While not known for wine, Minnesota burst onto the drinking map in the last 5 years because of its booming craft brewery culture. Minnesota has fairly conservative liquor laws, including laws that restrict liquor sales on Sundays, prohibit alcohol sales in grocery stores, and prior to 2011 prohibited the existence of taprooms. However, Surly, a Minneapolis based brewery, successfully lobbied the state legislature in 2011 to create a path for small breweries to open taprooms and serve customers on premise. Almost 80 breweries have opened in the Twin Cities since the bill was enacted.
Minnesota is still not a leader in breweries per capita, but the increase in breweries has had a marked impact on local culture. Friends and family members will now often spend hours at breweries on the weekend with their kids, friends, and parents. Having visited a few breweries while I've been home, I love the multigenerational feel and the casual atmosphere. I don't get that as much when I've been wine tasting.
2017 should bring more changes to the industry with a few significant bills being proposed to the MN legislature, including a repeal of the Sunday sales restriction. While some sources are questioning whether this industry is now saturated in the Twin Cities, I still think this is one to watch.
Ellen, Thanks for this insightful comment. Yes indeed the craft beer industry is striving to lobby in several states that "grapes should NOT gain preference over grain"-and craft breweries should also enjoy direct to consumer shipping benefits.
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