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 

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

Sweethearts and Wine … Together on the Heart of Iowa Wine Trail

What is a natural companion to both sweethearts and wine? Chocolate, of course!

 

You and your sweetheart can partake of quality chocolate and fine wine during the Sweethearts and Chocolate event on the Heart of Iowa Wine Trail over two weekends – February 2 & 3, and February 16 & 17.

 

The Heart of Iowa Wine Trail covers the central one- third of the state from North to South. For just $15 each, you can buy a ticket and enjoy the wine and chocolate pairings both weekends – one visit per winery. You can also build a Chocolate and Wine recipe file with your free recipe from each winery.

 

The Heart of Iowa Wine Trail is featured in the Holiday 2007 issue of Make Mine Wine magazine. Issues will be available at most of the wineries on the trail. If you don’t find one there, call 515-962-5515.

 

Discover the fine wine and the fun at these Heart of Iowa Wine Trail wineries: Dale Valley Vineyard, Stuart; Eagle City Winery, Iowa Falls; The Grape Escape Vineyard and Winery, Pleasantville; Jasper Winery, Newton; John Ernest Vineyard & Winery, Tama; La Vida Loca Winery, Indianola; Penoach Vineyard & 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; White Oak Vineyards, Cambridge.

Have fun — and try a couple of my favorites with chocolate! Tassel Ridge Winery’s Finale Raspberry and Rosey Acres’ Winery’s Paradise Mist (which won the People’s Choice Award for “Best Tasting Wine” at the 2007 Iowa Wine Festival) Let me know your favorite!

Before you go, check the hours for each winery. Then hit the trail and have a great time! www.HeartofIowaWineTrail.com.

Cheers and Chocolate!

Barbara Rasko, Publisher

Make Mine Wine

www.makeminewinemagazine.com

Try these Go-With Wine January Stress Reducers: Jimmy’s Buffet or Blues, Jazz, Rock n’ Roll and a Chair Massage!

Need an escape from winter and post-holiday stress? Spend some time at Summerset Winery this weekend.

Put on your flowered shirt and Parrot Head paraphernalia
 for a low-casual, high times event.  It’s the ever-popular Jimmy’s Buffet, this Saturday January 19^th.  You’ll be in a Margaritaville state of mind. For $45 per person you’ll enjoy dinner, delicious wine, and an evening of rockin’ to Jimmy Buffett music performed by FreeStyle. Order tickets by calling 515-961-3545.

Love the wine and the band? Go back for more on Sunday, January 20^th, when FreeStyle performs from 2:00 to 5:00 at Summerset Winery … this time with their popular blend of Blues, Jazz, Rock n’ Roll, Big Band, Country and hits from the 70s and 80s.

To get you totally relaxed and ready for Monday Morning, Heartland Prairie Massage is offering relaxing chair massages. It will feel great, and it is a great thing to do, since a percentage of the sales go to a good cause – Dollars for Scholars.

The holiday parties may be over, but the folks at Summerset Winery are always ready for a good time. Shake off the cold and have some fun!

Cheers!

Barbara Rasko

Publisher, Make Mine Wine

MakeMineWinemagazine.com

 

 

Mulled Mead … and Great Gift Ideas at Summerset Winery!

I stopped by the Holiday Open House at Summerset Winery today (It’s from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. today, tomorrow, Sunday and Christmas Eve. Rob Lumbard will perform from 2 PM – 5 PM on December 21 and 22. On December 23 Soul Searchers will be playing, and Rob Lumbard returns on CHRISTMAS EVE, December 24. 

Stop out and try the mulled mead … you’re in for a treat. They are serving soups, hors d’oeuvres, holiday treats, a variety of mulled wines to try as well as complimentary wine samples. Special discounts on store merchandise and custom made gift baskets will be available. 

Centrally located between Indianola and Des Moines, it’s a great spot for music in the summer and of course, a fun place anytime. The Jimmy Buffet is coming up in January – and if you’re looking for a great gift – there it is!  This annual (and always sold out event) is January 19, 2008 from 6:30 to 11:00 p.m. with Jimmy Buffet music performed by FreeStyle. Tickets are $45 per person for the wine reception, dinner with wine, and dancing and cavorting to FreeStye.  

Here’s another great gift idea – a Southern Iowa Wine Tour! Anytime Limousine Service now offers winery and vineyard tours. Reserve your spot today on the Southern Tour of Iowa Wineries where Summerset Winery is your first stop. Tours are approximately 4 hours long and cost $280 for up to 8 people. For more information call Anytime Limousine Service at (515) 962-0126.

Cheers!

