Minnesota Boutique Winery Earns Dual Gold Medals for Second Consecutive Year
Glenwood, MN – December 2025 — Rolling Forks Vineyards (RFV), a boutique winery located in West-Central Minnesota, has achieved exceptional international recognition at the 30th Catad’Or World Wine Awards in Monticello, Chile—one of the most respected wine competitions in the Southern Hemisphere, held under OIV standards. The winery earned four total medals, including two Gold Medals and two Silver Medals, further establishing Minnesota as a rising force in cold-climate winemaking.
This year marks the second consecutive dual-gold performance for Rolling Forks Vineyards, reinforcing its reputation as a world-class producer of cold-hardy American varietals.
Award-Winning Wines
Rolling Forks Vineyards earned top honors for the following estate-grown wines:
- Lady Slipper – La Crescent, 2024 (90 points, Gold)
This year marks the second consecutive gold medal for RFV’s celebrated Lady Slipper La Crescent. This vintage was praised for its “explosion of citrus with grapefruit and lime,” supported by “subtle honey notes” and “white flowers,” delivering remarkable freshness and charm. - Delicato – Rosé, 2023 (89.17 points, Gold)
A refreshing Rosé blend showcasing “juicy peach and sparkling grapefruit” with a creamy texture balanced by bright, lively acidity. - Allegro – White Blend, 2024 (Silver)
- Marquette – Red, 2023 (Silver)
Three of RFV’s four entries placed in the top 30% of all submissions among more than 1,350 wines from 18 countries.
Distinctive Terroir in the Upper Midwest
RFV’s success is rooted in its unique terroir. Located near Glenwood, Minnesota, the vineyards benefit from the moderating influence of Lake Minnewaska, which reduces frost pressure and lengthens the growing season—an advantage in northern viticulture. The soils, shaped by ancient glacial activity, consist of sandy loam and glacial till, offering excellent drainage and contributing natural minerality. These factors create wines with vibrant acidity, intense aromatics, and exceptional varietal purity—hallmarks increasingly recognized on the global stage.
Leadership Perspective
“These international awards are truly a celebration of the dream we began when we planted our first Marquette Vines in 2011,” said Melanie Cihlar, Co-Founder of Rolling Forks Vineyards. “For a small, family-owned winery like ours, this recognition feels deeply meaningful. To see our wines stand alongside the best from 18 countries for the second year in a row is both humbling and inspiring. It’s a reminder that Minnesota’s unique climate and soils can create world-class wines, and we hope this honor encourages more people to share in our passion—whether at local restaurants, shops, or around their own tables.”
RFV Winemaker Patricio Aravena emphasized the broader impact on the Minnesota wine industry: “These results show the world that Minnesota is producing competitive, serious wines. Our cold-hardy varieties deserve a place on tables and wine lists everywhere. I encourage consumers and professionals to explore La Crescent, Marquette, Brianna, and other regional, cold-hardy grapes—they offer an exciting and distinctive tasting experience.”
About Catad’Or 2025
The Catad’Or World Wine Awards is widely regarded as the Southern Hemisphere’s most prestigious international wine competition. Its 30th anniversary event featured more than 1,350 entries from 18 countries, evaluated exclusively through blind tastings by 80 international experts and held under the endorsement of the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV). Hosted in late October in Chile, the competition brought together Master Sommeliers, global judges, and leading Chilean winemakers.
Catad’Or President and VINOFED Vice President Pablo Ugarte praised the expanding diversity of the competition, noting, “We are pleased to see new wineries and new grape varieties that show different profiles from traditional Vitis vinifera wines.”
About Rolling Forks Vineyards
Rolling Forks Vineyards is a family-owned boutique winery in Glenwood, Minnesota, dedicated to crafting exceptional wines from estate-grown, cold-hardy grape varieties bred for northern climates. Established in 2010, the vineyards benefit from the moderating influence of Lake Minnewaska and glacially formed soils that enhance balance, freshness, and aromatic intensity. Committed to quality and sustainability, Rolling Forks Vineyards produces a range of award-winning wines—including La Crescent, Marquette, Brianna, and innovative regional blends—that showcase the distinctive character of the Upper Midwest.
