Prairie Berry Winery - A Sioux Falls Destination

With a history as old as South Dakota itself (actually 12 years older), Prairie Berry winery is the real deal. It all began with Moravian homesteader Anna Pesa Vojta in 1876, whose wine making tradition in her home country of Czechoslovakia blossomed into what would ultimately become one of the state’s premier wine destinations in Hill City, SD.

In May of 2014 the fifth generation of the Vojta family cut the ribbon on their second Prairie Berry location in downtown Sioux Falls, marking a new beginning as sweet as a glass of the winery’s acclaimed Buffaloberry Fusion.

Nestled among the many rose quartz buildings in downtown’s historic district, Prairie Berry is a haven for wine lovers across the state. If you thought Napa was the only place to enjoy artisanal wine, think again.

Photo courtesy of Kaylyn Deiter

Exposed brick adorns Prairie Berry’s open floor plan, while rustic wooden tables and a stone bar accommodate patrons ready for a sip of something stronger.

Prairie Berry brand and marketing manager Emily Paulson said one of the unique features of Prairie Berry is the winery’s epicurean bar, offering guests the chance to customize their dining experience by pairing Prairie Berry’s wine with complementary food offerings.

“We are lucky enough to have a sommelier on staff who works closely with our chef to pair our wine and beer with our food,” Paulson said. “Guests can create their own culinary experience by choosing some of the highest quality local products in the area including meats, cheeses, mustards, jams and even house-made caramel corn. Our staff can pair these items with the perfect beverage for a dining experience like no other.”

Photo courtesy of Kaylyn Deiter

Though wine may be Prairie Berry’s calling card, the experience doesn’t stop there. The winery also offers customers something to munch on in the form of craft pizzas, fruit and cheese platters and open-faced sandwiches, making the Prairie Berry experience even sweeter. Beer also factors into the alcoholic equation. All craft beer is brewed right next door to Prairie Berry’s Hill City location at the Miner Brewing Company, which is also owned by the Vojta family.

Tradition may be key for this family business, but the people of Prairie Berry also aren’t afraid to step outside the creative box. That drive to constantly improve through experimentation is evident in their wines—Red Ass Rhubarb, anyone? —and in their customer-centered events—Thursday, July 28 is “craft beer and bingo” night, an adventurous combination with prizes to be won and craft beer to be enjoyed.

Photo courtesy of Kaylyn Deiter

But in the end, Paulson said everything Prairie Berry does is ultimately about the customers they serve.

“We hope our guests have the opportunity to enjoy our food, wine and craft beer,” she said. “We are always trying new things with our products and encourage our guests to try new things as well. All of our associates are trained and educated so they can help guests out with any questions they might have and lead them through the experience.”

It doesn’t get much better than that. Unless you throw in a glass of Anna Pesa Chardonnay, of course.