7 min read
Deep-Fried & Decanted: Pairing New Fair Food with Haskell's Wine
If there’s one thing I know about Minnesotans, it’s that we love the Fair! The Great Minnesota Get Together is the...
By: John Farrell III on August 24, 2026
If there’s one thing I know about Minnesotans, it’s that we love the Fair! The Great Minnesota Get Together is the time of year where great food, great drinks and a great community come together and celebrate all it is to be Minnesotan.
The Minnesota State Fair offers fair-goers the most fun, innovative (and at times, unexpected) food options. The 2026 season is off to a great start with their brand new food offerings and we thought it would fun to pair them with wine!

by El Burrito Mercado
Flour tortillas filled with shredded chicken, cheese and house-made mole sauce. Deep-fried, drizzled with more mole sauce and garnished with queso fresco.
You can find it at the International Bazaar, South Wall.

The Flechas de Los Andes Gran Malbec pairs beautifully with El Burrito Mercado's Tacos de Mole. The subtle cocoa, vanilla & toasted wood notes echo the house made mole (think warm spice & cinnamon). Tannins work to cut through the fat, cleansing your palate after every bite.
by O'Gara's at the Fair
Handmade dumplings stuffed with a cheeseburger blend made of beef, cheddar, pickle and onion. Skewered on-a-stick and deep-fried. Served with homemade Thousand Island dressing.
You can find this on the southwest corner of Dan Patch Ave. & Cosgrove St.
This Sonoma Coast native boasts just the right acidity level to handle the Sligo Slider Bites' fried exterior. The low tannins pairs PERFECTLY with the pickles featured on this food. This fruit-forward, medium-bodied Pinot Noir has enough earthy red fruit to hold it's own against ground beef and sharp cheddar without overwhelming them.

by French Meadow Bakery & Cafe
Seasoned lamb and pork meatballs stuffed with whipped garlic herb goat cheese and flash-fried. Served atop shakshuka – a blend of tomatoes, chili peppers, onions and spices – garnished with parsley and served with a side of chimichurri-spiced sourdough crostini. (Gluten-free upon request)
Find it on the north side of Carnes Ave. between Nelson St. & Underwood St.
This vino is Merlot-dominant, balanced with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. This Mozart's lush plum and cherry fruit notes soften the acidity of the cooked tomato sauce The goat cheese will soften the Cabernet tannins, making the red berry flavor smoother and sweeter on the palate.

by Blue Barn
Corn cob quarters dipped in tempura batter, then fried. Brushed with seasoned butter and topped with bacon ranch, green onion and candied jalapeños. Served on a bed of pork rinds.
You can find it at West End Market, south of History & Heritage Center.
The bright, zesty acidity of this vino cuts straight through the fat in Cracklin' Corn Ribs. The subtle peach, watermelon, and strawberry notes will soften the jalapeno kick while complementing the natural sweetness of the corn. Provencal Rosés naturally possess a faint herbal, savory quality (often called garrigue) that ties right into the bite of fresh green onions.
Aug 24, 2026by John Farrell III
If there’s one thing I know about Minnesotans, it’s that we love the Fair! The Great Minnesota Get Together is the...
Jul 23, 2026by Ted Farrell
For Minnesotans, few things compare to enjoying a...