they were Minnesota's first commercial winery which was a good thing for the area but they have kept too many of the first generation grapes that were only OK for wine production in MN..other newer wineries have used more of the newer U of M grapes. with better results. I did love the Chocolate Frontenac desert wine, and really liked the ice wine but not at almost $40 a 750 ML bottle!! Again this is a very pretty Vineyard and has a nice tasting room to enjoy a glass or two in.
I've been to Alexis Bailey many times, yet never remembered to review it. Small winery with a good variety for every taste. The special tasting events with food pairings are a must. The grounds are nice, with outdoor seating all around, a fire place inside for the colder days. I have yet to make it to a summer concert, but can imagine that it would be really fun. You can taste the wines, purchase wines and have a picnic with your just-bought wine. You don't even need to remember the corkscrew! Or a plate, cutting knife, napkins…they'll provide it all.Also available for sale are various gifts, glassware, books etc, plus locally raised cheese and meats. Friendly, good wine, accommodating, plus there's a dog. What more do you need?
We've visited this winery several times over the last year. It has always been a very pleasurable experience. Today we brought friends from Minneapolis and were quite disappointed. The annoying barking dog inside the building was just the beginning. The staff behind the bar were all new and the pours for the tasting were pitifully small. In the past we've raved about this to our friends. After today I won't be raving.
This was my third trip to Alexis Bailey and every time I have enjoyed it. They had seven wines on the list, five of which I tried, two I really enjoyed. The grounds are fantastic with several seating areas a couple bocce courts, vines and sculptures. This is a great place to bring a lunch or some cheese and crackers and enjoy a bottle of wine.
We have been going here for years, and has always been a nice romantic place to go, sometimes with the children.However, more recently, the staff behind the wine bar has taken a left turn. Our romantic little place in the grapes doesn't seem to represent a larger spectrum of visitors anymore, and seems to be a little bit more about the staffs "show" than the beautiful venue that Alexis Bailly really can be. The straw hats and sharp attitudes don't match the Alexis Bailly easy going atmosphere.Also, small changes like blocking off the beautiful front door, and entering a tiny side door seem to detract from the grand entrance that we used to enjoy.
I have been to many wineries and this is one of my favorites. It really is a hidden gem and wish I have been here before now! The vineyard and property upon arrival is a view in itself. We tried the wine tasting and Mark was really knowledgeable about the wines and made the experience really fun. We got to talk to other staff, who were working around the property and got to know the history of the vineyard. The wines are amazing, so much that I joined their membership club so I can try new wines in the spring and fall! This would be a nice place to go in the summer/fall when everything is in full bloom. You can even bring your own food and have a picnic! Alexis Bailly is a must see...and of course, a few glasses to drink!
After many years of wonderful experiences, a special moment was ruined by a staff member at Alexis Bailly. Six of us showed up to celebrate a special day and were refused service. Apparently, because we showed up in a limo instead of 2 cars.Saddened that this former treasure had now been ruined.There's a wonderful little place in Prescott that welcomed us even though they were quite busy. Try the Valley Vineyard instead....
My husband and I stopped at this winery late on a Sunday afternoon. (They are open until 5:30). We decided to taste all of their wines. (8 wines for $5 and if you want to try some of the dessert wines they are an additional $1 each.) The staff was very friendly. As they poured our samples they even suggested going outside and walking the grounds in between tastings. There are two Bocce Ball Courts, a sculpture garden of sorts and many spots with tables to sit and relax. You can bring your own picnic or buy cheese, crackers and sausage here.This is the first Winery we have been to where all the wines we tried were very good. (We've been to wineries all across the country.) After talking to the staff and reading the descriptions we also tried the dessert wines. So glad we did! My husband liked their Solaris, I liked the Ratafia but we both LOVED the Chocolate Reserve (Port)!!! Needless to say we had to take some with us. I saw that some weekends there is live music but there wasn't anything special going on when we visited which was ok because there was a smaller crowd. Nan the owner, gave us a little background of how her dad started the winery and now she is continuing in his footsteps.This was a very fun stop on our way home from a visit to relatives in Wisconsin. We can't wait to come back and bring some friends with us. We are also excited to try the wines we brought home!
Wine in MN?? Absolutely a must see. This quaint vineyard has great wines. The wine tasting is reasonably priced and the staff is very helpful. Check it out.
This is located off 170th street just south of Hastings. The wine is very good. In the summer you can listen to free jazz outside---bring your chairs & snacks---while you enjoy the music and their wine. You can buy a bottle or a glass. Jazz is July & August on Sundays.