The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!--Harvest at Old Folsom Vineyards

No, I’m not one of those that gets out the Christmas decorations way, way too early.  It’s harvest time!  The most wonderful time of the year…as far as a wine lover is concerned, anyway.

I’ve been lucky enough to experience harvest multiple times for different wineries, even though I live on the edge of South Dakota.  Yes, grapes are grown here.  And yes, wine is made from the estate-grown grapes. 

So, here is to the harvest!  Please enjoy these pictures from Old Folsom Vineyards, just three miles south of Rapid City.  And remember to celebrate this season!

Before the harvest:  time in the vineyard with Mike Gould--owner.  Netting is removed before harvest.  The marquette grapes are ready!  So is vineyard dog Nel.

During the harvest:  time to pick!  Nets are removed.  Then pickers, volunteers like me, come in to remove the grapes.  Hundreds of pounds of fruit are plucked and then sent to the winery.  (These harvest pictures were actually taken in 2014.  Unfortunately, I had to miss 2016's harvest.  But I got in on all the other harvest 2016 fun!)

After the harvest:  time to press!  Grapes are brought into the vineyard and weighed.  Then they are fed to the crusher/destemmer to release the juice.  From there, the juice, grapes, and skins are pumped to the tank where the magic of fermentation will begin.

After the work:  time to party!  Nothing beats the sight of the vineyards basking in the sunset as wine lovers enjoy the vineyard with wonderful food, fun friends, great music, and fabulous footwear.  Oh, and don't forget the wine...lots of it.

The Magazine is Coming! The Magazine is Coming! Sip the Hills

And here is your sneak peek of the much talked about (by me) Sip the Hills publication.  Enjoy a few snipets from the editor (also by me):

Over a decade ago, I started a love affair… with wine.

I can still remember when this love started. It was on a beautiful summer evening on a patio at the (then) brand new Prairie Berry Winery. The facility had just opened the year before, and the winery was hosting its first wine dinner. I found two girlfriends to go with me because I thought this event sounded like so much fun, and I knew I had to take part! I was right not missing the occasion.

This was the time and place I can pinpoint my wine passion blossoming and turning into (dare I say) an obsession. This first Prairie Berry dinner was by no means the same as what the winery is known for today...

...at the same time, I looked around and noticed how the wine and beer industry was blossoming here in the Black Hills—pun intended...the number of possibilities for modern, trendy, and tasty fare kept increasing, as did the appetite for customers to learn more about and enjoy more of what was available to them...

...I made it my goal to promote these businesses and what I saw as an incredibly exciting and new trade, a truly ground-floor industry ripe for new customers (again, pun intended). Through these pursuits, I have witnessed the Black Hills wine and beer trade evolve and develop...

...for instance, Prairie Berry is now a leading establishment for foodies in the Hills, with marvelous chefs serving amazing treats for special occasions and every day. The Firehouse has grown and now also produces wine, including some from Black Hills grapes. Belle Joli keeps expanding and is doing something never done in the state before. Naked Winery is more than just a wine tasting room; it has also started making beer. There is a craft brewery in almost every town, from Newcastle to Sturgis. Botticelli’s wine list was recognized by Wine Spectator Magazine. Trip Advisor named Black Hills Burger and Bun a top ten burger joint in the country! Chubby Chipmunk chocolates were part of goody bags for the Grammy Awards. The list goes on and on...

...hence, my one-woman mission to support all wine, beer, and food activities in the Black Hills was born, and from that, the idea behind the Sip the Hills which you will soon be reading...

Look for this cover starting Friday, June 10 in locations all over the Black Hills:

Kol

Murphy's

Firehouse Brewing

Firehouse Wine Cellars

Juniper

The Wine Cellar

Belle Joli

Naked Winery/Sick and Twisted Brewing

Someone's in the Kitchen

T&A Brewing

Pizza Barn

The Knuckle

Bitter Esters

Prairie Berry Winery

Miner Brewing

Twisted Pine

Black Hills and Badlands Center

Smith's Liquor Gallery

Independent Ale House

Canyon Lake Liquors

and many others!

Features will include stories about pioneers in the beer industry, sparkling wines in South Dakota, and Black Hills grape growing.  Other pieces include guides to delicious chocolates, great restaurants, beautiful patios, and interesting wine and beer information.  Also check out the useful wine and beer map as the center of the publication with a directory of all of these establishments.  

This is the ultimate guide for tourists and locals alike.  Find a copy next weekend.  Then use #sipthehills to show your great wine, beer, and food adventures in the Black Hills.  I will be!

Get Well Soon—Sick and Twisted Brewery, Hill City

Like many good stories…this one started with wine.

