In late summer and autumn, the always-scenic drive to Waconia is as much about the destination as the journey. That's because one of the state's best apple purveyors joins one of its foremost wine operations in an idyllic century-plus-old barn. Steve and Deb Zeller's winery tasting area, which opens June 1, is worth a visit by itself, but when Bonnie and Lin Deardorff set up shop Aug. 17, it's double-dipping of the tastiest variety. 8350 Parley Lake Rd., Waconia; 952-442-2290, parleylakewinery.com; 952-442-1885, deardorfforchards.com.

Runner-up: Saint Croix Vineyards & Aamodt's Apple Farm