Wineapalooza in Shueyville …What? …Where?

What?

This Saturday, May 10^th, The Secret Cellar Wine & Gift Boutique is hosting an outdoor tasting event with two dozen local and international wines complemented by party snacks.

 

The Secret Cellar also has great gifts (last-minute treats for your Mother). Drawings and live music add to the fun! $15.00 advanced tickets … $20 at the door.

 

Now … where is Shueyville? Near the #10 exit on 380 between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City. It’s worth the trip!

Cheers!

Barbara

Make Mine Wine

 

Here’s another great Mother’s Day gift idea … a subscription to Make Mine Wine – call 515-962-5515 today or log on to makeminewinemagazine.com.

Experience the Spring Fling this Weekend on the Western Iowa Wine Trail

Do you want to have some fun this weekend? Here’s the event for you!

 

During the Spring Fling on the Western Iowa Wine Trail, you can sample each winery’s newly-released wines, paired with cheeses, breads and flavored dipping oils.

 

Purchase a commemorative Western Iowa Wine Trail wine glass for $20.00 per person at your first stop … and that’s the ticket you use at each stop. You can visit wineries from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Saturday, May 3rd and Sunday, May 4th.

 

The Western Iowa Wine Trail runs 90 miles from north to south, so plan your route using the map of the Western Iowa Wine Trail available at www.westerniowawinetrail.com/events.shtm.

 

Sample the wines and visit with the owners at these participating wineries:

 

• Darrel and Roberta Morse, Breezy Hills Vineyard, Minden
• Allan and Carol Peterson, Danish Countryside Vines and Wines, Exira
• Rick and Karen Foster, King’s Crossing Vineyard & Winery, Glenwood
• Andy and Julianna Hrasky, Prairie Crossing Vineyard Winery, Treynor
• Larry and Sheila Rohatsch and Ron and Nancy Rohatsch, Loess Hills Vineyard & Winery, Crescent
• Frank and Amy Faust, Sugar Clay Winery & Vineyards, Thurman
• Mike and Dana Killinger, Whispering Hills Vineyard & Winery, Carson

 

The Western Iowa Wine Trail was featured in the Summer 2007 issue of Make Mine Wine. Spend a Midwest Wine Country weekend on the Western Iowa Wine Trail … you’ll taste some fine wine and meet some wonderful people.

 

Cheers!

 

Barbara Rasko

Publisher

Make Mine Wine

www.MakeMineWinemagazine.com

May 1st – May Day Baskets – My Mother – Mother’s Day – Brunch and Fun with Wine

Does the first of May trigger the same stream of thoughts for you?

 

When I was growing up, it was traditional to make May Day Baskets of construction paper, add pansies and anything else that was blooming in the flower garden, and run to the neighbors house (hopefully you wouldn’t be seen!), leave the basket, knock on the door and ………..RUN!

 

My brother and I were lucky because our Mother was good at making May Baskets and growing flowers. We had a lot of fun.

 

Mother’s Day is May 11^th, so it is time to plan for a wonderful day with your Mother or special lady at a Mother’s Day Brunch or special event at a local winery. There are many Midwest Wine Country wineries to choose from, so make your choice and call today to make your reservation.

Prefer to celebrate Mother’s Day on Saturday, May 10^th? Reservations are accepted through Wednesday, May 6^th for the Tassel Ridge Winery’s Mother’s Day Brunch at Leighton, Iowa. 641-672-WINE.

 

Sunday, May 11th from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. you can enjoy the Mother’s Day Wine and Fondue event at Wallace Winery, West Branch, Iowa.  Call 319-643-3000 for details.

 

The Mount Pleasant Winery in Augusta, Missouri features a gourmet buffet for Mother’s Day with ham, roast beef, pasta, salads, omelets and desserts. The wine and music will add to the treat. Call for reservations: 800-467-WINE.

 

Here’s a great idea. Combine a Mother’s Day Luncheon on the Spirit of Dubuque (call 563-583-8093) with a winery tour. It’s not far from the Spirit of Dubuque dock to the Stone Cliff Winery in the historic Dubuque Star Brewery at the Port of Dubuque. You’re also close to the beautiful Park Farm Winery at Bankston.

