Joe and Melanie Cihlar, founders of Rolling Forks Vineyards, are living the American dream and are the 2022 recipient of the Glenwood Lakes Area Chamber and their co-sponsors Salute to Business and Industry award. “Rolling Forks Vineyards has been a dream of ours since we first started dating in 2007. We got married, started a family of three boys and found the perfect location to make our dream a reality,” said Melanie

“We were steadfast in our desire to provide a place that not only produces fantastic wines, but a space where our friends, neighbors and guests could share special moments together while enjoying the picturesque views of Lake Minnewaska,” added Joe.

The Cihlar’s chose the name for their winery from nearby Rolling Forks Township in Pope County. This township is located just south of their vineyards and winery and was named for its position among rolling prairies and smoothly sculpted hills near the Chippewa River. The winery is located in Glenwood Township, but the couple feel a deep connection to this sentiment with the breathtaking views overlooking Lake Minnewaska from their grounds.

“We fell in love with this farm because of its undulating hills and its promising potential to grow grapes. The views are breathtaking, the sunsets are unforgettable and there’s nothing like sitting on our patio on a summer night, listening to music, overlooking our vineyard and Lake Minnewaska,” Melanie divulged. “Our winery is located on the exact same 45th longitudinal parallel as many of the world’s finest wine producers. These include winemakers in Italy’s Piedmont region, the Willamette Valley in Oregon and many more. It’s no coincidence the parallel runs through the heart of our vines, allowing us to produce exceptional wines.” 

“We planted our first vineyard in 2010 and currently own and manage 18 acres of cold hardy grapes. The vineyards are planted using GPS guidance and all have underground drip irrigation,” stated Joe. “Before we began our own wine production, we sold our grapes to commercial wineries from Fargo, North Dakota to St. Peter, Minnesota and everywhere in between.

Rolling Forks Vineyards offers several distinctive Minnesota wines that pair well with good company and long evenings, all made to be savored. Most are semi-sweet wines and each with its own balance of body, complexity and smooth finish. Their Minnesota wines are recognized and award-winning by national and international organizations.

The Cihlar’s have truly perfected their craft by offering delicately balanced white wines, exceptionally complex red wines and their most popular option, the Ruby Rhubarb wine. They also create other fruit and rose’ wines.

The pair have truly created an experience for all of their guests by offering a curated menu featuring enticing appetizers, savory sandwiches, crisp salads, delicious pizza, satisfying desserts and tasty gluten-free options. From wine tours and tastings to wine country picnics and private events, the winery offers the opportunity to sip, relax and enjoy the best of Minnesota wine. 

The Cihlar’s and Rolling Forks Vineyards will be recognized at a luncheon event on Thursday at Lakeside Ballroom in Glenwood. This year’s salute is co-sponsored by the City of Glenwood, City of Starbuck, Glenwood Development Corporation, Glenwood Lakes Area Welcome Center, Heartland Orthopedic Specialists, Pope County Commission, Pope County HRA/EDA and the Starbuck Area Chamber of Commerce.