Fall in Love with Iowa Wine: Breathtaking Views, Boutiques & Local Events!

Written By Iowa Wine

The crisp autumn air has officially arrived in Iowa Wine Country! With harvest wrapping up and the leaves beginning to change, there is no better time to plan a weekend excursion. Whether you want to escape into the countryside for stunning fall foliage, sip your way through historic tourist destinations, or get a head start on your holiday shopping, we have your October itinerary covered.

Breathtaking Fall Views in Iowa Wine Country

If you’re the type who enjoys getting away but doesn’t want to sit inside, an Iowa winery tour will keep your senses engaged! Grab a glass and take in the golden and copper hues of fall from the patios and tasting rooms of these incredible member wineries known for their spectacular views. Check out Travel Iowa’s featured wineries:

  • Park Farm Winery (Bankston) – Enjoy stunning chateau-style views of the autumn colors sweeping across the Driftless Region.

  • PromiseLand Winery (Guttenberg) – Tucked into the hills of northeast Iowa, this boutique winery offers cozy fall vibes and beautiful scenery.

  • Wide River Winery (Clinton & Le Claire) – Sip your favorite wine while looking out over the magnificent, tree-lined bluffs of the Mississippi River.

  • TYCOGA Winery & Distillery (DeWitt) – Relax on the patio and enjoy serene, rolling countryside views that are perfect for a crisp fall afternoon.

  • Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery (Swisher) – Take in the sweeping vineyard views as the estate transitions into its beautiful autumn colors.

  • Winneshiek Wildberry Winery (Decorah) – Nestled deep in bluff country, this is a must-visit destination for those chasing the brightest fall leaves.

  • Oscar Carl Vineyard (Sioux City) – While you are out exploring the stunning, world-renowned Loess Hills area, stop by this vineyard for some of the most breathtaking rolling fall views in the state!

October Spotlight: The Wijn House

Looking for a picturesque fall day trip? The historic town of Pella is a fantastic tourist destination filled with Dutch architecture, legendary bakeries, and our favorite stop on the square: The Wijn House (pronounced “Vine”)!

A fixture in the community since 2016, The Wijn House was purchased in January 2024 by husband-and-wife team Richard and Rene' White. Their continuing mission? To make Iowa wine approachable, celebrate the people behind it, and create a welcoming space for everyone who walks through their doors.

A True Taste of Iowa. Choosing the wines for their shop involves a bit of what they call "delicious research!" Richard and Rene' regularly travel the state to visit tasting rooms, meet the winemakers, and learn about their processes. Because of these strong relationships, The Wijn House proudly carries wines from over 30 different Iowa wineries on their shelves.

Not sure what you like? Take a seat at the retail tasting bar to enjoy their weekly rotating tasting menu, order wine by the glass or bottle, and even take advantage of six-bottle discounts! To complete the experience, they offer delicious cheese and cracker trays featuring local cheeses, chocolates, and olives.

More Than Just a Wine Shop. The Wijn House is all about bringing people together through creativity and community. Throughout the year, they host guided wine and food pairings, "Wijn & Canvas" painting nights,"Wijn & Words" author events, and even an annual downtown wine walk. If you have a small gathering coming up, their cozy back seating area can accommodate up to 22 guests for private events and memorable experiences with friends.

"What we love most about The Wijn House is the people," Rene' shared. "We enjoy hearing people’s stories, introducing them to new wines, and creating experiences that bring people together. At the end of the day, it’s about so much more than wine—it’s about the people, the connections, and the community we get to be part of."

Plan Your Visit: The Wijn House in Pella is open Tuesday through Saturday year-round! Through the end of December, their hours are Tuesday–Thursday from 1:00 pm–8:00 pm, and Friday–Saturday from 11:00 am–8:00 pm.

Sip & Shop at the Des Moines Holiday Boutique

Ready to get a head start on your holiday shopping while sipping your favorite local pours? We are thrilled to announce that Iowa Wine will be back at the Des Moines Holiday Boutique at the Iowa Events Center from November 6–8, 2026!

Stop by our area to sample and purchase from an incredible lineup of local producers. The participating wineries are:

  • Winterset Cidery

  • Soldier Creek Winery

  • Fireside Winery

  • Tabor Home Vineyards & Winery

  • Covered Bridges Winery

  • Madison County Winery

  • Lubben Vineyards & Wines

  • O So Good Winery

  • Eagles Landing Winery

  • Winneshiek Wildberry Winery

  • 42° North Winery

👉 Get your tickets and learn more here!

Check Out These Upcoming Winery Events!

Looking for live music, harvest parties, and weekend fun? Check out these Iowa wineries and businesses that have exciting upcoming events this fall:


Find a Winery Near You

With so many incredible wineries across the state, your next great glass of Iowa wine is closer than you think! Whether you're looking for a quick afternoon trip to enjoy the fall colors or planning a full weekend getaway, use our interactive map to find a winery near you and start mapping out your perfect autumn adventure today.

👉 Click here to explore the Iowa Winery Map!




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Fall Wine Pairings & The Des Moines Holiday Boutique