 

Join the Salute to Mothers at Wollersheim Winery, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin on Sunday, May 11from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The winery will be open for tours and tasting.

 

While you’re in the area, you may want to go on the Special Mother’s Day Mississippi River Cruise aboard the Mississippi Explorer Cruises. “Bald Eagle viewing on the River” will be the theme of this two-hour cruise departing at 2 p.m. from the St. Feriole Island riverfront, Prairie du Chien, 1-877-647-7397.

 

Jazz on the Vine is at The Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, May 9 – 11. The 6^th Annual Jazz on the Vine features world-renowned jazz artists and over 100 wines from international and domestic vineyards. Call 920-876-3366 for more information.

 

May I also suggest, if you are preparing Mother’s favorite meal at home, you pick up some fine Iowa wine to go with it. Many Iowa wineries have just released their new wines, so check those out.  In the Spring 2007 issue of Make Mine Wine we featured brunch recipes and recommended A Real Sweetie, a Muscato-style wine, from Tabor Homes Vineyard and Winery’s estate LaCross grapes (www.taborwines.com), Summerset Winery’s sparkling Festiva (summersetwine.com) and the fresh and fruity Sweet Cheeks from roseyacreswinery.com. Or pick up a delicious bottle of wine at your local winery. Give them a try!

 

Happy May Day!

 

Cheers!

Barbara Rasko

Let Spring Fever Carry You Away to a Winery Event!

Remember your high school days? How did Spring Fever affect you? Were you frisky? Restless? Ready to get out and try something new?

 

It’s time to let Spring Fever get a hold of you again … and this time, I’m guessing you are old enough for a weekend escape … so go out and try some new wines!

Go Grilling with Iowa Wines on The Iowa Wine Trail this weekend, April 26^th and 27^th.  Discover wines that complement your summer outdoor barbeques. The event is open each day from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at seven Eastern Iowa wineries. You can sample tasty grilled tidbits paired with the excellent wines of the Upper Mississippi River Valley.  The Iowa Wine Trail wineries are: Daly Creek Winery, Anamosa, Wallace Winery, West Branch, Sutliff Cider Company, Lisbon, Tabor Home Vineyards& Winery, Baldwin, Park Farm Winery, Bankston, Eagles Landing Winery, Marquette, and Winneshiek Wildberry Winery, Decorah.  

Ticket information is available at www.iowawinetrail.com. Free Designated Driver Tickets are also available for food sampling only.

King’s Crossing Vineyard and Winery at Glenwood, Iowa is hosting a Medieval Feast with Vegetable-beef soup, roasted turkey legs, twice baked potatoes, bread and butter, fruits and a medieval dessert … and King’s Crossing wine. They seat 20 royals, merchants, commoners or peasants … so call today for details or to reserve your space. Reservations and pre-payment ($30 per person) required, so call 712-526-2873. If it’s too late to join the fun this weekend, get your reservation in for their next event! www.kingscrossingvineyard.com

 

Head over to Wichita, Kansas, Saturday, April 26^th for the 13^th Annual Midwest Winefest. At the Grand Tasting and Auctions in Century II Exhibition Hall, from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., attendees will sample from over 300 different wines, enjoy gourmet cuisine from Wichita’s finest restaurants, attend cooking with wine demonstrations and participate in silent auctions. Enjoy live Jazz music, browse wine-related booths and a rare bottle exhibit, or visit the Cigar Veranda. You’ll sip new wines, learn some interesting facts, taste outstanding foods and delight in the company of fellow wine enthusiasts.

 

The fast-paced excitement of the live auction begins with the venerable wine auctioneer, Fritz Hatton. Participants will have the opportunity to bid on everything from rare wine to wine dinners to vacation getaways. 

 

Best of all, your attendance will help the Guadalupe Health Foundation serve the needy families in our community. For more information about the Midwest Winefest and the Guadalupe Health Foundation, visit the web site at www.midwestwinefest.com.

 

Already booked this weekend? Plan ahead to attend one of these enjoyable events next weekend!

