Exploring the World of Iowa’s Cold-Hardy Grapes
Exploring the World of Iowa’s Cold-Hardy Grapes

Ever imagine Iowa as a haven for thriving vineyards? Nestled amidst rolling hills and fertile plains, Iowa boasts a surprising bounty – cold-hardy grape varietals that have adapted to the region's distinct climate. 

Today, we're venturing into the heart of Iowa's wine scene, where Chris Larsen, owner of Compass Hill Vineyard, talks about his 10 years as a vineyard owner. 

Plus, we'll explore a dozen unique grape varietals that grace Iowa's vineyards, each contributing its own special character to the state's burgeoning wine industry. So, grab a metaphorical glass and join us as we delve into the fascinating world of Iowa grapes!

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Rebecca RitzComment
Sweet Harmony: Pairing Girl Scout Cookies with Iowa Wines
Sweet Harmony: Pairing Girl Scout Cookies with Iowa Wines

Forget boring pairings – this year, celebrate Girl Scout Cookie season with a uniquely Iowa twist! Embark on a delicious journey by matching your favorite Girl Scout cookies with Iowa Wine.

But the magic doesn't stop there. Journey to Soldier Creek Winery, Glyn Mawr Winery-The Local and Cedar Valley Winery this month, And to ensure these wineries continue to flourish, Nutrien Ag Solutions, a dedicated industry partner, provides essential resources and expertise, ensuring a bountiful harvest and delicious wines for years to come.

So, grab a box of Girl Scout Cookies, raise a glass of Iowa wine, and prepare to discover a symphony of flavors! Let's embark on this sweet adventure visiting 4 local Iowa wineries.

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Christie JensenComment
Uncorking Excellence: Celebrating the 2024 Iowa Wine Award Winners
Uncorking Excellence: Celebrating the 2024 Iowa Wine Award Winners

The 2024 Iowa Wine Awards banquet was held on Monday, Jan. 8 at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny, in conjunction with the Iowa Specialty Producers Conference.

It's no secret that Iowan's know a thing or two about agriculture! Grapes have been grown in Iowa as early as 1857 when a vineyard was planted in the rolling hills of western Iowa near Council Bluffs.

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Christie JensenComment
Discover Iowa's Best-Kept Secret: Winter Wine Shopping and Winery Exploration
Discover Iowa's Best-Kept Secret: Winter Wine Shopping and Winery Exploration

Get ready for a winter full of Iowa wine! Purchase tickets to the Iowa Wine Awards Social, grab stylish Iowa Wine hoodies and shirts, and plan your visits to 5 Iowa wineries.

Welcome to Iowa, where hidden gems await at every turn. If you thought Iowa was only known for its cornfields and rolling hills, prepare to be pleasantly surprised. Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes, there lies Iowa's best-kept secret: winter wine shopping and winery exploration.

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Christie JensenComment
Why We Are Thankful For Iowa Wine
Why We Are Thankful For Iowa Wine

Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, the wine industry in Iowa is something to be thankful for. 

Iowa wineries offer a delightful blend of award-winning wines and captivating experiences, making each visit a journey of flavors and stories. 

Whether it’s a crisp white or a robust red, Iowa's winemakers have perfected their craft, producing wines that rival those from more famous regions. 

Join us as we celebrate 5 Iowa wineries: Ackerman Winery, Olathea Creek Vineyard & Winery, Airport Road Vineyard & Winery, Winneshiek Wildberry Winery, and Oscar Carl Vineyard.

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Christie JensenComment
Raise a Glass to Our Teachers!
Raise a Glass to Our Teachers!

The first week in May is Teacher Appreciation Week and Tuesday, May 3rd is Teacher Appreciation Day! We’d like to celebrate all of the amazing teachers who are helping shape our children’s future and the future of our world (whether it feels like that at 3:30 each day or not!) by recognizing their accomplishments this school year.

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eventsNicole Eilerswine celebration, teachers appreciation, teachers, wine, MayComment
Tacos & [Iowa] Wines - Perfect for Cinco de Mayo!
Tacos & [Iowa] Wines - Perfect for Cinco de Mayo!

Happy Cinco de Mayo! We’re celebrating tonight by preparing some tasty homemade tacos and pairing them with some delicious Iowa wines. Who says you have to drink a margarita on Cinco de Mayo anyway (although we do appreciate a solid margarita from time to time!)?!? And seriously, who DOESN’T love tacos?? For real though, I would trade my right arm for a lifetime supply of tacos. OMG, I’m kidding (sort of..).

Check out our top picks for pairing Iowa wines to stand up to the flavor and spices in tacos.

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food pairing ideas, wineNicole Eilerswine pairing, iowa wine pairing, food and wine, tacosComment
How to Create the Perfect Wine Cellar at Home
How to Create the Perfect Wine Cellar at Home

For those who appreciate a good glass of wine, having the right storage makes pouring a nice glass of vino easy. A wine cellar will provide you with a place to organize your favorite bottles for easy access and stylish organization. Before wine lovers can celebrate this new addition, it’s important to decide what type of cellar you want. Whether it’s a secret stash of wine under the kitchen counters or a custom wine bar, you need to pick a spot where your wine will be stored. Think about the location, functionality, and aesthetics of your new wine cellar to help you design the ultimate spot. Read on for some tips that will help you create the perfect wine cellar at home.

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wineNicole Eilerswine storage, wine cellar, at home, wine at home, contributorComment
Top [IOWA] Wines for Thanksgiving
Top [IOWA] Wines for Thanksgiving

To most Americans, Thanksgiving means turkey with a slew of various side dishes and salads to go along with it. This makes it tricky to pair just one wine with the entire meal. Lucky for you that means there are lots of great options for tasty and delicious pairings that will compliment the various flavors, textures and aromas going on at the dinner table.

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food pairing ideas, wineNicole Eilerswine pairing, iowa wine, iowa wine pairing, thanksgiving, holidays, holidays 2020, food and wine, foodComment
JUST DROPPED: Our Fun Pumpkin Carving How-To!
JUST DROPPED: Our Fun Pumpkin Carving How-To!

Can you believe that Halloween is just over a week away?! It’s definitely started to feel more like fall weather here in Iowa the past few weeks and pumpkin patches around the state have been super busy on the weekends. Hopefully you’ve gotten your pumpkins picked already for this fun how-to on carving your love for all things Iowa wine in this year’s pumpkin!

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DIYNicole Eilershalloween, pumpkin, pumpkin carving, fallComment