Local Craft Beer Hits The Fair

ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) - Minnesota craft beer will get a lot of exposure at this year's State Fair.

A new exhibit at the Fair is dedicated to Minnesota's breweries, and a second exhibit is just for wine lovers.

Jeff McClure of the Minnesota Wine Country exhibit says taking a trip to the Great Minnesota Get-Together will be like taking a trip across the state in 2012.

"We cover geographically almost the entire state," said McClure.

It's an experience for those who love fruitful flavors, highlighting 13 wines produced locally.

"All of them are fantastic options, so we cover the pallet of every guest that walks through the door," said McClure.

The exhibit has been around before, but this year, it's got a new home in the old Epiphany Diner. The place was remodeled, with new counters and lighting to showcase Minnesota winemakers.

"We can get as many people tasting, looking, seeing, not only their wines but the venue and how these wineries are growing. It's really going to be a magnificent experience and growth model for us," he said.

The exhibit is on Underwood, right across the street from the Agriculture/Horticulture Building where there's a brand new exhibit called the Land of 10,000 Beers.

Clint Roberts with the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild says the exhibit welcomes fairgoers with open arms.

"We say, 'Come on in. Get to know the people making the beer, enjoy the company, enjoy Minnesota craft beer,'" said Roberts. "You'll have an opportunity on a daily basis to taste beer from different breweries across the state."

Fairgoers can learn how beer's produced and the ingredients that go into a batch.

"You can stand in one place and take a beer tour across the state," he said.

There will also be a section for children highlighting root beer.