About Us
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How it Began
A Midwest Vineyard
The Perfect Spot
Modern Viking Vineyard began in 2016 after I spent many years traveling the country and world with my wife, Wendy, touring vineyards and wine tasting. We had focused our recent visits on the Midwest vineyards of Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Michigan. I always had a love of plant growing, and after realizing that
Modern Viking Vineyard began in 2016 after I spent many years traveling the country and world with my wife, Wendy, touring vineyards and wine tasting. We had focused our recent visits on the Midwest vineyards of Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Michigan. I always had a love of plant growing, and after realizing that great wine could be produced locally I decided to explore the possibility of starting a vineyard at our Long Grove Nursery.
The Perfect Spot
A Midwest Vineyard
The Perfect Spot
I attended Midwest School for Beginning Grape Growers at the University of Wisconsin in 2015. I knew we had a perfect spot in the nursery for grape growing, so after taking soil tests I ordered my first crop (315 vines) for planting in 2016. John Scharff, Construction foreman and assistant supervisor, built the trellising system and the crop was planted in April of 2016.
A Midwest Vineyard
A Midwest Vineyard
A Midwest Vineyard
The first harvest was in 2018, with the main crops being two reds, Marquette and Petite Pearl. We also harvested the whites, Frontenac Blanc, St. Pepin, LaCrosse, and LaCrescent. I was advised to let the grapes stand by themselves the first year so nothing was added and a minimum amount of sulfates were used.
Modern Viking
A Midwest Vineyard
A Midwest Vineyard
The name “Modern Viking Vineyard” was derived from my family's Danish roots. The goal of the vineyard and winery was to have good local wine to give our clients, employees, and friends. Sometime in the future we hope a tasting room will be built on our Long Grove property.