Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery sits on a sprawling property along Minnesota Highway 16 in Spring Valley, where the Danzinger family has created something of a beverage empire. What started as a vineyard named after Larry and Karen Danzinger’s four daughters has evolved into a multi-faceted operation that includes Loon Juice Hard Cider and The Traditionalist Bourbon Distillery. The complex occupies a scenic rural setting in southeastern Minnesota, where rolling hills provide the backdrop for their production facilities and tasting rooms.
Larry Danzinger, a former banker, and his wife Karen launched the vineyard in the early 2000s after deciding to pursue their passion for agriculture and beverages. The couple’s vision extended beyond wine as they recognized Minnesota’s growing craft beverage scene. They added hard cider production under the Loon Juice brand, capitalizing on Minnesota’s apple heritage, before venturing into distilling with The Traditionalist. The bourbon operation represents their most ambitious expansion, requiring significant investment in equipment and aging infrastructure.
Visitors encounter a unique experience where they can sample wine, cider, and bourbon all in one location. The property offers multiple tasting experiences across the different beverage categories, with the distillery component being their newest addition. The Traditionalist focuses on bourbon production using traditional methods, though specific details about their mash bill and aging processes aren’t widely publicized. The operation reflects the family’s commitment to diversifying their agricultural business while maintaining their roots in southeastern Minnesota.