Over the St. Croix Hills and Through Taylors Falls We Go: The Homegrown Story of Dancing Dragonfly Winery

The connection between Wisconsin and Minnesota lies between Taylors Falls and St. Croix Falls — 15 minutes up the road from Dancing Dragonfly Winery, an independent winery that builds on sustainable practices while cultivating nature’s abundance. Lavender Magazine had the distinguished honor of learning more about the area through caretakers Caroline Stephens, Jori Nye and Kirsten Koenig.

 We learned that it’s not just the warmth of the community involved in the process of harvesting the grapes but also the unique hybridization of vines that makes them resilient during the cold weather months in the Midwest. Wine lovers and enthusiasts of the same would be in awe of experiencing this 52-acre winery dedicated to cold-climate grape harvesting.

The story behind the name came when the founder, Bill Bluhm, went on a solo canoe trip in the Boundary Waters. The heavy storms in the area forced him to quickly find shelter. The next morning, he was greeted by a family of dragonflies that looked as though they were dancing. The beautiful connection between Dancing Dragonfly’s origin story and its daily operations is that there are moments when dragonflies visit the winery.

Bluhm and his wife Christine’s passion for winemaking encouraged them to expand from 13 acres to the current 52 acres. With this growth came 15 different types of grape varieties: nine white options and six reds that are all hybridized to sustain harvest in cold and warm weather.

The unique features of Dancing Dragonfly Winery continue with a strong commitment to sustainability. Every aspect of their daily operations is clear through their choice of a naturally grown vineyard that does not have irrigation installed, main communal areas that are heated and cooled using geothermal energy and the dining area with a wood-fired pizza oven fueled by wood cleared from the property itself! It’s in the winery’s philosophy to ensure that every bottle of wine is not only produced and full of flavor but also environmentally responsible.

Cold-climate wines are a niche that sets Dancing Dragonfly Winery apart from traditional wineries. The hybrid grapes they use are tailored for the cold. The results are that the wines are less tannic (bitter) and more acidic, which insinuates freshness. Many in Taylors Falls and St. Croix Falls have become patrons of Dancing Dragonfly Winery due to the unique flavor profiles they offer.

There are also a variety of experiences that visitors can enjoy while at Dancing Dragonfly Winery, such as guided tours, barrel tastings, wine pairings and other types of special events. The tasting room has an option to “Choose Your Own Adventure.” This feature encourages guests to sample five wines from the extensive offerings — a curated experience for those who are curious to pair featured wines with amazing food from the culinary options onsite. There are also art classes, comedy nights and grape-stomping festivals that span the hub of community and creativity offered with memberships.

In the spirit of community, the winery also supports numerous charitable causes, including the Ronald McDonald House and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, reflecting its commitment to giving back.

Dedication and passion fuel the success of Dancing Dragonfly Winery. From the winemakers and vineyard staff to the event coordinators and other guides, everyone shares a deep love and appreciation for what they do. You can feel comfortable and assured that your experience at the winery is hosted with you in mind. The stunning landscape, innovative wines and 360 commitments to sustainability make Dancing Dragonfly Winery an industry leader.

“Everything that we grow, we try to grow for better wines and for better efficiencies throughout our facilities,” Stephens says.

The next time you find yourself between St. Croix Falls, Wisc., and Taylors Falls, Minn., stop by Dancing Dragonfly Winery. Share a glass of their signature Disco Rosé or unique sparkling wine Christine’s Twist, made via the Méthode Champenoise, and toast to the magic of nature, the beauty of community and the art of winemaking! You can learn more about Dancing Dragonfly Winery by visiting their website, dancingdragonflywinery.com.