Our Property
The grounds at Howling Moon offer a breathtaking blend of natural beauty and rustic charm. Our 330-vine vineyard, enchanting forest, and historic barn create a one-of-a-kind setting. Each space is designed to showcase the best of Minnesota’s landscape — from golden sunsets over the vines to quiet woodland paths and wide-open skies.
Vineyard
Tucked into the heart of Howling Moon’s property is our vineyard, home to 330 Itasca grapevines. These white wine grapes are a relatively new variety, developed by the University of Minnesota specifically for our state’s climate. Known for their cold-hardiness and resilience, Itasca grapes thrive through harsh winters and warm summers, making them a perfect fit for our Minnesota vineyard.
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The grapes themselves are small, pale green, and aromatic, producing wines with a crisp, clean flavor profile. They’re often described as having bright notes of melon, pear, and subtle floral tones, with a natural balance of acidity that makes them refreshing and versatile. Many local winemakers appreciate Itasca for its ability to produce high-quality white wines right here in the Midwest.
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Beyond their winemaking potential, the vineyard adds natural beauty and character to Howling Moon. From the first buds in spring, to the lush, leafy rows of summer, and finally the golden clusters of late season, the vines create a stunning landscape that changes with the seasons.
More than just a beautiful feature, our vineyard reflects the spirit of Howling Moon itself — rooted in Minnesota, resilient, and full of life. Whether you’re exploring its rows, capturing golden-hour portraits, or simply enjoying its presence, the vineyard makes every visit to Howling Moon truly unforgettable.
About Itasca Grapes
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Developed in Minnesota – Itasca is a cold-hardy grape variety created by the University of Minnesota, bred to withstand our state’s tough winters. It was released in 2017.
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Crisp & Refreshing – Itasca grapes are used to make white wines with bright notes of pear, melon, and subtle floral tones.
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Sustainably Grown – Known for requiring fewer inputs than other varieties, Itasca grapes are appreciated by winemakers for their resilience and balance.
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Uniquely Local – As one of Minnesota’s signature grape varieties, Itasca represents the innovation and spirit of Midwest winemaking.
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For more info on itasca grapes, visit the University of Minnesota page:
Forest
Step into the enchanting forest at Howling Moon, where towering maple trees create a peaceful, storybook setting. This woodland space offers a sense of privacy and serenity, making it a favorite spot for wedding ceremonies or simply a quiet moment to pause on your day.
Our woods are filled primarily with maple trees, which bring beauty to the property in every season. In spring and summer, their broad green leaves provide natural shade and a lush canopy. In autumn, they transform into a spectacular display of fiery reds, oranges, and golds — one of Minnesota’s most iconic landscapes. Maples are also treasured for producing sap used to make maple syrup, and their strong, resilient wood has been valued for generations in furniture and flooring.
Whether glowing with vibrant fall color or offering cool shade on a summer afternoon, the forest at Howling Moon adds natural charm and timeless beauty.
About Maple Trees
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Nature’s Candy – It takes about 40 gallons of sap from a maple tree to make just 1 gallon of syrup.
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Brilliant Fall Colors – Maple trees are famous for their stunning autumn foliage in shades of yellow, orange, and fiery red.
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Long Lives – Many maples live 100–300 years, with some lasting even longer.
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Strong & Versatile – Maple wood is prized for furniture, flooring, and even musical instruments like guitars and violins.
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Helicopter Seeds – Maple seeds spin like little propellers as they fall — a childhood favorite for many.
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Wildlife Friendly – Birds nest in maples, while squirrels and other critters feast on their seeds.
Barn
The centerpiece of Howling Moon is our red barn, built in 1920 as an original dairy barn. With over a century of history, its rustic beams and weathered wood carry the stories of generations past, now lovingly restored to host modern celebrations.
Today, the barn blends timeless character with versatile event spaces, offering room for ceremonies, cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing — all under one roof. Its cathedral ceilings, warm wood tones, and open layout create a welcoming atmosphere that feels both grand and intimate.
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Stepping inside the barn is like stepping into a piece of Minnesota’s farming heritage, transformed into a space where love stories are celebrated. It’s this unique blend of history and hospitality that makes the barn at Howling Moon so special.
About Dairy Barns
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Dairy Roots – Many Minnesota barns built in the early 1900s, like ours, were originally used for dairy farming.
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Timeless Design – Traditional barns were built with lofty ceilings and strong beams, allowing for hay storage above and livestock below.
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All Wood, All Local – Most barns from this era were constructed using locally sourced timber, cut and milled by hand.
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Red for a Reason – Barns were often painted red because farmers mixed rust (iron oxide) with oil, creating an inexpensive, long-lasting paint.
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Community Icons – Barns weren’t just farm buildings — they often served as gathering places for neighbors, dances, and celebrations.