Toast the New Year with Iowa Wine!

I’ll be toasting 2009 with Iowa wine and I hope you’ll do the same. Here are some great picks with descriptions straight from the winemakers. Check each winery’s web site for retail locations.

 

Tassel Ridge Winery, Leighton. www.tasselridgewinery.com

Oskyfizzante White is a fruity, semi-sweet, carbonated wine made from Muscat grapes. It has grapefruit, kiwi and stony fruit on the nose, and kiwi, peach, and citrus on the palate. Oskyfizzante White is a great wine for celebrations. Serve well chilled.

 

Summerset Winery, Indianola. www.summersetwine.com

Festiva

A delightful sparkling wine, similar to an Asti Spumante

 

White Oak Vineyards, Cambridge. www.whiteoakvineyards.com

Celebrate

Semi Sweet Ruby Red Wine. This blend of French-American hybrid grapes has been one of ou customers “Most Popular”. It resembles a White Merlot with a cranberry tartness that leaves you with a pleasant mouth feel and taste.

 

Tabor Home Vineyards & Winery, Baldwin. www.taborhomewinery.com

A Real Sweetie

NEW in 2006. This LaCrosse white grape wine from our vineyards is soft & Smooth with the sweetness of pears. If you enjoy Muscato, you will love A Real Sweetie dessert wine.

 

Wallace Winery, West Branch. www.wallacewine.com

Blanc de Blanc

Rich Chardonel wine sparkled in the traditional champagne style by natural fermentation.

 

Little Swan Lake, Estherville. www.lslwinery.com

Semi Sweet Reisling

A sweeter, gentle white wine with flowery scent and smooth flavor.

 

As always, you can ask your liquor store manager for additional Iowa Wine suggestions. If you are in the Coralville area, let Matt Wiskus at Muddy Creek Winery help you select an Iowa wine. You can also buy wines from 10 Iowa wines online from Matt a www.buyiowawines.com.

 

Cheers!

 

Barbara Rasko

Make Mine Wine

www.makeminewinemagazine.com

Time for Unique Gifts, Entertainment and Fun at the Wineries!

John Ernest Vineyard & Winery Holiday Celebration, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Saturday, December 20

Music, holiday spirit and wine makes it a divine time to visit the winery. You (and your out of town guests) can tour the winery at Tama, sample JEV wines, nibble on holiday treats and enjoy warm, mulled Cranberry Apple Cider. Save 10% on wine, gift baskets and holiday items. http://www.johnernestvineyard.com.

 

Summerset Winery Holiday Open House, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Saturday, December 20 and Wednesday 24

Guests in town this weekend? Take them to Summerset Winery for some sipping, shopping and munching! They are serving warm, mulled wine and delicisou holiday treats along with special discounts on store merchandise. Buy a special gift – your Parrot Head friends would appreciate tickets to Jimmy’s Buffet on January 17^th and you may know just the right person to give tickets to for the January 31^st Wild Women on Wine Luncheon! Summerset Winery is between Des Moines and Indianola.  http://www.summersetwine.com.

 

Little Swan Lake Winery, Christmas Cheer, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m., Saturday, December 20 Billie James and Glenn Henriksen entertain. Esterville. http://www.lslwinery.com

 

The 2009 Heart of Iowa Wine Trail Passport is a unique gift motivating folks to explore the 15 wineries within 60 miles of Des Moines. The passport is $25 + tax and available at the area wineries. Check it out at http://www.heartofiowawinetrail.com.

 

Tassel Ridge Winery has a fine selection of wine-related gifts, custom wine labels, chocolates, Friesian Farms Cheese, Wine and Food Gift Baskets and more. Visit the winery just off of Highway 163 at Exit 220. http://www.tasselridgewinery.com.

 

I’ll be speaking about Southern Hills Winery’s wines, how to taste and the magazine at the Iowa Favorites store at Valley West Mall, this Sunday, December 21^st at 4:00 p.m.  Please stop in and say hi!

This holiday season, I encourage you to buy local. Our Midwest Wine Country depends on it! Thank you.

