Cannon Falls Winery - Cannon Falls, MN

Saturday night we visited the Cannon River Winery in Cannon Falls, Minnesota. We are on their email list and received word that they would have live music in honor of St. Patrick's day. We are always looking for an excuse to visit this beautiful winery in a century old restored garage in downtown Cannon Falls and live celtic music seemed like a perfect one. It is just a short drive from the Twin Cities and well worth the trip. The place was packed but we hung out with a glass of wine each and eventually snagged a table. I did a tasting and was reminded why Cannon River winery is my all time favorite winery in Minnesota. All of their wines are very good – reds and whites. They do a lot of blends that result in very pleasing wines to the palette. They were currently out of my favorite - Lorraine’s White (made from reisling and Minnesota LaCrescent grapes) but I settled on a glass of Classic White and for my second go-around had a glass of their Minnesota Meritage which was absolutely delicious! Minnesota Meritage is a blend of Minnesota Foch & Frontenac, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Merlot. Their wines range between $13 and $17 a bottle with the exception of Bootlegger’s Red which runs $28/bottle. All can be purchased on site or found around many liquor stores in the Twin Cities area. We purchased some crackers and Peppercorn goat cheese from their little refrigerator to snack on while we enjoyed the celtic music and lively atmosphere and had a fabulous time. I can’t wait to go back on mother’s day weekend for their Girls Day Away and also for the unveiling of this year’s Lorraine’s White on May 2nd. They are close to the Cannon Valley bike trail and get a lot of traffic in the summer from the bikers. Check out their website to find out more… http://www.cannonriverwinery.com/

Chateau LaMothe - Burnsville, MN

2/15/09
Last night Greg and I headed out to Chateau LaMothe in Burnsville. This is one of our favorite wine bar/restaurants as the service is always great, the atmosphere is cozy, and the food there is outstanding. They are located at County Road 42 & Nicollet behind the PDQ and next to Fairfield Inn. They have a nice selection of wines both by the glass and bottle. It being Valentine’s day, and also Saturday night, we decided to avoid the crowds and got there around 10:00 pm for their ½ price glasses of wine and a pizza. Seating was not a problem in the bar area as it was starting to die down for the evening. There was still a band playing in the banquet room and a peek in showed that there was a very nice formal Valentine’s dinner going on. We were slightly disappointed to learn that they weren’t running the usual Saturday night special of ½ price glasses of wine and had a limited menu due to the holiday, but settled on a light dinner of soup and bread with dessert. Greg ordered French onion soup topped with swiss cheese and baquette which was thick with onions and very tasty. I had the lobster bisque which had sherry and cayenne pepper in it which was to die for, along with a crusty bread board. They also brought us a free appetizer of hummus and crackers which was nice. Doris Lamott Hoel the chef has wowed us with the food there time and time again and always makes an appearance herself to ask how the food is. The waitstaff is very friendly and her husband David Hoel tends bar. Other favorites include Beef Wellington and Thai Chicken. Greg favors reds while I favor whites, but tonight we decided to split a bottle of 2007 Santa di Terrossa Pinot Grigio from Verona Italy. We both enjoyed the wine as well. For dessert we split an order of crepes filled with almond mousse and topped with a sauce made of blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and toasted almonds. Our bill came to $60 before tip. The atmosphere can’t be beat at Chateau LaMothe – with the décor and hospitality. The bar area has wooden beams overhead lined with wine bottles and draped with vines and a big wine bottle chandler. Curved glass separates the wine bar from the entry way and oftentimes they will have a pianist playing. They often host special events and we’ve taken swing dance lessons there which are fun and include pizza! We would rate is as the “most romantic” wine bar we’ve been to and give it a big thumbs up for anyone looking for good food or an intimate setting for date night or a get together.