Why We Are Thankful For Iowa Wine
Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, the wine industry in Iowa is something to be thankful for.
Iowa wineries offer a delightful blend of award-winning wines and captivating experiences, making each visit a journey of flavors and stories.
Whether it’s a crisp white or a robust red, Iowa's winemakers have perfected their craft, producing wines that rival those from more famous regions.
Join us as we celebrate 5 Iowa wineries: Ackerman Winery, Olathea Creek Vineyard & Winery, Airport Road Vineyard & Winery, Winneshiek Wildberry Winery, and Oscar Carl Vineyard.
Ackerman Winery
Located in the Amana Colonies, Ackerman Winery has been a pioneer in Iowa's wine scene since 1956. Specializing in fruit wines, Ackerman Winery is the oldest winery in the state and offers a unique selection of wines crafted from locally sourced fruits, including elderberry, plum, raspberry, and rhubarb.
The winery's welcoming tasting room provides visitors with the opportunity to sample an array of fruit wines, each bursting with vibrant flavors and aromas. With a rich history and a dedication to preserving traditional winemaking techniques, Ackerman Winery has become a beloved destination for wine enthusiasts seeking something delightfully different.
To learn more visit https://www.ackermanwinery.com/.
Olathea Creek Vineyard & Winery
Olathea Creek Vineyard & Winery is a new winery situated in the picturesque countryside of LeClaire, Iowa.
The winery frequently offers new and fun experiences like: yoga in the vineyard, wine and chocolate pairings, charcuterie like a pro classes, craft DIY projects, pop-up shop events, a summer and fall concert series, as well as a wine run 5K.
Their property features a 2 acre vineyard with new cold weather grapes of Petite Pearl and L’Acadie Blanc. Their first wine production started in the Fall of 2020 and they now have a variety of wines available ranging from dry to sweet.
Customers can choose from indoor or outdoor seating, and guests are welcome to walk among the vines and visit their gazebo and creek.
Olathea Creek Vineyard & Winery also hosts private events and parties. They are the perfect place to host your outdoor wedding ceremony. They offer multiple location options on-site such as a beautiful gazebo overlooking the vineyard, an arbor wedding in the vines, or under the chandelier on our white bridge. With space for an outdoor reception located near the tasting room, your party is sure to be a hit!
To learn more about Olathea Creek Vineyard & Winery visit their website olatheacreekwinery.com.
Airport Road Vineyard & Winery
Located in the rolling hills of Mount Ayr, Airport Road Vineyard & Winery is a hidden gem in Iowa's wine Mount Pleasant landscape. Their wines are made to enhance the flavors of good food and to celebrate good times with friends and family. Their West Coast style of winemaking is done with both Iowa grapes and West Coast grapes.
Airport Road Vineyard & Winery is known for their private tasting, events, and weddings. Started by owners Mike and Kalen Henderson, their location has a large event center & patio that holds 300 people. They offer everything you will need for your special day - catering, bartenders, and wine! Once you come for a visit, you are considered family. Cheers!
To learn more & make an appointment at Airport Road Vineyard & Winery visit their website: https://www.airportroadvineyard.com/
Winneshiek Wildberry Winery
Winneshiek Wildberry Winery is a small family-owned winery located 10 minutes from Decorah, Iowa. Their land has been in the family for over 160 years. The winery was established in 2002, the winery has 22 acres of vineyards and two acres of rhubarb. They produce a variety of red, white, and fruit wines.
The winery offers wine tasting tours and a variety of events throughout the year, such as live music and food trucks. Visitors can purchase wine and other products in the on-site tasting room. The winery also offers a wine club, which allows members to purchase wines at discounted prices.
Winneshiek Wildberry Winery strives to make high-quality wines that are accessible to the public. Through their events and tours, they hope to share their love of Iowa wine and educate the public about its unique flavor and characteristics.
Their food and wine menu is served all day during business hours. Stop by their gift shop for your wine accessories, from glasses, shirts, and a lot of wine related merchandise!
Rent their party room for your wedding, bachelorette party, bridal shower, reunion, and more! Want to take a look around? Group tours are offered weekdays and selected weekends by appointment.
