Perhaps the first winery in Minnesota, Alexis Bailly Winery was opened by David Bailly in 1973. Undeterred by viticulturists who asserted that no wine grape could withstand Minnesota winters, David pioneered the wine industry in Minnesota, adopting the motto, "Where the grapes can suffer."
After David's death in 1990, his daughter, Nan, took over as master winemaker. Today, Nan Bailly proudly produces wine from varieties of French and Minnesotan grapes, which she now cultivates and harvests entirely without chemicals. Nan is passionate about sustainable agriculture and strives to educate both consumers and producers about the importance of caring for the land.
Nan's wines are available in many local wine and liquor stores and are also featured in numerous independently-owned area restaurants.
