Millner Heritage Winery, Free Wine Tasting Sundays Jan. - March, January 24th Fashion Show, Feb. 14th Love is in the Air! →

12/31/15 2:30 pm

Good Afternoon and Happy New Year's The answer to the question of what classic game we were playing is as most everyone got right..... 

and the winner of a free bottle of wine is Amber Perusse. Now if you didn't win, don't feel badly. Starting this Sunday everyone can win. During January through March every Sunday we are having free 5-wine tasting. Whoopi!!!

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You know when you get older you have to sometimes give into the idea of delegating jobs. On Monday Mary and I are leaving for about 3 weeks to visit our oldest son and family at Houston Texas. During this time I am delegating the newsletter writing to our employee Andrea Stowe. In a little bit of time she has gotten very involved at the winery. She has taken over most of the wedding interviews and is ready to bring on-line a new copy of our webpage, plus whole-sale wine distribution and more. Please make her very welcome on her writing. I hope she will also tell something of herself so you know her as a person. She is very interested in the MN wine industry, currently taking formal classes also.

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1. January 24th the "Wine and Spring Fashion Discovery" (Details to Follow.)

2. February 14th, "Valentines at Millner Heritage" 12:30 buffet meal, Live Music, Wine, and Love is in the Air!! (Details to follow.) 

New Hours Janurary through March. January through March we will now be open Saturday 11 - 7 pm and Sunday 11 - 6 pm. And more, every Sunday we will have Free 5-wine Tasting for everyone.

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Tis the season to be bottling!

This is the first time it has happened, Jon is already hot on bottling before first of the year.  You know there are tours which getting a look at the behind the scenes,  this is being the behind the scenes.  If you'd like to be a bottling volunteer for a four hour shift and have a fun time now is the time to sign up.   If you'd like to join us on bottling email to annamariamillner@gmail.com

Include your name, number of volunteers in your group, and dates available and a good return phone number, very important!

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 Photo of the Week

Do you recognize this young girl?  We have a famous wine named after her.  What is her name?

New Year's Eve Casino Royal Book Now, Free Bottle Wine,

12/19/15       8:30 am

Good Morning  and Merry Christmas:

     If you are short of wine for Christmas Eve, stop in today or tomorrow.  Dec. 24th we will be closed.

  And happy birthday to my sister Carol, today is the day, and I won't say how old she is but she is more elderly than myself.

     I have been busy this week working on our new bar.  It took me 3 day to get the oak lumber glued together for the two sections totaling 25 feet of bar top.  Next I will take these  bar tops to the father/son lumber supplier and get them planed and course sanded.  Final sanding I will do.  Photos below of the progress.

     Last Saturday was our Christmas Thank You, below is a little video of the Litchfield Men's Chorus.

_______________________________________

Our numbers are growing for this party, call now.  Do make the assumption that we will pull out all the stopper to be sure you are well entertained.  (Seeing our guests entertained is our entertainment.)  I know that many people wait until Christmas is done before looking at New Year's Eve, just don't forget and miss the party.  So call us today on what ever phone you use.  Don

The Brick

Mary's favorite phone.

Becoming my favorite phone.

" New Year's Eve"

Thursday Dec. 31st

6 - 10 pm

You are invited to our New Year's Eve

Casino Royale

Entry gets you access to our appetizer buffet for4 hours, two drink chips, plus play money equivalent to another glass of wine. 

The games include: But not limited to, Texas Hold'em, 5 Card Draw, Blackjack, Bingo, and STRIP POKER (Costume clothing furnished, your cloths never leave your body!)

Appetizers served 6 - 10 pm.

Vegetable Tray and Dip

Layered Taco Dip

Tortilla Style Chips

BBQ Meatballs

Chicken Salad on Mini Croissants

Assorted Cheese Tray

Assorted Crackers

BBQ Cocktail Weiners

Brownie Bites

Mini Cookies

-Wine Prizes for Best Dressed

-Play Money good to purchase Millner Heritage Wine by glass and bottle.

Pr

ice: $25/person plus tax, secure reservations required.

For reservation call 218-329-9356

or email to millnerheritagewinery@gmail.com, include return phone number.

 Photo of the Week 

and 

time to give away a free bottle of wine.

For a free bottle of wine, what was the background of the photo?  

To enter send an email to donmillner@gmail.com with the subject line "Very Merry Christmas!"

  (Employee and families Millner Heritage exempt.)

