By: Sheila Crowley
Murray County News Staffwriter
“It’s been a process,” explained owners Krista and Andy Kopperud when asked about the new location for their vineyard.
Nestled in the southwestern part of the state, Painted Prairie Vineyard is surrounded by local attractions unique to the area. The family owned and operated Painted Prairie Vineyard provides a peaceful getaway and relaxing wine tasting experience.
As a result of new requirements, the little red barn formerly known as Painted Prairie, either needed to upgrade or close the door. At that point, the couple was forced to decide whether they wanted to jump into feet first and create a new building that met all the code requirements. The Kopperud’s decided it would be easier to construct a new building to meet the additional requirements. The little vineyard closed at the end of 2017 while owners, Andy and Krista, worked hard to secure the funding needed to accommodate their new venture. Thanks to the support of Murray County EDA and Bank Midwest, their venture was given the ‘thumbs up’ with construction beginning mid-2018. As you enter the new building from the east, wine lovers will be greeted with a floor to ceiling fireplace. On the other wall will be an area featuring Painted Prairie wine selections available to purchase.
A short distance to the south features the large open area available as a tasting area. The space has a very unique style with a rustic industrial feel encompassing the area. A large bar area lines the east wall and opens with a view of the tasting space.
Just west of the tasting room is a spacious outside area allowing visitors a comfy space to sit outside and enjoy the lovely view of the vineyard.
One of the best parts of the new building will be the production room. The Kopperud’s will now be able to move all of their production equipment from their own home to the new location. The area has a large walk-in cooler. “Sometimes in the fermentation stages of wine you can flash-freeze or flash-cool and it helps with some of the processes,” explained Krista. “It’s big enough we can get some of our smaller barrels in there.”
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