As we mark the 25th anniversary of Carlos Creek Winery, there is so much to celebrate. More than just a number, our 25 years represent an entire journey of intention. Carlos Creek Winery has always held an unwavering dedication to creating a space where everyone not only feels welcome, but special. To fostering community and connection through craftsmanship. Always working to be the perfect foundation for memories to be built upon.
Join us on a journey from past to present with a closer look at the history Minnesota’s wine scene and Carlos Creek Winery’s 25 years.
Minnesota’s Wine History
The rich tapestry of Minnesota’s wine history is woven with determination, innovation, and a deep connection to the land. In 1887, the Hatch Act established the Experimental Agricultural Station at the University of Minnesota, where Dr. M.J. Dorsey introduced the Bluebell grape, still grown today. The early 20th century saw vineyards flourish, but Prohibition in 1920 halted wine production. By 1933, as Prohibition ended, a resurgence began. Elmer Swenson, a Wisconsin dairy farmer, led the charge in grape breeding, and in 1969, the University of Minnesota hired him to manage their experimental vineyard.
The Minnesota Farm Winery Act soon followed, paving the way for the state’s first wineries, Northern Vineyards and Alexis Bailly. Between 1985 and 2015, Peter Hemstad joined the University of Minnesota as a grape breeder and viticulturist, significantly advancing the state’s wine industry. The turn of the millennium saw the establishment of the Alexandria Lakes AVA and the University of Minnesota’s experimental winery. By 2009, the Upper Mississippi River AVA was established, and Minnesota boasted 37 wineries and 1,500 acres of grapes. Today, in 2024, Minnesota is home to over 90 wineries and 2,400 acres of grapes.
The Early Days of Carlos Creek Winery
Amid a flourishing viticultural landscape in the state of Minnesota, Carlos Creek Winery has carved out its own remarkable legacy on 190 acres in the heart of the Alexandria Lakes area. Prior to becoming a vineyard and winery in the state’s first Federally Approved Viticultural Area (AVA), the property was a dairy farm. Established in 1997 and opening its doors in 1999, Carlos Creek Winery was the sixth winery to open in Minnesota. Robert and Deb Johnson operated the winery for nine years until a fateful day in 2008.
The Bredeson Family Story
In 2008, Kim and Tami Bredeson took a leap of faith that would change their lives forever. Leaving Baudette, Minnesota, they moved south—not to the lush vineyards of Napa or Sonoma, as their friends and family imagined, but to the rolling landscapes of Alexandria, Minnesota.
Their journey into the wine world began with a single bottle of Opus One, a gift from a client of Kim’s woodcarving business. The beautifully packaged wine came with a note: “Our masterpiece for your masterpiece.” This gesture sparked a passion in the Bredesons that led to five years of winery visits, studying, and savoring wines before they finally took the plunge and bought Carlos Creek Winery. They celebrated the purchase with that very bottle of Opus One, symbolizing the beginning of their dream.
Upon their arrival in 2008, the winery was producing about 3,000 cases of wine, there were no estate-grown grapes used, and the building that was is now the Grand Hall event center was a horse stable and riding arena with a dirt floor.
Becoming Who We Are Today
Since 2008, Carlos Creek Winery has evolved in countless ways. Renovations, expansions, and tireless dedication have transformed the property into a vibrant hub of activity. With the addition of the Grand Hall event center, 22 Northmen Brewing Co., Stoke Artisan Wood-Fired Pizza, and Sizzle food truck, Carlos Creek Winery is a must-see Minnesota destination. Take a look at some of the many changes over the years that brought the winery to where it is now.
Wine Production and Tasting Room
In 2008, the Carlos Creek Winery Tasting Room had a whole different look to it than it does today. In addition to that, wine production was located in the back area of the Tasting Room building. As wine production increased from about 7,000 gallons to more than 20,000 gallons, it was clear that the wine production facility needed to be replaced. In 2015, a new 6,700 square-foot, two-story building, that included a laboratory, was finished. The Tasting Room has since been renovated and refreshed a few different times over the years.