Music "Jerry Ostenso", MN Crisp Walking out the door, Digging up Dirt!'

11/7/15 Good Morning:     9:00 am       Just a short letter today.  This week I had an experience I gave many thousands of people during my dental career but never experienced myself.  What was it?  I had a molar removed, it was unsalvageable due tovertical root fracture.  It was easy, I didn't cry, swell up, or hurt.  It was easy for me, but for my class mate's son doing the work the tooth came out in many pieces due to the fracturing.  Just don't need repeat performances of this event. ___________________________________________  The Cider Corner:          The second pallet of cider is shrinking this week.  Jon has another 500 gallons in the carbonating tank, so more is coming and a semi load of cider bottles is arriving on Monday.  This week Phil, our new employee also submarine veteran, had a really good day on his wholesale route.  He sold 14 cases of wine and 25 cases of MN Crisp cider.  He is a young guy who wears the Irish hat; he works the vineyard, store, wholesale, and wine production. At the end of this sales day he was all smiles, Jon and I were also smiling. ______________________________________      Below is a video of a project we are finally doing.  This has been long on our wish list but it always seemed to play second fiddle.  The should be  operational before winter.  What is it? ________________________________________________ Up-grade domino effect:      This week we also sold our Must pump,  this is used to pump crushed grapes with juice into the tanks or into the press.  Because the new tanks we installed last August, 11 ft. 5 in. tall, our old pump cannot pump that high into a tank, hence we now need a more powerful pump.  Called growing pains and are OK. _____________________________________________________      Jon is doing the tours today, I will be gone this afternoon going to a movie with Iza.  I am planning to take her to the new "Charlie Brown" film.  I am looking forward to this afternoon.  Also, good luck to you deer hunter out there today.  Looks like a really nice day. Every hunter has fallen asleep in their blind at one time. Not all of us get this unlucky though.

This Weekend Music Playing Nov. 7 & 8     "Jerry Ostensoe" Click Photo  "The Lawrence Welk of the Blues!" "His songs blend country, folk and blues as easily as wildflowers make their own bouquet" Sat. 3 - 7 pm Sunday 2 - 5 http://www.jerryostensoe.com/fr_aboutus.cfm

PHOTO OF THE WEEK Good advice is good advice. Find other photos like this one throughout the week by following our new Instagram account! @millnerheritagewinery

MN Crisp back in Bottle, Vineathon Saturday with Minneapolis Jazz Trio, Sunday "Just Jerome", Next Week St. Martin Day Free Party.

The Best Vineyard & Winery Tours in Minnesota!

