The Real Wine Republic

The Real Wine Republic Only Organic, Biodynamic wine shop in Minnesota! L2, Int. Somm Guild, L1, Ct. of Master Somm and Jiujitsu Wine.

Wine Republic is the First Wine Shop in Minnesota featuring only Sustainable, Organic and Biodynamic Wines. Our producer's wines are created with respect to the land, water and to the people who work the land. We choose to work with farmers that don't use synthetic fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. Also in the refining process our vintners use organic and or free range eggs. We figured that

if we didn't bring it into our home we couldn't pass them off to you. OUR STORY

Wine Republic is the result of a labor of love over the last 10 years. Patti Judalena, a graphic designer for 20 years, wanted to do something else and that something else was open up a retail wine shop. She had her heart set to locate a shop near Grand Marais, MN but after meeting her husband RJ and the birth of their little girl, Excelsior, MN became the home for the shop. Patti enrolled in the International Sommelier Guild wine program and earned Levels I & II Certificates. Prior to opening the shop Patti always tasted wines with RJ although his favorite wine is beer with any spirits a close second. RJ and Patti now do the wine buying together and the best part of that job is bringing in products we know our customers will love. Wine Republic offers only wines that are sustainable, organic or biodynamic. Beer is organic or gluten free, and the ciders and spirits also do not use chemicals in their production. We look forward to working with our customers and learning their palates. So come in and enjoy the best wine and spirits this side of Bacchus.

TONIGHT!Girls Night Out is back in Downtown Excelsior, now through August 28th, every Thursday from 3-7 pm. Participatin...
07/10/2025

TONIGHT!

Girls Night Out is back in Downtown Excelsior, now through August 28th, every Thursday from 3-7 pm. Participating locations will be hosting in-store events, beverages, snacks, and specials. Stop by Wine Republic for some wine and a snack! Get 10% off any wine that you purchase from us!

Participating locations include: Amore & Fede, Beem Light Sauna, Crystal Whitening, Excelsior Eye Care, Fleurish, Jes Naturals,Lakeshore Market, Lake Effect, Northern Drift, Sanctuary Salon, Six Boutique, Tavor, Wine Republic and more!

07/02/2025
Paul O’Brien WineryNext Thursday, June 5, 6-7:30 pm Wine RepublicSeated & guided presentation with winemaker Scott Kelle...
05/29/2025

Paul O’Brien Winery
Next Thursday, June 5, 6-7:30 pm Wine Republic
Seated & guided presentation with winemaker Scott Kelley, Paul O’Brien Winery

Tickets: Free, wine club members | $15 non members

About Paul O’Brien (Winery)
So who is Paul O’Brien, you ask? Paul O'Brien Winery is the culmination of twenty years of friendship between two winemakers who share a passion for fine wine, great food and a gracious life. Dyson Paul DeMara and Scott O’Brien Kelley met while working at Robert Mondavi Winery in the Napa Valley. Since then they have travelled the world’s wine regions learning the old world winemaking traditions and sharing new world techniques. In 2013 the duo came together to start the Umpqua Valley’s first urban winery in the historic Hansen Chevrolet building in downtown Roseburg, Oregon.

About Scott Kelley, Winemaker
Scott Kelley began his career in winemaking at Edgewood Estate in the Napa Valley after graduating from University of California, Davis. In 1999, he joined the Robert Mondavi Family of Wines as Assistant Winemaker at La Famiglia di Robert Mondavi before being promoted to Director of Winemaking in 2001. In 2003 his winemaking role expanded to include representing Robert Mondavi’s interests in Italy, working with the wines of Luce, Lucente and Ornellaia as well as in Australia on a joint venture with Rosemount Estates. Since then, he served as GM/Director of Winemaking for Estancia Estates in Monterey County, California before making the jump to Oregon to fulfill his dream of starting his own winery. The Umpqua Valley has a special place in Scott’s heart as he grew up fly fishing the North Umpqua River with his father. He knew that someday he would move to the area to make wine and raise a family.”

Oregon Territory Pinot Gris, 2023
Oregon Territory was created out of the desire to share the pioneering spirit of Oregon. Pinot Gris was first planted in Oregon in 1965 and has flourished ever since. A variety suited for cool growing regions like Oregon, our Pinot Gris is sourced from dry farmed sites in the Willamette Valley to ensure long hang time to develop generous flavors and balanced acidity. Fermented slow and cold to develop complexity and preserve the concentrated fruit. Flavors of white peach, Meyer lemon and ripe pear make this wine a perfect pairing with grilled salmon or oysters on the half shell.

