Prairie Berry Winery | Hill City

Setting and Overview
The Prairie Berry Winery, located just outside Hill City in the heart of South Dakota’s Black Hills, is one of the state’s most beloved destinations for wine enthusiasts and travelers seeking a taste of regional craftsmanship. Set against rolling pine-covered hills and open meadows, the winery combines a rustic charm with a contemporary tasting experience. Established in 1999 by the fifth generation of South Dakota winemakers, Prairie Berry continues a family tradition that began with immigrant settlers who crafted wines from wild fruits growing on the prairie.

The winery is best known for its inventive use of local ingredients-chokecherries, rhubarb, currants, and buffalo berries-turning the bounty of the Great Plains into distinctive wines that carry both flavor and folklore.

History and Heritage
Prairie Berry’s story traces back to the Vojta family, who emigrated from Moravia in the late 1800s and began making small-batch wines using hand-picked wild fruits. The tradition was revived generations later by Sandi Vojta, who founded the modern Prairie Berry Winery with a focus on heritage recipes and sustainable production.

From humble beginnings, the winery has grown into one of South Dakota’s most acclaimed producers, recognized nationally for its innovation and authenticity. Its name, “Prairie Berry,” honors the wild fruits that once sustained early homesteaders and now define the region’s unique terroir.

Tasting Room Experience
The tasting room is the heart of Prairie Berry. Spacious and warmly lit, it features large windows overlooking the surrounding hills, exposed timber beams, and shelves lined with bottles that showcase the winery’s creative range. Visitors can sample five wines complimentary, guided by knowledgeable staff who explain each wine’s origin and pairing possibilities.

Among the signature selections are:

Red Ass Rhubarb: The winery’s most famous label, a semi-sweet blend of rhubarb and raspberry with a cheeky name and a loyal following.

Calamity Jane: A crisp white inspired by South Dakota’s frontier legend, offering notes of pear and citrus.

Chokecherry Medley: A rich, tangy wine made from the region’s native chokecherries, often enjoyed chilled on warm summer days.

Wild Prairie Muscat: A fragrant, lightly sweet option with floral undertones, ideal for pairing with cheese or fruit.

The experience is casual and welcoming-visitors are encouraged to linger, chat with staff, and enjoy the relaxed pace of the Black Hills countryside.

Winemaking and Production
The production area, visible from parts of the tasting room, combines traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques. Prairie Berry uses locally sourced fruits and carefully selected grape varietals to ensure freshness and balance. Each batch is fermented in stainless steel or oak, depending on the style, and crafted in small quantities to preserve distinct flavors.

Sustainability is a cornerstone of the operation. The winery emphasizes responsible water use, minimal waste, and partnerships with local growers, making it a model for eco-conscious viticulture in the region.

Food, Atmosphere, and Surroundings
Next to the tasting area is the Kitchen at Prairie Berry, serving fresh, seasonal dishes-artisanal sandwiches, soups, and cheese boards designed to pair perfectly with the wines. The outdoor patio, overlooking the gentle slopes and scattered pines, offers a serene setting for a glass of wine in the afternoon light.

The winery often hosts live music events, art shows, and seasonal festivals, giving the space a lively community feel without losing its peaceful rural character.

Inside, the scent of fermenting fruit mingles with the aroma of freshly baked bread from the café, while the hum of conversation blends with the occasional clink of glasses. Everything feels local and personal, from the handwritten tasting notes to the rustic wooden tables.

Visitor Experience
Visitors can explore at their own pace-tasting wine, browsing the gift shop stocked with regional goods, or taking a stroll around the vineyard edges. The staff readily shares stories about the family’s winemaking roots and South Dakota’s little-known viticultural history.

Prairie Berry also offers private tastings and wine club memberships for returning guests who want to experience new releases before they hit the shelves.

Impressions
Prairie Berry Winery captures the essence of the Black Hills-independent, rooted in tradition, and quietly innovative. It’s more than a place to drink wine; it’s a living story about how pioneer ingenuity and local ingredients can still define a region’s flavor. Between the laughter of visitors on the patio and the soft breeze that carries the scent of pine and rhubarb, it feels like the perfect stop to savor the slower rhythm of South Dakota’s countryside.