Millner Heritage Winery 32025 MN Hwy 15 Kimball, MN 55353 320-398-2081

10/29/15 Good Morning:     10:00 am      I have more cider news, last Monday Jon bottled two pallets of Minnesota Crisp hard cider in the 22 ounce bottles.  Yesterday he showed me that one pallet is already gone to the wholesale market, but don't fear we still have a pallet at the winery and next week he bottles another 500 gallons.  We announced the return of MN Crisp on Facebook and the response has been exceptional.      Given this on my mind I awoke this morning with a panic dream.  I dreamt that every bottle of wine at the winery was gone.  I just couldn't find a single bottle of wine, imagine that, good think I woke up. ____________________________________________________ Welcome!      Also this week Andrea, our newest worker, entered in 78 new emails for this news letter.  Welcome to the new readers and don't miss the two events below.           For this Saturday's Vineathon Jon received the pumpkins yesterday. T he weather forecast is good, this is a run, walk, crawl event through the vineyard with or without wine.  Should be a nice day and a good fund raiser for the breaking free organization.      Also if it is you're first time reading this letter, don't miss the St. Martin's Day Customer Appreciation Party, November 7th.  This is a free event as a case club member.  See the details below. ____________________________________________    Upcoming Events:      For the Spooky Vineathon the weather forecast is good. Boogy boogy boogy on Halloween! From 2 - 5 pm the Minneapolis Jazz Trio will be playing. 1. Our Spooky Vineathon 5K Fun Run/ Walk through our vineyard.  This is a fund raiser for  the organization Breaking Free: To read more, click on logo About Breaking Free is a Minnesota-based non-profit and social justice/social change organization founded in 1996 by Vednita Carter.   Every year, Breaking Free helps an average of 400-500 women and girls escape systems of prostitution and sexual exploitation through advocacy, direct services, housing, and education. Our main offices are located in St. Paul, Minnesota, with branches in Rochester and Minneapolis. Breaking Free's doors are open to women and girls throughout Minnesota and the United States. Click on Photo to Register ___________________________________________ 2. I am currently booked at 42 guests, we can handle more. St. Martin's Day  Case Club  Appreciation Party!   November 7th Social 5 pm  Serving time 6 pm      This event is Free with the requirement  that each couple at least fill their bottle bag with six bottles to take home, priced at case discount. That's just 3 bottles per person of your favorite wines.  Don't have a bag? Buy a full case, 12 bottles, at the party and we'll still include you for the party. In honor of St. Martin's Day, the patron saint of Wine, we are serving a  traditional German Buffet prepared by Austrian  Chef Heinrich Wurdek.    Yes all of this is Free! ________________________ We will be serving : - Sauer Braten, a sour roast meat, regarded as one of the national dishes of Germany - Spatzle,    a kind of soft egg noodle or dumpling found in the cuisines of southern Germany and Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, Alsace and South Tyrol. - Orange Glaze Carrots - Green Leaf Lettuce Salad. - Plus Chocolate Bundt Cake __________________________      After the meal we'll also have a traditional St. Martin's day lantern parade through the vineyard. And more - We'll have live music and afree glass of wine for each guest.   For more details on St. Martin, the patron saint of  w ine https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Martin%27s_Day  click Seating is limited and RSVP required. To reserve call Don Millner at 320-237-1958 or email to donmillner@gmail.com with the subject line "Free". Include your phone number and number of guests. I will return call to finalize. Remember, you have to bring your 6-pack bag along to the event to enter. If you have more than one bag, bring another couple. Again remember,don't forget your bottle bag and advanced reservations required. This date is open to everyone with a 6-pack bag regardless of previous parties attended. Thank you

This Weekend Music Playing Oct. 31st  is the "Minneapolis Jazz Trio" And Playing Nov. 1st is "Just Jerome" playing clarinet, saxaphone, keyboard, and voice. Performing a variety of music Genre.

My How Time Flies      Yesterday I realized that this fall we are now 10 years working on the winery project.  I was a young 53 yr. old at that time and Mary was even younger.  Jon and Anna were closer to kids and Iza wasn't.  I think this is worth celebrating. Looking for a photo to put here, I googled Millner Heritage Winery Photos and got quite a response of a blend of pictures from over the years.  If you'd like to see some of them click  HERE .

PHOTO OF THE WEEK Nothing like a cold MN Crisp. Find other photos like this one throughout the week by following our new Instagram account! @millnerheritagewinery

MN Crisp back in Keg, Pushing Chain new band, Vineathon Next Week, St. Martin Soon.

