get to know us
The team
Cynthia Strauser | Director of Events
5 years with the company | 7 years experience within the industry
Chris Roberts | Event Operations Coordinator
1 year with the company | 8 years experience within the industry
Our Owners Kent & Jane Schwickert
The vision of our winery stems from the dreams and ambitions of our majority owners, Kent and Jane Schwickert. After traveling to over 100 wineries throughout the United States and Europe, Kent began to build and shape their concept for the ideal winery. As a couple, they bring a diverse background of experience and entrepreneurship in successful businesses that made them prepared for the challenge of a winery operation.
The property
The name Chankaska comes from the Dakota Indian tribe, who roamed, hunted and rooted their lands of what we now know as the Southern Minnesota River Valley. Giving special attention to the creek that runs through our property and the lush forest that embraces us, the Dakota named the creek Chankaska, meaning “enclosed by forest”.
Chankaska Creek Ranch and Winey was established in 2008 when we planed our first grape vines on 25 acres of land. As grapes take up to 3-5 years to grow before first harvest, we then turned our attention to the rest of the Ranch! In the fall of 2010, construction began on our 11,000 square foot winery and tasting room with an opening date of May 2012. We then later expanded in 2017 breaking ground on our Spirits Room and Event Center additions.
As our dream started to solidify, we turned our focus onto creating beautiful and functional outdoor event venues for our guests. Sparing no expense, our event sites are meticulously landscaped and maintained. Our floral architecture was carefully chosen to be colorful and balanced, but not overstated to pull away from the focus of an event, or a bride! Since their creation, the outside venues have become one of the most popular wedding venues in the entire state!