It’s Southern Hills Winery’s Birthday and it’s time to celebrate. The party is Saturday, May 3^rd  from 7:00 – 11:00 p.m. in Osceola, Iowa  … and you are invited. Step up to the taco bar and fill your plate, then relax while One Night Stand entertains with their high-quality contemporary jazz and rhythm and blues sound. Purchase your tickets ($15.00 each) before May 1^st. www.shwinery.com

 

Planning to be in the Cedar Falls area on May 3^rd? Order your tickets now to attend An Evening in Celebration of Wine & Tulips, 6:00 pm - 8:00 p.m This is the 23^rd year for this popular and enjoyable event, presented by the Friends of KUNI/KHKE to benefit public radio in Iowa. Attendance is limited to 800 guests so don’t hesitate to order tickets ($35 in advance and $45 at the door) at 319. 277-1255..

More than two hundred domestic and imported wines are available for sampling with reds, whites, blushes, dessert and sparkling wines on hand. Wines from the vineyards of California, Washington, Italy, France, Australia, Spain, and Iowa, will be poured. Also available for sampling is a variety of Midwestern cheeses, plus breads and fruits to cleanse the palate.

Adding to the festive atmosphere will be live jazz and classical music by Marc Irving Weber, plus arrangements of fresh tulips by Rainbow Florists & Greenhouses (Waterloo).

 

You may be interested in attending the Meet the Distributors VIP Pre-Party – call Angela Vezdos at 319.273.6336 to purchase a ticket at a Patron level.

 

Ready for one more great Spring Fever suggestion? It’s a good one!

 

The Western Iowa Wine Trail wineries present their annual Spring Fling, May 3^rd and 4^th. Again, this is a wonderful opportunity to sample Iowa wines, and enjoy the wineries and their fine hospitality. Participating wineries are: Breezy Hills Vineyard, Minden, Loess Hills Vineyard & Winery, Crescent, Sugar Clay Winery & Vineyards, Thurman, Danish Countryside Vines & Wines, Exira, King’s Crossing Vineyard & Winery, Glenwood, Whispering Hills Vineyard & Winery, Carson and Prairie Crossing Vineyard & Winery, Treynor. To purchase a passport and print a map of a trail, visit the Web site at www.westerniowawinetrail.com/.

 

Cheers!

Barbara Rasko, Publisher

Make Mine Wine

www.MakeMineWinemagazine.com

 

Pick Up Good Ideas and Fine Wine to Pair with Your Healthy Lifestyle!

Red wine’s reservetrol, and the relaxation that results from a glass of wine continue to make the news. It’s been reported in magazine articles, Internet, radio and television news, blogs … just about everywhere that wine has positive health benefits.

 

This Saturday, at the Wine and Healthy Living Dinner and Discussion at Tassel Ridge Winery, you can enjoy a savory food and wine pairing, and pick up some ideas – and good wine — to pair you’re your healthy dinners at home.

 

Nutritionist Katie Bogue, RD, LD of Des Moines will present an informal lecture on Wine and Healthy Living, followed by a four-course meal comprised of delectable yet healthy food choices paired with Tassel Ridge wines.

Appetizers:

• Fresh Fruit, Cheese, Hummus and Pita Wedges—Wine tasting at bar

Menu Includes:

• Rainbow Roasted Pepper Soup–Featuring 2007 Iowa Nouveau
• Raspberry Spinach Salad–Featuring 2007 Iowa Edelweiss
• Maple-Glazed Salmon, Roasted Asparagus and Quinoa–Featuring Candleglow White
• Angle Food Cake topped with fresh fruit and drizzled with chocolate–
  Featuring Finalé Raspberry

Tassel Ridge Winery invites you come to the Winery for the Wine and Healthy Living Dinner and Discussion on Saturday, April 26. Appetizers begin at 7:00 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $55. Reservations and payment in advance is required. Call Tassel Ridge Winery at 641.672.WINE (9463) or e-mail dining@tasselridge.com with your name, telephone number, and credit card information to reserve your spot. Reservations will be accepted through Thursday, April 24.

 

Here’s to a long, healthy life!

 

Cheers!

Barbara Rasko, Publisher

Make Mine Wine

www.MakeMineWineMagazine.com

MakeMineWinemagazine.com Now Accepts Classifieds

Since Make Mine Wine began in 2006, I have been asked if the magazine and the Web site carry Classified advertising.  I always answered, “Not yet, but they will.”

 

And  now they will.

 

We’ll start with two categories … For Sale and Want to Buy.

