Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery, & Distillery — Attraction in Kasota

We LOVE Chankaska for so many reasons!! We got married there back in October and Cynthia Strauser (The Events Manager) was absolutely wonderful to work with. We didn't live in the area, but she made planning our reception so easy! Plus, she always made the effort to be there whenever we stopped by and wanted to see the events center for planning purposes. She has the most wonderful energy and is a dream to work with. She is kind, efficient, driven, pays close attention to all our details, and made our day magical!

All of our guests absolutely loved this event space, the outdoor fire pit, the beautiful landscaping and they absolutely loved the wine. So many of our guests were from out of town and had never been there so it was really special to share this place that Kurt & I find so incredible with our loved ones.

During the planning process, Cynthia was the best support in answering all of our questions and going over all our details to get it just right. She even gave me the biggest hug after a meeting we had because I was a stressed out/crying bride to be that day from all the wedding appointments I had in Mankato a few weeks before the wedding.

On our wedding day, Kurt & I took a moment away on the back patio for a glass of bubbly by ourselves to take in the moment. Not only did Cynthia have everything all set up for us, but one of the bartenders named Montana left the sweetest note by our glasses for when we sat down and it brought us both to tears. We saved that note with our vows. It was so special what she shared!

We love that we are also wine circle members here and it's so much fun to stop in and pick up our bottles when they are ready each quarter and have a glass of wine. One time early this year when we stopped in, we forgot to make reservations and Kelsey was so accommodating in helping us still get a seat inside even though they were packed since we had shared that we would be getting married there in a couple of months.

The people who work here are the best, the wine and food are delicious, and it's a little slice of heaven when you want to get away from the city...

My experience yesterday here was very poor. The wine is good, but the food and service is just terrible. We sat at a table outside and about 20 minutes later it started raining. Not asking anyone to control the weather, but we stood underneath the building for about 20 minutes before someone was able to get an umbrella for us. There was about 15 tables that needed them and they sent ONE worker to get umbrellas in the rain. While we were waiting underneath the building to stay dry, one of the workers (I believe actually one of the owners) was standing and chatting to a table next to us and did not even care to help us get an umbrella either. Next comes the food, which is probably the worst part of the experience. I visited Chankaska two weeks ago and ordered the bruschetta. It was very good and was served with toasted French bread. However, I went there yesterday and when I was served the bruschetta it was honestly dry toasted bread that I believe that they also use for their pizzas. So basically pizza crust mmmm. After the first bite I immediately went up to say something to the staff. I informed them that this is not what they normally serve and asked if I could get the normal French bread which they then began to tell me that they are out. That's fine, but charge a lower price for this item, or inform the customers that they are out of the normal bread before they order it. It is really that simple. Finally I got a refund for the bruschetta, but I had some friends that were unhappy with their pizzas for similar reasons that it seems that the staff just made a joke out of the issue and did not take it seriously. I really wanted to like this place because it's a beautiful spot and the wine is good. My experience yesterday has made me realize that the staff is very unhelpful, the food is poor quality, and that I will not be...

I brought my wife to this breathtaking establishment on September 19th 2020. Celebrating her birthday and having expectations of creating a stronger and more charismatic relationship. I wasn't going to let Covid-19 stop me from treating her to an exquisite day filled with many notable memories. We pulled up, it seemed we had arrived before the business opening hours. I suffered from what I assume to be a micro heart attack when the groups of individuals outside started to form a line at the door. Knowing I had made reservations a week in advance helped ease these concerns. I reached for the door handle to send a message to my wife who was utilizing the mirror on her visor while applying some make up. Anxiety started to play a larger role in this situation as every fluff of her foundation brush against her face pierced the air around me. We finally made our long awaited exit of the vehicle. Once inside, service was fast and friendly which benefited my mood inevitably. We ordered some drinks and enjoyed them on the patio. I placed our lunch order at the counter, A charcuterie board and crab cakes for the Mrs. and a Greek style pizza for myself. The food was excellent. I washed the pie down with a Stella Artois paired with a lemon infused green olive... Such a refreshing beverage to say the least. The wife had a flight of different wines leaving her tastebuds singing like a choir of angels at the gates of heaven. We finished our lunch and went for a casual stroll around the winery paths. With Toodies on our radar it was time to make our initial departure. Looking into the rearview mirror of my 2013 Ford Taurus sedan I felt a warm tear slide down my cheek. Farewell Chankaska Winery... Until next time! I would recommend this place to any couple looking for a romantic...