It is two weeks into the New Year and I feel remiss in not celebrating the Iowa wine and grape industry’s growth and success in 2006
Here are some 2006 highlights. Please add to the list and help me salute the happenings of this new industry.
Then, sit back, enjoy a glass of your favorite, and be amazed at the progress that dedicated Iowans have made in the last 7 years!
• Native Iowa wines can be found throughout the state, in tasting rooms, grocery stores, restaurants and wine cellars.
• Iowa produces fine red, blush and white table wines, delicious dessert wines and exotic fruit flavors.
• New wineries are opening – watch for more this spring.
• The idea of growing grapes is attracting a lot of interest, too. The Iowa State Extension Service coordinates a full curriculum to educate and encourage new vineyards and wine makers.
• This year’s harvest resulted in some established vineyards seeing their grapes bottled for the first time.
• Many consumers tasted Iowa wines, some for the first time, at The Iowa Wine Trail events, the Iowa Wine Festival in Indianola, the Iowa State Fair, the Iowa Wine Co-op Store at Jordan Creek Mall, at the Iowa wineries, harvest, holiday and many other events.
• The people I’ve talked to tell me that Iowa wine sales were very good indeed.
• More wineries and local communities added events showcasing Native Iowa Wines and attracted wine-lovers and curiosity-seekers. Wine, music, food, friends and fun create a winning combination.
• Wineries are on the Internet with professional, inviting and informative Web sites – great! Consumers can purchase wine, get details on events, meet the people, learn about winemaking and grape growing, try some new recipes with wine, and think about hosing their wedding or party at the winery.
• The Iowa Wine industry received good press and visibility in front of new audiences in The New York Times and the Iowa Farmer Today.
• Iowa radio and television stations aired Iowa wine-related news, as did many of the state’s newspapers.
• The Iowa Beer and Wine Promotion Board continued to spread the word through advertising, their Web site and Iowa Wine brochure. (Check out the events and recipes!)
• Iowa State University and Des Moines Area Community College took big steps in growing their wine and grape programs.
• Talented experts in developing and growing grapes, and making and standardizing wine arrived in the state to share their visions and expertise.
• Make Mine Wine magazine was launched to deliver food, fun, getaways, home and entertaining ideas to wine lovers – and help educate consumers about Iowa and Midwest wines, wineries and vineyards.
Here’s to continued growth and success in 2007.
Cheers!
Barbara Rasko
15 Salutes to the Iowa Wine and Grape Industry!