Barbara Rasko

Publisher, Make Mine Wine

www.makeminewinemagazine.com

You’re Invited to a Wine and Food Pairing Dinner

Tassel Ridge Winery is hosting their next Wine and Food Pairing Dinner on Sunday, October 14^th at 7:00 p.m. at the winery in Leighton, IA.  If you love delicious food and wine, I urge you to make your reservation today!

My husband Frank and I attended the Wine and Food Pairing Dinner in August. It was a wonderful evening – four courses, each paired with a Tassel Ridge wine. The entrée at the upcoming dinner features Mahaska County’s own Vande Rose Farms New York Strip Steak paired with Twilight wine. Appetizers, Salad and Dessert (Blackberry Cobbler a la mode) will each be paired with wines.

The Tassel Ridge Wine and Food Pairing Dinners are popular – so make your reservations today.  While I was in the Iowa Wine Association’s Wine and Cheese Garden at the State Fair, I visited with many of you about the Wine and Food Pairing Dinners and promised to let you know about the events. Seating is limited, so reserve early.

The cost is $45.00 and payment is requested in advance. Call Tassel Ridge Winery at 641-672.WINE (9463) or e-mail Sarah Thompson at sthompson@tasselridge.com. Tassel Ridge Winery is easy to find – south on the four-lane, Highway 163 (University). Check the Web site for directions. www.TasselRidge.com. 

Call some wine and food-loving friends, make reservations today, and enjoy the evening in Midwest Wine Country!  I won’t be surprised if you become one of the regulars at the Tassel Ridge Winery Wine and Food Pairing Dinners! 

Cheers! 

Barbara Rasko, Publisher

Make Mine Wine

www.makeminewinemagazine.com

Summer Goes Better with Wine!

Midwest wineries love the chance to entertain their guests on beautiful summer evenings. This weekend’s “after the fourth” events are as tempting as their delicate, tempting summer wines! Take some time and sample both this Friday, July 6th and Saturday, July 7th.

 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. … Sunsets at Summerset with the Stu Calhoun Trio featuring Morgan Halgren. I love the sound of this latin jazz combo band and the beautiful voice of my dear friend Morgan. There will be another Trio there Friday too … Pasta Trio, available from Contemporary Catering. Summerset Winery between Des Moines and Indianola. www.summersetwine.com

Friday Night Wine Down at White Oak Vineyards, Cambridge, Iowa is always a real good time. This week Tina Haase & Lady Blue is performing. 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. www.whiteoakvineyards.com

Stop by King’s Crossing Winery for Desserts at the Winery 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. in Glenwood. www.kingscrossingvineyard.com

The new Fireside Winery in Marengo invites you to stop by and sample their wines — 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. www.firesidewinery.com

This week’s Front Porch Friday, 6:30-9:30  p.m. features Scott Davis & Jason Danielson (jazz variety). Snus Hill Vineyard, Madrid.

Saturday, July 7th

A special event at the Downtown Des Moines Farmer’s Market takes place this Saturday. There will also be a home-grown Iowa wine-tasting event featuring five Iowa wineries from 8:30-10:30 a.m.

Dale Valley Vineyard and Winery in Stuart hosts the Grand Opening from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Stop in and taste their wine. Enjoy music by the Soul Searchers. www.dalevalleyvineyard.com

The first-ever Raccoon Valley Wine Festival will be in downtown Adel, 1:00 – 9:00 p.m. with Iowa Wineries sampling and selling their wine and  Acoustic Mayhem, a popular group of musicians from Iowa City and Matt Woods and the Thunderbolts from the Des Moines area playing Blues & Boogie music. Adel, Iowa.

Sunsets at Sugar Grove with The Likely Suspects (Classic Rock), 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. in Newton. www.sugargrove.com

So have some wine and have some fun!

Cheers!

Barbara Rasko

Summerset Winery Celebrates 10 Years!

Red, White and Blues is a fitting theme for the Summerset Winery Celebration on the Fourth of July!

You’re invited to join the celebration— and, if you are a regular, you know they do indeed have great reds and great whites and bring some of the best brands to their stage.

Here’s the scoop on the event on Wednesday, July 4th, 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.:

1:00 – 3:30 Soul Searchers will perform

4:00 – 6:00 Bob Pace Band featuring Steve George

Don’t miss the fun! Dance, drink and dine. The Great “party food” is available from TTC, Inc.

As Winemaker Ron says, “What better way to celebrate than spending your holiday with your friends at Summerset.”

Check out all of the Summerset wines, live music and events at their beautiful newly designed Web site, www.summersetwine.com.

Make  Mine Wine congratulates Ron and Linda Mark on their 10th Anniverary and joins their customers in thanking them for bringing their vision of wine in Central Iowa to life for the enjoyment of all!

Cheers!

Barbara