Ben Banks of Sovereign Estate takes Wine Across America on a trip to Minnesota. We talk about cold-hardy grapes, family winemaking, and how Ben helped grow a wine scene where temperatures can drop to 40 below. Learn how varietals like Marquette, Itasca, and La Crescent are reshaping Midwestern wine.

Did you know?

• Minnesota ranks 20^th in the country for wine production
• Minnesota Is cold-climate wine country. Thanks to hardy, cold-resistant grape varieties, winemaking is thriving in a state where winter temps regularly dip below zero. Some grapes can survive –30°F!
• Minnesota is birthplace of the Marquette grape – it’s a grandchild of Pinot Noir and produces dry red wines with cherry, blackcurrant, and spice notes.
• The University of Minnesota’s Grape Breeding and Enology Program is a global leader in developing grape varieties suited to cold climates.