The story began when Rob and Kim Livingston had an idea—they wanted to bring a winery tasting room to the Black Hills.  They searched for business partners and found an Oregon winery looking to expand.  In 2011, the initial Naked Winery Tasting Room was opened in Custer, and the Hill City location soon followed.  (Read one of my very early blogs about Naked Winery's opening here.)  

            

Rob and Kim jumped into the world of wine head first.  They expanded their tasting room in Hill City while expanding their clientele.  They brought in additional wines and blended their own. 

             

But this is not the end of the story.  Quite far from it.  It is actually the beginning of another story.

            

Not long after Naked Wines became a success in the Black Hills, Rob and Kim knew they wanted to diversify.  Rob had long been a beer lover, especially of beer heavy on hops that add the strong, biting flavor.  It was a match made in heaven between the wines already at the tasting room and the beer Rob wanted to produce, so he again expanded, and Sick and Twisted Brewing was born.

Sick and Twisted stays in the same vein as Naked’s wines—a little bit of naughty and a whole lot of fun.  If you blush easily, some of the names might make you uncomfortable, but if you take your beer more seriously than you do yourself, this is the place for you.

            

On any given day, Sick and Twisted has 18 beers on tap, but that doesn’t include numerous other batches that might be brewing in back.  Rob and Kim both love to cook, and this love is where many of the beer ideas originate.  Rob creates all the recipes, and always makes sure to have a variety of styles on the menu.  For instance, there is always an ale, a stout, and an IPA from which to choose.

Though these are the “usual” suspects most expect to see, there are many very unusual options here as well.  Yes, a blonde ale is common.  But what about a watermelon blond ale?  An IPA is also common.  But what about a Black Hills spruce tip IPA?  Other unique features include Juicy Ginger and Sour Puss—both fun, citrusy options.  Then there is the Sexy Senorita, a chocolate, coffee, chili stout. 

As Rob comments, he is “having a gas” making these beers.  The twinkle in his eye is visible when he talks about his creations.  One especially has him grinning.  At the Great American Beer Fest in 2012, he saw a peanut butter beer.  He came home determined to make his own.  He took his Nut Hugger, an already earthy and nutty beer, and added peanut butter.  Each time he makes it, he changes the jelly flavoring.  However, also each time he makes it, it is a huge success.  The last time Rob poured this at a tasting event with the public, the first keg tapped out in an hour and twelve minutes; the second was gone in an hour and fifteen minutes. 

Sick and Twisted’s story continues with Rob’s newest project, the exclusive contract for producing Rushmore beers.  The names and labels will not only reflect the four presidents on Mount Rushmore, but they will also be unique brews.  The first is Honest Abe, a red ale for President Lincoln.  The Never Lie Porter represents George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson is on the label of Declaration of Independence IPA.  Perhaps the most unique Rushmore beer is the Big Stick Lemongrass for President Roosevelt, a lemongrass and mint beer inspired by a mint julep. 

            

Sick and Twisted cans several beers and fills growlers too, so these unique Black Hills beers can be enjoyed no matter where home is.  Food options consist of pizzas, sandwiches, soft pretzels, and cheese plates.  Fun events, including comedians and costume parties, are a continued example of the fun vibe Kim and Rob try to encourage here. 

The story of Sick and Twisted all started with a love of wine.  However, the appreciation of beer soon followed to continue to thicken the plot for Rob and Kim Livingston.  They are having a ton of fun taking the “pecksniffery” out of both quality wine and craft beer.  They take customers on quite an entertaining trip, all via a pint of beer.  Luckily, their story is not finished yet. 

Don’t Miss Sick and Twisted Beers

Easy Amber—This is the beer for beginners and Bud Light lovers.  Just 4% alcohol and only 1.5 IBU (international bitterness units), this is a light-bodied beer any drinker will love.

Naughty Red Head—The imperial red ale is a beer for all year.  The more serious beer aficionado will enjoy this one due to its slightly heavier alcohol and much heavier IBU (43.1) than the Easy Amber. 

Peanut Butter and Jelly—So unique and so popular, this is a medium-bodied, nutty, earthy beer.  Mix this with the smoothness of peanut butter and the sweetness of jelly, and the PB&J is a hit.

4^th Anniversary Hop on Top—“Hop heads” will unite behind this fourth generation IPA. This is Rob’s personal favorite; he loves the citrus and grapefruit with the hop finish.  At 102.7 IBU, this beer packs quite a punch.

Proud to Be The American--Firehouse Wine Cellars, The American

President’s Day is such an American holiday.  A time to celebrate two of the country’s most important presidents and their birthdays:  George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.  Truly, there may be nothing more American than this day, when many workers get a needed break from the job.  No, nothing more American, except maybe baseball…and hot dogs…and apple pie…and the Marquette grape.

