“What are you doing this weekend?” my friend Jodi asked via text.
“Going out of town,” I replied. “You?”
“We’re biking to some wineries in Waconia,” she texted back.
Driving to Waconia, then biking to wineries?
That just about sounded like the perfect summer day—a little fresh air, a little exercise, a little sight-seeing, a little food, a little wine. It sounded like the kind of day trip that makes you feel good to be alive and healthy and loved and in love.
Waconia, about a 45-minute drive from Minneapolis, is connected to the Dakota Regional Trail at the St. Bonifacius trailhead. Parking is available in St. Bonifacius at City Hall, located on Bell Street just off State Route 7. The trail offers beautiful views of Lake Waconia and passes through fields and forests. Not only is this a close-to-home escape for a peaceful, relaxing bike ride, there are three wineries in Waconia with tasting rooms, Sovereign Estate Vineyard and Winery on the north shore of Lake Waconia, Schram Vineyards and Winery, and Parley Lake Winery. Clearly they know a thing or two about growing grapes.
If you have a little extra time to explore the area, other fun places include At The Farm, an organic farmers market, Deardorff Orchards, and Carlsons Loveable Llamas, a llama ranch/petting zoo.
