Our Story
Mission Statement
To create the finest wines in Minnesota and provide an unparalleled experience for our guests by reflecting our core values of Faith, Family, Beauty and Excellence
Our History
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2007
The Savaryn Family plants a test vineyard of the newly released Marquette grape as Paul and Terri officially pursuit their dream of opening a winery
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2008
As the small test vineyard proved to be a success an additional 5 acres of vines was planted; 4 acres of Marquette and 1 acre of La Crescent
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2010
With the help from a French winemaker as their intern, Sovereign Estate makes their first vintage of wine
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2011
Sovereign Estate officially opens their doors to the public with a variety of events and tastings throughout the summer
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2013
Ben Banks, Terri’s son, takes over as the winemaker and Sovereign Estate wins the award for best wine in Minnesota, Governors Cup at the ICCWC, with their first Estate vintage of La Crescent
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2015
2 acres of the newly released Frontenac Blanc is added to the Estate bringing the total to 7 acres of vines
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2017
The Vintage Concert series is added to the calendar of events throughout the summer hosting former band members of Boston, Chicago, Santana, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Journey and more
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2018
The Marquette Pavilion is built as Sovereign Estate continues to add festivals and concerts throughout the year.
Isaac Savaryn, Paul’s son, plants a 10 acre vineyard including the new UofM release, Itasca, bringing the total estate acreage to 20
The first year of The Spirit of Winter, a beautiful Christmas light show spanning across 20 acres at the estate
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2019
An additional 10 acres of vines is planted to meet the demand bringing the total to 30 Estate acres
Sovereign Estate brings home their second Governors Cup winner at the ICCWC for the best wine in Minnesota with their Blue La Crescent
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2020
Sovereign remodels their tasting room and builds a new 6,000 sqft production facility and barrel room in order to meet the growing demand
Many adjustments and pivots took place trying to navigate the closures of the pandemic but the focus for high quality wine and providing the best guest experience continued
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2022
Sovereign Estate Is awarded the University of Minnesota’s Farm Family of the Year
An additional 10 acres of fruit is planted bringing the total to 40 acres Making Sovereign Estate the largest vineyard and winery in the state
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2023
Sovereign Estate brings home their third Governors Cup at the ICCWC
Awards
International Cold Climate Wine Competition
Governors Cup Winner
2013 La Crescent
2019 Blue La Crescent
2022 La Crescent
5 X Best of Class
10 X Gold Medals
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
2 Best of Class
2020 Bourbon Barrel Aged Marquette
2021 Blue La Crescent
12 X Double Golds
8 X Golds
Additional Awards
Taste of Home Magazine - Best Winery In Minnesota
MN Food and Wine Experience - 4X Best of Class Winner
International Eastern Wine Competition - Cameo Rosé - Best of Class, 96 pts
Meet the Owners
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Paul and Terri Savaryn
Founders / Owners
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Ben Banks
VP of Winemaking / Owner
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Isaac Savaryn
VP of Vineyard Operations / Owner