There is a precise moment in late afternoon when the light across the Delano hills shifts from gold to soft amber. The breeze slows through the vineyard rows, carrying with it the quiet, restful rhythm of rural Minnesota. If you take a seat on the patio during those golden hours, glass in hand, you begin to understand the feeling the Olson family wanted to capture when they first walked this land.
They called it SolHavn—a name rooted in Norse heritage that translates roughly to a sunny, safe space. A haven. A place to slow down, pull up a chair, and simply belong.
Bringing California Craft Back Home to Minnesota
For the Olson family, the path to Delano was both a journey and a homecoming. Lifelong Minnesotans, they spent nearly fifteen years owning and operating two wineries in California’s Temecula Valley, honing the intricate art of winemaking and the nuances of deeply personal hospitality.
When they sold those West Coast vineyards, they weren't looking to step away from wine—they were looking for the right place to bring that experience back home. When they saw the former Fountain Hill Winery property, the potential was undeniable. It was already one of the most picturesque winery settings in the state.
"When we first saw this property, we fell in love with its natural beauty and saw the potential to create a welcoming destination for our local community," the Olsons share.
In August 2026, after eight intense months of meticulous planning, equipment upgrades, vineyard plantings, and tasting room refinements, SolHavn Cellars officially opened its gates. The goal was never to erase the history locals loved, but to honor it—infusing the estate with new investment, fresh energy, and a commitment to longevity.
In the Glass: Local Roots and Washington Precision
The winemaking philosophy at SolHavn bridges two distinct terroir stories. With the 2026 vintage, all winemaking now happens right here on the estate, utilizing Minnesota-grown grapes harvested from their own vines and trusted local growers.
Cold-hardy regional stars like Brianna—crisp, expressive, and brimming with bright white-fruit character—and Petite Pearl, a rich, complex, and beautifully structured red, showcase just how extraordinary upper-Midwest viticulture can be.
"They are wonderful examples of what Minnesota grapes can produce—rich, approachable, and distinctly regional," notes the family. "That said, the best wine is always the one you love!"
To complement these local gems and offer something for every palate, SolHavn also sources select varietals from premier partner vineyards in Washington State, crafting refined, full-bodied options that thrive in the Pacific Northwest's microclimates.
The best way to experience this harmony? A guided tasting. It’s a chance to sit back, sip through the portfolio, hear the stories behind each barrel, and perhaps find a new favorite you might not have expected.
Gathering at the Haven
While exceptional wine is the anchor, SolHavn was designed to be a true community gathering place. On any given weekend, the air is filled with live music, the aromas of local food trucks, and the sound of friends catching up over open-air tables. It is intentionally family-friendly, spacious, and unpretentious—a place where a serious collector and a family enjoying a sunny afternoon feel equally at home.
The response from the Delano community and visitors across the region has been warmly overwhelming, particularly the enthusiastic reception of the new Founders Club. But as rewarding as the August opening was, it was only the beginning.
Looking Ahead: A New Season, A New Space
As winter approaches, the Olsons are already preparing for the next evolution of the estate. Right after the holidays, construction begins on an expanded tasting room—featuring a larger footprint, generous indoor and outdoor seating, and the same warm, Scandinavian-inspired atmosphere guests love.
The new space will feature an integrated kitchen serving a curated menu of artisanal wood-fired pizzas, elevated appetizers, and wine-friendly bites designed specifically to pair with SolHavn’s cellared pours.
The Perfect SolHavn Afternoon
If you ask the family to describe the ideal visit, the recipe is remarkably simple:
Start with a guided tasting to explore the lineup. Grab a fresh glass of what speaks to you, find a quiet spot on the patio, and listen to the music as the evening cools down. Watch the sun drop below the tree line and over the vineyard, and leave already planning your next return.
Welcoming. Authentic. Beautiful. SolHavn isn't just a place to drink great wine—it's a place to make memories that last long after the final pour.
Visit us this season at SolHavn Cellars in Delano to taste our latest releases, learn more about our Founders Wine Club, and experience the haven for yourself.