April 1st through December 31st Open: Thursday 11 - 7 Fri. & Sat. 11 - 8 Sunday 11 - 6  The Best Vineyard & Winery Tours in Minnesota! Millner Heritage Winery 32025 MN Hwy 15 Kimball, MN 55353 320-398-2081 10/23/15 Good Morning:     9:40 am      I have some cider news.  Minnesota Crisp, our hardapple cider make from a blend of 5 apple varieties from Trump Orchard of Faribault, is back on tap and available for keg sales.  And next week the 22 ounce bottles return to the shelves.  What makes this cider stand out from the rest of the market is that it starts with fresh squeezed apple juice brought to our winery and then it is fermented in a white wine style.  This gives it special fruity flavor similar to drinking an apple moscato.      Even more cider news:  We are finishing up on a new cider, it is made from 5 apples and one grape.  Having six ingredients and keep in mind our German speaking heritage you'll understand the label name.  This cider is currently fermented but not yet ready for bottling.  I have tasted it and I think you will love it.  Apple with a little zing. ____________________________________________________      This afternoon we get to do one of those grandparent things, it is grandparent day at Iza's school.  She talked with grandma last week to be sure we come, she also already said she wants to come home with us after the program.  This must be auniversal and multi-generational thing, liking to get out of school early.  When I was in junior high, my dad let me skip the Christmas program at school and go fishing with him.  Of course, now days that would be a poor example to your children.  All the same I still kept my work ethic.  When it is time to work, you work; and time to play, then play. ____________________________________________    Upcoming Events: Boogy boogy boogy on Halloween! From 2 - 5 pm the Minneapolis Jazz Trio will be playing. 1. Our Spooky Vineathon 5K Fun Run/ Walk through our vineyard.  This is a fund raiser for  the organization Breaking Free: To read more, click on logo About Breaking Free is a Minnesota-based non-profit and social justice/social change organization  founded in 1996 by Vednita Carter.   Every year, Breaking Free helps an average of 400-500 women and girls escape systems of prostitution and sexual exploitation through advocacy, direct services, housing, and education. Our main offices are located in St. Paul, Minnesota, with branches in Rochester and Minneapolis. Breaking Free's doors are open to women and girls throughout Minnesota and the United States. Click on Photo to Register ___________________________________________ 2. Don't miss out, this will be our only case club party this fall. St. Martin's Day  Case Club  Appreciation Party!   November 7th Social 5 pm  Serving time 6 pm      This event is Free with the requirement that each couple at least fill their bottle bag with six bottles to take home, priced at case discount. That's just 3 bottles per person of your favorite wines.  Don't have a bag? Buy a full case, 12 bottles, at the party and we'll still include you for the party. In honor of St. Martin's Day, the patron saint of Wine, we are serving a  traditional German Buffet prepared by Austrian  Chef Heinrich Wurdek.    Yes all of this is Free! ________________________ We will be serving : - Sauer Braten, a sour roast meat, regarded as one of the national dishes of Germany - Spatzle,    a kind of soft egg noodle or dumpling found in the cuisines of southern Germany and Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, Alsace and South Tyrol. - Orange Glaze Carrots - Green Leaf Lettuce Salad. - Plus Chocolate Bundt Cake __________________________      After the meal we'll also have a traditional St. Martin's day lantern parade through the vineyard. And more - We'll have live music and a free glass of wine for each guest.   For more details on St. Martin, the patron saint of  w ine https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Martin%27s_Day  click Seating is limited and RSVP required. To reserve call Don Millner at 320-237-1958 or email to donmillner@gmail.com with the subject line "Free". Include your phone number and number of guests. I will return call to finalize. Remember, you have to bring your 6-pack bag along to the event to enter. If you have more than one bag, bring another couple. Again remember,don't forget your bottle bag and advanced reservations required. This date is open to everyone with a 6-pack bag regardless of previous parties attended. Thank you This Weekend Music Playing Oct. 24th & 25th, each day 2 - 5 pm Pushing Chain Pushing Chain, a duo from Minnesota's north shore, features Boyd Blomberg on guitar and vocals and Adam Moe on fiddle and vocals. Their Americana-roots sound has been winning them fans throughout the Midwest, including a recent invitation to sing the National Anthem at the upcoming Twins/White Sox game. The duo features tight harmonies and a gonzo approach that keeps performances fresh and exciting, whether they're playing original songs, covers of classic artists like Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, and Nina Simone, or fresh new takes on old folk songs. http://www.pushingchain.com/video/   PHOTO OF THE WEEK Kung Fu Jon, our winemaker of the week and month and year. Find other photos like this one throughout the week by following our new Instagram account! @millnerheritagewinery

Millner Heritage Winery: Verlyn Country Sat. & Sunday, New Spooky Video, Free St. Martin Meal Reg. now.

