We’re fortunate that Waconia is considered a wine lover’s destination just about any day of the week, but when July rolls around and the Waconia Wine Festival weekend is upon us, the fun truly begins. On July 26th and 27th, experience Waconia Wine Country at its finest as you visit three award-winning wineries in one weekend: Parley Lake Winery, Schram Vineyards, and The Winery at Sovereign Estate.
Why reserve your spot for this celebratory festival?
At each stop, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase an event tasting of three wines, along with additional wine specials and bottles for sale! And no need to worry about transportation because your ticket includes shuttle service from one vineyard to the next, so you can show up safely and in style. This taste of vineyard life proves that you don’t have to travel to Sonoma or Tuscany to experience inviting wines set against backdrops of lush vineyards and joyful wine lovers; you need only spend a weekend sipping your way through Waconia.
Parley Lake Winery
If your first stop is at Parley Lake Winery, expect a charming introduction to Waconia wine country, nestled among scenic views and lush vines. You’ll know you’re in the right place because catchy music will fill the air, floating from the outdoor stage nearby. Come hungry as the Soup du Joor food truck will be parked both days, ready to serve delicious wraps, fresh salads, and, of course, mouthwatering soup–and the wine specials will be just as delectable.
Curious what else awaits you at this charming spot? “Parley Lake Winery is where art and wine entwine!” shares Debbie Donovan, Tasting Room Manager. “We offer a unique setting with our historical barn tasting room, where you can enjoy our wines–exclusively handcrafted using cold-climate grapes and honored with over 200 medals in national and international competitions–alongside an art gallery and art sculptures scattered throughout the property.”
On any given day at Parley Lake Winery, you’ll find a variety of red and white wines, some of which are only produced in small batches and available exclusively to their wine club members, which is open to anyone and is a great way to explore all of their wines. “We love the opportunity to participate in the Waconia Wine Festival along with Schram Vineyards and The Winery at Sovereign Estate to highlight our wines and each winery’s unique personality.”
It doesn’t hurt that the staff at Parley Lake loves what they do, and this festival gives them the perfect opportunity to show off their expertise to both longtime friends and new visitors who are discovering it for the first time. “We love helping people find their new favorites and direct them to the local eateries and shops to make their day truly an adventure!” Debbie says that at Parley Lake, the perfect summer wine moment includes grabbing a glass of your favorite wine and strolling through the vineyard, taking in the view. Then, find a seat on the deck or on the Parley Lake Winery grounds with good friends as you listen to music and just soak it all in. “You know you have something special when it’s not unusual to find one of your employees on their day off enjoying an afternoon at the winery!” https://www.parleylakewinery.com/
Schram Vineyards
As the shuttle pulls into the property at Schram Vineyards, the first thing you’ll notice is the vibrant energy in the air. It brims with beauty, warm hospitality, passion… and did we mention beauty? Ashley Schram, co-owner of Schram Vineyards, shares that their approach to winemaking is centered around elevating Minnesota-grown grapes and showcasing them in the best possible expression. “Winemaking in Minnesota has come a long way, and we’re proud that our wines have received national recognition, standing shoulder to shoulder with wines from more established regions like California and New York.” And there’s no better occasion to highlight this well-earned spotlight than at the Waconia Wine Festival.
“At Schram, guests can expect a tasting experience that spans the winery property. You’ll have the opportunity to taste different styles of wines at different tasting bars throughout the outdoor pavilion, our unique tree bars, and our barrel room.” And all of this takes place while looking out over their breathtaking vineyards. Schram will have live music in the tasting room, specials on wine bottles to take home, and showcase unique wine-friendly vendors with some tasty products as well.
One standout wine to look forward to is their Estate Rosé Sparkling, made entirely from grapes grown exclusively at their Waconia vineyard. “The Waconia Wine Festival is such a fun and meaningful tradition. What I love most is how it brings people together to celebrate local wine and highlights what makes Waconia so special.”
Ashley goes on to say that having three great wineries in such proximity is unique, and the festival really helps position Waconia as a true Minnesota wine destination. “We’ve always believed we’re stronger together, and this event is a great example of how collaboration can elevate Minnesota wine as a whole.”
At Schram Vineyards, and for Ashley, the perfect summer wine moment is when everything just clicks—tasting something new, finding a spot on the patio with a glass of wine or a cold beer, sharing a brick-oven pizza, and enjoying good conversation with friends. It’s relaxed, it’s local, and it’s what makes summer feel so memorable around here. https://www.schramvineyards.com/
The Winery at Sovereign Estate
Your sensory journey continues at The Winery at Sovereign Estate. Isaac Savaryn, Viticulturist, shares that they often hear their guests say that Sovereign is their little piece of paradise. “We offer a relaxing atmosphere with great wine and the best view in Minnesota. It’s an escape from the busyness of life and an area where people can truly unwind and unplug.” And that’s just what guests can expect at the Waconia Wine Festival.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming guests who have been here many times before but also introducing ourselves to our new visitors.” Isaac and the team at The Winery at Sovereign Estate agree that this festival is a way to bring more attention to the fantastic wines produced in Waconia and, in turn, expand their reach into the greater Twin Cities area. “Waconia offers so much for those who live here, but also for anyone making a day trip from the cities.”
He shares that the community has truly come to embrace the local wine scene, which is such a positive reflection of growth for the town. And if the number of people who drive up the winding road to this refined yet relaxed winery with a picture-perfect view of Lake Waconia is any indication, it’s clear the local wine scene is here to stay. In addition to the annual Waconia Wine Festival being one of their marquee events, the list of unique happenings at this picturesque retreat keeps on growing.
“We’re focusing on expanding our guests’ options when it comes to unique experiences. We’ve introduced a new private dining option in our cabanas so guests can have a more personalized experience. While expanding our dining options, we have also added more wine-tasting experiences that include seated tastings, walk-in tastings, and our “vine to wine” tours.”
Stepping off the shuttle at Sovereign for the festival, you’ll be treated to elegance and a sip of luxury. “Our wines are incredibly expressive in their aromatics and bright on the palate,” Isaac shares. “We make wines that are very well balanced and exemplify the terroir where they are grown. We have such a large selection, around 20-25 different styles, so we’re confident any wine lover will find one (probably more) that they will enjoy!”
And if you wonder the best way to savor their expertise, Isaac says it’s by pulling up a chair overlooking Sovereign’s vineyard and Lake Waconia as live music plays and a cold glass of white or rosé in hand. https://www.sovereignestatewine.com/