Give Thanks and Give Local: Your Guide to Iowa Wine for the Holidays!
As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, the holiday season is just around the corner! This year, make your celebrations—from Thanksgiving dinner to gift-giving—extra special by featuring the fantastic wines grown right here in Iowa.
The Perfect Pour: Your Thanksgiving Wine Pairing Guide
Thanksgiving is a feast of diverse flavors: savory turkey, sweet cranberry, rich gravy, and earthy stuffing. This complexity calls for versatile wines that can complement, not clash, with the array of dishes. Luckily, Iowa wineries offer perfect pairings!
Mulled Wine: Tassel Ridge will be serving Mulled Wine in the tasting room starting Thanksgiving weekend and will have it hot and ready to pour through Christmas! You can also make your own with the below recipe.
For the Bird and All the Trimmings (Crisp Whites & Light Reds):
Cold-Climate Whites (e.g., La Crescent, Edelweiss): These wines are a dream with turkey. Their bright acidity cuts through rich gravy and buttery mashed potatoes, while their refreshing, sometimes slightly fruity, notes beautifully balance the savory herbs in the stuffing.
Dry Rosé: Don't put away the rosé yet! Its balance of fruit, acid, and a touch of earthiness makes it a phenomenal all-star that can handle everything from green bean casserole to cranberry sauce.
Light-Bodied Reds (e.g., Marquette, Foch): Opt for Iowa's easy-drinking reds. Unlike heavy Cabernet, their soft tannins and juicy, often bright red fruit flavors won't overpower the turkey, making them a classic choice for the main course.
For the Dessert Course (Sweet & Sparkling):
Sweet Fruit Wines (e.g., Cherry, Apple): Iowa is famous for its fruit wines! A slightly chilled sweet cherry or cranberry wine is a magnificent match for pecan or pumpkin pie, highlighting the spices and sweet filling.
Sparkling Wine: Start your Friendsgiving or family gathering with a celebratory glass! The bubbles act as a palate cleanser, making them a great, festive opener for appetizers and salty snacks.
Choosing for the Crowd: Keep it simple! A good rule of thumb for a gathering is to offer a well-liked dry white (like a La Crescent) and a light-to-medium red (like a Marquette). This covers most preferences and pairs well with the Thanksgiving menu's wide spectrum of flavors.
Shop Local: The Best Gift is an Iowa Gift
Ready to find the perfect gift for the wine lover in your life (or for yourself)? This holiday season, choose to shop local and experience the unique quality of Iowa wines!
When you purchase wine from a local winery, you are directly supporting:
Iowa Farmers: Who cultivate the grapes and fruit with care to produce the distinctive flavors of our state.
Small Businesses: Independent wineries and tasting rooms that create jobs and bring vibrant agricultural tourism to our communities. Iowa Wineries often have the cutest gifts that you haven’t even thought of, like Tassel Ridge has a whole selection of the above cork cages. Your friends and family will think of you every time they drop a cork in!
The Local Economy: Your dollars stay right here in Iowa, helping our communities thrive.
Look for special ways to gift local wine! Many Iowa wineries, including those listed below, are gearing up for the holidays with:
Make it stand out
🍷 Holiday Bundles & Gift Boxes: Curated selections perfect for a hostess gift or corporate thank-you. Wide River Winery features their Jolly Holiday wine every year. It's a take off on the German Kristmas Market spiced wines, semi sweet red and can be served warm or cold.
🎁 Gift Certificates: Let them choose their favorite sips and experiences!
Wine Clubs: Give a gift that keeps giving! A subscription delivers unique wine releases right to their door year-round. Check out our member wineries for fantastic club options!!
Visit the Iowa Wine Booth at the Des Moines Holiday Boutique!
Ready to find the perfect gift for the wine lover in your life (or for yourself)? Be sure to visit Iowa Wine at the Des Moines Holiday Boutique! It's the perfect opportunity to sip and shop a fantastic selection from multiple local producers.
We'll be at the EMC Expo Center, 730 4th Street, Des Moines, IA, from November 7th through the 9th.
Show Hours:
Friday, November 7th: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday, November 8th: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday, November 9th: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
You'll find a fantastic selection of wines from the following Iowa wineries:
Stop by to sip and shop for all your holiday needs! Find out more information on the official event website: https://www.desmoinesholidayboutique.com/
Cheers to a happy and locally-supported holiday season!