10/17/15 Good Morning:     7:40 am       Yes today it is a little frosty start to the day, but then it is Oct. 17th.  It has been a wonderful fall, the grapes have had time to collect energy and prepare for their long winter nap.  The process is called hardening off, the new growth of the vine becomes woody and the juices flow backward to the roots.   The buds loose water and develop almost a type of anti-freeze, a gradual cool down going into winter is best.      Granddaughter Iza, 8 yrs. old, made a cute comment this week.  We were allwatching a comedy movie and the main character commented that he was now going to become a dad because he had gone all the way.  I asked Iza, "What does "Going all the way",mean?"  She replied, "That's when a couple gets married, live together, and do everything together."  We all smiled, it was cute.        Yesterday Jon did the second filtering of the new vintage of  Minnesota Crisp, our hard apple cider.  I believe he is trying to get it back into kegs and bottles by the first part of November.  I sampled and the flavor is right on track, fall is a good time to have this available especially for Thanks Giving day. ____________________________________________    Upcoming Events: Now the Spooky Vineathon 5K even has it own video.  Jon, Anna, and Iza being spooky.   If you don't run, you can skip, stroll, jump rope, crawl, or what ever the heck works for you.  The important thing is to come and help  "Breaking Free"and of course have fun doing it.  Please register early, it really helps to know a pumpkin count. 1. Our Spooky Vineathon 5K Fun Run/ Walk through our vineyard.  This is a fund raiser for  the organization Breaking Free: To read more, click on logo About Breaking Free is a Minnesota-based non-profit and social justice/social change organization founded in 1996 by Vednita Carter.   Every year, Breaking Free helps an average of 400-500 women and girls escape systems of prostitution and sexual exploitation through advocacy, direct services, housing, and education. Our main offices are located in St. Paul, Minnesota, with branches in Rochester and Minneapolis. Breaking Free's doors are open to women and girls throughout Minnesota and the United States. Click on Photo to Register ___________________________________________ 2. St. Martin's Day  Case Club  Appreciation Party!   November 7th Social 5 pm  Serving time 6 pm      This event is Free with the requirement  that each couple at least fill their bottle bag with six bottles to take home, priced at case discount. That's just 3 bottles per person of your favorite wines.  Don't have a bag? Buy a full case, 12 bottles, at the party and we'll still include you for the party. In honor of St. Martin's Day, the patron saint of Wine, we are serving a  traditional German Buffet prepared by Austrian  Chef Heinrich Wurdek.    Yes all of this is Free! ________________________ We will be serving : - Sauer Braten, a sour roast meat, regarded as one of the national dishes of Germany - Spatzle,    a kind of soft egg noodle or dumpling found in the cuisines of southern Germany and Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, Alsace and South Tyrol. - Orange Glaze Carrots - Green Leaf Lettuce Salad. - Plus Chocolate Bundt Cake __________________________      After the meal we'll also have a traditional St. Martin's day lantern parade through the vineyard. And more - We'll have live music and a free glass of wine for each guest.   For more details on St. Martin, the patron saint of  w ine https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Martin%27s_Day  click Seating is limited and RSVP required. To reserve call Don Millner at 320-237-1958 or email to donmillner@gmail.com with the subject line "Free". Include your phone number and number of guests. I will return call to finalize. Remember, you have to bring your 6-pack bag along to the event to enter. If you have more than one bag, bring another couple. Again remember,don't forget your bottle bag and advanced reservations required. This date is open to everyone with a 6-pack bag regardless of previous parties attended. Thank you

This Weekend Music Playing Oct. 17 & 18 "Verlyn's  Four Wheel Drive 1 Man band", Country 2 - 5 pm each day

PHOTO OF THE WEEK Where the magic happens. Find other photos like this one throughout the week by following our new Instagram account! @millnerheritagewinery

TerryNelson Country Sat.,Sunday, Spooky Vineathon, Case Club Party,Stomp Videos, & Bee Careful.

10/10/15 Good Morning:     8:40 am       All I can say is the the Rockin Stompin Grape Stomp was wonderful.  I thank everyone who came and enjoyed the event.  It is always nice to throw a party and people come, that makes it all worth while.      Last Sunday we had two video interview almost at the same time.  The first was from St. Cloud State University, they have an in-house TV channel to train students in this field.  The second one was from WJON radio.  Below are their videos. http://wjon.com/a-rockin-stompin-weekend-at-kimball-winery-video/      Just in case you missed the last video of our top ten reasons to go to the grape stomp.  I really have to laugh how Iza, our 8 yr. old granddaughter, really piped in on this video. ____________________________________________    Upcoming Events: 1. Our Spooky Vineathon 5K Fun Run/ Walk through our vineyard.  This is a fund raiser for  the organization Breaking Free: To read more, click on logo About Breaking Free is a Minnesota-based non-profit and social justice/social change organization founded in 1996 by Vednita Carter.   Every year, Breaking Free helps an average of 400-500 women and girls escape systems of prostitution and sexual exploitation through advocacy, direct services, housing, and education. Our main offices are located in St. Paul, Minnesota, with branches in Rochester and Minneapolis. Breaking Free's doors are open to women and girls throughout Minnesota and the United States. Click on Photo to Register ___________________________________________ 2. Mark your calendar for November 7th for our  St. Martin's Day  Case Club  Appreciation Party! The details will follow next week, this is the free event if you own a Millner Heritage 6-pack bag. For more details on St. Martin, the patron saint of wine click https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Martin%27s_Day

This Weekend Music Playing Oct. 10 & 11 Terry Nelson playing Country. Both days 2 - 5 pm

