The Heart of Iowa Wine: Meet the 2026 Award Recipients
Raise a glass to Iowa’s finest! The 2026 Iowa Wine Awards were presented at the annual Iowa Wine Growers Association Conference, which took place at the beautiful Oscar Carl Vineyard in Sioux City, Iowa. We want to say a huge thank you to Oscar Carl Vineyard for hosting a wonderful 2-day conference jam-packed with enology, viticulture, and marketing, bringing together the grape growers, winemakers, and industry partners who make our state's wine scene so vibrant.
It’s no secret that Iowans know a thing or two about agriculture, and our wine industry is proof of that dedication. Since the resurgence of the industry and the establishment of the Iowa Wine Growers Association, the community has worked tirelessly to elevate the craft of grape growing and winemaking across the state.
Just like the vines we nurture, Iowa’s wine scene is growing stronger every year. We are thrilled to celebrate the individuals and businesses whose hard work, innovation, and passion have left a lasting mark this year. Ready to discover who took home top honors? Meet your 2026 Iowa Wine Award winners!
Winemaker of the Year
Dalton Lubben, Lubben Vineyards & Wines (Anamosa)
Dalton Lubben’s dedication to the craft of winemaking has truly set him apart this year. Crafting beautiful wines in Anamosa, Dalton combines a deep respect for the Iowa terroir with a commitment to producing high-quality, memorable wines. His hard work in the cellar and passion for sharing his craft make him a standout leader and a true asset to the Iowa wine community. Congratulations on a well-deserved honor, Dalton!
Vineyard of the Year
Bill Wyant, Wilrona, LLC (Marengo)
Great wine starts in the vineyard, and nobody knows that better than Bill Wyant. Managing the vines at Wilrona, LLC in Marengo, Bill has shown an exceptional ability to coax the absolute best out of Iowa’s soil and climate. Through meticulous canopy management, pest control, and a whole lot of hard work, Bill's dedication ensures that Iowa winemakers have access to the highest quality fruit possible. Congratulations, Bill!
Retail Partner of the Year
Rene' & Richard White, The Wijn House (Pella)
If you want to experience the true breadth of what Iowa wine has to offer, look no further than The Wijn House in Pella. Rene' and Richard White are incredible champions for local makers. By curating an outstanding selection of Iowa wines and offering a welcoming, educational environment for consumers, they are the ultimate ambassadors for our industry. Their passion for connecting people with local bottles makes them our 2026 Retail Partners of the Year!
Outstanding Industry Partner
Terry Bockenstedt, Nutrien Ag Solutions (Dyersville)
The Iowa wine industry relies on a strong network of partners to thrive, and Terry Bockenstedt is a shining example of that support. Working with Nutrien Ag Solutions in Dyersville, Terry’s expertise and guidance have been invaluable to vineyards across the state. Whether it is providing essential resources, sharing agronomic knowledge, or simply being a reliable sounding board for growers, Terry is a true force behind the vines. Thank you and congratulations!
Marketer Excellence Award
Judy Lubben, Lubben Vineyards & Wines (Anamosa)
A great wine needs a great storyteller, and Judy Lubben is exactly that. As the creative force behind the marketing at Lubben Vineyards & Wines, Judy has done an incredible job building the brand's presence and connecting with audiences. Her work goes beyond just selling wine—she is building a community, drawing visitors to Anamosa, and elevating the entire Iowa wine tourism experience. Congratulations on your Marketer Excellence Award, Judy!
Special thank you to all our volunteers!
We also wanted to thank our long-standing Iowa Wine volunteers! It takes many volunteers to run events like the Iowa Wine State Fair and we could not have done it without them!
Visit an Iowa Winery Near You
Raise a glass of wine to all the 2026 winners! These individuals, and so many others, are the heart and soul of Iowa wine. Cheers to them!
If you haven’t visited an Iowa winery lately, we encourage you to taste the experience that Iowa wine has to offer. Trust us, getting there is half the fun. Visit our map to find wineries near you or create a full weekend trip to one of the seven official Iowa wine trails that crisscross the state.
