Who are we?The Purple Foot is a club of amateur winemakers, dedicated to helping our members appreciate wines of all sorts, and to produce better wines of their own. We are based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St Paul, Minnesota. |
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Bob ParkeBob Parke of Stillwater, Minnesota passed away March 28. Bob was a quiet giant in the winemaking world, with his knowledgeable skills and thoughtful advice. He was a great mentor to many of us, with his thoughtful judging and advice on wine balancing and blending. He won numerous Purple Foot and MN State Fair wine competition awards including the state fair Sweepstakes two years and MGGA exploratory award many years. His skill with various fruits as well as vinifera and cold-hardy hybrid grapes was well recognized. Bob also served on the Purple Foot Board of Directors as president for two terms and as a director. We will also remember Bob for his dry sense of humor. During a USDA exchange trip to Belarus, he and Tom Plocher were treated to a formal dinner hosted by the communist leader. In his best command voice, the leader loudly introduced Bob as “Robert Parker” and offered a toast to him. Bob leaned over to Tom and whispered, “I think I will just go along with them thinking I’m Robert Parker.” He will be greatly missed. |
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Murder Mystery Party!The Murder Mystery party was hosted by Mitch and Julie Leland with helpers Mike Little, Pete Muelpas, and Laura Schroeder on March 28. The party was a fundraising effort from the Holiday Party in December. Each person was assigned a character and asked to dress in 1920’s period costume. The team coordinated 3 rounds which were the introduction, the murder, and solving the crime. The Purple Foot Wine Club members can definitely step into character and have a great time! Thanks to the hosts, helpers and participants for a fantastic evening. |
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2026 Purple Foot Wine Label ContestThe Purple Foot Wine Label Contest provides a way for members to obtain feedback on their label with the objectives of having fun and improving our label making skills. A label can enhance the overall experience and presentation of a wine, making it both an enjoyable and memorable endeavor. The label is also an opportunity for the winemaker to showcase creativity and personal style. The contest occurs once a year during the Winter Wine competition. The categories and winners are: Classic – Bill Berg Artistic – Joey DeCarlo Humorous/Whimsical – Pete Meulepas People’s Choice – Joey DeCarlo Jack Hinrich won Best of Show |
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Winter Wine & Aged Wine Competition
The Winter Wine & Aged Wine Competition was held at the February meeting. Any finished wine can be entered in this competition. It also includes the esteemed Aged Wine category, which now requires a minimum of 7 years of age on wines to be entered.
There were 8 wine categories judged including Aged wine and the winners are posted in the Club Competition page. 2026 Winter Wine Competition Results. The Best of Show was awarded in a separate judging of the Category winners.
Mitch Leland’s Red Blend won Best of Show.
Congratulations Mitch!
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