Happy 2022!
Despite all the challenges, 2021 was the best year ever at the winery, and that's all because of you - our awesome guests. We are now entering our 8th (!) season at 4e Winery, and Greg and I are excited to see what the new year brings.
Let's take a look back at some fun things that took place in 2021.
May
On May 1 we officially opened the Tasting Room for the season. It's always so much fun to welcome all of our customers back after the long winter. We've got the same amazing staff coming back this year, and we will be adding a few new faces as well.
June
The summer of 2021 was a hot one! Even this guy was feeling it. Despite the heat, we had a record number of visitors to the tasting room in 2021.
July
It was also a record year for Harvest Hosts guests with 350 rigs staying overnight at the winery during 2021. As part of the Harvest Hosts program, we welcome members for a free overnight stay. In exchange, they buy a glass or two (or three!), have a bite to eat, and enjoy the quiet and beauty of our little piece of paradise on the prairie. We have met so many amazing travelers as they share their stories of the road. We love our Harvest Hosts guests.
August
Our Maker's Market was back again in 2021 after it's absence last year. It was a hot and windy day, but our record number of vendors made the most of it and it was a fun day of eating, drinking, and shopping for all.
September
September brought a record harvest of our estate grapes (I'm starting to soon like, well, a broken-record). The hot and dry weather moved harvest up a few weeks, and we picked over 1000 pounds of Frontenac grapes from our vineyard. We processed over 18000 pounds of fruit this year, which means we've got lots of wine - including a few new ones - to share with you in 2022.
October
In October we received the news that we were chosen for a $10,000 grant as part of the VISA/IFundWomen North Dakota grant program. We were honored to be chosen and will use the money to build our Prairie Pavilion south of the vineyards on the edge of the prairie. Stay tuned as we start this project in the spring. Also in October we participated in the Red River Fair's Dazed in the Maze, which was a muddy blast, and we look forward to doing it all over again in 2022.
November and December
We wrapped up the year with the Pride of Dakota Holiday Showcase in Fargo and four weekends at West Acre's Holiday Tap Fest. It was so much fun to see so many of you at these events.
That's a Wrap!
Thanks to everyone who came out to the winery, visited us at the Red River Market or our other events, purchased 4e Wine at our retail partners, or simply cheered for us from the sidelines. We couldn't have done it with you. And now Cheers to an even better 2022!
