Red River Wine Trek
Curious about North Dakota-made wines, ciders, and meads? Download a Red River Winery Trek passport and visit each of the locations to earn a prize!
Here’s how we would tackle the Red River Winery trek: keep in mind this may take a couple of days, and always have a sober driver.
Cottonwood Cider House
45 Minutes North West of Fargo
Although not a traditional winery, the Cottonwood Cider House serves up some great North Dakota-grown ciders. This is a great stop to start your tour because their ciders are light and easy to drink.
> Must try
Their Ayr Mule is an excellent take on the Moscow Mule.
14481 25th St SE, Ayr, ND | (701) 866-9913
Viking Vines Vineyard
20 minutes South of Cottonwood.
Just 20 minutes south of Cottonwood, you’ll discover a charming 100-year-old granary that has been lovingly transformed into a North Dakota wine tasting room. Nestled within 8 acres of vineyards, and an on-site RV Park, Viking Vines is the perfect place to slow down, sip, and savor.
> Must try
Viking Vines hosts Friday Night suppers throughout the summer, an intimate evening featuring local wines paired with a full three-course meal. Reservations are highly recommended.
3510 142nd Ave SE, Buffalo, ND | (701) 238-3337
Rookery Rock Winery
Just 10 minutes from Red Trail.
This penguin-themed winery is on an enormous amount of land. Hop into the tasting room to taste their varieties. If you’re lucky, the owner might take you on a walk through the crops and vines to show you where your beverages came from.
> Must try
Glacier Gold, a Yellow Chokecherry wine, is a unique version of the midwestern classic chokecherry wine. Rookery Rock Winery was the world's first winery to produce this unique wine.
3660 147th Ave SE, Wheatland, ND | (701) 280-2470
4e Winery
Just over a 10-minute drive from Rookery Rock
4e Winery invites you to relax at their century-old farmstead just outside Fargo. 4e craft wines from cold-climate grapes grown on the northern prairies—each glass a true taste of North Dakota. Enjoy a welcoming tasting room, plant-based food menu, and seasonal events that make every visit memorable.
> Must try
The folks at 4e make a mean Sangria, try the red or white options made with their own wines. They even have a winter variety that’s warm and perfect for a chilly day.
3766 156th Ave SE, Mapleton, ND | (701) 936-9693
Prairie Rose Meadery
Just over 20 minutes East of 4e Winery will get you back into Fargo to Prairie Rose.
Prairie Rose makes Mead, which is honey wine; they offer a variety of flavors to choose from, ranging from super sweet to spicy or sour.
> Must try
The Chokecherry mead is made from North Dakota’s state fruit. It has a cherry flavor that finishes semi-sweet.
3101 39th St S, Fargo | (701) 371-3690
Bear Creek Winery
Head South for a little over 10 minutes, and you'll arrive at Bear Creek!
Expansive vineyards and incredible views await at Bear Creek Winery. This experimental winery has fantastic wines that range from sweet to very dry. They have mastered the art of using the cold climate, hardy grapes to create a truly exceptional bottle of wine.
> Must try
Their Petite Pearl variety is a wonderfully dry red wine for even the biggest wine connoisseur.
8800 25th St S, Fargo | (701) 306-4709
Dakota Vines Winery
Go South for another 20 minutes to find Dakota Vines Vineyard.
Dakota Vines Vineyard and Winery, nestled along the Wild Rice River near Colfax, crafts small-batch wines from cold-climate grapes that reflect the spirit of North Dakota’s land and people. More than a winery, it’s a welcoming place to slow down, share a glass, enjoy seasonal events or a made-to-order pizza, and experience the charm of North Dakota wine country.
> Must try
The Prairie Sky wine produced at Dakota Vines won the Jefferson Cup at the Jefferson Cup Invitational wine competition. It's a must try!
17355 Co Rd 4, Colfax, ND | (701) 553-8807
Bob Wallace Orchards
Go south for another 30 minutes
Where innovation meets tradition. Proudly producing award-winning wines two years in a row at the NDGWA, with multiple first-place finishes. Their wines stand out for their unexpected flavor combinations and pure, fruit-forward character. They craft every bottle without artificial dyes or flavorings, using sustainably grown ingredients and eco-conscious practices in every bottle. Taste the difference of truly original wines — rooted in nature, not convention.
> Must try
The Summer Apple wine is a sweet, "main character" wine that won 1st place at NDGWA in 2024 and 2nd in 2025.
502 Main Ave N, Hankinson, ND | (701) 242-7030
Fargo-Moorhead Visitors Center
You’ve completed the trek! Redeem for a free t-shirt or reusable wine bag to commemorate the trip. While you’re there, grab some information about the city or download a Crafts and Drafts passport to do the same thing, just in the breweries.
2001 44th St S, Fargo | (701) 282-3653