Appetites: Sampling Minnesota wines at the State Fair

Fried food and cold beer is a classic State Fair combo. But the Minnesota Wine Country booth is there to let fairgoers know that the state makes some good wines too.

"We cannot grow the same grapes here that they grow in California, of course. But we have some grapes that grow well here that would not grow well in California," said Paul Quast, co-owner of Saint Croix Vineyards in Stillwater and a wine judge at the Fair.

One of the state's specialties is cold climate wines, made from grapes that can withstand -30 degree temperatures. Minnesota Wine Country has several wines available from cold-climate grapes: Edelweiss, Frontenac Gris, La Crescent and Marquette. There are also wines made from rhubarb, raspberry, apples and honey.

Quast suggests fairgoers sample one of the flights of Minnesota wines, offered in five varieties: white, red, fruity, dessert and sparkling.

Chef Antonio Luv has created foods specifically to pair with certain wines at the booth. Try the Sriracha cheese balls with the sparkling Edelwiess. Or the seafood slider with the rhubarb wine. Or for expediency's sake, combine the food and drink in one by tasting the raspberry wine smoothie or wine ice cream.

In addition to the wine and food available for purchase, Minnesota Wine Country has 10 free educational presentations scheduled during the fair featuring local experts in wine and food.

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