By the way, Make Mine Wine is also a great, inexpensive, year-round Christmas gift for wine-lovers. You can order at http://www.makeminewinemagazine.com.

 

Cheers!

Barbara Rasko, Publisher

Make Mine Wine magazine

http://www.makeminewinemagazine.com

It’s a Beautiful Weekend to Have Fun at a Winery!

I just took a peak at the upcoming events for this weekend and I was pleased at the number of things to do at wineries across the state (in addition to tasting and buying wine!).You still have time to enter the Make Mine Wine Midwest Wine Country Photo Competition — so grab your camera and go have some fun.

 

 I’ll give you the list in a moment, but first I have to say, if you are looking for an idea for an event, the one coming up this weekend in Coralville looks like a lot of fun.

 

Matthew Wiskus, proprietor at Muddy Creek Wine Company is hosting the Muddy Creek Wine Walk on Friday. Golfers will first enjoy 9 holes of golf at Brown Deer Golf Course, and then complete the course with 9 gold of wine tasting. Friday’s going to be a beautiful day, and I can predict the folks on the golf course at Brown Deer are going to have a memorable time!

 

As you plan your weekend, consider the wineries and pick an event or two to attend. As always, check the wineries’ websites to get all the details – this list will get you started.

 

Friday, September 19^th there will be live music at Snus Hill Winery at Madrid with ProMusica Trio (jazz);  Jimmy Buffet Night at Southern Hills Winery near Osceola with DJ Tawny, contests and fun;  Summerset Winery will host Flying Silos; Pair of Jacks will be performing at King’s Crossing Vineyard in Glenwood, Morning After will be at Fireside Winery near Marengo and Friday Night Wine Down will be on at White Oak Vineyards, Cambridge.

 

Saturday is Ladies’ Night with Joanne Jackson, the Iowa Jazz & Blues Hall of Famer, at Sunsets at Sugar Grover in Newton. Grape Escape Winery in Pleasantville welcomes you to Wine-In Movies. You can stomp grapes, hear live music, shop the crafters and have an overall great time at Sugar Clay Winery in Thurman or catch Rosey Acres at Des Moines’ downtown farmers market.

 

On Sunday, River & The Tributaries will entertain you at Park Farm Winery in Bankston. Don’t forget to text before arriving for your free glass of wine (see the advertisement in the Summer issue of Make Mine Wine). Summerset Winery between Des Moines and Indianola has music by Switchback; Snus Hill Winery invites you to Madrid to hear Midnight Crisis, there is live music at Prairie Moon Winery in Ames, and Little Swan Lake Winery in Estherville features music by Ceolmhor.

 

I visited Tabor Home Vineyard in Baldwin earlier this month and you can reach more about my trip in the upcoming Fall/Winter issue of Make Mine Wine. Better yet, attend Music in the Vineyard this Sunday, September 21^st. You can bring your own picnic and hear music by Surprise. You’ll have a great time in a gorgeous setting.

 

One more thing … Thursday night, September 25^th, Café Dodici is hosting Guest Chef Lynn Loula and you can be there for the Asian-inspired feast. You may remember Café Dodici has been featured in Make Mine Wine, and we highly recommend this Washington, Iowa experience. You’ll always find international cuisine and wine as well as local art, gourmet foods and more in Dodici’s Shop. Owner Lorraine Williams was a Washington, Iowa native and, after spending 25 years in Italy, came home and created a unique destination.

 

Enjoy your weekend in Midwest Wine Country! And don’t forget your camera!

 

Cheers!

Barbara Rasko

Publisher

Make Mine Wine

www.makeminewinemagazine.com

Sip and Savor Fine Iowa Wines at the 4th Annual Iowa Wine Festival!

The Iowa State Fair is over, but the wine tasting continues this Saturday, August 23rd at the Iowa Wine Festival. The Square in Indianola is the place to be from 1:00 – 9:00 p.m.

 

You can enjoy unlimited wine sampling, purchase wines and visit with Iowa winemakers; sample the best from Chef Jon Wiler of Flemings Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar; cast a vote for your favorite Iowa Wine in the People’s Choice Award and browse the offerings of various local artists, food vendors and exhibitors.

