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Autumn in Minnesota almost came to an abrupt end this week. Finally I can see my lawn again. The early October snow sure caught me off guard. Vegetable farmers and home gardeners scrambled to pick the last green tomatoes beans, corn, apples and just about everything else that was salvageable. After the last snow flake settled there was still one group of harvesters that had fruit to pick. The apples were off the trees but grapes, especially those grown for wine were still on the vine.

This week I encouraged by the resilience of the grape farmer. despite a less than favorable growing season, especially a cool and mild July (the fruit developed late) only to be thrown the final curve ball this week. Killing frosts and finally snow!

In particular I got the chance to spend a morning with Don Crofut, a third generation wine maker. The winery 'Crofut Winery'. We had a yarn, harvested some Frontenac grapes, sampled different varieties of frost covered grapes, broke bread and shared some wine. A perfect day for me. Meeting new friends listening to and learning their story.

Dons winery is nestled in corn fields near Jordan Minnesota on Minnesota Highway 13. Don is a true believer in the Minnesota wine industry. An industry that is currently booming when other industries seem to be struggling. A boom thanks to the University of Minnesota relentless development of world class cold hardy grapes. Don estimates an additional one thousand acres of grapes were planted in Minnesota this past year. While other wineries maybe blending Californian grapes with Minnesota varieties Don believes " You can't build a local industry on out of state grapes". Crofuts winery only use grapes grown on his family fifty five acre farm supplementing from seven other Minnesota grape producers.

His passion for wine making first shows on that frosty morning as he proudly shows off his grape clusters in the field, as we walk the rows of grapes he has the demeanor of a proud father, his children....... his fruit. Don is eager to show me the art of harvesting. Loading me handfuls of Frontenac grapes. His paternal children kept in physical shape harvesting along side him. Harvest season will peak this weekend, rain,shine or snow!

Crofut Winery has a rustic farm feel, but don't let simplicity fool you. Don's time honored wine making tradition along with Minnesota fruit is producing award winning wines.

Nothing felt warmer on that Tuesday morning than walk into the Crofut wine tasting barn. My cheeks red, my cold fingers purple not only from the cold but also the grape juice.
We toured the vats and barrels of French oak, all filled with Minnesota wine, and came face to face with the grape press. The process of wine making explained we sat down for lunch and wine. Don's hospitality as welcoming as the sound of corks popping.

Try Crofuts white 2008 la crescent or Frontenac Rose' for a lighter wine. I enjoy full bodied reds. The 2006 Frontenac table red was a surprise, very fruit forward. Later that night I opened and tried his families 2006 Private Stock. A full bodied red aged in French oak, the verdict....... Outstanding even for my Shiraz palate.

Don is looking for volunteers this weekend just like me to help with the harvest, so if your looking for a little taste of rural Minnesota charm combined with a morning of good honest farm work harvesting grapes followed by a hearty lunch and of coarse wine. Then I have just qualified you to join in the fun.

For more information on Don, Crofut Winery and this weekends harvest visit www.crofutwinery.com

Enjoy Autumn and the last harvest for 2009.