Minnesota Alcoholic Beverage Market: Regulations, Statistics, Trends, and Wholesalers
Nestled in the heart of the Upper Midwest, Minnesota’s alcohol market tells a story of tradition, regulation, and gradual transformation. The North Star State has long maintained a distinctively conservative approach to alcohol sales that sets it apart from its more liberal neighboring states
Minnesota’s alcohol market stands out for its unique and stringent regulatory approach. The state was reported to be the last to restrict beer and wine sales exclusively to liquor stores, though it recently moved to permit the sale of regular-strength beer in most grocery and convenience stores. Some Minnesota cities operate municipal liquor stores and typically do not allow private off-sale liquor stores within their boundaries.
Minnesota had an approximate population of 5.7 million people in 2023, with 4.2 million within the legal drinking age bracket. The state’s alcohol industry features a robust production landscape with over 75 distilleries, 70 wineries, and 200 breweries contributing to the market’s vibrancy and variety.
We’ve prepared a guide to the Minnesota market which covers the following topics:
- Consumption trends
- The most popular alcohol categories
- Local guidelines
If you need help establishing your presence in Minnesota, provide your information below, and we’ll contact you to share more about how we can help.
Consumption Trends In Minnesota
In recent years, Minnesota has seen strong growth in the spirits category. Meanwhile, wine sales have remained completely flat, while beer has taken a slight dip. In the five-year period from 2019-2023, spirits sales grew at a CAGR of over 3.6%, wine sales have remained consistent, and beer volumes have dropped by about -0.6% CAGR.
Minnesota Spirits Consumption from 2019-2023 by 9-Liter Cases
3.64% CAGR
Minnesota Wine Consumption from 2019-2023 by 9-Liter Cases
0% CAGR
Minnesota Beer Consumption from 2019-2023 by 9-Liter Cases
-0.59% CAGR
Minnesota State Alcohol Licensing
Minnesota operates as an open state, with the Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety overseeing all aspects of the industry, including licensing, enforcement, and regulatory compliance. Unlike many other states, Minnesota is not a franchise state.
Common Licenses for Manufacturers in Minnesota
Spirits
- Distilled Spirits Manufacturer License – Required to legally produce spirits
- Microdistillery License – For small distillers producing under 40,000 proof gallons per year
- Requires a $2,000 fee and $3,000 bond
- Mandates on-site production for sales
- Bottling and Blending Permit – For blending or bottling spirits produced elsewhere
- Off-Sale Microdistillery License – Allows selling up to 750 milliliters per customer per day (limited to smaller producers)
- On-Site Sales Permit (Cocktail Room License) – Allows selling cocktails made with the distillery’s own spirits
Wine
- Farm Winery License – Issued for wineries on agricultural land producing table, sparkling, or fortified wines
- Requires use of at least 50% Minnesota-grown fruit
- Commercial Manufacturer’s License (Non-Farm Winery) – For standard wineries without Minnesota-grown ingredient requirements
- Off-Sale Farm Winery License – Allows direct sales of bottled wine to consumers
- On-Sale Wine License – Allows serving wine by the glass on winery premises
- Cider License – May be required for cider production
Beer
- Malt Liquor Manufacturer License – Required for breweries producing malt beverages
- Microbrewery License – For small brewers producing under 20,000 barrels per year
- Brewer Taproom License – Allows on-site sales for breweries producing <7,500 barrels per year
- Off-Sale Growler/Crowler License – Allows small breweries (under 20,000 barrels) to sell beer directly to consumers in growlers or crowlers
On-Sale Taproom License – Allows breweries to serve beer by the glass on-site
Minnesota State Alcohol Regulations
Brand Registration
Intoxicating liquor (beverage alcohol greater than 3.2% ABW) and 3.2% malt liquor must have brand labels registered with and approved by the Commissioner:
- Initial registration fee: $40
- Renewal fee: $30
- Registration must be renewed every 3 years
Price Posting
- Wine and Beer: No price posting is required
- Distilled Spirits: Price posting is required
- Must be filed by the first of the month
- Effective the first day of the following month
- Prices remain in effect until changed by subsequent filing
Direct-to-Consumer Sales and Delivery
Wine Shipping
- Wineries may ship up to two 9-liter cases per recipient annually
- Must be for personal use, not resale
- Shipping container must be labeled: “Alcoholic Beverages: Adult Signature (Over 21 Years of Age) Required”
- Out-of-state wineries must collect and remit sales tax if:
- 200+ retail sales to Minnesota destinations in the prior 12 months, or
- Retail sales to Minnesota customers exceed $100,000
Spirits and Beer
- No direct-to-consumer shipping is allowed for spirits or malt beverages
- Limited off-sale privileges for specific license types:
- Microdistilleries: One 750ML bottle per customer per day
- Brewpubs: Up to 750 barrels of off-premise sales annually
- Small brewers: Up to 750 barrels of off-sale annually
Retailer Delivery
Off-sale liquor retail licensees may deliver alcoholic beverages from their licensed premises to a purchaser’s residence or other location
Minnesota Spirits Volume By Category – 2023 Data
Spirit trends in Minnesota by volume and dollar sales in 2023.
