Day Trip: Waconia Wineries

If you're looking for a great way to spend some of these beautiful fall days that are coming up, why not spend a day at some of the wineries in Waconia.  This quaint lake town boasts three different wineries that all offer up a unique wine list, great ambiance and attractions.  So grab a designated driver and head west.

Parley Lake Winery
8350 Parley Lake Road, Waconia

952.442.2290

Hours: Fri-Sun, Noon to 6:00 pm

Located on 125 acres of rolling hills and woods, you'll be mesmerized by the beauty of this land and the flavor of the wines produced there.  Parley Lake Winery's hand-crafted wines have won 84 medals including eighteen Gold in National competitions.  Although the winery is only open on weekends, there are plenty of things to do.  They host food trucks, have bands playing and local artists working on-site.  For $5 you can taste 4 of their wines (and you get to keep the glass).  Wine prices range from $15 to $25 per bottle.

Sovereign Estate Vineyard and Winery

9950 North Shore Road, Waconia

952.446.9957

Hours:  Tasting & Wine Sales Only on Tues & Wed, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Tastings, Sales, & Bistro Thurs - Sat., 11:00 am to 8:00 pm; Sun 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm

This beautiful vineyard on the shores or Lake Waconia is a beautiful place to spend the afternoon.  With an on-site bistro where all the food pairs perfectly with their wines, you really wouldn't have to leave!  Musicians, artists, wine pairings and tastings, Friday Night Supper Club, and special in-house events will keep you busy at any time of the year.  You can taste 5 of their wines for $5 or try all of them for $10.  But they are best known for their pairings experience ($25) where and experienced staff member guides you through pairing different foods with their wines.  The cost includes a tour through their winery and you get to keep the glass.  You can purchase wines on-site or call to have them shipped to you.

Schram Vineyard

8785 Airport Road, Waconia

952.442.5105

Hours:  Thurs., 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm; Fri., 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Sat. & Sun., 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Wine tastings, food trucks, live bands, bocce ball, cigars, and special events like the Scottish Highland Games make this a place to visit weekend after weekend.  Offering both wines and small-batch brewed beers, this beautiful vineyard is a great place for having fun with friends.  The tasting area overlooks the vineyard and the bocce ball court offering you the chance to relax and take in the view or get up and get moving.  Wines range from $15 to $24 per bottle.  Eight small-batch brews are available on draft Thursdays through Saturdays.