Twisted Pine Winery | Hill City

Setting and Overview
The Twisted Pine Winery, located in Hill City, South Dakota, offers a warm and inviting stop along the scenic route through the Black Hills. Nestled among art galleries, boutiques, and cafes, it’s a charming, small-town winery that focuses on approachable wines with bold flavor and a friendly, unpretentious atmosphere. The winery shares its space with Naked Winery-together they create one of Hill City’s most popular tasting destinations, blending humor, craftsmanship, and a relaxed social spirit.

Unlike larger estate wineries, Twisted Pine doesn’t rely on sprawling vineyards; instead, it sources premium grapes and fruits from select regions across the country, crafting a diverse collection of wines that range from rich reds to refreshing fruit blends.

History and Concept
Twisted Pine Winery began with a simple idea: to create wines that break away from traditional expectations and bring fun to the tasting experience. Rooted in South Dakota’s growing wine culture, it complements the local landscape and neighboring attractions like Prairie Berry Winery and the 1880 Train.

The name “Twisted Pine” reflects the rugged pine forests surrounding Hill City, as well as the creative “twist” the winemakers bring to their blends. Over the years, the winery has developed a loyal following for its innovative flavors and welcoming staff who make visitors feel like part of the community.

Tasting Room Experience
The tasting room is cozy and rustic, with wood-paneled interiors, soft lighting, and shelves lined with playful bottle labels that immediately set a relaxed tone. Guests can sample a selection of wines-usually five per tasting-with knowledgeable staff offering pairing tips and stories behind each label.

The wines are grouped into several flavor categories:

Classic Varietals: Smooth reds and whites such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris, crafted for balanced, easy drinking.

Fruit-Infused Wines: Creative blends featuring raspberry, huckleberry, strawberry, and other regional fruits, offering a sweet, summery profile perfect for casual sipping.

Dessert Wines: Richer options like Chocolate Raspberry Port or Cherry-infused wines, often served chilled or with dessert pairings.

The atmosphere is social and lively. Guests are encouraged to chat, laugh, and take their time tasting-a stark contrast to more formal winery settings.

Notable Wines
Twisted Pine’s collection changes seasonally, but a few favorites include:

Huckleberry Wine: A smooth, semi-sweet wine with a distinct mountain-berry aroma, popular among visitors looking for something local and unique.

Blackberry Merlot: Juicy and rich, balancing fruit sweetness with a soft tannic finish.

Wild Plum Wine: A nod to South Dakota’s native fruit, offering a tangy, crisp taste that pairs beautifully with cheese and cured meats.

Each bottle is designed not just for flavor but for storytelling-the labels and names often playfully reflect the region’s spirit of adventure and humor.

Atmosphere and Design
Inside, the tasting room feels like part rustic lodge, part neighborhood gathering spot. A long wooden counter runs across one wall, with stools and small tables inviting visitors to settle in. The scent of oak, fruit, and a hint of wine fills the air, while friendly staff move easily between groups, offering samples and good conversation.

Soft music plays in the background, and in the summer months, the doors open to a patio area where guests can relax under the shade of pines with a glass in hand. The mix of local visitors and travelers from across the country creates a lively but laid-back energy.

Visitor Experience
Tastings typically last between 30 and 60 minutes, though many guests linger longer to enjoy the company and the easy pace of Hill City. The adjacent gift shop sells wine accessories, regional art, and local treats-perfect for pairing with a bottle or two to take home.

Visitors often stop at Twisted Pine as part of a Black Hills wine trail, combining it with Prairie Berry, Naked Winery, and Miner Brewing Company nearby.

Impressions
Twisted Pine Winery captures the spirit of Hill City perfectly-authentic, unhurried, and a little playful. It’s a place where conversation flows as easily as the wine, and every tasting feels more like visiting a friend than attending a formal event.

With its fruit-forward flavors, warm staff, and relaxed charm, Twisted Pine stands out as one of the Black Hills’ most enjoyable small wineries-a spot where travelers can unwind, laugh a little, and toast to the beauty of South Dakota’s mountain country.