mals48323
We took a chance on this winery based on Google search and reviews of visitors to the winery. The setting was perfect, we had blue skies and 31 degrees in February and the wine tasting room overlooked a valley just picture perfect. We started with a eight-wine sampler consisting of white and red wines dry and sweet and it gave us an idea of what we really liked. We selected a dry red wine and ordered a bottle to go with our order of cheese tray. While we waited, a young lady was crooning for us with her guitar adding to the overall cheerful ambiance. The wine we ordered was great, the cheese plate was fantastic and the whole atmosphere was simply wonderful. The hostess was very pleasant and obliged us with free samples of wine that we wanted to taste. Overall it was a very pleasant evening and my son and I had a great time. I give this place five stars.
CarlW962
This winery overlooks a valley from the 2nd floor in the tasting room. A great way to spend an afternoon tasting, or drinking a glass of wine and relaxing. Everyone is very friendly and helpful with the wines and giving some suggestions on wines. As we were purchasing a few bottles, they offered a sample of another wine we had not tasted, which of course was good for their business, as we bought that selection also, to add to our purchases. Recommended length of stay? How relaxed do you want to get?? We will be back in summer to enjoy the scenery.
deborahh1
Combining the owner's knowledge and style, the setting, the wines and the cheese plate this has been our favorite wine tasting in the MN/ WI area (6+tastings). The owner listened and was responsive to our wine preferences. Highly recommended.
EldonEverhart
They also grow aronia berries and make aronia berry wine, also known as chokeberry wine. Aronia berries are extremely high in antioxidants. This "new" fruit is growing in popularity. Aronia was well known to natives and early settlers, but has not been commercially cultivated in the U.S. since the turn of the century. This is one of the few wineries in the U.S. where you can buy aronia berry wine.
AMarieT_12
It's a bit of a drive out here into "God's country" to find this lovely, scenic and private vineyard and winery, but well worth the trek. The service is welcoming and very friendly (including winery dog-resident Hailey, who laid down right at my feet during my wine tasting) :) These wines are definitely above average - and all of the excellent vintages are from locally-grown grapes, I'm proud to note (sorry, Napa Valley & NY - Minnesota's got this). Stop for a delicious tasting variety, then take home a bottle or two of delicious Salem Glen wines - you will be back for more soon. So glad we visited!
slka46
The local winery is welcoming, friendly and has great tasting wine. I would go there again and am looking forward to tasking the ice wine soon.
Shelby94
We drove down from Apple Valley to taste good wine and this time ordered the cheese tray, family and staff is friendly and helpful The cheese tray was wonderful, we we would order it again. We came away with a case of wine to be enjoyed at home. It's always a good experience and I love the comfortable decor of the tasting room.
JohnG465
The wines were good and we found one that each of us liked. The service was great and extremely friendly. Good ambiance if you want to drink a glass of wine on the deck.
262italianbiker
Salem Glen Vineyard is just outside of Rochester, Minnesota. Very easy drive if you are visiting the city. 'Only a little over an hour from La Crosse, WI.Beautiful vineyard! The tasting room is gorgeous and large windows allow you to look out over the rolling landscape and the neat vineyard. And if you like really good Marquette wine.....dry red, try Salem Glen's. It is full body, lovely color, and has a real complex berry flavor.The Vineyard even offers a great selection of teas for those not wanting to, or can't drink at the time of the visit (How cool is that!). They offer plates of sweet treats, fruit and cheese. All very nicely chosen for the various types of wines they produce.And what is better than all this, the winery IS family operated and family members all treat you so nicely and make you feel like staying for a long visit.Visit, enjoy, and have fun.
birgerjarl
We had our first experience at the Salem Glen Vineyard and were very impressed. As we drove up the front doors were open and both music and conversation drifted out. We enjoyed live jazz and several glasses of one of their whites. The wine was a wonderful surprise. Many times local small wine makers produce sweet wines with a poor finish but this was excellent. There were multiple wine tasting options available as well as cheeses and tea. Salem Glen is very rural and literally on a dirt road, something I hope never changes. The owner is building an observatory for night sky viewing. The only thing I can think of that they could change would be extending their hours. There are a growing number of wineries in SE Minnesota and western Wisconsin. This one is a most to visit.
murrayml7
Cute, Fun, Friendly! I came to Salem Glen Winery with a group of 15 women for a wine tasting bachelorette party. The staff (who had no idea we were coming) were extremely friendly and accommodated our large group well. They were knowledgeable about the wines and poured the tastes generously. I will definitely be returning soon :)
MirandaH733
Incredibly warm and welcoming vineyard! Ambient music, cheerful wait staff and a variety of wines to sample made this an excellent stop on our local winery tour. The environment is relaxed but has a serious appreciation for its craft. I was very impressed with the Sabrevois and Frontenac varietals. Hoping to see more from this quaint and very pleasant winery!
Leftstriker00
We went here on a whim since we had time to burn during our trip and it became one of the highlights of our vacation. The tasting was great and the staff was very friendly. We also had the cheese plate which was great. My favorite was the Fireside fortified wine.
Grandma1961
On the basis of the one other review, we decided to give this winery a try. Besides the fact that we felt it needs a little more signage, we thought it to be amazing. We tasted 8 wines, we had a terrific cheese plate, a private tour of the vineyard and processing area, got to enjoy live music, sitting out on the gorgeous patio. It was busy, but didn't feel like it was. Everything was perfect, we bought a case of wine to bring home, and were there for 4 hours!They will soon have an observatory for star gazing as well!
cindylhenry1
I went with family to this winery and vineyard. It was absolutely relaxing, beautiful and made our day. We had such a wonderful time that we went back the following day. It used to be an old dairy farm out in the country. They have built a beautiful venue for parties, tasting, and just hanging out. Gorgeous landscaping, 7 acres of vineyards. They make their own wine. Family owned. We really appreciated the care and attention of the family and staff as they asked about our lives and why we were in Rochester (my mom is sick and we had come hoping to help her). They had a very tasty cheese tray as well as some great wines. We loved it. We went to about 5 Tripadvisor attractions during our week, and this was the absolute best of them.