Bear Creek Winery Harvested Grapes in September

Winemaker Jake Lachowitzer led the harvest at the Fargo winery following his return to the region.

Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Wine

Bold vector editorial illustration showing a cluster of dark grapes on a vine, evoking the quiet start of a pre-dawn autumn harvest. — Bear Creek Winery in Fargo began its annual harvest on September 23, marking a milestone as winemaker Jake Lachowitzer returned to lead the facility's operations. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Bear Creek Winery kicked off its annual grape harvest on September 23, 2026, in south Fargo. The event marked a milestone for the facility as head winemaker Jake Lachowitzer returned to lead operations.

Why it matters

The harvest highlights the growing efforts to cultivate cold-hardy grapes in a challenging climate. Lachowitzer's return brings seven years of experience from the California wine industry to the local Fargo business.

Bear Creek Winery currently maintains more than 80 varieties of cold-climate grapes. The facility, which began in 2003, transitioned to these northern-hardy varieties in 2010 to better suit the regional climate.

The players

Jake Lachowitzer

He is the head winemaker at Bear Creek Winery who previously worked in California for seven years.

Bear Creek Winery

This Fargo business has specialized in cold-climate grape varieties since transitioning its focus in 2010.

North Dakota State University

The institution manages agricultural research and received a $45,000 grant for grapevine development.

Viking Vines

Based in Casselton, this entity received a $10,000 grant to promote cold-hardy grape production.

The details

Workers utilized headlamps to hand-pick grapes starting at 4 a.m. to avoid forecasted rain. Once collected, a machine separates the fruit from stems and initiates the crushing process for fermentation.

Bear Creek Winery was founded in 2003.
The winery transitioned to northern-hardy grape varieties in 2010.
Jake Lachowitzer returned as head winemaker in May 2026.
The annual grape harvest began on September 23, 2026.
The state agricultural research funding covers the 2025-2027 biennium.

Roadmap

The development of resilient viticulture in North Dakota reflects a broader shift toward regional self-sufficiency in the wine industry. By leveraging cold-hardy varieties, local producers are increasingly positioning themselves against traditional regions that rely on temperate climates.

Residents may see an increase in locally sourced, cold-hardy wine options as these varieties become more viable in the regional market. The success of the harvest helps ensure a steady supply of North Dakota-grown products for local consumers.

The takeaway

The successful harvest demonstrates how adapting crops to local environmental constraints can foster a small but viable regional industry. Consumers can support this growth by seeking out products that utilize these specific northern-hardy grape varieties.