Stillwater, Minnesota offers an enchanting blend of historic charm and modern craft beverage culture. This picturesque town serves as the perfect gateway to exploring exceptional wineries in Stillwater and numerous world-class establishments throughout the greater St. Croix Valley region. From award-winning local wines to exceptional beer in Stillwater, Minnesota, this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the thriving craft beverage scene that makes this historic river town an unforgettable destination for beverage enthusiasts. Each of the listed wineries and breweries is within 20 miles of the romantic Aurora Staples Inn.
Why Visit Wineries and Breweries in the Stillwater Area
The Stillwater region has emerged as a premier destination for craft beverage enthusiasts, offering compelling reasons to explore both its wineries and breweries. The area’s unique microclimate, influenced by the St. Croix River Valley, creates ideal conditions for grape growing, while the region’s rich agricultural heritage provides excellent access to high-quality ingredients for brewing.
Wine tourism in Stillwater, Minnesota offers visitors the opportunity to experience handcrafted wines made from both locally grown grapes and carefully selected fruit from premium growing regions. The proximity to Wisconsin’s established wine country adds even more variety, with several exceptional wineries just across the state border. These establishments often feature stunning vineyard views, intimate tasting rooms, and the chance to meet passionate winemakers who are eager to share their craft.
The craft beer scene has exploded in recent years, with breweries in Stillwater gaining national recognition for their innovative approaches and exceptional quality. The region’s breweries range from intimate neighborhood taprooms to larger production facilities, each offering unique atmospheres and distinctive beer styles. Many feature locally sourced ingredients, seasonal specialties, and experimental brews that you won’t find anywhere else.
Beyond the beverages themselves, visiting wineries and breweries provides a unique way to experience local culture and community. These establishments often host live music, food pairings, seasonal events, and educational tours that deepen your appreciation for the craft. The scenic drive through the St. Croix Valley, with its rolling hills, historic towns, and river views, makes the journey between venues as enjoyable as the destinations themselves.
Top Wineries Near Stillwater
Saint Croix Vineyards – 4 miles (Stillwater, Minnesota)
Saint Croix Vineyards stands as one of Minnesota’s most celebrated wineries, offering an exceptional wine tourism experience just minutes from Stillwater. This vineyard has been making some of the best wine in Minnesota for more than 30 years. They offer free public tours on Saturdays from June through August. Their tasting room is a restored century-old barn which creates the perfect backdrop for sampling their signature wines. The vineyard regularly hosts events, including yoga, live music, and craft programs, making it a cornerstone among vineyards in Stillwater, MN and the surrounding region.
7 Vines Vineyard – 9 miles (Dellwood, Minnesota)
Located in the charming community of Dellwood, 7 Vines Vineyard creates wines using cold hardy grapes such as Marquette and Frontenac. They also import grapes from partners in California and Washington State. The tasting room boasts a wine bar and two stone fireplaces. Reservations are preferred and can be made directly on their website. They feature a tasting room menu with charcuterie boards, sandwiches, and flatbreads.
Two Silo Winery and Vineyard – 12 miles (Grant, Minnesota)
Winemaking in the Dehnert family goes back generations to the Two Silo owners’ great grandparents in Greece. Two brothers have revived the family wine spirit on 22 acres using research from the University of Minnesota to plant grapes that can survive the cold climate. This vineyard focuses on producing wines that reflect the character of Minnesota’s climate and soil. The Wine to Bottle Tasting Tour takes visitors to each of the vineyard’s facilities and includes five wine tastings.
Cracked Barrel Winery – 14 miles (Hudson, Wisconsin)
Just across the border in Hudson, Cracked Barrel Winery offers a unique Wisconsin wine tourism experience with “Country Feel, Sophisticated Wine.” All of the wines are made using grapes grown onsite or at other Wisconsin vineyards. Looking for something a little different? They offer wine slushies in their tasting room. The winery frequently hosts live music events, yoga, and painting classes adding to its appeal as a destination for wine lovers.
Rustic Roots Winery – 15 miles (Scandia, Minnesota)
Rustic Roots Winery embodies the spirit of Minnesota winemaking with its commitment to producing wines that capture the essence of the region’s agricultural heritage. When you visit their tasting room, heated pergola, or expansive patio, you can sample their wines, along with homemade hard cider or local beer. The year-round vineyard features lawn games in the summer and an outdoor ice skating rink in the winter making it a must-visit destination for those exploring vineyards in Stillwater, MN and the surrounding area.
