The vineyard at The Gardens of Castle Rock continues to thrive—expanding not just in lush vine growth, but in total footprint and grape varietals.

To recap the journey: the first phase of the vineyard was started in 2021 with an initial planting of 102 vines of Frontenac Gris, Adalmiina, Petite Pearl, and Crimson Pearl varietals. In 2025, we doubled our footprint by adding 120 new vines. We selected Prairie Star and St. Pepin—two white varietals bred to adapt to the extreme cold of Minnesota winters.

Expanding the vineyard required far more than just digging a few holes. First came heavy land clearing… and we mean heavy. We’re talking twelve 30-foot pine trees, along with a massive 55 ft maple that fell during a strong storm in March 2025. True to our sustainable mission, The Workshop at The Gardens harvested all the wood to be cut and dried using the onsite sawmill and wood kiln. (We’re very self-sufficient!)

The trees may be gone, but the stumps remained. After grinding down all 13 stumps and clearing the space, the hard-packed soil required substantial tilling. Once the soil had been cultivated, it was time to hand-dig 120 holes (each roughly 16” deep by 12” wide)—and it wasn’t easy. Thanks to the mature trees that once stood in this spot, the leftover root systems had to be extracted from a quarter of the holes. Once the holes had been dug, the 120 vines were planted and fitted with a protective grow tube to accelerate shoot growth.

To support the future vine canopy, we installed sturdy wooden end posts and steel line posts. In 2026, we began stringing high-tensile trellis wires to support the vines as they climb. And now we patiently wait. Grapevines typically take 3 years to establish a meaningful harvest, and 4–5 years to produce a full yield. So, we spend our days mowing, managing weeds, and keeping curious critters like raccoons, wild turkeys, and deer at bay.

With the vineyard becoming a popular backdrop for wedding photos, first looks, and private vows, it was time to build a covered wooden pavilion. This isn’t a kit or a preconstructed package. It was 100% designed and built onsite by The Workshop at The Gardens, just like every other structure on our property. We don’t do faux, and we don’t do artificial; we build authentic structures with true craftsmanship.

The next step is to lay the paver floor and pathway, followed by designing the surrounding landscape to anchor The Vineyard Pavilion seamlessly into the vineyard setting.

Situated at the south end of the vineyard, The Vineyard Pavilion adds a charming architectural feature to the space while serving as a beautiful setting for capturing special moments, no matter the weather.

What will we do with all these grapes? We are thrilled to share that planning is underway for a farm winery on the north side of The Gardens’ property—just a short, scenic walk from the vineyard itself! Stay tuned as this exciting addition grows.

 

A newlywed couple embraces in a sunlit vineyard at The Gardens of Castle Rock in Northfield, MN. The groom, wearing glasses and a light grey suit, looks down lovingly at the bride, who wears a lace A-line wedding dress, a crystal headband, and a long tulle veil. They are standing on a dirt path between lush green grapevine trellises during golden hour, with vibrant green trees filling the background.

Bathed in golden hour light, cold-hardy grapevines thrive along our custom metal vertical trellising—creating a vibrant, romantic backdrop. Photo credit: Summit Hill Studio

 

A newlywed couple walks away from the camera down a grassy path between rows of a lush vineyard at The Gardens of Castle Rock in Northfield, MN. The bride, wearing a flowing white strapless wedding gown with detached off-the-shoulder puff sleeves, looks back over her shoulder with a smile. The groom walks beside her, seen from behind, wearing a tan suit. Bright green and yellow grapevine leaves frame the left foreground, with tall trees under a clear sky in the background.

Lush green canopies and full grapevines frame the walkway through The Vineyard in September, showcasing the vines’ magnificent seasonal growth. Photo credit: Brooke W Images

 

A wedding first look moment in an autumn vineyard at The Gardens of Castle Rock in Northfield, MN. In the sharp background focus, a smiling bride walks down a grassy path between rows of grapevines with vibrant yellow and orange fall foliage, holding up the skirt of her off-the-shoulder white wedding dress. In the blurred foreground, the partner stands facing away from her, wearing a grey suit, a white shirt, a red tie, and a red rose boutonniere.

As summer shifts into autumn, the leaves of our cold-hardy grapevines turn rich shades of yellow and amber, highlighting The Vineyard’s natural beauty. Photo credit: Vick Photography

 

Custom timber-frame covered pergola with metal downspouts on a gravel foundation under a sunny, partly cloudy blue sky at The Gardens of Castle Rock in Northfield, MN.

