THE CORNERPOST GRAPEFARM & WINEHOUSE HURON
“Between interacting with customers, growing the grapes, making the wine, and distributing, there is never a dull moment,” said co-owner of The Cornerpost Grapefarm and Winehouse Ryan Brace . Ryan got into the wine business thanks to his grandfather, who had planted a couple dozen vines as a hobby in Howard. “He introduced us to growing grapes and making wine,” he recalled. Setting roots in Huron, Ryan and his wife, Samantha , decided to follow in the family hobby and grow their own grapes. Over the course of five years, they expanded from 70 vines to five acres of vines. “At this point the hobby was growing into something bigger,” said Ryan. “We wanted to create our own wines for others to enjoy and an environment where all could come and relax.” The family business was dubbed The Cornerpost Grapefarm and Winehouse, and—as a corner post is essential to building a fence—the Braces say they named it after those who have provided them with strength, perseverance, and guidance. For grapes, The Cornerpost grows and offers Frontenac , Marquette , Crimson Pearl , Petite Pearl , and Itasca . Itasca is the only white grape variety while the others are of the red varieties. “Our wines are only made with 100% South Dakota-grown grapes,” said Ryan. The winery has 10 types of wine, and the operation has grown tremendously over the first four years of business—going from hand-picking 600 pounds of grapes to machine-picking 20 tons annually.
Ryan and Samantha also went from handing out wine to friends and family to distributing to stores statewide. “It’s a string of constant growing pains, but the challenge and our great customers make it all fun and very satisfying,” said Ryan. One of the couple’s favorite times of year is harvest, as they look forward to watching guests try the wine. “It never gets old seeing grapes literally pour out of the harvester and getting to see people enjoy what we have to offer,” said Ryan. As the wine industry in South Dakota is still relatively young and the weather conditions are less than desirable compared to traditional wine, the Braces say they have to constantly put on their creative caps. “Thinking on your feet, perseverance, and collaborating have literally saved us unthinkable amounts of money and time,” recalled Ryan. The couple also gives great care to their tasting room, where they welcome people to sit and relax as if they were in their own dining room or back porch. Ryan says he also enjoys when patrons enjoy their wine all over the country. “Receiving pictures of our wine at family tables, weddings, and other events is humbling,” said Ryan. “We are grateful to
BRING THE CORNERPOST HOME
Their wines are available in over 40 locations in South Dakota. The tasting room is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday year-round.
be a part of their memories.” For more information, visit cornerpostwines.com.
BAR + RESTAURANT ISSUE march 2026
Made with FlippingBook - Share PDF online