 

The fun will be set to the music of Big Daddy Blues (2:00 – 5:00) and Tony Valdez and The Large Band (6:00 – 9:00).

 

Check out the schedule of events and be prepared to participate in the contests, games, bocco ball and grape stomping, the crowning of the Iowa Wine Festival King and Queen, and the silent auction with plenty of cool stuff. I can imagine the bragging rights – and noise – from the winner of the Whining Contest!

 

Best of all you can enjoy some of the best Iowa Wines from these fine wineries:

Eagle City Winery, Iowa Falls

Fireside Winery, Marengo

Grape Escape Vineyard & Winery, Pleasantville

Jasper Winery, Newton

John Ernest Vineyard and Winery, Tama

La Vida Loca Winery, Indianola

Little Swan Lake Winery, Estherville

Madison County Winery, St. Charles

Penoach Vineyard, Winery and Nursery, Adel

Rosey Acres Winery, Runnels

Southern Hills Winery, Osceola

Summerset Winery, Indianola

Tabor Home Winery, Bankston

Tassel Ridge Winery, Leighton

Two Saints Winery, St. Charles

Wide River Winery, Clinton

 

Bring your camera! This will be a great time to take some photos for the Make Mine Wine Midwest Wine Country Competition. Also, remember to bring a designated driver!

 

 

 

 

Full information for the event is online at http://www.iowawinefestival.org/. Tickets for this event are $25 in advance.

 

Cheers!

Barbara Rasko

Publisher

Make Mine Wine

www.makeminewinemagazine.com

To subscribe, send an email to makeminewine@mchsi.com

Visit the Central Iowa Wineries and Create Memorable Experiences

Recently, several people have told me about their visits to the Heart of Iowa Wine Trail and every one has interesting and favorable comments. The comments from a friend today reminded me of the variety and quaintness of each stop, the hospitality of the winemakers, and the fun of trying new wines.

 

She told me the two of them set out on a dreary, rainy morning this weekend to visit Central Iowa wineries and they had a great time. She particularly liked Snus Hill Winery near Madrid. Since she adores cats, the fun “cat face” logo on the bottles were a hit. At the beautiful tasting bar, they tried some wines that were not what they would normally drink. She liked and bought the light white, Whisker White. 

 

Next they ventured to Adel to Penoach Vineyard & Winery. He enjoyed the setting – a 1900-era farmstead with 10 acres of vines and a barn restored to a winery. They visited with winemaker Stan Olsen and found unique gifts in the Gift Shop. They are just learning about red wine, so tasted a few, and found Iowa St. Vincent to their liking.

 

A stop at Dale Valley Winery near Stuart proved to be another favorite. Prairie grass fields purchased in Guthrie County, Iowa in 1853  became the home site for John Lonsdale and his family. Thirty local residents put their time and talents together to build a school, and soon thereafter Dale City was born. Today, the school house is home to Dale Valley Winery. My friends tried the wines, and enjoyed the tour of the winery and the taste of Solistice, a unique blush with a sweet fruit flavor.

 

Their day-away in Midwest Wine Country was enjoyable and gave them a great chance to relax and visit — probably even giggle and laugh! She said they will plan another day soon to visit a few more “charming” Iowa wineries.

Another friend and her husband stopped by Little Swan Lake Winery at Estherville in Northern Iowa and heard some live music, drank some wine, and had buffalo sandwiches and ice cream. It’s a favorite stop for the locals and she said it was easy to see why … everyone was having a good time.

 

 

 

 

If you are filling your basket with the Picnic in the Vines event on the Heart of Iowa Wine Trail, remember it continues through July 31st.Otherwise, pack a picnic lunch, and get out and appreciate the lush scenery while you tour the wineries and sample the wines presented by our local winemakers.

 

Cheers!

Barbara Rasko, Publisher

Make Mine Wine

http://www.makeminewinemagazine.com

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 

Stall Crush of Holidays with Winery Fun

Do you feel like I do? This is the last “free” weekend before the crush of the holidays? Then, get out and have some fun in Midwest Wine Country.

