OUR WINES
At Rolling Forks Vineyards, we will have the ability to produce over 3,000 bottles of wine just from the grapes grown on our farm and in collaboration with Cihlar Vineyards (owned by two of Joe's uncles). This allows us to produce a number of great wine varieties, having measures in place to provide great quality wine.
We can't wait to open our tasting room with you in the summer of 2020, when you will be able to sample the full selection of wines available from Rolling Forks Vineyards. Below are just a few of some of our favorites.
We can't wait to open our tasting room with you in the summer of 2020, when you will be able to sample the full selection of wines available from Rolling Forks Vineyards. Below are just a few of some of our favorites.
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LacrescentLaCrescent is a University of Minnesota white grape varietal, released in 2002 with big, bright aromatics.
These grapes are atop of a hill overlooking Lake Minnewaska at Rolling Forks Vineyards. These vines were planted in 2012 and then again in 2014 after the famous "polar vortex" and the drought of 2013 killed about 80% of the original planting. The flavor profile includes lots of apricot, lime and honey. Wine style is similar to a good Vignole or Riesling. |
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MarquetteMarquette is a University of Minnesota varietal, a red grape released in 2006.
Our vines were planted in 2011 at Rolling Forks Vineyards on a south facing hill with some additional plants added in 2017. The wine is very complex with black current, cherry, black pepper and spice the aroma profile and moderate tannins. This is an excellent choice for medium-bodied dry red wine, but can also be blended to make a very good rose. |
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Frontenac GrisFrontenac Gris is a mutation of Frontenac and was released by the University of Minnesota in 2003.
These grapes are grown at Cihlar Vineyards and were planted in 2010. This wine has a more complex taste structure with strawberry-apricot tones. These grapes are suitable for high-quality table and dessert wines, late harvest, ice wines and straw wines. Frontenac Gris has aromas that include grapefruit, peach and pineapple. |
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Petite PearlThis new red wine variety was bred by Minnesota viticulturist and author, Tom Plocher and released in 2010. Our wines were planted in 2016 on the west sloping hill facing Lake Minnewaska at Rolling Forks Vineyards.
This wine is very complex with lots of spice, attractive earthy aromas and jammy fruit. Substantial tannins provide a full, hardy grape body and long finish. |
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Frontenac BlancFrontenac Blanc is a mutation of Frontenac Gris and was released by the University of Minnesota in 2012.
These grapes are grown at Cihlar Vineyards and were planted in 2012. Front Blanc produces a very light, straw-colored wine. Early wine samples have been distinctly different from Frontenac Gris, expressing more pure stone fruit and melon in the nose. Dry white blends, semi-sweet whites, late harvest, ice wines and straw wines are all possible with Frontenac Blanc. |
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Joseph CihlarChief Executive OfficerJoe is a Pope County native and is the owner and lead winemaker of Rolling Forks Vineyards. He takes great pride in having a well-groomed vineyard and is meticulous in his wine making methods.
He is the 2nd oldest of five kids, and grew up on a dairy farm just South of Glenwood. He played Ironman football in High School as a lineman and earned a degree from Alexandria Technical and Community College. He is basically a walking encyclopedia and he also owns four U.S. patents. Joe is also the owner of Rolling Forks Design Group, Glacial Ridge Technologies and he farms conventional crops on the side. You can't find this guy ever sitting still - although he's really a homebody. Favorite Food: Ribeye, cooked medium, with a side of potatoes Favorite Minnesota Wine: Marquette |
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Melanie CihlarChief Marketing OfficerMelanie, along with being a full-time mom of three boys, owns and manages Rolling Forks Vineyards. She makes sure no detail goes missed and is looking forward to sharing their wines with those who will visit the winery.
She is also the second oldest child, with three other siblings, and she grew up on a crop farm in Redwood County. She graduated from Wabasso High School and went on to earn a double major in Management & Finance from Southwest Minnesota State University. She also hold a Masters Degree in Organizational Leadership from Northwestern College in St. Paul. Melanie plays three instruments: trumpet, piano & organ (although not as well these days), and she was a member of the Pride of the Dakotas marching band at South Dakota State University. Favorite Food: Spaghetti with red sauce (well, anything with red sauce really) Favorite Minnesota Wine: LaCrescent |