Known for its long, cold winters and hot, wet summers, Minnesota may seem like an unlikely place for vineyards. There's no shortage of wine or wine clubs in Minnesota, however. If you're interested in learning more about wine, try tasting and educational clubs. Experienced wine drinkers may prefer to join a buying club to maximize their savings and ensure they get first crack at new arrivals. Vineyards also host wine clubs, which are perfect if you have a favorite local wine.
Twin Cities Wine Club
For those looking for a wine club complete with social activity and education, look no further than the Twin Cities Wine Club. Founder John Glas hosts wine events at various locations in the Twin Cities. Glas's approach is to enjoy wine and educate without intimidation. The club and events are open to the public, but event spots are limited, and members pay per event. Events cost $30 to $60 and include appetizers and several premium wines.
Twin Cities Wine Club
(952) 451-6488
wineglas.com/wineclub.html
Alexis Bailly Vineyard Wine Club
When it opened its doors in 1978, Alexis Bailly Vineyard became the first commercial vineyard in Minnesota. Over thirty years later, the vintner offers fans first peak at new varieties and exclusive wines through the Alexis Bailly Vineyard Wine Club. Members receive two shipments of wine each year. Each shipment includes six bottles of new release wines or exclusive reserve wines for wine club members only. Additional benefits include an ABV logo corkscrew for joining, along with complimentary wine tasting at the winery for four, 10 percent off all wine purchases at the vineyard, 20 percent off wine purchases of 12 bottles or more, and special wine offers at metro area restaurants.
Alexis Bailly Vineyard
18200 Kirby Avenue
Hastings, MN 55033
(651) 437-1413
abvsales.macwebsitebuilder.com/wineclub.html
Spill the Wine
Spill the Wine restaurant in Minneapolis offers four options in its Wine of the Month Club, ranging from $48 to 78 per month for three different bottles of wine. The serious wine collector should join the Case Club for $178 a month and receive six bottles of red and six bottles of white each month. All levels include shipping. Spill the Wine also offers a by-the-glass wine club; for $25 you get eight glasses of wine when dining in the restaurant.
Spill the Wine
1101 Washington Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN
(612) 339-3388
spillthewinerestaurant.com
Lunds and Byerly's Wine Club
Lunds and Byerly's Wine Club includes great discounts on buying wine and invitations to special event dinners, tastings, and seminars. It's a great option for those interested in sticking with a club. The first year's fee is $75, but it drops to $25 a year thereafter--a great deal, considering you'll receive 15 percent off all wines and 10 percent off liquor and other items at Lunds Wine Market or Byerly's Wines and Spirits. Members also have access to private wine club sales and receive advanced notice regarding other promotions, sales, and direct imports. To become a member, visit your local Lunds Wine Market or Byerly's Wines and Spirits. Locations include: Chanhassen, Golden Valley, Maple Grove, Eagan, St. Louis Park, Plymouth, and St. Louis Park.
lundsandbyerlys.com/Events/WineClub.aspx
Tags: Alexis Bailly, Alexis Bailly Vineyard, Bailly Vineyard, Spill Wine, Twin Cities, Wine Club