Oregon Territory Pinot Noir, 2022
This Pinot Noir is sourced from dry farmed vineyards in the Umpqua Valley and Willamette Valley. 100% Open top fermented with 25% whole cluster this wine bursts out of the glass with raspberry and cherry fruits, toast and spice with a hint of black cherry. The mouthfeel is silky and elegant, fine tannins with mouthwatering acidity.

Paul O'Brien Pinot Noir Willamette Valley, 2021
“As you take your first sip you will enjoy the rich silky texture and creamy finish. Wild blackberry on the nose brings forth mouthwatering acidity with earthy and floral elements. This wine builds over time to great structure and more balanced acidity.”

Well-knit and persistent, with slightly brooding raspberry and pomegranate flavors laced with dusky spice and rose petal tones, which build tension toward medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2030. 1,131 cases made.” – Wine Spectator

Paul O’Brien Pinot Noir Umpqua Valley, 2021
The 2021 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is sourced 100% from the Chehalem Mountains. Fermented with 25% whole cluster to improve structure and lift, this wine exhibits the best the Willamette Valley has to offer. There’s a dustiness to the dark purple tones of this effort as the aromatics feature Marionberry and blueberry, a whiff of saddle leather and some toast and allspice from the 10-month program with 25% new French oak. Inside, it’s quite delicious with those fruit, picking up a bite of elderberry. This wine builds over time to great structure and more balanced acidity.

Paul O’Brien Pinot Noir Mandrona Hill, 2021
The 2021 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is sourced 100% from the Chehalem Mountains. Fermented with 25% whole cluster to improve structure and lift, this wine exhibits the best the Willamette Valley has to offer. Aromas of cherry, forest floor, raspberry, and allspice. Blackberry, earthy, and floral elements on the palate. Silky-smooth mouthfeel and creamy finish.

Oregon Territory Tempranillo, 2022
Sourced from dry farmed vineyards in the Umpqua Valley, hand-harvested and fermented in French oak foudres. This is a rich, complex Tempranillo reminiscent of the roble’ style of Ribera del Duero. The 2022 vintage was awarded Gold from the San Diego International Wine Competition.

Hi Friends & Family,We've tweaked the list of the featured wines (+ one pink gin) for this year's Annual Rosé Tasting Ev...
05/09/2025

Hi Friends & Family,
We've tweaked the list of the featured wines (+ one pink gin) for this year's Annual Rosé Tasting Event. I am so looking forward to seeing all of you at Wine Republic next Friday!

Annual Rosé Tasting Event
Friday, May 16, 6-8 pm,
Open House, Wine Republic Event Space
Featuring 24 wines: rosé, whites & red, a pink gin plus light bites
Tickets: $10 wine club members | $25 non members

MAN Family Wines Chenin Blanc Free-Run Steen Coastal Region, 2024
Made from dry farmed old-vine vineyards in the prime growing region of Agter-Paarl. Light straw color. Vibrant notes of quince, pear and pineapple. On the palate, white peach, green apple and a burst of citrus, with well-rounded acidity, minerality and a rich mouthfeel. A rich mouthfeel makes this wine suitable as an aperitif, and also a fine companion to a wide range of cuisines. Cape Coast, South Africa

Left Coast White Pinot Noir Willamette Valley, ’23
What began in 2011 as a small experimental wine quickly blossomed into one of Left Coast’s most unique and popular wines. The fruit is crushed at extremely cold temperatures to ensure minimal coloration from the skins. The pure Pinot Noir juice is fermented in stainless steel and then aged on the lees. The result is a wine with the body and aromas of a classic Pinot Noir and composition and brightness of white wine flavors. Soft gold in color, displaying aromas of honeysuckle, shortbread, and ripe pear. Its palate is rich and round, with flavors of dried apricots and pineapple, finishing with a dry mineral finish.

Scaia Rosado, 2023
Pink-hued wine made from Rondinella, a traditional Valpolicella grape variety that is not often seen on its own. Aromas of roses, alongside raspberries and other red fruits. Vibrant, fresh, lifted and pure fun, this is a beach party in a bottle. Tart red fruits leap from the glass with a subtle note of fresh flowers and a hint of sea salt. Veneto, Italy

Mulderbosch Rosé, 2024
An attractive cherry note greets the nose, followed by subtle rose petal aromatics and a crisp mineral note that holds it all together nicely. Due to careful selection of vineyard sites and gentle fruit handling in the cellar the palate has an effortless poise about it. Sweet-fruited Cabernet flavors and early-picked natural acidity make for an intense palate that refreshes with each sip.

