Minnesota Winery Garners Multiple Awards, Including Best of Class
Glenwood, MN (January 28, 2025) – Rolling Forks Vineyards, a rising star in Minnesota’s wine making scene, has once again proven its prowess by capturing top honors at the prestigious San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, the largest competition of North American wines. This achievement marks the third consecutive year the winery has received a Double Gold medal, solidifying its position as a leader in the state’s wine industry by entering only Minnesota-grown, Minnesota-made wines.
Awards Galore
Among the winery’s standout offerings, “Lady Slipper” took home the coveted BEST OF CLASS award, while “Lady of the Lake” earned DOUBLE GOLD, “Merry Berry” received GOLD, and “Allegro” secured SILVER. These accolades highlight the dedication, consistency, and expertise of the Rolling Forks team, who produce exceptional wines that showcase the best of Minnesota’s grapes.
This triumph comes on the heels of their recent success at the 29th annual Catad’Or World Wine Awards in Santiago, Chile, where Marquette and Lady Slipper also earned gold medals earning over 90/100 points each. The Catad’Or World Wine Awards, Latin America’s most prestigious wine competition, featured over 1,000 entries from 17 countries and is endorsed by the International Organization of Vineyard and Wine (OIV) and the Asociación de Ingenieros Agrónomos Enólogos de Chile (ANIAE).
A Testament to Minnesota’s Quality
“These awards affirm the exceptional quality of our cold-climate grapes here in Minnesota and reflect the dedication of our viticulture and winemaking team,” said Melanie Cihlar, Co-Founder and General Manager of Rolling Forks Vineyards. “We are incredibly proud to be recognized in these prestigious competitions, as it reinforces our confidence in the distinctive quality of our grapes and demonstrates our commitment to producing outstanding wines.”
Minnesota’s Rising Star
Minnesota’s wine industry along with cold-hardy grape varieties are rapidly gaining recognition, thanks to the efforts of dedicated vintners like those at Rolling Forks Vineyards. They are continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible in cold-climate winemaking, showcasing the potential of the state’s unique terroir and diverse grape varieties. Joseph Cihlar, co-owner of Rolling Forks Vineyards expressed his enthusiasm: “We take immense pride in the achievements of our Minnesota wineries. As we move forward, we are dedicated to collaborating and innovating to enhance Minnesota’s wine reputation, striving for excellence in both grape cultivation and winemaking.”
About Rolling Forks Vineyards
Located in Glenwood, Minnesota, Rolling Forks Vineyards is a family-owned winery dedicated to crafting exceptional wines from estate-grown, cold-climate grapes. Husband and wife team Joe and Melanie Cihlar established their vineyards in 2011. Their vines are planted in the rolling glacial landscape of Minnesota’s Lakes Region, which falls along the 45th parallel. This is the same latitude as the Willamette Valley, Washington, and the Piedmont region of Italy. They opened the winery and restaurant in 2020, in the midst of a global pandemic. Their commitment to quality and sustainability has earned them numerous accolades, and their passionate winemaking team creates wines that reflect the true essence of Minnesota’s terroir. Rolling Forks Vineyards is a bustling venue for more than just wine as they host live music, artisan markets, weddings, private parties and other events year-round.
Experience the Magic
Rolling Forks Vineyards invites you to savor their award-winning wines and enjoy the beauty of Minnesota’s lakes region while you savor award-winning wines at their winery, reminiscent of Napa Valley but without the crowds. With its diverse offerings and commitment to excellence, Rolling Forks is sure to delight even the most discerning wine connoisseur.