Wondering where we bought the kit for this covered timber pavilion? We didn’t. The Vineyard Pavilion is 100% custom-designed and built by The Workshop at The Gardens—just like every single structure on our grounds. Photo credit: The Gardens of Castle Rock

 

A bride and groom share a joyful moment reading vows or exchanging gifts between rows of a lush green vineyard at The Gardens of Castle Rock in Northfield, MN. The bride, smiling broadly, wears an intricately patterned lace A-line wedding dress with a V-neckline, a pearl necklace, and a tulle veil. The groom stands opposite her, looking down at a small object in his hands, wearing a sharp burgundy suit with black lapels. The scene is framed by leafy grapevine branches in the foreground, with yellow wildflowers and green trees visible in the background.

Overhanging leaves and lush side-canopies create an intimate, natural enclosure for private vows. Photo credit: Breese & Brundle Photography

 

A close-up portrait of a bride and groom sharing an intimate, laughing moment in the vineyard at The Gardens of Castle Rock in Northfield, MN. The groom, in a grey suit with a white rose boutonniere, gently cradles the bride's face with his hand as they lean in close, nearly touching noses. The bride smiles brightly with her eyes closed, wearing a textured, embroidered wedding dress, a pearl drop earring, and a white tulle veil. They are standing directly next to a dense wall of vibrant green grapevine leaves, with a long, grassy vineyard row stretching into the blurred background.

A lush, living wall of grape leaves adds rich depth and texture to the grounds…..plus it makes a romantic background. Photo credit: Cameron & Tia

 

A newlywed couple is captured in motion from behind as they run down a grassy path between rows of the lush green vineyard at The Gardens of Castle Rock in Northfield, MN. The bride runs on the left, looking back toward the camera with a joyful smile, her blonde hair flying. She wears a full, strapless white wedding gown and holds up her skirt to run. The groom runs just ahead of her on the right, wearing a grey vest over a white shirt. Lush green grapevine trellises line both sides of the path under an overcast sky, with trees visible in the distance.

Wide grass pathways stretch between sturdy wooden posts and leafy rows, making it the perfect place for a playful photoshoot with your photographer. Photo credit: Photos by Mich

 

Custom timber-frame covered pergola with metal downspouts on a gravel foundation under a sunny, partly cloudy blue sky at The Gardens of Castle Rock in Northfield, MN.

Wondering where we bought the kit for this covered pavilion? We didn’t. The Vineyard Pavilion is 100% custom-designed and built by The Workshop at The Gardens, exactly like every single structure on our grounds.

 

A person in a dark suit lifts a smiling bride into the air on a grassy lawn during sunset. The bride has long dark hair and wears an A-line wedding gown with an open back and a full lace-covered skirt that bunches up as she is held. Large pine trees silhouette the foreground, framing the couple, while the lush green vineyard at The Gardens of Castle Rock in Northfield, MN stretches across the background. The sun glows warmly through a hazy sky on the left side of the frame.

Glowing in late-afternoon light, the rich, green expanse of The Vineyard stretches along the venue’s perimeter. Photo credit: Photos From James

 

A bride in a lace fitted wedding gown and a long, flowing cape veil walks forward down a grassy lane, smiling softly. Directly behind her, a second person walks in her footsteps, partially obscured. The setting is a rustic vineyard in late autumn at The Gardens of Castle Rock in Northfield, MN, featuring rows of bare grapevines on wooden posts, tall dried grasses to the right, and fallen yellow leaves scattering the ground. Golden autumnal tree branches frame the top left corner under a bright sky.

In late autumn, there is a quiet beauty in the post-harvest rest of The Vineyard. Photo credit: Eileen K. Photography

 

A close-up shot of vibrant green grapevine leaves growing along a wire trellis system. On the left, a sturdy, weathered wooden post supports the metal wires that guide the vines. Tucked beneath the broad, textured leaves, small clusters of tiny, young green grapes are just beginning to form. The background shows a soft, blurred view of a grassy field, highlighting the details of the vineyard foliage.

