Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery & Distillery Announces the Pending $2.5 Million Agreement and Competitive Sale Process

Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery & Distillery has entered into a purchase agreement with a potential buyer for $2.5 million. However, the transaction is not yet complete, but rather it establishes a floor for a competitive sale process being conducted as part of Chankaska’s pending turnaround in the county court.

The “Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors” is pending in Le Sueur County District Court, Court File No. 40-CV-26-130. Lighthouse Management Group, Inc. is serving as the court-appointed Assignee and is overseeing the sale process for the benefit of Chankaska’s creditors and other stakeholders.

The $2.5 million agreement provides a path toward completing a sale while preserving the opportunity for qualified parties to submit higher or otherwise more attractive offers. Qualified competing bids will be accepted through October 1, 2026, and must exceed the existing bid by a minimum increment of $100,000. A hearing to consider approval of the proposed transaction is scheduled for October 8, 2026, at the Le Sueur County District Courthouse, where it is expected the court will approve the most attractive offer.

Located in Kasota, MN, Chankaska Creek Ranch, Winery & Distillery is an established southern Minnesota winery, distillery, vineyard, event venue, and hospitality destination. The property combines beverage production, hospitality, events, and agritourism operations in a distinctive setting overlooking the Minnesota River Valley.

The sale opportunity includes substantially all assets associated with the business, including, as applicable:
• Winery and distillery production facilities;
• Vineyard acreage and related agricultural improvements;
• Tasting room and hospitality facilities;
• Restaurant and event spaces;
• Wedding and special-event facilities;
• Intellectual property, branding, and other operating assets; and
• Real estate, equipment, inventory, and other assets associated with the operations.

The offering may appeal to a range of strategic and financial purchasers, including winery and vineyard operators, craft beverage companies, hospitality and event venue operators, agritourism businesses, real estate investors, and other parties seeking to acquire an established destination business with significant operating infrastructure.

“This sale represents an opportunity to acquire one of southern Minnesota’s best-known winery and hospitality destinations through a transparent and competitive court-supervised process,” said Josh Clark, who is overseeing the process on behalf of the Assignee Lighthouse Management Group. “We encourage qualified buyers to contact Lighthouse to evaluate the opportunity and participate in the bidding process for this beautiful property.”

Chankaska continues to operate during the sale process and remains committed to serving its customers and event guests. The venue is also accepting new event bookings for the rest of 2026 and beyond.

Qualified prospective purchasers will be provided with access to available due diligence materials upon execution of an appropriate confidentiality agreement. Interested parties are encouraged to act quickly to allow sufficient time to evaluate the opportunity before the October 1st bid deadline.

Sale Process Inquiries can be directed to:
Josh Clark Director Lighthouse Management Group, Inc. jclark@lighthousemanagement.com 651-323-2268