Iowa WineriesSome background info...Let's take a closer look at Iowa wineries... In Iowa, the wine industry has been aging to perfection. Since getting started in the 1980s, the industry has grown to include more than 70 licenced Iowa wineries that contribute greatly to the state's economy and tourism options. Many of these welcome visitors to step into their tasting rooms, head out on wine tours , and admire the scenery.
Along the trail Iowa's wineries are clustered along wine trails. The Heart of Iowa Wine Trail covers locations in the middle third of state. At member wineries, travelers can purchase a 2009 Heart of Iowa Wine Trail Passport as they tasting the bounty of wines. Travelers have all year to complete the passport; when they get to 15 stamps, they will receive a special gift. Not surprisingly, the Western Iowa Trail connects Iowa wineries in the western part of the state. The burgeoning tourism trail has doubled the number wineries since the first event in 2005. It is home to wineries producing award-winning wines from cold-climate grape varieties and locally produced fruits in addition to antiquing, fishing, skiing, and cultural events. With a call to one of the member wineries, travelers can arranged custom tours. Another of Iowa's wine trails, the Amana Colonies Wine Trail, continues a long tradition of winemaking, brought to the New World by the colonists who settled in the Iowa. Follow the river Many Iowa visitors follow the route of the Mississippi River, exploring towns large and small. Mississippi River wineries have opened their doors to visitors. The aptly named Iowa Wine Trail connects locations near the Mississippi River in towns like Decorah, West Branch, and Lisbon. While visitors are enjoying the sights or following scenic byways, they can stop into tasting rooms to see what special wines and ciders are Iowa made. Travelers will want to bring their cameras along with them when traversing the Scenic Rivers Wine Trail. It connects 11 wineries in three states: Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri. Many of these sites have long histories and interesting grounds to explore in addition to fantastic wines to sample. Additional resources:
Iowa Wine and Beer
promotion board. Special Events in Iowa Wine WorldThroughout the year, especially at the harvest and the holidays, Iowa wineries stage special events. Sugar Clay Winery and Vineyards, one of the members of the Western Iowa Wine Trail, has a calendar of special events, including open mic night, open houses, and celebrations of new releases. Both a bed and breakfast and a winery, Eagles Landing provides excellent views of the Mississippi River. Its tasting room is located in nearby downtown Marquette.In addition to celebrating the new releases in June, Octoberfest every fall, and Taste the Holidays in December, the winery takes part in Iowa Wine Trail weekend events each April and November. Win your two night hotel stay by sharing your wine opinion in the Wine Poll. Back to Winery Explorer Home Page
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