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Walk the vine
By Debi Neville
Ebert has created an inviting, cozy space for guests at the winery. The wine tasting room is small and intimate, giving people an insider’s view of the winery’s charming ambience. The long, wooden bar is a perfect place to sip a fine glass of wine and view the vineyards. And without moving more than a foot, a visitor can turn and see the vats and then reach for a bottle to take home.
“It’s a great place to sit and visit,” Ebert says. “I enjoy discussing wines and the process from vine to vat to glass.” He’s philosophical—and passionate—about what he pours in your glass. While “there is a science to the production,” Ebert says, “there’s an art component to the flavor.”
Ebert, who grew up in Rochester and holds down a full-time job as a network operations manager at Crenlo, didn’t set out to open a winery. But after enjoying a bit of winemaking on an amateur level, Ebert decided to go professional. His fields, which had previously produced corn and soy beans, became the fertile ground for the 90 vines he planted six years ago. “It takes five years before you can harvest. We sold over 3,000 bottles our first season,” says Ebert, who received training and consultation from the Minnesota Association of Grape Growers and the University of Minnesota. This year, nearly 3,000 vines produced an assortment of grapes which allows Ebert to offer 12 varieties of wines. Three new vintages are Savrevois, a dry red wine; Marechal Foch, a red with light to medium body; and Cranberry, a sweetish wine with a hint of tart. New wines were released in May and June.
“We’ve had a fair number of tourists stop by, of course—some clinic visitors and many Rochester locals,” Ebert says. “It’s been very enthusiastically received.”
Some of the winery’s biggest fans have been Ebert’s family members, who he says have been instrumental in the success of the business. His parents, Tony and Dottie Ebert, and brother, Tony, help with planting, building, harvesting and serving customers. They’ve also helped renovate Dustin’s house, located on the property. “They all pitch in when they can,” Ebert says.
Ebert admits he often has the tendency to “take something and push it further,” and Salem Glen is no different. Eager to step up to the next level, he has plans for revamping the barn to make a larger tasting room. Blueprints are complete for a pavilion to be built on Salem Glen Hill, which could host weddings and parties.
Astronomy is another of Ebert’s passions, so an observatory is near completion. It sits on a hill overlooking the plantings and offers a perfect view of the stars.
Ebert also plans on adding musical entertainment later this summer or fall. In nice weather, tables and chairs are set up on the brick patio just outside the tasting room. “Bring a picnic lunch, do a little tasting or buy a glass of wine. I encourage people to sit a while and watch the sunset,” Ebert says.
Salem Glen Vineyard and Winery is located at 5211 60th Ave SW and is open Thursday through Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Visit www.salemglenvineyard.com or call 507-365-8758 for more information.