2006 was a busy and eventful year for Red Trail Vineyard (RTV).  We want to thank all the new friends we met who came to share their time, and to learn a little about our Vineyard, and who wanted to just relax and enjoy themselves.  Many groups, small and large, visited, with many different motives: from wanting to see first-hand a working North Dakota vineyard, to celebrating a special occasion, such as an anniversary, class or family reunion, or company retreat or meeting.  And, of course, many came to partake in the first annual North Dakota Wine and Grape Harvest Festival, with its musical entertainment, horse-drawn wagon rides, tours of the Vineyard, games and activities, and of course…the Grape Stomp. [See our links to the left]

2007, well under way, has already proven to be just as busy:

• Wine from the 2006 Harvest  We were very pleased with the results of the 2006 harvest.  Our 4-year-old vines produced 10 times what they had in their 3rd year.  We also had some 3-year-old St Croix vines that nearly matched the production of the 4-year-old vines.  With that, we have two wines available at Red Trail Vineyard that are 100% North Dakota Wines:
• Alpha Rose  This is the same wine from last year, only more than 19 bottles!   A crisp red table wine from a blend of two red grape varieties.
• St Croix  Our first wine from the grape by the same name.  A clean fresh bold fruity dark red wine with surprising complexity. 

• The Vineyard  We have expanded our Vineyard by adding about 1,250 vines.  The vast majority of these are of two varieties:
• Frontenac Gris  A very hardy variety which makes a crisp refreshing white wine.
• Marquette  The newest release from the University of Minnesota that has been described as a cold-climate grape producing wines that rival Pinot Noir.

We have also replanted our Elderberry, which did not fare so well last year; about 150 plants of three different varieties.

• ND Wine and Grape Harvest Festival  This year we have expanded to a 2-day event, Saturday and Sunday, August 25-26.  We have also ear-marked Sunday as Family Day.  Some of the same events will be offered on both days, yet there will be an emphasis on the family and children’s events on Family Day.  [See the many links to the left for more details.  Also, Vendors & Exhibitors, and Grape Stompers can find registration information on the links to the left.]

• Tours and Events  Again this year, we are offering a venue for any group size:

• Couples and small groups can tour the Vineyard, and enjoy a relaxing time as they learn about a working North Dakota vineyard.
• Larger groups who have the same interests as the smaller groups, and also want a unique setting for a special occasion such as a birthday, anniversary, class reunion or similar celebration, or companies looking for a quiet relaxing get-away for a retreat or meeting.

We are open every Saturday and Sunday, and on all other days always available by appointment if you have a group, large or small, wanting a tour, some wine, or a special event.  We are booking for tastings and tours, and can customize a snack, lunch or meal to accompany your wine.  Come see for yourself why we are very excited about our Vineyard and Tasting Room.  Bring a friend or two.

Salute!
We’ll see you at the Vineyard!
The Hogens