to the resilience and unique character of Minnesota’s climate. The winery specializes in cold-hardy grape varieties, meticulously developed by the University of Minnesota to thrive through harsh winters and flourish in the shorter growing season. You’re not just tasting a grape; you’re tasting innovation and a deep connection to the land.
Grapes like Marquette, Frontenac, and La Crescent are the backbone of their creations. The Marquette grape yields a complex red wine with notes of cherry and black pepper, offering a robust profile that’s surprisingly sophisticated for a cold-climate varietal. On the other hand, Frontenac grapes can be crafted into a variety of styles, from rich reds to delightful rosés. The experience of sipping these wines is enhanced by the knowledge that their journey started just a few miles from where you might have pulled your kayak ashore. It’s a hyper-local experience that connects your river adventure directly to the agricultural heart of the region.
According to local river guide, Captain John Hathaway, “I always tell my clients, the river is only half the experience. The other half is pulling in, drying off, and heading over to the winery. It’s how you truly taste the valley you just paddled through. Their wines feel like they belong to this landscape.”
Uncorking the Signature Wines: What’s in the Bottle?
While the agricultural story is fascinating, the ultimate question is always about the taste. The selection is thoughtfully curated to appeal to a wide range of palates, from the seasoned oenophile to someone simply looking for a refreshing drink after a day in the sun. They masterfully avoid the trap of trying to be everything to everyone, instead focusing on crafting high-quality wines that genuinely reflect their unique grapes.
For those who lean towards red wines, the offerings provide warmth and complexity. Their award-winning Marquette is a must-try, often aged in oak to add layers of vanilla and spice to its inherent fruitiness. Another crowd-pleaser is their Go Go Red, a semi-sweet blend that is incredibly approachable and perfect for casual sipping on a patio. It’s the kind of wine that doesn’t demand ceremony, making it an excellent companion for a post-boating picnic or a simple evening unwinding.
For white wine lovers, the selection is crisp, aromatic, and refreshing—exactly what you crave on a warm afternoon. Wines made from the La Crescent grape are known for their vibrant notes of apricot, peach, and citrus. They are bright and acidic, pairing wonderfully with light snacks like cheese and crackers that you might have packed in your dry bag. These aren’t heavy, buttery whites; they are lively and expressive, mirroring the energetic spirit of a day spent on the water.
The Acclaimed St. Pepin: A Minnesota Gem
One of the standout white varietals you’ll encounter is St. Pepin. This grape produces a wine that is delightfully off-dry with a beautiful floral nose, reminiscent of a German Riesling but with a distinctly Minnesotan character. It has a gentle sweetness balanced by a clean finish, making it incredibly versatile. Imagine sitting on the winery’s deck, the sun setting over the valley, with a chilled glass of St. Pepin in hand. It’s the perfect, elegant reward for your physical efforts on the river.
Rosé and Fruit Blends: The Taste of Summer
No waterside winery experience would be complete without a fantastic Rosé, and Cannon River Winery delivers. Their Rosé wines, often made from the Frontenac gris grape, are dry, crisp, and full of red berry flavors like strawberry and raspberry. They are the quintessential summer drink, practically begging to be enjoyed outdoors. Beyond the traditional grape wines, they also craft delightful fruit-infused blends, such as their popular Sogn Sangria, which captures the playful spirit of the season in a bottle.
Beyond the Bottle: Exploring the Full Range of Products Offered by Cannon River Winery
A common misconception is that a visit here is only for wine lovers. However, the full range of products offered by Cannon River Winery extends well beyond the vineyard. They have embraced the spirit of the local artisan community, turning their tasting room into a showcase for regional craftsmanship and flavor. This makes it a fantastic stop even for those in your group who may not be particularly interested in wine.
One of their most popular alternative offerings is their own line of hard ciders. Made from Minnesota-grown apples, these ciders are crisp, refreshing, and not overly sweet. They offer a fantastic gluten-free option and provide a different kind of refreshment that is equally satisfying after a day of paddling. You’ll also find a carefully selected array of local cheeses, cured meats, crackers, and chocolates. This allows you to build an impromptu, high-quality charcuterie board on-site to enjoy with your drinks, turning a simple tasting into a full-fledged culinary experience. The shelves are also stocked with locally made crafts, honey, and other goods that make for unique souvenirs of your trip to the Cannon Valley.
