Celebrate Iowa Wine: A VIP Fair Giveaway & New Members to Discover!
Summer is on the horizon, and there is no better time to start planning your Iowa wine adventures. Whether you want to win the ultimate VIP experience at the Iowa State Fair or spend a sunny afternoon sipping award-winning local bottles, we have all the details you need. Plus, we are thrilled to welcome two fantastic new members to the Iowa Wine Growers Association!
Win the Ultimate Iowa Wine Experience!
We are giving away an exclusive VIP package to the Iowa State Fair! Enter today to be one of three lucky winners who will receive the ultimate fair experience.
Your Prize Package Includes:
2 Admission Tickets to the Fair
1 Parking Pass
A Reserved Table at the Iowa Wine Experience
VIP Guided Tasting & Charcuterie for Two
How to Enter:https://woobox.com/mb62xi
Must be 21+ to win. Reservations must be made by August 10, 2026, with Christie at christie@iowawinegrowers.org.
Iowa Wine Experience: Join us at the Iowa State Fair!
Take a refreshing break and discover the best of Iowa’s craft beverages! Join us August 13–23 at the historic Grandfather's Barn during the Iowa State Fair.
Enjoy a wide selection of award-winning Iowa wines, hard ciders, and our famous frozen wine slushies! You can savor tasting samples, full glasses, or flights!
Want to be part of the story? We are looking for volunteers! Sign up to help us pour, share, and celebrate our state's handcrafted wines. Whether you are a wine enthusiast or just love the fair, we need your help to make this year unforgettable. Volunteer now: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F054CABAA2DA0FD0-63743846-iowa
Welcome to Our Newest Members
We are excited to spotlight two wonderful new members joining the Iowa Wine family. Be sure to add them to your summer weekend itinerary!
Backyard Vines Winery (Traer, IA)
Nestled in Traer, Backyard Vines is a small family-owned winery led by seasoned vintner George Harford. They specialize in crafting wonderful sweet wines using delicious fruits grown right on their own farm.
When you visit, you absolutely must try their award-winning creations! Taste the "I Can't Believe It's Not Red," which won a Bronze Medal at the 2023 Iowa State Fair, or sip on the "Backyard White" and "Just Peachy," which both proudly took home Silver Medals at the 2025 Iowa State Fair.
Hours: Fridays 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Saturdays 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM, and Sundays 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Winterset Cidery (Winterset, IA)
Looking for the perfect weekend hangout? Winterset Cidery offers an incredible atmosphere in the beautiful Madison County countryside.
They are famous for their fantastic live music events! On select weekends, you can enjoy performances from local bands, grab a bite from visiting food trucks, and sip on their crisp craft cider. Gather your group, bring your lawn chairs or blankets, and spread out under the open sky. There is typically a $5 cover charge per vehicle, making it a perfectly affordable outing. Mark your calendar for their biggest event of the year: the Decades on the Orchard Music Festival on October 17, 2026!
Cheers to an Unforgettable Summer!
Whether you are dreaming of winning our VIP getaway to the Iowa State Fair, planning to join us at Grandfather's Barn for a wine slushie, or looking to enjoy the sunshine at one of our newest member locations, the season ahead is full of excitement. But you don't have to wait until August to start celebrating! Support your local grape growers and winemakers this weekend by getting out and exploring. Use our interactive Iowa Winery Map to find a fantastic vineyard, tasting room, or cidery right in your own backyard. Cheers!