Scenic Views & Perfect Pours: Plan Your Summer Wine To-do List
Welcome to the summer season in Iowa Wine Country!
Inside this issue, we’re mapping out your next road trip along our self-guided wine trails, sharing a must-try Blackberry Sangria recipe from Fireside Winery, and breaking down how the best bottles are chosen for the Iowa State Fair. Read on to discover how you can score a taste of the action, sign up to volunteer, and enter our VIP fair giveaway!
Summer is the perfect season for a road trip, and there is no better destination than Iowa Wine Country! Whether you are looking for breathtaking scenic views, historic charming towns, or just a relaxing weekend with friends, our self-guided wine trails offer the ultimate summer adventure.
We feature seven unique wine trails that crisscross the state, making it easy to discover your new favorite local bottle.
👉 Explore Iowa Wine Trails Here
☀️ Pro-Tip before you head out: Since hours can vary by season and location, please be sure to check the website or social media pages of each individual winery on your route to verify their tasting room hours before you hit the trail!
Behind the Bottle: The Iowa State Fair Commercial Wine Competition
Did you know that the incredible wines poured at the Iowa Wine Experience are the best of the best in our state? Each year, the Iowa Wine Growers Association plans and executes the prestigious Iowa State Fair Commercial Wine Competition.
Our panel of expert judges blind-tests entries from across the state to award top honors based on quality, craftsmanship, and flavor profile. Once the high-medal winners are officially crowned, we load up the cellars to serve them directly to you at Grandfather's Barn from August 13–23! It’s your chance to taste the absolute pinnacle of Iowa winemaking all in one historic spot!
Summer Sip Feature: Fireside Winery’s Blackberry Sangria 🍹✨
Looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing cocktail to enjoy on your patio this weekend? We are thrilled to share this delicious, refreshing recipe straight from our friends at Fireside Winery!
Ingredients:
1 Bottle Fireside Winery Blackberry Wine
1 Bottle Fireside Winery Matchbox Wine
24 oz Ginger Ale
1 lime (thinly sliced)
2 oranges (thinly sliced)
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher with plenty of ice. Garnish with frozen blackberries for that perfect, chilly summer finish! Cheers!
Iowa Wine Experience: Join us at the Iowa State Fair!
Take a refreshing break and discover the best of the Iowa wine industry! 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, and stay tuned for a fun, new addition!
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.
