The Flavors of Fall: A Toast to Iowa Wine

Written By Christie Jensen

As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, there's no better time to savor the unique and delicious wines of Iowa. From celebrating our successes at the Iowa State Fair to getting ready for the holiday season, there's always something to raise a glass to.

The Iowa State Fair: A Grand Celebration of Iowa Wine

August at the Iowa State Fair was a testament to the thriving spirit of Iowa's wine industry! The Iowa Wine Experience was a huge success, and we extend our deepest gratitude to all the incredible volunteers who made it possible. Your passion and hard work in pouring, serving, and sharing the story of Iowa wine with thousands of fairgoers did not go unnoticed. It’s your dedication that truly makes these events special and showcases the best of what our state has to offer. Thank you for being a vital part of the Iowa Wine community!

Fall Food Pairings with Award-Winning Iowa Wines

The season of cozy meals and festive gatherings is here, and there's no better way to elevate your fall menu than with a perfectly paired Iowa wine. Plan a Governor’s Cup wine dinner with these pairings!

Fireside Winery - Blu

Named the 2025 Governor's Cup winner, Fireside Winery's Blu is a complex and aromatic white wine that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes.

  • Seafood: The wine’s citrus and pear notes make it an ideal companion for grilled white fish (like cod or tilapia) or a classic shrimp scampi with lemon and herbs.

  • Chicken and Poultry: Pair Blu with roasted or grilled chicken featuring a light citrus dressing, or with lighter poultry salads and fresh greens to complement its floral and fruity profile.

  • Spicy Cuisine: The aromatic fruitiness, with notes of lychee, pear, and stone fruit, makes this wine a star with Southeast Asian or Indian dishes. Think Thai curries, Vietnamese lemongrass chicken, or lightly spiced Mexican fare.

  • Creamy Pasta: The Meyer lemon and honey notes of Blu are a delicious echo for creamy pasta dishes with a lemon cream sauce or a rich mushroom risotto.

  • Cheese: Excellent matches include soft cheeses such as goat cheese, Brie, Fontina, Havarti, and Monterey Jack. Serve them alongside a fresh fruit platter for an extra vibrant touch.

Oscar Carl Vineyard - Loesscato

Last year’s Governor's Cup winner, Oscar Carl Vineyard’s Loesscato, is a delightfully light and sweet choice for your fall desserts and appetizers.

  • Light Appetizers: Kick off your meal with a light salad featuring strawberries, feta, and red onion, all tossed in a sweet vinaigrette. For an appetizer that highlights the wine's sweetness, try goat cheese and crackers drizzled with honey.

  • Dessert: Loesscato is a perfect partner for classic fall desserts. Pair it with a warm apple pie and a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a creamy cheesecake topped with fresh strawberries or rich chocolate.

Agritourism in Iowa: Where Agriculture Meets Adventure

Did you know that Iowa is not only a national leader in agriculture but also a growing destination for agritourism? From vineyards and wineries to pumpkin patches and farm-to-table experiences, agritourism allows visitors to connect directly with the land, farmers, and traditions that make our state unique.

For wine lovers, Iowa's nearly 250 vineyards, covering almost 1,200 acres, are at the heart of this movement. Visiting an Iowa winery isn’t just about enjoying award-winning wines—it’s about walking through the vines, learning how grapes are grown in Iowa’s climate, and experiencing firsthand the hard work and creativity of family farms. Many wineries also host live music, farm tours, local food pairings, and seasonal events, offering something for everyone to enjoy.

One fantastic example of this is Heaven Boutique Winery in Fayette. Located in the picturesque Driftless Area, this hidden gem offers much more than just wine. They host live music, creator classes, and even have unique lodging options like a converted chicken coop and corn crib! It’s a true slice of Iowa agritourism, where you can sip, relax, and make lasting memories.

Plus, our Iowa Wine Country Giveaway winner stayed at Heaven Boutique Winery! They loved their stay and had this to say: “It was wonderful! I highly recommend it. Lisa was great, the area is so beautiful, and the wine was tasty!”

Agritourism has a big impact, too. Iowa wineries alone contribute $374 million to the state’s economy while helping preserve rural landscapes and support family-owned farms. By exploring these destinations, you’re not only making memories—you’re also supporting local agriculture and Iowa communities.

So this fall, gather your friends or family and plan a day trip to a vineyard or winery. Sip, savor, and celebrate the flavors of Iowa while experiencing the deep agricultural roots that make our state so special.

Save the Date for 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 the Iowa Wine booth at the Des Moines Holiday Boutique! We'll be at the EMC Expo Center, 730 4th Street, Des Moines, IA, from November 7th through the 9th.

  • 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 their website: https://www.desmoinesholidayboutique.com/

Explore More on Our Brand New Website!

We're excited to announce that our new website is officially live! Visit https://www.drinkiowawine.com/ to find a winery near you, discover upcoming events, learn about our grapes, and so much more. It's your ultimate resource for all things Iowa wine!

Christie Jensen
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Iowa Wineries Shine at 2025 Iowa Wine State Fair Competition