| Category | Volume Sales 9-liter cases |
|---|---|
| Straight Whiskey | 298 |
| Canadian Whisky | 546 |
| Scotch whisky | 148 |
| Irish whiskey | 81 |
| Gin | 180 |
| Vodka | 1,381 |
| Rum | 691 |
| Tequila | 268 |
| Cordials/Liqueurs | 749 |
| Cocktails | 974 |
Source: Beverage Information Group
Minnesota Wine Volume Sales By Category – 2023 Data
Wine trends in Minnesota by volume sales in 2023
| Category | Volume Sales 9-liter cases |
|---|---|
| Table | 4,727 |
| Champagne & Sparkling | 393 |
| Dessert & Fortified | 52 |
| Vermouth & Aperitif | 16 |
Source: Beverage Information Group
Minnesota Beer Volume Sales By Category – 2023 Data
Beer trends in Minnesota by volume sales in 2023
| Category | Volume Sales 9-liter cases |
|---|---|
| Craft | 7,011 |
| FMBs & Hard Seltzer | 5,398 |
| Super & Super Premium | 5,581 |
| Light | 16,434 |
| Popular | 3,840 |
| Imported | 5,762 |
Source: Beverage Information Group
Alcoholic Beverage Distributors Located In Minnesota
When it comes to the sale of alcohol, the United States adheres to a three-tier structure. Wholesalers or importers make up the “middle tier” of the sector. Below you will find an updated list of the top distributors located in the state of Minnesota.
Wine & Spirits Distributors
| Customer Name | Address | City |
|---|---|---|
| Amara Wines | 7800 Elm St. NE | Fridley |
| Amphora Imports – MN (Chisago City) | 10442 Liberty Ln | Chisago City |
| Amphora Imports LLC- MN (Fridley) | Fridley | |
| Bellboy Corporation – MN (Golden Valley) | 6005 Golden Valley Rd | Golden Valley |
| Bellboy Corporation – MN (Minneapolis) | 2220 Florida Ave S, | Minneapolis |
| Bernick’s – MN | 801 Sundial Drive | Waite Park |
| Blue Ice – MN | Minneapolis | |
| Bourget Imports – MN | Eagan | |
| Breakthru Beverage – MN (Minneapolis) | 701 Industrial Blvd NE | Minneapolis |
| Breakthru Beverage – MN (St. Paul) | 489 N Prior Avenue North | St. Paul |
| C&L Distributing – MN | 1020 Industrial Dr S | Sauk Rapids |
| Capitol Bev Sales – MN (Fridley) | 6982 HIGHWAY 65 NE | Fridley |
| Capitol Beverage Sales – MN (Rogers) | 20240 SOUTH DIAMOND LAKE RD | Rogers |
| Clear River Beverage Company – MN | 1255 South Frandsen Ave | Rush City |
| Coca Cola Btlg Co – MN | 1300 Industrial Ave | International Fls |
| College City Beverage – MN | 700 RAILWAY ST S | Dundas |
| Consolidated Enterprises – MN (St. Paul) | 489 N Prior Avenue, | St. Paul |
| D-S Beverages – MN | 201 17th St N | Moorhead |
| Dahlheimer Beverage – MN | 3360 Chealsea Rd W | Monticello |
| Dakota Sales Co – MN | 1916 Demers Ave | Grand Forks |
| Dick Distributing Co – MN | 1303 7th St NE | Grand Rapids |
| Digits – MN. | PO Box 700 | Excelsior |