Yes, the Marquette grape.

It is one very American grape.  It’s a hybrid, meaning that is was “sexually” created by mating two other species of grapes together.  This happened in the American Midwest at the University of Minnesota in 2006. It is the grandchild of Pinot Noir, a French grape, but just like many great Americans, Marquette’s grandparents migrated to the U.S. to experience life in the New World.

 Marquette is not just a great American because it was “born” here; it is an example of the American resolve, the grit and guts it takes to find glory in this country.  Bred specifically to withstand harsh conditions, Marquette grapes can grow in shorter growing seasons while the vine's roots survive extremely harsh winters when temperatures drop well below freezing and wind chills down into the negative digits.  Yet, it has concentrated sugar and balanced acid if left on the vine until the perfect moment before picking.  This means that this fruit can make quality American wines in places that have not before been known for their wine trades.

South Dakota, home to Mount Rushmore—the Shrine of Democracy—is a perfect place to grow this patriotic grape.  Firehouse Wine Cellars in Rapid City makes this wine from its estate Marquette grapes grown just outside of Rapid at Old Folsom Vineyards.  These grapes were picked in 2014 on September 13.  I had the honor to help pick on a very chilly Saturday after a hard freeze and snow just two days before on September 11.  Despite the early snow (one of the earliest in the area in the past hundred years), the rest of the growing season was superb, and just over 10,000 pounds of Marquette was picked that weekend. (Want to know more about growing grapes in South Dakota?  Click here.)

Firehouse wanted to pay homage to its loyal citizen grape and the history of this particular grower; it did so by naming the wine The American.  Mike Gould, owner at Old Folsom Vineyards and Firehouse partner, wanted to name this wine to honor his grandfather, who came over to the United States more than one hundred years ago.  Mike’s granddad sailed all the way over to the New World from Italy and started a successful life here.  It is a fitting tribute for both the wine and the history of the grape grower.

The American proves its character from the first glance. A beautiful, medium-bodied wine, the garnet color reflects its stellar bloodline as a Pinot Noir descendant.  The smell was also reminiscent of its grandpa, with just-ripe plum, wet earth, slight mint, and green pepper; all these same elements showed through to the palate as well, then led to a spectacular spicy finish.  What a food friendly wine The American is with cheeses, salamis, and artichoke dip. 

Truly, The American is an impressive example of Marquette.  This is just one in a number of Marquette wines being produced throughout the Midwest that shows what these vines can do with a few years of maturity and a good growing season.  Firehouse winemakers have done a great job of letting the elements of this up-and-coming grape show with just the right amount of intervention in the cellar.  Wines like The American will only continue to increase the prestige and popularity of one of America’s great Midwestern grapes.

So happy President’s Day, Americans!  I hope you enjoyed this day by patriotic gestures like saluting important presidents with a glass of a very tasty—and very American—red wine.  See what loyal Marquette can do for its country by sipping The American, and then see what you can do for your country by enjoying local and American wines.  God. Bless.  America!

Brineries of the Black Hills

Yesterday I took a group on the fourth annual Black Hills Brinery Tour--a great opportunity for many to experience different beer and wine options in the area with someone else doing all the driving...the bus driver!  Over the years, it has been so interesting to see the wine and beer industry grow in front of our very eyes.  (Read my blog about our second annual trip here.) The trip leaves many in awe at the wonderful changes happening in our little ol' Black Hills.  This year, Mother Nature was on our side; the weather was beautiful for wine sipping, beer drinking, and patio sitting. 

Since there is not enough time in one day to visit all the establishments in our ever-growing wine and beer trade, here is a list of possible stops for those who would like to create their own "brinery" day.  Cheers!
 