 

Items must be related to wine or grapes which includes everything from agricultural products, services and equipment, grape vines, vineyards and wineries, and wine-making supplies, to wine barrel furniture, the set of six wine glasses you no longer use, to artwork, books or a bamboo wine rack that didn’t sell at the winery.

 

Our readers throughout Midwest Wine Country love wine, and many are growing grapes or making wine … so it will be a lot of fun to see what shows up in the Make Mine Wine Classifieds!

 

Place a classified by calling 515.962.5515 or email makeminewine@mchsi.com

 

Access the Classifieds on MakeMineWinemagazine.com.

 

The summer issue of Make Mine Wine will carry classifieds too!

 

Cheers!

Barbara Rasko, Publisher

Make Mine Wine magazine

 

You can Skip the Spring Cleaning this Weekend, But Don’t Miss the Iowa Wine Events!

Starting tonight you have so many great opportunities to sip some wine and have some fun in Midwest Wine Country! You can listen to live music or ladies, gather your girlfriends for a wine and shopping outing. 

Get an early start on the weekend with tonight’s Ladies’ Night Out — wine tasting and shopping at Earl May Nursery & Garden Center, 5910 Douglas Avenue in Des Moines. There is no cost and the events run from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Don’t forget to try Tassel Ridge Winery’s new Oskyfizzante!

Pop the cork Friday, April 4^th at one of these events: 

This week’s Friday Night Wine Down at White Oak Vineyard, Elkhart features Tony Valdez & Don. $5 cover. 

If you live near Dubuque, you can sit back and relax as the Stone Cliff Winery Tasting Room turns into the Star Wine Bar with live music – this week, April 4^th, pianist Mary Mabusth will entertain from 7:00 – 11:00 p.m. 

Become a regular at Friday Nights at the Winery … Southern Hills Winery near Osceola, is a great place to kick-back and unwind from 5:00. – 8:00 p.m.  

Little Swan Lake Winery at Estherville opens the season with their Thursday Night Happy Hour with Billie James from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. This week Billie and Ceolmhor will entertain! Sunday, April 6^th from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., Billie James will be joined by Glenn Henriksen. Stop by and enjoy!

 

You need reservations, but it is worth it to hear Kevin “BF” Burt at Music in the Tasting Room at Wallace Winery at West Branch – the number is 319-643-3000 and the cost is $15.00 per person which includes appetizers.

 

Front Porch Fridays! At Snus Winery near Madrid will feature One Night Stand with classic rock and roll this week and the entertainment for Snus Sundays will be Billy Martin Group with jazz.

There are two big events this weekend for the ladies  — I hope you already have your reservation for Summerset Winery’s Women and Wine Luncheon on Saturday. If not, check out the details for a great event at this Indianola winery at www.summersetwine.com.

 

If you’ll be in Decorah, don’t miss Winnesheik Wildberry Winery’s Women’s Weekend Out – it is Saturday, April 5, from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 6, from 12:30 – 5:30 p.m. Taste the wine and shop for beautifully designed items from some fine Iowa artists. You may find just the thing to put you in the mood for a great Spring – Paula Brown’s beaded jewelry, Roxeanne Snitzler’s intricately designed purses, and Cynthia Buria’s fine knitted accessories. Learn about Arbonne Skincare, Mary Kay products and Pampered Chef. Tour the winery, taste the wine and have fun!

 

The Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra will benefit from the wine tasting held on Saturday from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Wines of Note event in the main lobby at the Bridge View Center. Tickets are $30 and you can find directions and more information at www.bridgeviewcenter.com.

 

Sugar Clay Winery at Thurman will feature Matt Cox from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Saturday night followed by Southpaw Bluegrass Band. Be there early for the All-U-Can Eat Soup – just $5.00 – at 5:30 p.m.

 

If you live by Boone, don’t miss the Tasting of Spring Wine and Food Festival at the Iowa National Guard Building, 700 Snedden Drive. You can sample Southern Hills Wines between 6:30 and 11:30 p.m.

 

And don’t forget Sunday Tunes from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Summerset Winery. This week the Bob Pace Band featuring Steve George will be on stage. Food is available – so you won’t have to cook when you get home!

By the way … you can stop by any of your local wineries — meet the winemaker and sample the wines. That’s the beauty of Midwest Wine Country!