This afternoon, Friday, November 16^th 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., you can visit with Bonnie Lucas of WHO Radio’s Van and Bonnie at Tassel Ridge Winery. While you’re there, sample the delicious peanut brittle made with Tassel Ridge Wine – and the delectable wine-flavored caramel sauce (I’m thinking …drizzle on bread pudding, or dip apples!). Of course, Tassel Ridge has so many goodies, so choose some for yourself or gifts. Also, they carry wonderful gourmet cheeses that pair so well with their wine. Tassel Ridge Winery is a great spot for holiday shopping!

Snus Hill Winery has two music events this weekend – the Jazz Quintet, Pro Musica, is playing tonight from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m., and Sunday, from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. you can enjoy the Jazz variety of the Bill Martin Group. I was at Snus Hill Winery this week – they have a great room for music and fun, and fine wine. When you’re there, ask Diane for her turkey gravy with Snus Hill wine recipe.

I was at Sugar Grove Vineyard and Gathering Pace last week. The Sugar Grove Grange Hall is beautifully decorated for the holidays, as I’m sure it has been for over 100 years. This long-time community gathering place is warm, inviting and gracious. The historic Grange sits on a hill with a breathtaking view to sunsets, vineyards and Iowa countryside. If you have tickets to tonight’s six-course wine dinner and concert (acoustic guitarist Gayla Drake Paul), you’re in for a treat. The next event – the Sugar Grove Holiday Wine Dinner will be December 15^th. Paul Micich and Dan Nickelson will entertain with jazz. Call early for reservations.

The entertainment continues this Sunday, the 18^th, at Little Swan Lake Winery with easy going music by Dave Rowley. The event is from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Enjoy the music and a delicious meal featuring Buffalo Lasagna.

The weather is beautiful, the wine is fine, and the fun is waiting at wineries throughout the Midwest! To find more winery events in Iowa, or throughout the Midwest, log on to www.makeminewinemagazine.com.

 

Cheers!

 

Barbara Rasko, Publisher

Make Mine Wine

Surprising and Creative Events at Midwest Wineries

It’s been rainy … summer is over … and you may be feeling a little down.  It’s time to change your mood with some fun and frolic in Midwest Wine Country. The wineries are known for producing great wines. Now you’ll have a chance to experience their great events. Below are just a few of the events listed on makeminewinemagazine.com.  Find one in your neighborhood, grab some friends and have a good time. Check each winery’s Web site for additional information – in many cases reservations are required.  

Dress in black and try for the best Johnny Cash look-alike at “The Man in Black” Party at Sugar Clay Winery in Thurman, Iowa. www.sugarclaywinery.com. 

Enjoy your buffalo pie meal and tap your toes to the Ceolmhor guitar trio at Little Swan Lake Winery in Estherville, Iowa. www.lslwinery.com. 

Don’t be spooked by Sugar Grove Winery’s Dinner by Ghostlight: The Ghouls Next Door. This all new show features surprising and delightful musical and comedic twists – and you can play Name that Spooky Tune. Dinner is an Elegant English Country Cuisine. Newton, Iowa. www.sugargrove.com. 

The Progressive Wine Trail hosted by the wineries on The Iowa Wine Trail is your chance to learn more about planning holiday dinners around Iowa wines. Save $10 on your ticket if you purchase before October 31^st. The event is in Eastern Iowa November 3^rd & 4^th – check it out on www.iowawinetrail.com. 

Or on November 3^rd and 4^th head over to Western Iowa for The Sugar Trail with wine, sweets and Christmas ideas galore. Tickets are available at the Western Iowa wineries: Whispering Hills, Breezy Hills, Sugar Clay, Danish Countryside, Prairie Crossing & Kings’ Crossing. Like murder mystery shows?

V.A.M.P will be performing several Halloween Murder Mystery shows at White Owl Winery in Flat Rock, Illinois. www.whiteowlwinery.com.

The HalloWine Party will include a murder mystery at Fox Valley Winery in Oswego, Illinois. www.foxvalleywinery.com. 

There are so many more opportunities to play. Check out events at www.makeminewinemagazine.com. As always, I would love to hear about the fun. Cheers!

Barbara Rasko

Publisher

www.Makeminewinemagazine.com