Early summer brings the start of grape clusters tucked beneath the beginnings of a lush green canopy. Photo credit: Laura Shepherd Images

 

A person stands on a grassy path between rows of a lush green vineyard at The Gardens of Castle Rock in Northfield, MN, looking off to the side with a smile. They wear a unique, dusty blue halter-style dress featuring a layered, handkerchief-hem tulle skirt with subtle hints of pink and beige underneath. The bodice is adorned with delicate floral appliques, and they hold a matching blue lace garment draped over their arm that is heavily decorated with colorful, dimensional fabric flowers in shades of pink, yellow, and white. Their hair is styled in an elegant, curly updo with a few loose tendrils framing their face.

Fallon’s floral-detailed dress and sweeping tulle blend seamlessly with the lush green canopy of grapevines. Photo credit: Nik Linde Photos

 

A newlywed couple poses together on a grassy path between rows of the vineyard at The Gardens of Castle Rock in Northfield, MN, during early autumn. The bride leans gently against the groom, wearing a classic white satin A-line wedding dress with a clean, elegant silhouette. The groom stands beside her with his arm around her, wearing a black suit, a patterned tie, and a fall-toned boutonniere. The vineyard trellises on either side feature dense grapevine leaves transitioning into shades of yellow and green, under a clear, bright sky.

Golden autumn hues transform the grapevine rows into a stunning, vibrant wedding day backdrop. Photo credit: Debra Bernard Photography

 

A bride and groom pose together on a sunny day in the vineyard at The Gardens of Castle Rock in Northfield, MN, framed by two tall wooden trellis posts in the foreground. The bride wears a sleek, sleeveless white wedding gown with a V-neckline and a high thigh slit, completed by a long, sheer tulle veil and a textured autumn bouquet with orange dahlias. The groom stands beside her in a light beige linen suit and a white button-down shirt, with one hand casually in his pocket. Behind them, lush green grapevine rows stretch across under a bright, clear sky.

Soaking up the mid-summer sun, the dense canopy of vines shows strong seasonal growth. Photo credit: Brooklyn Faith Photography

 

Heavy timber-frame covered pergola with a gravel path, situated next to vineyard rows under a dramatic orange sunset sky at The Gardens of Castle Rock.

With The Vineyard Pavilion complete, including the custom gutter system, the next step is to lay the paver floor and pathway, followed by designing the surrounding landscape to anchor The Vineyard Pavilion seamlessly into the vineyard setting. Photo credit: The Gardens of Castle Rock

 

The Crimson Pearl varietal is known for producing tight clusters, having excellent disease resistance, and the ability to withstand cold northern winters. Photo credit: Karen Feder Photography

 

A groom dips and kisses his bride on a grassy path between rows in the vineyard at The Gardens of Castle Rock in Northfield, MN, under an overcast sky. The bride wears a flowing, lace-appliqued A-line wedding dress and holds a bridal bouquet downward in her hand. The groom leans over her wearing a dark blue suit. Lush, green grapevine trellises with metal wires and wooden posts frame the left foreground and right side of the scene.

Meticulous seasonal maintenance is required to keep The Vineyard rows thriving and perfectly structured. Photo credit: Bellagala

 

A smiling bride and groom walk hand-in-hand forward down a grassy path between rows of the lush vineyard at The Gardens of Castle Rock in Northfield, MN. The bride wears a sleeveless white wedding gown with a plunging V-neckline, a beaded waistband, a pearl necklace, and a short veil. The groom walks beside her wearing a light beige or off-white suit, a matching vest, a light blue patterned tie, and a white boutonniere. The couple is flanked on both sides by full, leafy green grapevine trellises, with soft trees and a distant tower visible in the background under an overcast sky.

The pairing of vibrant green foliage against a manicured turf creates the perfect pathways throughout The Vineyard. Photo credit: Bonita Jane Photography

 

A groom cradles his bride in his arms on a grassy lawn during a dramatic golden hour sunset. The couple smiles warmly at each other in the center of the frame; the bride wears a sleek, fitted white wedding dress, and the groom wears a dark suit with a boutonniere. On the left, the brilliant sun bursts through the branches of a large tree, bathing the entire landscape in a warm, orange glow. To the right, a row of vineyard trellises with rustic wooden posts and autumn foliage frames the scene beneath a blue sky with soft clouds.

Bathed in a warm golden-hour glow, the angled wooden end-posts provide vital tension support for the vineyard lines. Photo credit: Jojo’s Photos & Studio