Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery & Distillery Wins MN Bride Best of 2025 Best Winery Venue - Fourth Year Running
KASOTA, Minnesota – July 29th, 2025 – Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery & Distillery is honored to be named Best Winery Venue by Minnesota Bride in their Best of 2025 Awards – an incredible fourth consecutive year of recognition. The winners were unveiled at the Awards Gala, held on Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025, at The Fillmore Minneapolis.
Minnesota Bride’s annual Best Of Awards celebrate excellence in the wedding industry across categories such as venues, vendors, and services. Among other top finalists, Chankaska stood out as the top choice in the winery venue category.
“We couldn't be more thrilled to be recognized again as MN Bride’s Best Winery Venue!” said Cynthia Strauser, Director of Events at Chankaska. “This honor reflects the dedication of our entire team, partnerships with all other wedding vendors, and the amazing couples that trust us with one of the most special days of their lives.”
Since opening in 2012, Chankaska has steadily grown to become one of Minnesota’s premier southern-vineyard venues. Nestled on 25 scenic acres outside Kasota, the property offers stunning outdoor ceremony spaces, an elegant event center, and a wooded creekside for receptions.
“[It] takes hard work put in by so many Chankaska employees,” she continued. “We have an amazing grounds and vineyard crew that keep our grounds pristine for those picturesque moments, along with hardworking sales and planning managers who take the time to focus on every little detail to ensure a smooth wedding day.”
Chankaska’s blend of rustic charm, personalized service, and award-winning wines—from vineyard to cocktails—has made it a favorite for weddings and events throughout Minnesota.
“We also have a rock star event staff who are the face of Chankaska to all guests on the day of the wedding,” she added. “They provide top-notch hospitality and positive vibes while working long and late-night shifts.”
The honor from Minnesota Bride follows local acclaim from the Minneapolis Star Tribune, which recently awarded Chankaska gold in Best Patio, and gold honors in Best Winery, Best Distillery, and Best Wedding Venue in previous years.
“Thank you to everyone who has put in the hard work to keep us Best Winery Venue four years in a row!” she concluded. “It truly wouldn’t be possible without all the community support and referrals from our past couples and fellow wedding vendors.”
Chankaska’s range of wines and spirits, including barrel-aged gin and straight bourbon, has also earned awards from respected competitions like the Great American Spirits Competition, Finger Lakes Wine Competition, Wine Enthusiast, and the American Wine Society.
Founded in 2008, Chankaska has grown into Minnesota’s second-largest winery, offering handcrafted wines and spirits, a charming tasting room and distillery, and event venues known for their natural beauty and thoughtful service. Located at 1179 East Pearl Street, Kasota, MN, Chankaska caters to weddings, private events, and public tastings year-round.