Top Breweries Near Stillwater
River Siren Brewing – 0.3 miles (Stillwater, Minnesota)
Located in the heart of downtown Stillwater, River Siren Brewing represents the pinnacle of the local craft beer scene and offers visitors easy access to what many consider the best beer in Stillwater, MN. River Siren is particularly known for their flagship blonde ale called Her Presence, and their rotating sour ale on tap. Visit them in June for their Sunshine Fest; all proceeds from the festival benefit the Sunshine Baby Foundation which raises awareness and funds for families impacted by organ donation.
Lift Bridge Brewing Company – 2.3 miles (Stillwater, Minnesota)
Lift Bridge Brewing Company has established itself as a cornerstone of the Stillwater beer scene, combining traditional brewing methods with innovative techniques to create exceptional craft beers. Named after the iconic Stillwater Lift Bridge, this brewery captures the spirit of the community in every pint. Every week they host a Townie Tuesday during which some of the proceeds benefits a local non-profit partner. It is a must-visit destination among breweries in Stillwater and a perfect complement to any beer tourism itinerary especially if you try the local favorite FarmGirl Beer.
Oliphant Brewing – 12 miles (Somerset, Wisconsin)
Oliphant Brewing brings Wisconsin’s rich brewing tradition to the St. Croix Valley, offering a diverse selection of expertly crafted beers in a welcoming taproom environment. This brewery has gained recognition for its commitment to quality and innovation, producing everything from classic German-style lagers to hoppy American ales. Their taproom features a rotating selection of 25 beers on tap, allowing visitors to explore different styles and seasonal offerings.
Pitchfork Brewing – 13 miles (Hudson, Wisconsin)
Pitchfork Brewing is a small-batch, pre-prohibition style brewery that has become a destination in Hudson, Wisconsin. Their menu features sandwiches and pizzas made with home-smoked meats. Along with a draft list of a dozen or so beers, they have offer wine, bourbon, cocktails, and soda. Visit on a Tuesday evening for live music.
Rush River Brewing – 18 miles (River Falls, Wisconsin)
Rush River Brewing stands as one of Wisconsin’s most respected craft breweries, offering visitors a chance to drink beers right next to hiking and mountain biking trails. This brewery has built a reputation for consistency and quality, producing a diverse lineup of beers that includes everything from light, refreshing ales to rich, complex stouts. Their flagship beer, the Unforgiven Amber Ale, was the first unfiltered beer that they brewed. Check their website for the food truck schedule.
The Garage Bikes & Brews – 20 miles (River Falls, Wisconsin)
The Garage Bikes & Brews offers a unique concept that combines craft beer with cycling culture, creating a one-of-a-kind experience in River Falls, Wisconsin. This establishment features a bike shop alongside a taproom serving locally brewed beers and guest taps from other regional breweries. Their location along popular cycling routes makes it an ideal stop for active beer enthusiasts looking to combine outdoor recreation with craft beer appreciation.
Top Tips for Visiting Wineries and Breweries
Planning a successful wine and beer tour in the Stillwater area requires some preparation and knowledge of best practices. First, designate a driver or arrange transportation, as responsible consumption is paramount when visiting multiple establishments. Many visitors find that ride-sharing services, organized tours, or staying overnight in the area provides the safest and most enjoyable experience. Traveling as a group? Consider reserving the entire Aurora Staples Inn as your wine and beer tour homebase.
When visiting wineries, consider starting with lighter wines and progressing to fuller-bodied varieties throughout your tasting experience. Take advantage of the opportunity to speak with winemakers and staff, as they often provide valuable insights into the winemaking process and can recommend wines based on your preferences. Many wineries offer food pairings or allow you to bring your own snacks, which can enhance the tasting experience and help pace your consumption.
For brewery visits, pace yourself by requesting smaller pours or sharing flights with companions. Most breweries offer tasting flights that allow you to sample multiple beers in smaller quantities, which is ideal for exploring different styles. Don’t hesitate to ask your server about the brewing process, ingredients, or the story behind specific beers, as brewery staff are typically passionate about their craft and eager to share their knowledge.
Consider timing your visits strategically, as many establishments offer special events, live music, or seasonal releases that can enhance your experience. Weekdays often provide a more relaxed atmosphere with more opportunities for conversation with staff, while weekends may offer more vibrant social experiences and special events.
Make reservations when possible, especially for larger groups or during peak seasons. Many wineries and breweries offer tours that provide behind-the-scenes looks at their production processes, which can deepen your appreciation for the craft. Finally, consider purchasing bottles or merchandise to take home, as many establishments offer exclusive products that aren’t available elsewhere.