To learn more about Winneshiek Wildberry Winery visit their website:
Oscar Carl Vineyard
Oscar Carl Vineyard in the Loess Hills of Iowa produces wines that reflect the natural beauty of the Sioux City region. The owners, Roy & Melanie Olsen, loved their sunset view, planted a vineyard, and decided to share the view with a winery.
They have a wine tasting area, a one-of-a-kind venue for a variety of gatherings, a patio overlooking the original vineyard and pond, and a covered patio just feet from the vineyard.
Each 4th of July and New Year's Eve, they have a reservation-only event with a huge fireworks display that they shoot over the pond. It's pretty spectacular!
With relaxing views and surroundings, Oscar Carl Vineyard will become your new favorite place to sip and stay awhile. Oscar Carl Vineyard has over 10 Iowa wines available for purchase by the glass, flight or bottle with wines ranging from dry to semi-sweet to sweet. They have wine slushies, beer, pop, lemonade, tea and water, too. Hungry? They bake Roberto's pizzas and Marto's Bavarian pretzel.
Come out to the country and relax! To find out more about Oscar Carl Vineyard visit:
https://oscarcarlvineyard.com/
Supporting Local: Where to Buy Iowa Wines
Iowa's wineries offer a wide selection of wines that can be enjoyed at home or shared with friends and family. Many of Iowa's wineries have online stores, allowing wine enthusiasts to purchase their favorite bottles and cases and have them shipped directly to their door.
Or stop by a winery and visit their winery and gift shop. Find your new favorite winery with the Iowa Wine Map.
For this holiday season check out the following wineries:
Fireside Winery & Ackerman Winery: Cyber Monday Deals - Free $15 gift card when they purchase $100 gift card. Free shipping and $15 off with case purchase online. 1/2 off shipping and $10 off with purchase of 6-11 bottles online.
Wide RIver Winery: Black Friday & Small Business Saturday deal: Buy 2 bottles of wine, get 1 bottle free (of Equal or lesser value/to go orders only). Plus, December 1-3 we will be at Christmas in LeClaire and Christmas in the Village of East Davenport with special giveaways for customers.
Olathea Creek Vineyard & Winery: Small Business Saturday deal: enjoy $5 Wine Tastings, 10% off all merchandise, $10 off purchase of 6 bottles of wine, and $20 off purchase of 12 bottles of wine. Plus, we have Special Events:
Friday, November 17th; 6PM – Charcuterie Like a Pro class, please register prior to event.
Friday, December 1st; 6PM – DIY Craft Project, please register prior to the event.
Sunday, December 10th; 2-5PM - Live Music featuring Ginger Roots Friday,
December 15th; 6PM - Charcuterie Like a Pro class, please register prior to the event. *For the Charcuterie Like a Pro and DIY Craft, please register prior to event with Joanne Cunningham 563-370-8036 (call or text)
Jasper Winery: Black Friday & Small Business Saturday deal: $1 off glasses of wine, 20% off of cases (12 bottles). Plus, from December 1st-23rd, we have a special Holiday Christmas Cookie and Wine Pairing.
Additionally, local retailers and wine shops throughout Iowa carry a diverse range of Iowa wines, making it convenient for consumers to support local winemakers. Don’t see Iowa Wine? Ask your local retailers to carry it.
By choosing Iowa wines, consumers not only savor the flavors of the region but also contribute to the growth and sustainability of Iowa's wine industry. Whether it's a gift for a loved one or a treat for oneself, make Iowa wines your first choice!
Celebrate Iowa Wine this holiday season
As we raise our glasses to toast the exceptional wines of Iowa, we celebrate the dedication, innovation, and passion of the state's winemakers. Thank you for supporting these local businesses this season.
Want to taste multiple wineries at once? Save the date of January 8th for the Iowa Wine Social. Tickets coming soon!
By supporting local wineries and embracing the rich tapestry of Iowa's wine culture, we contribute to the sustainability and growth of the state's wine industry. Cheers to Iowa wine, a source of pride and pleasure for wine lovers everywhere.