One of the stops on the Tour of McGregor during the Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener was the totally Minnesotan, totally delicious, Minnestalgia Food Shop and Winery. Yes, two things. The Food Shop came first, and has been around for more than 20 years. Specializing in fudge, and carrying 43 other Minnesota produced food items like local berry jams, syrups, wild rice, pancake mixes, soup, honey and maple syrup. That’s not all. With a bit of a north woods artist collective approach, they showcase some of the best goods and crafts ‘up north’ has to offer. Owned by Jay and Lori Erckenbrack, Lori takes care of the Shop and can tell you anything and everything including recipes for Aitkin County‘s very own Wild Rice. Seriously, she’s adorable. When it comes to taste however, Jay’s passion is all about the wine. Cultivated via their berry buying programs in several Native American communities around the state, they offer honey wines like blackberry, black currant, blueberry, raspberry, wild grape, wild plum and chokecherry. Open year round for tours and tastings, it’s no wonder why this doubleheader made the list!

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