Here at Millner Heritage Vineyard & Winery, we grow nine acres of grapes (about 5,000 vines.) We grow eight varieties bred by either Elmer Swenson or the University of Minnesota. Frontenac, Frontenac Gris, Marquette, Brianna, Prairie Star, Valiant, Kay Gray and Sabrevois.

The vineyard is really where the wine is made. It has been said so many times, “you cannot make good wine from bad grapes.” This is a simple truth of wine making. So, it is here where the hard work has to be put in all summer long and weather willing, with a good harvest in the fall, the wine maker can make great wine. Good wine starts with good grapes.

We planted the first vines in 2006, and every year up to 2009, we added another block of vines until we achieved our nine acres. It would be nice to have 100% of our wines come from just our grapes, but because of customers, possibly like you, our vineyard cannot quench our customer's thirst. So, we have a few other growers in Minnesota growing the same or similar varieties.