Kapriol Pink Grapefruit & Hibiscus Gin
The story of the family business Beniamino Maschio begins in the middle of the 19th century. Antonio Maschio built his own small distillery and thus began the great adventure of the family in the world of grappa. The distillery is located in San Pietro di Feletto in Italy. In 2002 Beniamino Maschio took over Distilleria dell'Alpe with the intention of developing a variety of liqueurs and gin typical of the Venetian tradition.

Expressive aromatics of grapefruit zest and soft hibiscus fruitiness are balanced by the gin's core herbaceous notes on the palate. Dry, complex and compelling.

Klet Brda Winery Fritzz Elderflower & Lime Sparkling Apertif, NV
Aromas of the month of May scent of blossoming elderberry that kindles the senses. Sparkling Rebula and lime for a unique refreshment. Our inspiration for the new flavour of Fritzz with elderberry and lime came from the region of South Tyrol, home to a traditional aperitif made of elderberry syrup and sparkling wine. Brda, Slovenia

B.R.O.T. Penedes Blanc Inicial, 2023
Blend of 50% Macabeo and 50% Riesling. Vibrant white wine with an intense and expressive nose, highlighted by notes of ripe citrus and exotic fruits (pineapple), along with hints of laurel and Mediterranean herbs, with subtle floral nuances (lilac). It shows a good balance between the two varieties. This wine is fresh, vertical, and with great tension, marked by good acidity that makes it dynamic and refreshing. The finish is extremely saline. Penedès, Spain

Mi Mi en Provence Cotes de Provence Grande Reserve Rosé, 2024
Light pink in color with a pleasant after taste that lingers nicely. Its nose is characterized by delicious hints of spring flowers and lemon flavors. On the palate, one will be struck by its flowery notes reminiscent of the flavors of crushed strawberry, lemon and watermelon. Provence, France

Wilfred Wong of Wine.com, 90 points
The 2024 Mi Mi Provence Grande Réserve Rosé is a true example of Côtes de Provence. This wine exhibits aromas and flavors of rustic spices, dried herbs, and sun-dried rocks. Enjoy it with a salmon poke bowl. (Tasted: March 20, 2025, San Francisco, CA)

Caruso & Minini Terre Siciliane Frappo Rosé, 2024
The fruity, intense and organic Frappo is the pride of Caruso & Minini’s high quality production. Fresh, lively Frappo is defined by aromas of a flower and aromatic bouquet of cherry and red fruits. Aromatic on the palate, this wine discloses a pleasant acid note, as well as strong hints of strawberry and cherry. The label’s vibrant colors featuring a pink flamingo add an extra layer of charm. This bird is a symbol of the natural reserve of Stagnone. Sicily, Italy

Caruso & Minini Terre Siciliane Perricone Naturalmente Bio, 2021 On the nose it is enveloping, rich in red fruit, mixed with a hint of licorice typical of the varietal expression. Lavender and balsamic aromatics that lead to blueberry and boysenberry. soft and velvety but at the same time tannic. The finish is long and persistent. Sicily, Italy

Francis Blanchet Pouilly-Fume Calcite, 2023
This gorgeously pure and bright Sauvignon Blanc shows a brilliant bouquet of lemon zest, nectarine, jasmine tea, and quince. The high percentage of silex in the terroir shows through with a distinct flinty note that adds complexity. The palate has plenty of verve, with notes of ginger, anjou pear, and wet stone. A clear vein of minerality keeps everything in balance. Loire Valley, France

Cleto Chiarli Brut de Noir Rosé, NV
A blend of 85% Grasparossa and 15% Pinot Noir, this lovely sparkler offers aromas of apple, berry and bread crust. The aromas carry over to the tangy palate together with red cherry and a hint of pastry cream alongside bright acidity and small continuous bubbles. Intense fragrances of strawberries and raspberries and a lively round taste. Seductive. Emilia-Romagna, Italy

La Vieille Ferme Rosé, 3L Bag-in-Box
Wine Republic’s top selling rosé in a box! Very fresh and very fruity, the nose is particularly seductive, combining notes of red fruit and juicy summer fruit such as nectarines and peaches. Great vivacity on the palate with beautiful fruity aromas.