PHOTO OF THE WEEK Harvest is the best time of the year. Sometimes you need to bee careful! Find other photos like this one throughout the week by following our new Instagram account! @millnerheritagewinery

Live Music Terry Nelson, Iza's Gummy Lemonade, Nice and Hot

April 1st through December 31st Open: Thursday 11 - 7 Fri. & Sat. 11 - 8 Sunday 11 - 6  The Best Vineyard & Winery Tours in Minnesota! Millner Heritage Winery 32025 MN Hwy 15 Kimball, MN 55353 320-398-2081 7/24/15 Good Afternoon:    Yes it is a little hot out today.  All I can say is that this is  good grape growing weather.  Humidity we don't need, but hot is good.  The vineyard   tours are now getting into prime time.  Soon the grapes should be going into verasion. Quoted from my google search, "Véraison is a viticulture (grape-growing) term meaning "the onset of ripening". It is originally French, but has been adopted into English use. The official definition of veraison is "change of color of the grape berries.""        Normally our Valiant grape, used to make  our wine called Nordsuss,  is our first variety to start the color change.  The white grapes also change color going from green to a whitish tone and at this time the flavor compounds and sugars in the grapes are developing.      Harvest could well be started in about a month.  If you'd like to be part of a harvest party follow the instructions below.  If this is new to you, being a harvest volunteer means working about 4 hour in the vineyard cutting off clusters of grapes into pails, those pails then dump into bins right in the vineyard, we then haul the bins to the winery for processing.  Usually we start about 8:30 in the morning  complete by 12:30 then we bring in a very nice meal, all the wine you'd like to drink, and then send bottles of wine home with you.  I don't have specific date now, to register I need your name, a good phone number, days of the week when you can come, and how many people in your group. Some of the harvest is on weekday and some on weekends, the variable is how the when the grapes are a peak flavor to harvest.  All of our contact is via phone voice, not texting, therefore a good phone number is important. email to donmillner@gmail.com with the subject line "2015 Harvest Party!" _______________________________________________      Last weekend at  our festival Iza, our 8 yr. old granddaughter, did quite well on her lemonade stand.  She sold out all except for the little bit at the very bottom of her glass container.  Do you remember when you were a kid how on an ice-cream on a stick Yuck! after the ice-cream is gone how one last lick of the stick seems to be attractive?  Well I must still be a kid. Late Saturday after Iza was gone playing I though I'd test her lemonade and just the bottom of the jar was left and almost no cups.  Tilting the jar I got about half a cup out, walked away and took a sip.  Not bad until I saw that someone had already used this cup and stuck their chewing gum in bottom of it, yuck Gross!      Iza did well enough on her lemonade stand   that with this money  and her gumball machine money she bought a Barbie house.  I think that it is good to see her managing to buy something using her own money.  I wonder if the gum in the bottom of the glass came from Iza's gumball machine.  Does it then mean that someone helped Iza twice?  (It still was gross to see.) __________________________________      This week I received a letter in the mail with return address that didn't look familiar and seemed to have the feel of something out of ordinary.  Upon opening it I was correct, it was a thank you note from visitors earlier this summer.  Early on a Saturday morning I was cleaning out the grease trap in the dish-room.  I don't like doing this on a day when customers are coming, but the drain was blocked and I had to do it.  Consequently I had all the door open and the air ex-changer running to get the smell out.  This is not a fun job, but when you are CEO you get to  do everything.       About 1 1/2 hours prior to opening time, I was just finishing up on my project, when a car  pulls into the lot with two couples from the metro area.  They had been on the road a while driving out especially to visit our winery.  They then realized that they had miss read our opening time on line.  What does a good host do?  Open the bar, no problem. Click to read Letter ____________________________________      Sometimes life is life.  I received a very sad phone message this week.  One of our winery volunteers and avid advocate for our wine, especially MN Crisp Cider, died. Click to view Obituary His name is Ken Thorseth, his wife is Jane.  Ken and Jane are from Sauk Rapids.  Ken helped us quite a lot on bottling the past year. He was a joy to work with and he enjoyed MN Crisp by the keg, I think I sold him his last keg.  One just doesn't know how long we'll be on the earth, enjoy while you can.  Our condolences to Jane and we'll remember her and Ken in our prayers. _____________________________________ Last week's trivia question was, "What did this group paint?" The correct answer was a tree and the winner isAlice Karg.  Congratulations on an easy bottle of wine. _______________________________________________________________________ Free Music this Saturday and Sunday! Playing both day from 2 - 5 pm will be: Terry Nelson  Playing Country

Free Live Music: Duke Zecco, Free Case Club Party, Anniv./Ethnic Fest. July, Gemutlichkeit Soooooon.

