South Dakota - Rhubarb Wine Anyone?

 Oh my beloved fellow wine lovers are most likely shocked at the headline here. Can it be I went a tad insane?

Well, when in South Dakota one can not resist to try out the local fare. This time it was not a Harvest Host but a stop I wanted to do after we explored Mount Rushmore. How can one see this sign on the side of the road and not want to stop?

What now makes wine? This is what I asked myself when I saw and read about their award winning ‘wine’ that is advertised in this region. Oh and sold all over in local groceries stores even.

Wine is an alcoholic beverage made with the fermented juice of grapes. Technically, any fruit is capable of being used for wine (i.e., apples, cranberries, plums, etc.), but if it just says “wine” on the label, then it's made with grapes.

This winery turned out to be a lot of fun and the Vinter is a woman that not only makes the wines here but also grows the ingredients in the hills behind the winery (yes grapes as well) and is also the brew master at the brewery next door. I mean talk about an incredible job! 

Here one can find traditional European Wines, all red and about 5 of them but the ‘wines’ that won the most awards and recognitions here in the US is the Rhubarb Red Ass wine. 90% Rhubarb and 10% Raspberry. There is also the Rosy Ass, 90% Rhubarb and 10% Strawberry. Totally different animal however.

Yes for those who love wines I bet you crinkled your nose at the thought of not grapes but rhubarb being the winner here but darn I tell you give it a try….. 

Yes I had an advantage as I do love, love Rhubarb very much. Now what so fascinated me was that for the tasting we were told it takes 3 sips to get the full bouquet. The first sip you feel all the way back to your ears (crazy I know), but the second is a 180 degree switch and focuses completely on the front of your tongue. Then the third is well rounded and very different as well. It was love in three sips and each one was wonderful in its own way.

Now the Rosy Ass was not so much to my liking as the switch from Raspberry to Strawberry was a game changer. Even at just 20% it was a difference. It was sweeter and didn’t have the kick. But still good. 

Now the other than grape fruit wines all make great summer drinks I think. An afternoon delight. I Wouk’s not pair it with meat entrees. Maybe salads. So I do think they have a place in this world 😉

Anyway we sampled each 5 wines (so ten in all), from dry to sweet and it was a fun stop in the Black Hills. Now this area of South Dakota is home to numerous Wineries as well as Breweries. I think to sample all one might have to stay for a week or two 😉