| Doll Distributing – MN | 500 INDUSTRIAL LN | Worthington |
| Domace Vino | 106 West Water Street | Saint Paul |
| Every Sip – MN | 915 Tyrol Tri | Golden Valley |
| Grand Pere Wines | 4749 VINCENT AVENUE SOUTH | Minneapolis |
| Grape Beginnings, Inc. – MN | 1101 Stinson Blvd. N.E. | Minneapolis |
| H Boyd Nelson – MN | 3800 Minnesota St | Alexandria |
| Haroza Select Wines, LLC. | 2800 W. 42nd Street | Minneapolis |
| Johnson Brothers – MN (St. Paul) | 1999 Shepard Road | St. Paul |
| Libation Project – MN | 701 24th Ave SE | Minneapolis |
| Madison Bottling – MN | 2369 Hwy 40 E | Madison |
| Maverick Beverage Company – MN | 9601 Newton Ave South | Bloomington |
| Maverick Wine Co – MN | 9601 Netwon Avenue South | Bloomington |
| MC Donald Dist Co – MN | 1255 S Frandsen Ave | Rush City |
| NDC Systems LP – MN | 1550 Cargo Ct. | Minooka |
| Negoce Wine and Spirits – MN | Bloomington | |
| New France Wine Company – MN | St. Paul | |
| Northwest Beverage Co – MN | 1320 Greenwood St W | The River Falls |
| Origin Wine & Spirits MN. | 1999 Shepard Road | St. Paul |
| Paustis & Sons – MN | 17300 Medina Road, Suite 100, | Plymouth |
| Phillips Wine & Spirits. | 1999 Shepard Road | Saint Paul |
| Rootstock Wine – MN | Minneapolis | |
| Rue 38 – MN | St. Paul | |
| Schott Dist Co – MN | 6735 HIGHWAY 14 E | Rochester |
| Small Lot | 606 Vandalia Ave | St. Paul |
| Small Lot – MN (Minneapolis) | 606 Vandalia St | St Paul |
| Southern Glazer’s – MN (Minneapolis) | Minneapolis | |
| Southern Glazer’s – MN (Shkpee) | 3350 4th Avenue East | Shakopee |
| Sunny Hill Distributors – MN | 4518 Burton Rd | Hibbing |
| Superior Beverages – MN | 12 Randy Johnson St | Superior |
| The Wine Company – MN (St. Paul) | 425 West Minnehaha Ave | Saint Paul |
| Tow Distributing Corporation – MN | 3100 3RD AVE | Mankato |
| Vine Times – MN | 915 Tyrol Trl | Golden Valley |
| Vinocopia – (Richfield) MN | 6636 Cedar Ave South | Richfield |
| Vinocopia – MN (Minneapolis) | 6636 Cedar Avenue South, | Minneapolis |
| Wine Company – MN (St. Paul) | ||
| Wine Merchant | 1999 Shepard Rd | St Paul |
| Winebow – MN (Bloomington) | 6503 Cecilia Cir | Bloomington |
| Winebow – MN (Edina) | 6503 Cecilia Cir, | Edina |
| Wirtz Beverage – MN | 489 N Prior Ave, | St. Paul |
| WRS Imports – MN | 3100 North Pacific Street #12 | Minneapolis |
Selling Alcohol In Minnesota
Below is a list of all the important questions and answers related to selling beer, wine, and spirits in Minnesota.
If you’re looking to sell your alcohol brand in this state,, please feel free to reach out to us.
FAQs on Minnesota Beer, Wine & Spirits Sales
What are the policies regarding the sale of alcohol on Sundays in Minnesota?
