How Did Two Educators Come to Open a North Dakota Winery?
We’re Bob and Deb Grosz, the husband-and-wife team behind Dakota Vines, just south of Fargo near Colfax. Since opening in 2018, we’ve been committed to crafting approachable, high-quality wines using grapes and fruits that thrive in the Northern Plains. Our winery is a place where guests can relax, explore a wine tasting/flight, and experience the best of what North Dakota has to offer.
By trade, we’re both educators—and that love for learning and sharing knowledge naturally finds its way into our work at Dakota Vines. From explaining the winemaking process to introducing guests to lesser-known cold-hardy grape varietals, we enjoy helping others discover the unique qualities of northern grown/made wine. Our visitors often tell us how much they appreciate the chance to learn, taste, and connect—all in one visit.
Bob's winemaking journey began in 2003, when he started making wine at home as a hobby. After becoming "empty nesters," we began visiting wineries in California and across the Upper Midwest. This inspired us to take the next step. Bob returned to school to pursue a formal education in enology, which included numerous weekend internships in wineries in Minnesota and a wine lab in Ohio. These experiences laid the foundation for what would eventually become Dakota Vines.
Dakota Vines is more than just a winery—it’s a family-run business in the truest sense. At times, three generations pitch in to help with everything from hosting to bottling (even our grandgirls have stuck labels on a few bottles!). This family-first approach shapes everything we do, from our day-to-day operations to the relationships we build with our guests and our community.
We take pride in sourcing local ingredients whenever possible and partnering with nearby growers to keep our wines true to the region. Each season, we strive to refine our craft, and we’re honored that our efforts have been recognized nationally—including multiple medals and a Jefferson Cup from the Jefferson Cup Invitational Wine Competition.
We’re grateful for the support of our growing community and excited to keep sharing what makes Dakota Vines special. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or discovering us for the first time, we invite you to stop by, sip, and stay awhile.