5/30/15  8:30 am Good Morning:      Last newsletter we were within 2 degrees of a frost, now the grapes are starting to shoot out.  Jon is particularly pleased with how the Frontenac and  Frontenac Gris are growing.  The Prairie Star and Marquette are not quite as good.  This year  our start has the potential for an excellent crop but then this is farming and much can go wrong before harvest.  The forecast for hot weather next week is good to see for me. _______________________________________________           On the subject of wine, Jon did his second filtering of the new vintage of Gemutlichkeit wine yesterday.  This is the wine that drinks like a moscato and I know customers have been waiting for this one to be back on the shelves. If our bottling supplies for this label arrive it will soooooon be available. _______________________________      Free wine tasting! I received an email from Dan, our metro sales rep, announcing a tasting he is doing. "Hi Don,      I will be pouring a selection of Millner Heritage Wines June 4th from 4:30-6:30.  It will be at South Lyndale Liquors  5300 Lyndale Ave S MPLS MN 55419.  Not sure about how many to pour yet but thinking 3 whites, Freizeit, Salier, Little Iza.  If I do a red it will be Neuhaus as Draga already sells well there." __________________________ Don't miss below our upcoming events.  Our live music, Our first case club party of 2015, and mark you calendar or smart phone for our Anniversary & Ethnic Festival July 18th and 19th.  Thank you Don Free Live music at  Millner Heritage! This week our performer is: Duke Zecco Playing Saturday and Sunday 2 - 5 pm He plays 50's, 60's, and 70's on his 12 string guitar with his calloused fingertips. CASE CLUB APPRECIATION PARTY!! June 28th!      Do you recognize this bag? If you bought a case of wine at Millner Heritage Winery in approx. the last two years, you received a bag like this.      As you probably already know this bag always gives you case discount on just buying at least 6 bottles, forever.      This bag is also the entry ticket for two guests for our case club up-coming appreciation party. Don't have a bag? Buy a full case, 12 bottles, at the party and we'll still include you for the party. June 28th 11:30 - 2:30 pm, with Serving time promptly at 12:30. The party includes live music, a buffet meal for two served on china with linen, and a glass of wine for each person. The menu: Baked Chicken, Garlic Mashed with Butter  & Chives, Sliced Carrots, Italian Pasta Salad, & Mini Cheesecakes. The Banquet, Wine, and Music are all FREE.         We do require that each couple at least fill their bottle bag with six bottles to take home, priced at case discount. That's just 3 bottles per person of your favorite wines.  Seating is limited and RSVP required. To reserve call Don Millner at 320-237-1958 or email to donmillner@gmail.com with the subject line "Free". Include your phone number and number of guests. I will return call to finalize. Remember, you have to bring your 6-pack bag along to the event to enter. If you have more than one bag, bring another couple. Again remember, don't forget your bottle bag and advanced reservations required. This date is open to everyone with a 6-pack bag regardless of previous parties attended. Thank you Anniversary  and  Ethnic Festival July  18th & 19th Come help us celebrate the last six years with a party! Free Entertainment and Free Wine-Tasting Saturday the 19th: -The Videki Hungarians Dancers (In totally new Costumes), -Charlie Roth and the Shamrocks plus the St. Paul Irish Dancers  Sunday the 20th: The S.G. Edelweiss Bavarian Dancers  The Singing Slovenes Hours: Saturday 11 - 8 Sunday 11 - 6 Millner Heritage Winery 32025 MN Hwy 15, Kimball 55353 www.millnerheritage.com Thank you for your time.   Don Millner  Millner Heritage Winery www.millnerheritage.com 320-398-2081 April 1st through December 31st Open: Thursday  11 - 7 Fri. & Sat.  11 - 8 Sunday  11 - 6 Join our newsletter! Always be in the know! To Join Send an email to  donmillner@gmail.com with the subject line  "Newsletter"

