Author: Aimee Foster. A warm gentle breeze carries the chatter and laughter of happy wine-sipping visitors and cools us off in the miraculous 80 degree heat. We are sitting under the beautiful pavilion at Sovereign Estate Wine, a vineyard and winery in Waconia, Minnesota, where new and experienced Minnesota grape growers from near and far are gathered to learn about managing and trouble-shooting young grapevines. This is the second workshop and tour in a free series put on by the grape and enology team at the University of Minnesota.

Have you been thinking about starting a vineyard or a small grape planting? The best way to learn what it takes to start a vineyard is to help out at another established vineyard. However, these opportunities do not come along every day.

Fortunately, The Winery at Sovereign Estate is planting a new vineyard on June 16 and is offering free lunch and a viticulture class in return for helping to plant grapevines for a couple of hours! It will be a great learning opportunity for the beginner vintner, hobby grower, or someone looking to brush up on their skills before expanding their current vineyard. Details: