Meet a Couple of Red Grapes (Concord and Frontenac) on the Midwest Country Wine Trail

Visitors to wineries can sample wines, tour wineries … and learn about grapes. It is fun to be in the know about the grapes and their wines. This is the first of several postings to help you sort out the flavors of the Midwest grapes.

 

Of course, you will find Zinfandel, Catawba and Cabernet Sauvignon and other familiar wines made by Midwest wine makers. When you do, know that the grapes or juice has been brought in from another state. Why? Because the tender grapes behind these well-known wines just can’t take Midwest winters.

 

You’ll find wines made from native grapes that you may already be familiar with… like the Concord which has been hanging around in Midwest winters for years. I remember my Grandmother’s Concord jelly … and today the majority of Concord grapes are still made into jam, jelly and juice. Of course, plenty is used for sweet wine, and you’ll find popular Concord red wines at many Midwest tasting rooms.

 

Concord

Park Farm Winery, Bankston, IA — Sweet Old Timer is made from Concord grapes and sweetened to match its natural acidity.  With its assertive fragrance and flavor, this distinctive wine will bring back the sweet memories of the good old days.

 

Jasper Winery, Newton, IA — Lucy Lane is delectably sweet and rich in flavor. A blend of several grapes, although classic Concord aromas and flavor are easily discerned.

Winneshiek Wildberry Winery, Decorah, IA – Concord has a fruity bouquet that smells like grandma’s jam.

 

 Eagle City Winery, Iowa Falls, IA — American Concord is a sweet, heavily bodied red wine that is fruity and highly aromatic. 

 

Sugar Clay Winery, Thurman, IA – 2006 Concord is rich in color with a fragrance of grape jelly and an earthy essence.

 

Breezy Hills Vineyard, Minden, IA — Misbehavin’ is a nice blend of Concord and Edelweiss.

 

Fireside Winery, Marengo, IA – Serenade is slightly sweet and full-bodied with the aromatic bouquet and flavor for which Concord is famous, yet offers a different twist with a slightly dry finish.

 

Heartland Harvest Winery, Fort Madison, IA — Concord has great Country grape flavor and is drier than most Concord wines.

 

Prairie Moon Winery, Ames, IA — Honey Moon Red is a sweet red concord wine that is sweetened with a little bit of honey.

 

Rosey Acres Winery, Runnels, IA – Concord has the taste and flavor of good old-fashioned grape wine.

 

Most grapes used for wine in the Midwest are not native, so you’ll find wines made from cold-hardy grapes like Frontenac, introduced by the University of Minnesota in 1996. If you prefer dry to sweet, the wines made from Frontenac may be for you. Frontenac has a deep garnet color and cherry aroma. Here is a sample of full bodied reds, rosés, and Port wines created from Frontenac grapes by Iowa winemakers.

 

Frontenac

Tassel Ridge Winery, Leighton, IA — 2006 Iowa Frontenac presents the essence of tart cherries in a light-bodied red wine made entirely from Frontenac grapes grown in Mahaska County, Iowa.

 

Tassel Ridge Winery, Leighton, IA — 2007 Iowa Frontenac Rosé, is made entirely from Frontenac grapes grown in Mahaska County, Iowa. This wine is light, fruity, and best served chilled.

Eagle’s Landing Winery, Marquette, IA — Rohde Red is a vintage of the Frontenac, Marechal Foch  and Valiant Grapes, creating a dry, full bodied red wine.  Grown in their vineyard, it has a light oak finish

 

Eagle’s Landing Winery, Marquette, IA – Port of Marquette is a port-style wine from Frontenac and Marechal Foch grapes.

 

Prairie Crossing Vineyard, Treynor, IA — Frontenac is a dry red made from 100% Frontenac grapes grown in Iowa. Their Frontenac wine is a lighter dry red with a black licorice nose and subtle oak characteristics.

 

Two Saints Winery, St. Charles, IA — 2006 Frontenac is a full-bodied dry red wine with a dark berry bouquet. You will find dark juicy berry flavors, licorice and a whisper of mocha that leads you to a lush, velvety finish.

 

John Ernest Vineyard & Winery, Tama, IA — Lincoln Highway Red is a blend of their Frontenac and Merlot wines. Medium bodied with a semi-sweet taste.

 

Snus Hill Winery, Madrid, IA — Frontenac Dessert Wine is a sweet fortified ruby port style wine for sipping.

 

Danish Countryside Vines & Wines — Sweet Caroline, a semi-dry red made with Frontenac grapes.

 

You may want to track your samplings of wines from the Concord and Frontenac grapes.  Discover your favorites.

 

Join me next time when we meet two more red grapes.

 

Cheers!

Barbara Rasko

Make Mine Wine

www.makeminewinemagazine.com

It’s Picnic Time in the Vines on the Heart of Iowa Wine Trail

Close to home weekend fun doesn’t get much better than this!  With 15 wineries on the Heart of Iowa Wine Trail, all within a 60 mile radius of Des Moines, you can visit one, two or three each weekend and taste wine, learn and enjoy!

To add to the fun, you can purchase a picnic cooler for two at any of the participating wineries, and beginning Sunday, June 1st through July 31st, you can receive a unique picnic item from each winery for your Picnic Time in the Vines basket. This is a limited edition event with only 150 picnic coolers available for sale at $40.

 

The fifteen Heart of Iowa Wine Trail wineries are: Dale Valley Vineyard & Winery, Stuart; Eagle City Winery, Iowa Falls; Grape Escape, Pleasantville; Jasper Winery, Newton; John Ernest Vineyard & Winery, Tama; La Vida Loca Winery, Indianola; Penoach Winery, Adel; Prairie Moon Winery and Vineyards, Ames; Rosey Acres Winery, Runnells; Snus Hill Winery, Madrid; Southern Hills Winery, Osceola; Summerset Winery, Indianola; Tassel Ridge Winery, Leighton; Two Saints Winery, St. Charles; and White Oak Vineyards, Cambridge.

 

I’ve been to almost all of these wineries and can tell you the people are friendly and helpful, the wineries are interesting and unique, and you are sure to find wines you will enjoy! Hit the trail and have some fun in Midwest Wine Country!

 

Cheers!

Barbara Rasko

Publisher

Make Mine Wine

 

 

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

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 

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 

Tassel Ridge Winery Releases 2007 Iowa Edelweiss!

Tassel Ridge Winery’s Edelweiss is popular! That means it sells out quickly – actually in just a few months last year.

 

The 2007 Iowa Edelweiss will be released March 1^st and 2^nd, so take the short drive to Tassel Ridge Winery this weekend, enjoy some hors d’oeuvres with your wine and pick up enough Edelweiss to last you a year!

 

This semi-sweet wine is very fruity and flavorful with the scene of ripe pineapple followed by hints of Mandarin orange, pineapple, pear, and green apple on the palate. Doesn’t that sound refreshing and wonderful!

 

Tassel Ridge Winery is one of the fifteen wineries on the Heart of Iowa Wine Trail. You can purchase the 2008 Heart of Iowa Wine Trail Passport there, get your passport stamped, and be on your way to earning elegant commemorative wine glasses. That’s what you receive when you have collected the fifteen stamps in your passport – one from your visit to each of the fifteen wineries. Think of the fun you’ll have!

 

Cheers!

Barbara Rasko, Publisher

Make Mine Wine

www.MakeMineWinemagazine.com

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Tassel Ridge Winery: Prime Rib, Live Music and Fine Wine

Spending romantic time together is important for couples, and that is often hard to do with work, family and schedules. Several wineries on The Heart of Iowa Wine Trail have wonderful dinners and dances planned on either Thursday, February 14^th or Saturday, February 16h.  That means you can have two big date nights next week!

You deserve it and, with the wonderful romantic choices from the wineries, I know you’ll enjoy it!

Tassel Ridge Winery, at Leighton, offers Prime Rib Wine and Food Pairing Dinners on Thursday, February 14 and Saturday, February 16 at 7:00 p.m. The menu will be the same for both dinners, and each course will be paired with select Tassel Ridge wines:

• Appetizers including Spicy Bacon Sticks, Fresh Fruits and Gourmet Cheeses, including locally produced cheese
• Mixed Green Salad with Vintage Dressing inspired by Lawry’s in Chicago and Beverly Hills – paired with Tickled Pink (special Valentine’s Day edition!)
• Prime Rib with Sautéed Mushrooms, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and Fresh Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce – paired with Twilight
• Silky Homemade Triple Chocolate Cheesecake – paired with Finalé Premier Red

The Food and Wine paring dinners at Tassel Ridge are wonderful, as is the live music. Here are the details: advance reservations and payment are required; $50 per person, and space is limited! To make your reservations, call Tassel Ridge Winery at 641.672.WINE (9463) or e-mail Sarah Thompson at sthompson@tasselridge.com. Reservations for the February 14 dinner will be accepted through Monday, February 11, and reservations for February 16 will be accepted through Thursday, February 14.

 While you’re at Tassel Ridge Winery for one of the dinners or during the Sweethearts and Chocolate event on the 15th and 16th, be sure to try, Sweet Roxie Red, especially if you are a fan of their Red, White, and Blue. This new wine is sweet and fruity with cherry and green apple notes on the nose and cherry and plum on the palate.Cheers!Barbara Rasko, PublisherMake Mine Wine

MakeMineWinemagazine.com

Ground Hog Shadow, Snow, and Cabin Fever Cure: Winery Fun

Yes, the snow is expected to fall for days, and winter is not likely to turn to spring anytime soon, but that doesn’t mean you are doomed to boredom. Your local wineries are prepared to show you a good time.

 

Start by making reservations for one of these Valentine Day and weekend events: February 14^th – the 5-course dinner with wine, hosted by Tony and Sue Putz, and catered by Man with a Pan Catering, at La Vida Loca Winery, or February 16^th – The Valentine’s Day Ball hosted by Ron and Linda Mark at Summerset Winery, or February 16 & 17^th – The Heart of Iowa Wine Trail’s Sweethearts and Wine Event.

 

Do you prefer dinner theater? Sugar Grove Vineyard’s Call of The Wild is an all-new fast-paced comedy and music revue for lovers of the Great Outdoors—and everyone else.  The dates are February 9^th and 16^th, and the menu is:

Appetizer: Marinated Elk Tenders (beef-like), skewered and marinated with vegetables (this elk was raised right at Sugar Grove!)
Salad: Mixed Greens with Toasted Pecans, Dried Blueberries and Poppyseed Dressing
Entrée: Choose Smoked Amana Chop in Maple Bourbon Glaze OR Encrusted and Baked Catfish; both accompanied by Wild Carrots and Wild Rice Mushroom Bisque
Dessert: Hazelnut Torte
Beverage: Coffee, tea, water and one complimentary glass of Sugar Grove wine or sparkling beverage. Reservations required. $55 per person includes meal, wine, show, and gratuity. Call 641-787-9463 for more information. 

Check the Events and Festivals list on www.makeminewinemagazine.com for Valentine Day’s events at other Midwest Wine Country wineries in Illinois, Michigan, Nebraska and Wisconsin.

Cheers!

Barbara Rasko, Publisher

Make Mine Wine

MakeMineWinemagazine.com

Enjoy the Wining and Dining and Dancing at the Valentine’s Day Ball at Summerset Winery

 I enjoy providing information on events that you might enjoy — and I can tell you this event will be a great one!

Have you been to Summerset Winery? If not, now is the perfect time to go. If you’ve been there before, you know what I’m talking about!

Make reservations to be there at 6:00 p.m., Saturday, February 16^th for the wine reception, wine with dinner catered by Christiani’s VIP Catering, photo by Maharry Photography and dancing to live music performed by Ashanti. Winemaker Ron Mark and his wife Linda are great hosts … I know you’ll have a marvelous time.

Call the winery at 515-961-3545 to order tickets ($50 each). The Christiani’s dinner will feature:

Hors d’oeuvres
Cheeses from Europe and America
Relish Tray and Dip
Grilled Asparagus and Caps Marinated in Virgin Olive Oil
fresh lemons and Spices

Verona Buffet
Garden Salad with Christiani’s Signature Dressing
6 oz. Boneless Breast of Chicken Prima Vera
Sliced USDA Choice Roast Beef with Horseradish Cream Sauce
Cheese Stuffed Ravioli with Basil Marinara
Penne with Meatballs and Sausage
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Green Beans with Pimentos
Fresh Baked Rolls and Butter

European Sweet Table
Assorted Cakes, Pies and French Pastries
Miniature Cream Puffs
Petit Fours
Miniature Chocolate Cream Puffs
Coffee and Cappuccino Bar

Wonderful! 