People in Minnesota can purchase alcohol for off-premise use on Sundays from retailers with a special license, and they can do so from 11 AM to 6 PM.
What are the hours retailers can sell alcohol?
In Minnesota, only beer is sold in grocery stores, and wine and distilled spirits are in municipal-controlled stores, available from 8 AM to 10 PM, Monday to Saturday, and 11 AM to 6 PM on Sundays. On-premise alcohol is sold seven days a week from 8 AM to 2 AM.
What are the alcohol laws in Minnesota?
A person must be 18 and over to serve alcohol and be 21 and older to purchase alcohol in Minnesota.
The state bans open containers in vehicles; any open bottle of alcohol must be transported in the vehicle’s trunk. Also, Minnesota has a “per se intoxicated” rule, meaning anyone with a BAC over 0.08% could be convicted of a DUI.
Do Walmart, Target, and CVS sell alcohol in Minnesota?
People in Minnesota can only buy beer in stores like Walmart, Target, and CVS that have obtained state licenses.
Do they sell liquor, wine, or beer in grocery stores in Minnesota?
Until recently, grocery stores in Minnesota were only permitted to sell beer below 3.2% ABV. Current law allows for the sale of regular-strength beer in grocery stores. Wine and distilled spirits are sold at liquor stores.
Do they sell alcohol in gas stations in Minnesota?
Laws were also updated to allow the sale of regular-strength beer in gas stations in Minnesota.
What is the alcohol excise tax in Minnesota?
Distilled Spirits, liqueurs, cordials, and specialties: $1.33/liter
Wine (14%ABV or less): $0.08/liter
Wine (More than 14%ABV to 21% ABV): $0.25/liter
Wine (More than 21% ABV to 24%ABV): $.48/liter (Wine above 24% ABV: $0.93/liter)
Natural and artificial sparkling wines: $0.48/liter
Cider: $0.04/liter
Low-alcohol dairy cocktails: $0.02/liter
Fermented malt beverages containing not more than 3.2% ABW: $2.40/31 gallon barrel
Fermented malt beverages containing more than 3.2% ABW: $4.60/31 gallon barrel
Buying Alcohol In Minnesota – Hours, Locations & Taxes
We’ve also provided details below that should help you understand the laws that are applicable to purchasing and consuming alcohol within the state.
FAQs on Buying Beer, Wine & Liquor in Minnesota
Can you buy liquor in grocery stores in Minnesota?
Until recently, grocery stores in Minnesota were only permitted to sell beer below 3.2% ABV. Current law allows for the sale of regular-strength beer in grocery stores. Wine and distilled spirits are sold at liquor stores.
Can you buy alcohol in gas stations in Minnesota?
Laws were also updated to allow the sale of regular-strength beer in gas stations in Minnesota.
Does Minnesota Allow direct-to-consumer shipping?
Minnesota allows the direct-to-consumer sale and delivery of all wine, beer, and distilled spirits provided the buyer provides adequate age verification.
What times can you buy liquor, wine, or beer in Minnesota?
You can purchase alcohol for off-premise consumption from 8 AM to 10 PM, Monday to Saturday, and 11 AM to 6 PM on Sunday. On-premise alcohol sales are allowed seven days a week from 8 AM to 2 AM. Off-premise sales are banned on Thanksgiving, after 8 PM on Christmas Eve, and all day on Christmas Day.
Can you order alcohol to go in Minnesota?
During the pandemic-caused lockdowns, Minnesotan restaurants were allowed to sell wine and beer with food orders to go, prohibiting cocktails and mixed drinks. As of December 2022, restaurants can only sell alcohol with food in an original, unopened package, capped at 72 oz of beer, cider, or hard seltzer, and 750 ml wine per order.
Where in Minnesota can you buy alcohol off-premise?
You can purchase beer in grocery stores and gas stations; wine and distilled spirits can be only purchased from liquor stores.
Where can buy alcohol for on-premise consumption in Minnesota?
On-premise alcohol in Minnesota is sold at restaurants, bars, clubs, hotels, etc.
Data Sources – dps.mn.gov, house.leg.state.mn.us, wikipedia.org)
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