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Three Oak Winery Steals the Spotlight at Grapeful Wine Bar's Tasting Event

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  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, November 15th 2025 at 16:52 GMT by Southern Minn

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Three Oak Winery Steals the Spotlight at Grapeful Wine Bar’s Recent Tasting Event

On a crisp Saturday evening in early March, Grapeful Wine Bar in Minneapolis became the backdrop for a celebratory gathering of wine lovers, industry insiders, and the local press. The highlight of the night? A four‑hour tasting that showcased the burgeoning talent of Three Oak Winery—a boutique Minnesota vineyard that has been quietly making waves in the Midwest wine scene.

The event, held on March 3, 2023, was part of Grapeful Wine Bar’s annual “Taste of the Midwest” series, which has already been praised for curating some of the best domestic wines in a relaxed, cellar‑door atmosphere. With a lineup that featured ten different producers, the bar promised attendees a chance to sample a range of styles—from crisp whites and velvety reds to experimental blends. But it was Three Oak Winery’s carefully curated selection that captured the most conversation and the most tasting notes.

A Quick Introduction to Three Oak

Founded in 2018 by husband‑and‑wife duo Lynn and Mark Johnson, Three Oak Winery is a family‑owned operation located just outside of St. Paul. What sets the winery apart is its commitment to small‑batch, hand‑crafted wines that reflect the unique terroir of Minnesota’s easternmost hills. The Johnsons grew up on a farm and bring a deep respect for the land to their viticulture, using organic practices and minimal intervention in the cellar. Their flagship label, “Redwood Reserve,” is a blend of Syrah and Petite Sirah, while their popular “Maple Ridge Chardonnay” earns its reputation from a delicate, fruit‑forward profile.

According to the article, the winery’s mission is “to bring the flavors of Minnesota to the table in a way that’s accessible, innovative, and sustainable.” The couple’s enthusiasm for community is evident; they often host open‑farm events and volunteer with local food‑bank initiatives.

The Tasting Experience

Grapeful Wine Bar, known for its intimate ambience and knowledgeable staff, hosted the tasting in its “Wine Lounge,” a space with low lighting and rustic wood paneling that creates an almost cellar‑like vibe. The bar’s owner, Jamie Patel, expressed her excitement for the event: “We’re always looking to bring back something that feels fresh and local. Three Oak’s approach to wine-making was exactly what we wanted to highlight tonight.”

How the tasting unfolded

1. Welcome Reception (7:30 p.m.) – Attendees were greeted with a complimentary glass of Three Oak’s “River’s Edge Rosé.” The rosé’s bright acidity and subtle berry notes set the tone for what was to come.
2. First Course: Light Appetizers (7:45 p.m.) – A selection of cheese, charcuterie, and house‑made crackers allowed guests to sample the wines with complementary flavors.
3. Three Oak’s Signature Lineup (8:15 p.m.) – The tasting featured five wines:
   • Redwood Reserve – A deep, tannic Syrah‑Petite Sirah blend that showcases a complex array of dark fruit, pepper, and a hint of smoke.
   • Maple Ridge Chardonnay – With notes of apple, pear, and a subtle buttery finish, this Chardonnay exemplifies the winemaking philosophy of balancing fruit with oak.
   • River’s Edge Rosé – Light and crisp, with strawberry and citrus overtones.
   • Oak & Honey – A small‑batch, sparkling wine made from a blend of Riesling and Chenin Blanc, offering a delicate sweetness and effervescence.
   • Nightfall Noir – A single‑varietal Pinot Noir that demonstrates the region’s potential for producing elegant, low‑tannin reds.

For each wine, the tasting guide—crafted in partnership with the Johnsons—offered detailed notes on aroma, palate, and pairing suggestions. The guide also included a brief history of each grape variety and how the region’s climate influences the flavor profile.

Guest Reactions and Community Impact

The tasting drew a diverse crowd of wine enthusiasts ranging from novices to seasoned collectors. Local journalist Emily Chen noted, “Three Oak’s wines carry the essence of Minnesota’s climate. They’re approachable yet sophisticated, making them a great fit for a bar setting.”

The event also had an educational component. After the main tasting, Lynn Johnson spoke to the crowd for a few minutes about the winemaking process, touching on topics such as the decision to use a “no‑honey” method for their Chardonnay or how they choose to blend certain varietals to achieve balance. She explained, “Our goal isn’t just to produce a wine, but to tell a story about where it comes from and what it means to us.”

Follow‑Up and Future Opportunities

In addition to the tasting, the article highlighted an upcoming partnership between Three Oak Winery and Grapeful Wine Bar. A joint venture called “The Midwest Wine Trail” is slated to launch later this year, aiming to bring regional wines to a broader audience through a series of pop‑up events across the Twin Cities. This collaboration will provide Three Oak with an avenue to distribute its wines through the bar’s curated selection, while also granting Grapeful a steady supply of locally‑made wines that can be featured in special tasting nights.

The article also mentioned a limited‑edition release of “Redwood Reserve” that will be available in early spring. This vintage will be produced in smaller quantities than usual, further emphasizing the winery’s commitment to artisanal quality over mass production.

Why Three Oak Matters

While Minnesota is more commonly associated with dairy and industry, the state has been steadily building a reputation for high‑quality wine production. Three Oak Winery embodies this shift, demonstrating that even in cooler climates, dedicated growers and winemakers can produce wines that stand alongside international classics. Their focus on sustainability, community, and storytelling resonates with modern wine consumers who value authenticity.

According to the article, Three Oak’s success at Grapeful Wine Bar’s tasting event is a reflection of a larger trend: Minnesota’s wine community is growing, and it’s attracting attention from both local and regional patrons. As more wineries continue to collaborate with bars, restaurants, and festivals, the state’s wine market is set to expand further.

In closing, the Grapeful Wine Bar tasting not only celebrated Three Oak Winery’s achievements but also underscored the importance of local partnerships in elevating regional wines. Whether you’re a wine aficionado or just looking for a new tasting experience, the next time you find yourself in Minneapolis, make a point to stop by Grapeful and ask about Three Oak’s latest offerings. It’s a chance to taste a piece of Minnesota’s evolving vinicultural heritage—and to support a community that values both quality and connection.