Couple Moves Back To South Dakota To Open Vineyard
ROSHOLT, S.D. (AP) — A vineyard in Rosholt doubles as a family home for a couple who recently moved back to South Dakota to start their winemaking business.
The Watertown Public Opinion reports a news article about growing grapevines in the Upper Midwest inspired Jeremiah and Lisa Klein to bring With the Wind Vineyard & Winery to fruition.
“We had been looking at an abandoned farm property just to live on, and my husband wondered if the soil there would be the right type to grow grapevines, which we thought would be a fun hobby,” Lisa Klein said.
Tests of the soil done by Jeremiah Klein, who worked in the agriculture industry, found it was good for grapes.
The couple purchased the property about three years ago and built a winery where they also live. The production facility and tasting room are on the first floor, while the family’s residence is on the second floor.
Jeremiah Klein learned how to produce wine by taking science courses through South Dakota State University and completing an online winemaking program through the University of California, Davis. Lisa Klein said she helps with tasting and business decisions.
The couple maintains 900 vines on 1 1/2 acres. The winery officially opened to the public in June.
“Our grapes do very well,” Lisa Klein said. “They’re very hardy in the cold weather. The University of Minnesota has developed varieties that can survive our winters, so they’re not the same type of grape you would use in California.”
The Kleins make five types of wine and sell their product at retailers across the state. Lisa Klein said they have big goals for expansion and want to bump up production rates.
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Information from: Watertown Public Opinion,