	Number and Variety of Beers	Growlers Filled	Swag	Food	Tastings
Bitter Esters: Custer, SD	Up to seven original beers on tap; many seasonal recipes rotating	Yes, any and all	Shirts, sweatshirts, and growlers	Menu of unique, pub-style food: sandwiches, burgers, appetizers	Build your own flight of 5 oz. tasters of any beers on tap; price depending on beer
Sick ‘N Twisted:  Hill City, SD	Up to fourteen original brews on tap; additional seasonal choices	Yes, any and all; will even trade for ones to add to their collection	Shirts, hats, pants, accessories, growlers, etc.	Soup, sandwiches, soft pretzels	Single 4 oz. taste $1.25; five 4 oz. tastes $6.25
Miner Brewing:  Hill City, SD	Up to ten original brews on tap; up to thirty beer recipes throughout the year	Yes, any and all	Shirts, hats, growlers, growlettes, etc.	Chips and munchies; Prairie Berry Winery bistro restaurant next door	Six 4 oz. tasters for $8.00; single 4 oz. taste $1.50
Firehouse Brewing: Rapid City, SD	Nine original brews on tap at any time out of thirty different brew recipes	Yes, any and all	Shirts, hats, growlers, etc.	Full-service restaurant available	Small tastings given free before purchase of pint
Hay Camp Brewing: Rapid City, SD	Five original brews on tap out of twelve different brew recipes	Yes, any and all	T-shirts and growlers	No food service; can bring in own food; nearby sandwich shop	Up to five 4 oz. tasters for a fee
Dakota Shivers:  Lead, SD	Two or three on tap out of eight different recipes; number will increase with growth	Not at this time; yes in the future when production capabilities increase	T-shirts; growlers in future	Pub snacks and munchies	Up to five tasters for $5.00
The Knuckle Saloon: Sturgis, SD	Seven original brews on tap; still expanding total number of recipes	Yes, any and all	T-shirts, growlers, etc.	Pizza, pasta, wings, salads, sandwiches, appetizers	Four 5 oz. tasters for $7.00; additional tastes $1.00
Crow Peak Brewing: Spearfish, SD	Eight original brews on tap out of twenty-four total recipes	Yes, any and all	T-shirt, growlers, hats, etc.	Pizza	Four 4 oz. tasters for $4.50

Our brinery group two years ago on the second annual tour at Crow Peak Brewing.

An another trip to Bitter Esters in Custer.

 

This year's group at Sick and Twisted/Naked Winery in Hill City.

	Number and Variety of Wines	Wine Club	Swag	Food	Tastings
Naked Winery:  Custer, SD	Grape wines from Oregon; up to 48 different styles of reds, whites, and roses from dry to sweet	Yes, five wine club options from two to twelve bottles, all red or pick own	Shirts, pants, hats, signs, etc.	“Fish and chips”—crackers and chocolate munchies	Six wines for $5.00; free for wine club members
Naked Winery:  Hill City, SD	Grape wines from Oregon; up to 48 different styles of reds, whites, and roses from dry to sweet; fruit wines	Yes, five wine club options from two to twelve bottles, all red or pick own	Shirts, pants, hats, signs, wine accessories, etc.	Soup, sandwiches, soft pretzels, “Fish and chips”—crackers and chocolate munchies	Six wines for $5.00; free for wine club members
Stone Face Winery: Hill City, SD	Grape and fruit wines, some from eastern South Dakota grapes; up to 19 different styles of reds, whites, and roses from dry to sweet	Information not available	Information not available	South Dakota cheese and bread for purchase	Up to four wines for free
Prairie Berry Winery: Hill City, SD	Grape wines and fruit wines; numerous different styles of reds, whites, and roses from dry to sweet	Yes, Legacy or Cru wine clubs with the choice of dry or sweet wines	T-shirts, hats, wine accessories, glasses, home furnishings, books, food products, etc.	Full bistro restaurant with soups, sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and desserts.	Up to five wines for free
Firehouse Wine Cellars: Rapid City, SD	Grape wines from South Dakota and west coast grapes; up to 13 different styles of reds, whites, and roses from dry to sweet	Yes, two, four, six, and twelve bottle options with discounts on wine and merchandise	Shirts, hats, growlers, etc.	Full service restaurant two doors down at Firehouse Brewing	Taste as many wines as desired for $1.00 per 1 oz. pour
Dakota's Best Wine and Gifts-- Schade Vineyards in Deadwood, SD and Twisted Pine in Hill City, SD	Dry and sweet styles of red and white grape wines from South Dakota hybrid grapes; sweet and dry fruit wines from South Dakota grown fruit	No wine club options available	Wine accessories and many South Dakota made products	South Dakota cheese plate with complimentary glass; other South Dakota food items for purchase and consumption on premise	One complimentary taste; up to five tastes for $3.00
Belle Joli Winery: Sturgis and Deadwood, SD	Grape wines from estate grown South Dakota and west coast grapes; up to 9 different styles of reds, whites, and desserts from dry to sweet; sparkling wines produced in the traditional style	Yes, wine club members can choose red or white and dry or sweet options	T-shirts and wine accessories	Meat and cheese tray options; flat bread pizzas; cater special events	Up to five wines for $5.00; free for wine club members

Past tour participants enjoying lunch and wine at Prairie Berry Winery.

This year's crew getting the personal treatment at Firehouse Wine Cellars.

The new beautiful Belle Joli facility in Sturgis.

Enjoy the unique wineries and breweries popping up all across the Black Hills.  It is a beautiful area producing some quality beers and wines.  Create your own tour soon...or catch our bus again next spring!