Ida Graves Distillery sits on the shores of Lake Ida in Alexandria, Minnesota, founded by husband-and-wife team Chad and Jenni Greenway in 2016. Chad, a former NFL linebacker who played for the Minnesota Vikings, partnered with his wife to create what became Minnesota’s first farm distillery after retiring from professional football. The distillery operates out of a 6,000-square-foot facility that combines production space with a tasting room overlooking the lake, where they produce vodka, gin, bourbon, and seasonal spirits using locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible. The Greenways didn’t stumble into distilling by accident. Chad’s interest in spirits began during his playing days, but it was the couple’s desire to create something rooted in Minnesota agriculture that drove them to spend two years learning the craft before opening. They work with local farmers to source corn and other grains, and Jenni handles much of the business operations while Chad focuses on production and recipe development. The transition from NFL stadiums to copper stills wasn’t without challenges—navigating Minnesota’s complex liquor laws and building relationships with local suppliers took longer than expected, but their athletic discipline translated well to the precision required in distilling. Visitors get more than just tastings here—you’re experiencing a working farm distillery where the owners are usually on-site and happy to talk process. The tasting room features floor-to-ceiling windows facing Lake Ida, and during production days you can watch the distillation process through glass partitions. Chad’s NFL memorabilia is scattered throughout, but it doesn’t dominate the space. Instead, the focus stays on the spirits and the view. The atmosphere strikes a balance between professional operation and laid-back lake life, which makes sense given Alexandria’s reputation as a vacation destination.