And then there is the wine!

 You may already have a favorite Summerset Wine, but if not, go to www.SummersetWine.com and learn more about each wine. Then, when you are at the Winery, taste and buy the ones you like best. Don’t forgot to prolong the experience – buy a few bottles to enjoy at home. 

Cheers!
Barbara Rasko, Publisher

Make Mine Wine

MakeMineWinemagazine.com 

Award-Winning Tassel Ridge Wines Key to Smiles and Relaxation on Valentine’s Day

When I ask people if they enjoy a glass of wine, faces brighten with smiles, and I hear sighs anticipating relaxation. Women especially welcome a glass of wine signaling it’s time to quit working, sit down, relax and enjoy.

 

If the special someone you love likes wine, you know exactly what I mean.

 

So, if you want a smiling, relaxed Valentine, I suggest you bring home beautiful bottles of award-winning wine from Tassel Ridge Winery.

 

Red, White, and Blue is a traditional, sweet Concord-based blend and is best served chilled. This award-winner won Gold at both the 2007 Tasters Guild Wine Lovers International Consumer Competition and the 2007 Mid-American Wine Competition.

 

Fruit Stand Blackberry Wine, think old-fashioned blackberry jam, has won five International awards: Chairman’s Best of Class 2007 and Gold 2007 Long Beach Grand Cru Wine Competition, Double Gold 2007 Tasters Guild Wine Lovers International Consumer Competition, and Gold 2007 International Wine Competition.

 

For pre-dinner sipping, chill Prelude, a semi-sweet wine offering fruit notes. It is made from Iowa St. Pepin grapes and Muscat grapes grown in California. Prelude won several awards including Gold at 2007 Tasters Guild International Wine Competition, and Bronze at the National Women’s Wine Competition.

 

Stop in the Tasting Room or check the Tassel Ridge Web site for a complete list of their winning wines. Read the descriptions and pairing tips to find the ones you want to try.

 

You will also find a wonderful collection of treats at Tassel Ridge. Gourmet truffles are the perfect companion to the fine Tassel Ridge dessert wines. Surprise with wine-flavored pop-corn! Try Catawba, Concord or Vignole. I love the Candlelight Caramel Sauce – yes it is flavored with Tassel Ridge Candlelight wine – and is fabulous over ice cream. You might also like the cheese toppers and dipping oils.

 

I love to browse in the Tassel Ridge Gift Shop and if you like all things wine, you will too!  (The gift shop and tasting room is done in green marble!).  I love sparkling glass, so of course, I love the stunning bottle stoppers. Wine books, set-the mood music, caps, t-shirts, note cards, as well as bottle openers, chillers, charms and trivets make this a wonderful place to find unique gifts.

 

Spend some time tasting the Tassel Ridge wines to find your favorites. Maybe it will be Brett’s Blush, from Zinfandel grapes, or the oak-aged Twilight, from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Think about creating a personalized label (birthday, anniversary, etc.) and have it placed on your favorite bottle of Tassel Ridge Wine – minimum order is 1 case – it’s a fun and memorable gift!

 

One more suggestion: do you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a romantic dinner at home? Make delicious Grilled Scallops and Saffron Rice (paired with Tassel Ridge Candleglow White) or Pan Fried Jerk Seasoned Pork Loin Medallions (paired with Tassel Ridge White Blossom (dry) or Iowa Edelweiss (semi-sweet). The recipes are on the Web site, too.  Enjoy!

 

It’s easy to get to Tassel Ridge, but if you don’t care to make the trip, you can view all of their delightful wines and gifts in their new on-line catalog. Click on the Tassel Ridge Catalog at www.tasselridge.com. Enjoy!

 

Cheers!

Barbara Rasko, Publisher

Make Mine Wine

MakeMineWinemagazine.com