Minnesota wineries continue to improve, thanks to some combination of grapes from the West Coast, cold-hardy varieties planted here, and perhaps some fruit wines. Tucked into the southwest corner of the state, Round Lake has taken giant leaps in all three realms since hiring Washington transplant Sam Jennings in 2014. Even the wines from that year's cruel vintage (remember the polar vortex?) are fresh and flavorful, and Jennings has a deft hand with Marquette and La Crescent grapes from the University of Minnesota. Some of the wines are available at Zipp's Liquor in Minneapolis, but hey, an excursion to Nobles County is not the worst summer idea. 30124 Hwy. 264, Round Lake, 1-507-945-1100; roundlakevineyards.com

Best of Minnesota 2016

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