South Dakota

• Frontenac: Deeply colored, high-acid red with bright cherry and berry flavors; crafted into off-dry reds or fortified port-style wines.
• Marquette: Medium-bodied, dry red offering ripe cherry, subtle spice, and gentle tannins; known for balance and winter resilience.
• St. Croix: Early-ripening hybrid yielding smooth, medium-bodied reds with plum and dark berry notes; approachable and fruit-forward.
• Valiant: Signature South Dakota blue grape, producing fruity, Concord-like reds, from sweet table wines to port-style dessert wines.
• Brianna: Aromatic white with semi-sweet appeal, featuring tropical fruit, pineapple, and melon notes; often crafted off-dry.
• Frontenac Gris: Floral white or rosé displaying apricot and peach flavors, sometimes with a touch of sweetness.
• La Crescent: Off-dry or sweet white, vibrant with citrus and stone fruit aromas and Riesling-like character.
• Other Hybrids (Edelweiss, St. Pepin, King of the North, Concord): From sweet or semi-sweet whites to robust, grape-driven reds; often enjoyed young or blended.
• Fruit Wines & Meads: Innovative styles crafted from local rhubarb, berries, plums, apples, and honey; range from crisp dry to dessert-sweet, including acclaimed rhubarb-raspberry blends and wild grape port.

South Dakota's terroir is defined by its challenging climate, featuring dry summers and harsh winters, which necessitates the cultivation of resilient grape varieties. The region's soils, often a mixture of loam and clay, provide a robust foundation for the cold-hardy vines like Frontenac and Marquette. These soil types, coupled with the state's extreme temperatures, demand innovative viticultural practices, leading to wines with distinct regional character. The climate's extremes foster slow vine growth and concentrated fruit flavors, crucial for developing vibrant wines with notable acidity and ripe berry profiles. The wide temperature swings between day and night further enhance phenolic development, resulting in wines with complexity and depth. This dynamic environment encourages South Dakota's winemakers to push boundaries, creating unique wines that reflect their tough yet rewarding terroir.

South Dakota's burgeoning wine scene is marked by a blend of innovation and tradition, with wineries embracing cold-hardy grape varieties and local fruits to craft unique wines. Here are a few notable wineries making their mark:

• Belle Joli’ Winery: Known for traditional méthode champenoise sparkling wines, made from Minnesota grapes, and offering experiences at locations in Sturgis and Deadwood.
• Prairie Berry Winery: Distinguished by its creative fruit wines, including the award-winning Red Ass Rhubarb, and varietal wines under the Anna Pesä label in Hill City.
• Valiant Vineyards: South Dakota’s first winery, in Vermillion, famed for its Wild Grape wine and diverse offerings from dry reds to ports.
• Schadé Vineyard & Winery: Located near Brookings, celebrated for its wines made from Frontenac and Marechal Foch, complemented by fruit wines like chokecherry.
• Wilde Prairie Winery: Situated on a historic farm near Sioux Falls, offering country-style wines from grapes and local fruits, with a focus on rhubarb and apple wines.
• With the Wind Vineyard & Winery: A newer establishment in Rosholt, specializing in cold-hardy varietals like Frontenac Gris, set amidst scenic prairie landscapes.

South Dakota's winemakers have embraced sustainability by turning the state's harsh climate into an asset for eco-friendly viticulture. The cold winters naturally reduce pest and disease pressures, allowing vineyards to minimize chemical use. This environment is ideal for cultivating resilient grape varieties like Frontenac and Marquette, which thrive with limited intervention. Many vineyards are shifting towards organic and regenerative farming practices, focusing on soil health with cover crops and natural treatments to prevent erosion. These efforts not only support sustainable grape growing but also contribute to the preservation of the prairie landscape, which has not been heavily farmed before. Collaboration is at the heart of South Dakota's sustainable winemaking. The South Dakota Beverage Producers Association plays a pivotal role by participating in the Northern Grapes Project, which enhances knowledge on managing cold-hardy vines. This initiative fosters a cooperative spirit among winemakers and local farmers, promoting sustainable pest management and reducing herbicide drift through community engagement. By integrating vineyards with other agricultural activities, many winery owners live on their farms, ensuring long-term care for the land. Through these collective efforts, South Dakota's wine industry is building a resilient and enduring presence in the face of nature's challenges.

South Dakota's wine tourism scene offers a distinct blend of rustic charm and innovative winemaking, set against the backdrop of the state's unique terroir. With two main wine regions—the eastern prairie and the western Black Hills—each location provides its own style and character. The prairie region, with its peaceful glacial lakes and rolling plains, is home to family-owned wineries like With the Wind Vineyard & Winery and Schadé Vineyard & Winery. Here, visitors can enjoy wines crafted from cold-hardy grape varieties such as Frontenac and Marechal Foch, along with creative fruit wines that capture the spirit of the local landscape. In contrast, the Black Hills region combines winemaking with the rugged beauty of pine-covered hills and historic sites like Mount Rushmore. This area features boutique wineries such as Belle Joli’ Winery and Prairie Berry Winery, where traditional sparkling wines and innovative fruit blends are crafted. South Dakota's wine trails, supported by the tourism board, encourage exploration of these diverse offerings through scenic routes and special events. Whether experiencing the annual Great Dakota Wine Fest or the Forks, Corks & Kegs festival in Deadwood, wine tourism in South Dakota provides a unique opportunity to discover wines that reflect the state's resilient spirit and natural beauty.