Bodegas Muga Rioja Rosado, 2023
Blend of Garnacha and Viura. Beautiful pale pink color. It has medium-high intensity and great complexity in the aromas, with a first impression of notes of peach peel, stone fruit and a hint of white blossom. On the palate, it is a very well-balanced wine, with a marked, sharp acidity perfectly integrated with the sense of body in the mouth. It has a long finish, bringing back reminders of peach, with slight citrus nuances. Rioja, Spain

Masseria Li Veli Salice Salentino Passamante, 2023
Dense ruby red with a purplish rim, it is immediately intense on the nose with marked aromas of ripe and fleshy red fruits, notably cherries, followed by spicy notes of cinnamon and nutmeg; in the mouth, it is full, powerful, smooth and very long, with a well-defined acid streak which makes it fresh and pleasing. Puglia, Italy

Vostinic Klasnic ‘Ikons’, 2023
Vostinic-Klasnic lies just outside of the bustling city of Zagreb and has been family owned since 1936 when the owner Tomislav Vostinic's great grandfather planted the first vines of Skrlet in the area. The vines are some of the oldest Skrlet vines in existence and they have implemented organic farming to maintain the integrity of the vines and the property. Blend of those old vine Skrlet and Grasevina, both native grapes to Croatia. This easy drinking white is wildly refreshing with tasting notes of nectarine, peach and jasmine. Croatia

Medivol Cremant de Limoux Brut Rosé, NV
A blend of 60% Chardonnay, 25% Chenin, and 15% Pinot Noir. A beautiful soft pink hue, this wine has subtle cherry and raspberry notes on the nose, with a slight but pleasant funky freshness. The rolling bubbles are elegant, delicate, and along with the nice acid in the wine, help in elevating the flavor of foods it’s paired with.

Stolpman Vineyards So Fresh Love You Bunches Rosé
Blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre and 10% Syrah. Grapes for this wine were picked early to create this light fresh style of rosé. This wine has tasting notes of strawberry, peach, lemon-lime, and mint. Floral breezy, and delicious. Upfront quenching acidity, showing traces of rhubarb, straight into a super savory, dry finish.

Semeli Estate Mountain Sun Rosé, 2024
100% Agiorgitiko strictly from selected high elevation vineyards in the Nemea region. Pale pink color with rose highlights. Complex aromas of fresh red and exotic fruits (cherry, mulberry, passion fruit), herby elegance and hints of sweet spices. Rich, refreshing, and exquisitely balanced with the sweetness of the variety. Pronounced freshness on the palate. Peloponnese, Greece.

Montinore Estate Romagna Sangiovese La Messe, 2023
100% Sangiovese with aromas with an inviting mix of blackberries and cherries engulfed in sweet smoke and hints of citrus sorbet. This is round and soothing, with ripe red and black fruits. It’s soft-textured with juicy acidity that propels its ripe wild berry fruits as violet florals form toward the close. It finishes with minerality and hints of licorice while tapering off with impressive length, well-structured, and completely fresh. Romagna, Italy

Fuenteseca Macabeo Sauvignon Blanc, 3L, BiB
Vineyards are located in the north-west corner of Utiel Requena, 900 metres above sea level. Wines are made from organically grown grapes in vineyards cultivated using natural fertilizers, cover crops, and biological control of pests. Aromatic with herbaceous notes and ripe citrus. The palate is textured with fresh and zesty citrus fruit acidity, mineral notes and a clean, crisp finish. Utiel Requena, Spain

Ercole Pet Nat Rosato
A naturally sparkling rosé produced by Ercole, a collaboration of small growers from the Monferrato region in Piedmont, Italy. Blend of Barbera and Dolcetto. Vibrant pink hue and a lively effervescence. The nose is aromatic, with wild strawberries, raspberries, and a hint of rose petals. It is fresh and fruity on the palate, with flavors of red berries and citrus.

Biohof Pratsch Dry Rosé Wine, 2024
A rather cool and dry wine growing region, this country produces wine that is quintessentially European in style: food-friendly with racy acidity, moderate alcohol and fresh fruit flavors. Pratsch Rose wine is an organic rosé made from Zweigelt grapes. Raspberry notes flit from the glass, then the palate follows with zesty, appetizing lemon flavors and creates a perfect picture of summer-berried freshness and easy, enjoyable lightness. Niederösterreich, Weinland, Austria

Ruth Lewandowski Rosé Cuvee Zero Rose, 2023
A natural rosé wine made from 41% Tinta Roriz, 37% Souzao, 22% Touriga Nacional from Fox Hill Vineyard. It’s dark pink, thanks to the thick Touriga skins, which also give a touch of tannin. The addition of Tinta Roriz (aka Tempranillo) adds a delicate, spicy, snappy strawberry component to the wine. Texturally it’s white tea-like, and tastes of blood orange, peach and rose petal, with a slight hint of bubble gum. The palate is full, but not heavy, yet bright and snappy with a refreshingly low ABV. It’s a totally different and extremely pleasurable rosé drinking experience. Mendocino County, CA

Ezy Tgr Pinot Noir Willamette Valley
EZY TGR Pinot Noir is classic Willamette Pinot – fresh strawberry and dark ripe berries. Cherry cola notes begin to emerge as it opens up in the glass, followed by dried rose and black tea. The palate is soft, and medium-bodied, with elegant silky tannin. This is a fresh, easy style of Willamette Pinot. New Zealand

$25 tickets:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/annual-rose-tasting-event-tickets-1352626996759?aff=oddtdtcreator

Good afternoon and Happy Weekend!The weather is very nice today, so I  jumped on finding a lovely little Rosé with a spe...
03/14/2025

Good afternoon and Happy Weekend!

