Did you know South Dakota’s first and oldest winery is only half an hour away from Sioux City? Valiant Vineyards in Vermillion is a must see when you make your visit to this quaint college
Did you know South Dakota’s first and oldest winery is only half an hour away from Sioux City? Valiant Vineyards in Vermillion is a must see when you make your visit to this quaint college town.
Within the five years I lived in Vermillion, my mom and I made a few visits to this overlooked landmark. Keep driving on Main Street, passing downtown, you’ll feel like you’re almost out of town, and then you’ll come upon a hidden gem.
How it got its start
Founded in 1996 by Eldon Nygaard, who also wrote South Dakota’s Farm Winery Act, Valiant Vineyards is situated on the scenic Missouri River. Hosting the annual Great Dakota Wine Fest every August, this Bed and Breakfast also invites guests to an afternoon of wine tasting.
Nygaard’s wife, Sherry, is from California, and during a visit they learned an acre of land used to grow grape vines is $16,000. Meanwhile, in South Dakota, that same acre costs $500! They figured, the soil in the Midwest is healthy enough to grow soy bean and corn, what about grape vines? What’s not to lose? Just as the author Paul Arden was famously quoted saying “It’s better to regret what you have done, than what you haven’t”.
So, getting their winery started was not easy, the Nygaards had to take classes at South Dakota State University, join the Minnesota Grape Growers Association, and even write the first South Dakota legislation for commercial wineries.
If you have time, check out the in-depth article The Volante (the University of South Dakota student newspaper) did on Nygaard and his decision to start Valiant Vineyards: http://volanteonline.com/2019/01/vermillions-valiant-vineyards-continues-to-grow-as-south-dakotas-first-winery/
my 2019 summer visit
I made my visit this past July, and upon driving up to Vermillion I knew wine tasting was on my list of things to do that afternoon. As I walked in, I looked around the gift shop, and was pleasantly surprised to see products from local vendors on display. I love most when small businesses work together to support each other.
After admiring their array of souvenirs, I walked up to the front desk. There was a gentleman on the phone, and as soon as he finished his conversation, he happily greeted me, and proceeded to inform me of the many unique qualities Valiant Vineyards offers.
wine tasting
The gentleman gave me a sheet of all their wines they are able to sample, and I chose the allotted four.
I’m not a white wine drinker, I prefer red wines, so my choices were very selective. Your choices will obviously be different than mine, and more wines might even be added to the list when you drive up for your wine-tasting afternoon.
red wines
Here are several reds they sell…there are a lot more…trust me!
Stone Faces Black Currant – Sweet, 6% residual sugar, full body, berry flavored. Best served chilled
Wild Grape Port – Valiant Vineyard’s first port, 19% alcohol volume, made from wild grapes from South Dakota.
Sturgis Merlot – Oak and plum flavors, coffee and smoke aromas, with hints of strawberry.
Rushmore Red – Semi-sweet, hints of plum and cinnamon spice, pairs well with ham, rabbit, pork or duck. Best served chilled.
white wines
And a few of their whites…
Dakota’s Best Chardonnay – Dry, ½% residual sugar, 12% alcohol volume, apple and citrus flavored, with a touch of oak.
Canyon Lake White – Semi-sweet, 3% residual sugar, 12% alcohol volume, designed to pair well with the catch of the day. Best served chilled.
Rushmore White – German-style semi-sweet, 3% residual sugar, pairs well with pasta, pork or chicken. Best served chilled.
awards and medals
Valiant Vineyards has won several awards for their products. In fact, two labels, for example, “Buck Naked” and “Tickle Me!” were selected out of 160 wineries in a 2013 California competition.
bloody Mary Sunday
If you’re not a wine person, or can’t stay overnight in one of their suites, then perhaps a Sunday afternoon drive to enjoy their weekly Bloody Mary special will pique your interest.
Using their own pepper infused Vodka, it’s well worth the drive. Seriously, check these out! These are an art form on their own. The time, preparation and planning that go into these weekly menu items are a true labor of love.
Bed and breakfast
There are six suites. All come with wine tasting and a homemade breakfast to start your day.
The three photos of various suites below are from Valiant Vineyards facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/valiant.vineyards/
Prices of rooms vary, check their website for current listings: http://www.valiantvineyards.us/BedBreakfast.html
book your next event
From weddings to painting parties, Valiant Vineyards offers a wonderful atmosphere for any occasion. Wine tasting is free, but fees will be assessed for larger parties.
Contact the winery regarding any events you would like to create via email: adrienne@valiantvineyards.us
plan your visit
I hope you get a chance to make your visit to this lovely bed and breakfast. Stay overnight, taste a few wines, enjoy a Mammoth Bloody Mary, or just take in the picturesque views from the balcony. This local winery in Vermillion is worth the trip.
Finally, check their website for seasonal hours of operation: http://www.valiantvineyards.us/Home.html
605-624-4500
1500 W Main Street
Vermillion, SD 57069