As Sommelier Amelia Rose notes, “What’s impressive about Cannon River is their holistic approach. They understand that a winery in a tourist-heavy, activity-driven area needs to be more than a cellar door. By incorporating local ciders, foods, and crafts, they’ve created a cultural hub. The products tell the story of the entire region, not just their vineyard.”
What Makes the Vineyard Experience a Must-Do After a Day on the Water?
The vineyard experience is a must-do after a day on the water because it provides a seamless transition from active adventure to serene relaxation in a beautiful, comfortable setting that celebrates the local landscape you just explored. You can arrive in casual attire, find a spot on their sprawling patio or in the cozy tasting room, and immediately feel at ease. The atmosphere is welcoming and unpretentious, focused on enjoyment rather than wine snobbery.
They offer wine flights, which are the perfect way to sample a variety of their creations without committing to a full glass of each. This is ideal for discovering a new favorite. The staff are knowledgeable and passionate, happy to share the story behind each wine and help you find something that suits your taste. On weekends, the experience is often elevated with live music, creating a vibrant yet relaxed ambiance. It’s the social and sensory reward that your body and mind crave after hours of physical activity.
How Do I Plan My Visit from the River?
Planning your visit from a river access point is surprisingly straightforward. The winery is conveniently located in Cannon Falls, just a short drive from several popular take-out spots along the Cannon River, such as the Cannon Valley Trail access point. After securing your canoe, kayak, or tube, a quick trip into town is all it takes. It’s advisable to check their website or call ahead for the most current hours, especially as they can vary seasonally.
For those looking to make the most of their visit, consider what kind of experience you want. Are you stopping in for a quick bottle to take home, or are you planning to linger for a couple of hours? If it’s the latter, arriving with some time before closing will allow you to enjoy a tasting flight without feeling rushed.
| Visitor Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 421 Mill St W, Cannon Falls, MN 55009 |
| Typical Hours | Open daily, but hours may vary by season. Check their official website for the most up-to-date schedule. |
| Offerings | Wine & Cider Tastings, Glasses, Bottles, Local Cheeses & Snacks, Live Music (select dates) |
| Best For | Post-kayaking relaxation, casual date, group outing, souvenir shopping for local Minnesota products. |
Ultimately, the diverse and high-quality products offered by cannon river winery serve as more than just items for sale; they are an invitation to connect more deeply with the Cannon River Valley. It’s a place where the effort of your paddle strokes is rewarded with the craft of local vintners, and the beauty of the natural landscape is mirrored in the flavors you discover in your glass. A visit here is the perfect epilogue to any adventure on the water.
Reviews
Elias Vance ★★★★★
Absolutely the perfect way to end a day of kayaking the Cannon. We were tired, a little sunburnt, and ready to relax. The atmosphere on the patio was so chill, and the Go Go Red was exactly the kind of easy-drinking, slightly sweet red we were hoping for. We also grabbed some local cheese and it was delicious. We’ll be making this our post-paddle tradition from now on.
Brenda Carmichael ★★★★★
I’m not a huge wine drinker, but I went with friends who are. I was so happy to see they had a cider flight! The ciders were fantastic—not sugary like the mass-produced stuff. The staff was incredibly friendly and didn’t make me feel out of place for asking a million questions. A beautiful spot with something for everyone.
Marcus Thorne ★★★★☆
A very solid Minnesota winery. Their Marquette is one of the best local reds I’ve had, truly impressive for a cold-climate grape. The tasting room can get a bit crowded on a Saturday afternoon, so be prepared for a lively atmosphere. We enjoyed the live music. My only small critique is I wish the tasting pours were a little more generous, but the quality of the wine itself makes it worthwhile.
Sophia Chen ★★★★★
We planned a whole girls’ day trip around canoeing the river and then heading to the winery. It did not disappoint! The Rosé was crisp, dry, and perfect for a summer day. We shared a bottle and a plate of snacks. The setting is just gorgeous and the staff were all so welcoming. It felt like a mini-vacation. Highly recommend the Sogn Sangria for a fun, fruity option!
David Petrov ★★★★★
As a local, this is one of my favorite spots to bring visitors to show them what our region is all about. The wines are a genuine reflection of Minnesota terroir. I particularly love their La Crescent—it’s so aromatic and crisp. It’s a place that feels both upscale and completely down-to-earth at the same time. Great ownership, great wine, and a pillar of the Cannon Falls community.