02/05/15 newsletter

To Join our Newsletter, email to donmillner@gmail.com (subject: newsletter) Millner Heritage Winery, 32025 MN Hwy 15, Kimball, MN 55353 320-398-2081  April 1st through December 31st Open: Thursday  11 - 7 Fri. & Sat.  11 - 8 Sunday  11 - 6 January 2nd through March 31st Open Saturdays 11 - 7 pm (With Free Mulled wine every day) 02/05/15   3:00 pm Good Afternoon:      Another week has passed and we have settled back into our routine of life, back from the Caribbean.  This week Mary came down with bronchitis, lots of hacking and poor sleep.  Today she seems to have improved some, I told her this morning that this sure gives her a sexy voice.  She smiled a little, so she must be getting better.  Tomorrow we start the Minnesota Grape Growers Association (MGGA)  annual convention, this year in downtown Mpls.  Jon and Anna will leave early, I'll leave to avoid rush hour, and all of our workers are also going down this year.  Mary will be staying home with Iza and I will be back at the winery on Saturday, with free mulled wine to take off the winter chill.      On this convention I look forward to seeing the other vineyard and winery people that we have gotten to know from prior years.  I also enjoy the Friday night wine stroll.  We'll have our booth and pouring samples, work the crowd getting them to laugh and just plain have fun.  We will be premiering two new products this year, Minnesota Crisp our apple cider and a new fruity, dry red wine made from the grape Marechal Foch.  This one is noted for its good taste and eye catching label.  I even have a 30 second jingle already worked out for this wine.      I just got off the phone with Jon, he is having a problem with the Minnesota Crisp but it is a good problem.  He made a 1,000 gallon batch first and most of this went into kegs with a smaller portion in bottles.  The kegs are selling good at the bars and restaurants, the problem is with the bottled portion, the cases are flying off the shelves for the wholesale market.  He is holding back some cases to sell at the winery.  A second 1,000 gallon batch will come into bottling later this month, all in bottles.  Definitely a good problem, on wholesale the buyers are tasting from sample bottles and must like what they taste.      ______________________________________________________________      Do you remember last week's trivia question?  Read below to refresh your mind. 1. Leaving on the above cruise I was sure to pack my close friend of over 10 years in my suitcase.  He traveled fine with the airlines but the cruise line put him in solitaryconfinement.  The first night on ship I had no suitcase and nearly no cloths.  The next day security finally made contact that my suitcase with my friend inside was being held because it had a weapon inside. My friend has the initials of L.M.  Who is my friend? The correct answer to this one is my Leather-Man Multitool. (I guess technically the initials are L.M.M.)  The winner is Bill Ludwig of Paynesville. 2.  Above I mentioned that we ate toooo much, this really reminded me of the ducks and geese that are force fed in France to make  a popular and well-known delicacy in Frenchcuisine. Its flavor is described as rich, buttery, and delicate, unlike that of an ordinary duck or goose liver. Sometimes I think after eating I even waddled like a duck.  What is the name of this French delicacy? The correct answer to the force fed ducks and geese is Foie Gras.  The winner of a free bottle of wine is Sandy Pierce. Congratulation to both winners. _____________________________________________________________          If you are interested in our Valentine's Party, book now.  I already have 78 of 112 spots reserved.  If you'd like to hear the professional radio ad for this event  Click here. The radio advertising just started yesterday,  if you know you'd like to book please do it now. "Have I told you lately that I Love you..." Join us for an   " I Love You Valentine's Day Party"  Saturday February 14th. Charcoal Grilled Pork Loin with BBQ Sauce Chicken Alfredo Garlic mashed potatoes Baby carrots and full length Green Beans Asian Lettuce Salad Dinner Rolls & Butter Plus 1 glass Millner Heritage Wine Minnesota Crisp Apple Cider, Mixed Drinks and Beer Additional cost. Also don't miss Free Wine Bingo and more Valentine Games. Live Music by: Cathie English, Performing 5:30 - 8:30 Central Minnesota singer/songwriter whose American finger-style guitar playing an easy listening Americana folk music. Seating & Social starting at 5:30 with Serving Time Promptly at 6:30 pm Priced at $22 plus tax/person, secured reservations required. For reservations call 320-237-1958 or email to donmillner@gmail.com, include return phone number. ______________________________________________________ Thank you for your time.   Don Millner  Millner Heritage Winery www.millnerheritage.com 320-398-2081 April 1st through December 31st Open: Thursday  11 - 7 Fri. & Sat.  11 - 8 Sunday  11 - 6 Join our newsletter! Always be in the know! To Join Send an email to  donmillner@gmail.com with the subject line  "Newsletter"