The Prairie Berry Winery (23837 U.S. 385, 605/574-3898, www.prairieberry.com [1], summer Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. noon–5 p.m., winter Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sun. noon–4:30 p.m.) is located three miles north of Hill City [2] on U.S. 385/16. The winery is not open for tours, but wines are available for tasting daily.
While South Dakota seems an unlikely location for grape growing, Prairie Berry has won numerous awards for its wines. South Dakota–grown grapes and honey, as well as raspberries, rhubarb, chokecherries, cranberries, plums, and crabapples, are some of the ingredients used to create their many lines.
The bulk of the wines are dessert wines and as such tend to the sweet side; with beautiful labels and creative names, these wines make fabulous South Dakota gifts. Two favorites include Red Ass Rhubarb and Lawrence Elk.
While there, plan on having a snack at the Prairie Berry Kitchen (year-round Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sun. noon–4:30 p.m., $8–10). They serve gourmet cheeses and local salamis and provide an outdoor deck for dining where the scenery is all rolling hills and pines.
Links:
[1] http://www.prairieberry.com
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/mt-rushmore-the-black-hills/mount-rushmore-and-the-central-hills/hill-city