 

This weekend with all of the great Midwest Wine Country events feels like the start of the season — so get out there and pop the cork on a season of wine, music, entertainment, friends and fun!

 Cheers!

Barbara Rasko, Publisher

Make Mine Wine magazine

www.makeminewinemagazine.com 

You’re Invited to a Memorable Wine Experience at Tassel Ridge Winery

Visiting a winery and tasting wine always results in a good time and a favorite memory for me. That is especially true when I visit Tassel Ridge Winery near Leighton, Iowa.  

Take a trip there yourself this weekend. No doubt you’ll learn something new on the wine tour about the grapes, the process or the wine. The experienced staff in the tasting room will help you find the wines that you like … I make notes on the wine tasting chart and take it home to refer to later.  

If you like bubbly, you can discover Tassel Ridge Winery’s first this weekend at the Oskyfizzante Release Party! What a great, fun name! Give it a try along with a complimentary food pairing either Saturday, March 29^th, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. or Sunday, March 30, noon to 6:00 p.m.  

There is still time to make reservations for Sunday night’s Wine and Food Pairing dinner featuring Yogurt Grilled Chicken Breast with Pineapple Roasted Red Pepper Salsa and Tassel Ridge Iowa Edelweiss. Reservations are accepted through March 27^th and the cost is $40.00 per person. Call 641-672.WINE (9463). 

Cheers!
Barbara Rasko

Publisher

Make Mine Wine

www.MakeMineWinemagazine.com 

Women and Wine … Always Fun! Fun! Fun!

Spoil yourself and kick-off spring with your friends at a relaxing, just-for-women, wine and fun event hosted by Summerset Winery, April 5th from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

A melt-in-your-mouth lunch, Puffed Pastry Filled w/ Chicken Salad, Ginger Wild Rice and Vegetable soup, Chocolate and Blue Salad, and Bite Size Cheesecakes, (by Flarah’s of Beaverdale, with Summerset Wine), sets the stage for a “what’s fresh” fashion show presented by Coldwater Creek.  You’ll receive a gift bag and be eligible for the giveaway drawings. 

Then, browse and shop the Women and Wine Showcase. You’ll find beautiful jewelry by Silpada Designs, the latest from The Pampered Chef, and inspiring ideas from Gold-Fire & Glass, Arbonne, Slumber Parties, Blue Frog Arts and Heartland Prairie Massage.  

Call your friends today and let them know it is time for a Women and Wine Escape. Make your reservations for an afternoon of fun. The cost is $40.00 per person and Includes wine reception, lunch, wine with lunch, gift bag, giveaways, a fashion show presented by Coldwater Creek - and tons of fun! Reservations required and tickets are non-refundable. Call now – 515-961-3545. Space is limited! 

It’s going to be another great time! 

Cheers!
Barbara Rasko

Publisher

Make Mine Wine

www.MakeMineWinemagazine.com

Entertain Your Guests at Summerset Winery this Weekend

Do you have family and friends coming in for the holiday weekend? You may have a full day planned for Sunday … but what is there to do on Saturday night?

Summerset Winery offers a relaxing, entertaining option that you and your guest will talk about for years (and you won’t have to cook!)

This Saturday, March 22, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., you can unwind at the wine reception, enjoy a bottle of wine with dinner, and let your worries fall away with the 70’s comedy mystery, I Will Survive! Presented by Des Moines Playhouse, Entertainment to Go!, the show is lively and fun. 

Here’s the story: Fresh off a nervous breakdown after her sister’s death and her niece’s arrest, Millie Glimp is putting her money into a ’70s discotheque and is looking for investors. She is dressed in her finest, but it is still obvious that she is out of her league and doesn’t fit in with high society. She has blocked out the last 30 years of her life, due to post-traumatic stress and thinks it is actually the 1970s. Dust off those platform shoes and get down tonight!

Ticket price is $55 per person and includes wine reception, dinner, a bottle of wine and the show. Call Summerset at 515-961-3545 to order tickets. Tickets must be purchased in advance.  By the way, your guests will now be in on the secret: there is a lot of fun to be had in Midwest Wine Country!

Cheers! Barbara Rasko, Publisher

Make Mine Wine

www.MakeMineWinemagazine.com