Carlos Creek Winery has grown from having its wines in a few dozen liquor stores to over 500. It has increased wine production from 7,000 gallons annually to over 34,000, and shifted philosophy to using approximately 70% Minnesota grapes, with 27% of annual production coming from estate-grown grapes.
The Grand Hall
During the winter of 2010-2011, the first renovations of the former stable took place to turn it into The Grand Hall. Appropriate flooring was put in place, and a bar, stage, and stone fireplace were built. In the next few years, new interior furnishings were added, bathrooms were installed, and the stables were converted into dressing rooms for the bride and groom.
The most recent renovations to The Grand Hall took place during 2021-2022, and the Grand Hall space can now seat more than 350 people. Carlos Creek Winery is currently recognized as one of the best places in Minnesota to hold a wedding, and approximately 50 weddings take place there each year. The Grand Hall took home Minnesota Bride’s Best Winery Venue in 2020 and 2021, Best Central Minnesota Venue in 2022, and Best Alexandria/Detroit Lakes Area Venue in 2023 and 2024.
22 Northmen Brewing Co, Beer Production, Stoke Pizza, Sizzle Food Truck
In 2019, a dream almost 10 years in the making came true when 22 Northmen Brewing Co. opened it’s doors. Inside the building as well lies Stoke Wood-Fired Pizza Kitchen.
The brewery was a popular addition and before long, the production facility needed more space. A 4,500 square-foot beer production facility was built in 2023 with additional room for a cool ship and canning line. Since production has migrated, the 22 Northmen taproom space has been expanded for customers and opened in Spring 2024.
In 2021, Sizzle Food Truck opened its doors serving up delicious flat-top fare (salads, burgers, sandwiches, apps, brunch eats) throughout the summer months.
In everything, Carlos Creek Winery prides itself on using the highest quality ingredients to create distinct, locally-made wines, craft beers, and wood-fired pizzas. Every bottle of wine, every pint of beer, and every slice of pizza is crafted with the intention of fostering connection and joy. Despite the evolution of Carlos Creek Winery, the heart of our operation remains steadfast: family and community.
A New Generation
In 2022, Kim and Tami passed the torch to their son and daughter-in-law, Tyler and Michelle Bredeson. Tyler’s began at the winery in 2008 when he postponed law school to help out for a summer, but decided to stay in the business shortly after. Michelle joined in 2009 to help start the events department, and together they have continued to build on the legacy Kim and Tami started.
Tyler and Michelle bring their own vision to Carlos Creek Winery. Their focus remains on creating products and experiences that bring people together for celebration and fun, always prioritizing quality over profit. They believe that wine and beer should be welcoming, fun, and exceptionally good.
Commitment to Sustainability and Community
Carlos Creek Winery continues to deepen its commitments to community and sustainability. The winery has focused on composting, sustainable practices (steam sanitizing, no tilling, no harsh chemicals, 100% carbon sink, using natural corks, biodegradable buffers), preserving land, and using renewable energy for many years, but with the addition of the MinnTerra sustainably made wine series in 2023, efforts have multiplied. A portion of the proceeds from every bottle of MinnTerra is donated to environmental causes in Minnesota, including land preservation, clean water initiatives, and ecosystem health.
“Our commitment to giving back to the environment and our community is unwavering. We firmly believe that great wine and giving back go hand in hand,” says Michelle Bredeson. “Caring for the earth is not just our responsibility but a legacy we leave behind—for the local Lakes Area community, the great state of Minnesota, the wine industry, and ultimately, the entire planet.”
Michelle Bredeson, Co-Owner of Carlos Creek Winery
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate this 25th anniversary milestone, we look forward to many more years of bringing people together, creating memories, and honoring the legacy of those who started this journey. Carlos Creek Winery is more than just a place to enjoy great wine, cider, and beer; it’s a place where connections are made, stories are shared, and life is celebrated. Here’s to the next 25 years of family, community, and exceptional experiences at Carlos Creek Winery. Cheers!