The weather is very nice today, so I jumped on finding a lovely little Rosé with a special deal for you!

Marin Gris De Gris Rosé, IGP Sable De Camargue, 2023

A delicious, pale and versatile rosé from the sandy Camargue. This wine is produced in the beautiful and rugged Camargue in South of France. The Camargue is a wild and natural environment surrounded by abundant wildlife including flamingos and the world-famous wild white horses. The famously sandy dune soils of Camargue have been deposited by the sea and the wind. These are poor soils, almost devoid of silt and clay. Free-draining and mobile, they have prevented the encroachment of phylloxera since the late 1800s. The grapes are grown on two plots, L’Abbé and Les Sablons. Machine-harvested and refrigerated before a light pneumatic pressing to achieve a delicate wine with as little oxidation as possible. Several rackings and cold settlings are carried out before fermentation. Fermentation is slow and cool, lasting two to three weeks.

Delicious ripe peach and melon, with a twist of pink grapefruit zest and the freshness of a sea breeze. An enchantingly pale, copper colored rosé – even more sophisticated looking than its chic cousins from Provence – with a lovely weight and texture across the length of the palate and a dusting of Southern French spice. Great with lightly spiced dishes but equally delicious sipped in a sunny garden with a bowl of olives.

Stock up today! Sold in multiples of 3, 6 and case of 12 only.

$7.97/bottle (when you purchase a case of 12)
$9.97/bottle (when you purchase 6 bottles)�
$10.97/bottle (when you purchase 3 bottles)�
$13.95/bottle Regular Price

To take advantage of this deal, send your preorder to [email protected]. We will email you next week when your order is ready!

PS Can you imagine just sitting up north by Split Rock Lighthouse, sipping on this one? 🥰

Thanksgiving in Uruguay. Grateful! 🇺🇾  🇺🇾
11/28/2024

Thanksgiving in Uruguay. Grateful!

🇺🇾
🇺🇾

SAVE-the-DATE!Join us for Wine Republic's 10th Anniversary and 10th Annual Italian Wine & Opera Event on Friday, October...
09/27/2024

SAVE-the-DATE!

Join us for Wine Republic's 10th Anniversary and 10th Annual Italian Wine & Opera Event on Friday, October 11, 5:30-8 pm.

Details to come!

Happy Labor Day and wishing you a fabulous holiday weekend! Wine Republic will be closed on Labor Day.
09/02/2024

Happy Labor Day and wishing you a fabulous holiday weekend! Wine Republic will be closed on Labor Day.

An absolutely perfect white for a steamy day! Brought to you by Mary Taylor Wines who works with extremely talented wine...
08/24/2024

An absolutely perfect white for a steamy day! Brought to you by Mary Taylor Wines who works with extremely talented winemakers. This one comes from Cotes du Gasgogne and is a blend of Colombard, Ugni Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc. Our top- selling white this year!

07/04/2024

I heard from a few more friends about receiving a friend request from me. Someone impersonating me did this.

I looked up what should be done about this and here is what I learned: Your friends who received these friend requests should go to the account in question and report it to Facebook.

Choose "Report Profile" option in Facebook.

Very much appreciate your help and so sorry for the hassle!

If the rain is keeping you from working in the garden tomorrow, come and join us for our Annual Rosé Tasting!Saturday, J...
06/14/2024

If the rain is keeping you from working in the garden tomorrow, come and join us for our Annual Rosé Tasting!

Saturday, June 15, 3-5 pm Open House at Wine Republic
Featuring 23 wines: rosé, whites, reds & one pink gin plus light bites
Tickets: $10 wine club members | $20 non-members

$20 tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/annual-rose-tasting-tickets-920949263037

05/22/2024

I've been hacked. Please do not accept friend request from me. I'm very sorry!

I looked up what happens when scammer does this and if you want to send me the link to the profile that sent you the request, I am going to follow the steps to report it.
Again, I'm very sorry!

Address

Excelsior, MN

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 7pm
Wednesday 10am - 7pm
Thursday 10am - 7pm
Friday 10am - 7pm
Saturday 10am - 7pm

Telephone

+9524702220

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