Wine Events are Great Weekend Fun!

Add some fun to your weekend when you attend one of these events … or choose one for each day!

El Dorados, lawn games, wine, beer and grilled food at Jasper Winery, 2400 George Flag Parkway, Des Moines, Iowa, Thursday, September 17. 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

 

Sunset in the Vineyard, El Dorados at Penoach Winery, 26759 N. Ave, Adel, Iowa, Friday, September 18. 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

 

Billy Club at Snus Hill Winery, 2183 320th Street, Madrid, Iowa, Friday, September 18. 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

 

Beers, Wine, Cars, BBQ and Music at Southern Hills Winery, 1400 West Clay Street, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, September 19.

            5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Classic Cars on Display and BBQ by Junction Creamery

            7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Music by Katdaddy55

Serving Southern Hills Wine and Iowa-made Olde Main Brewing Company and Millstream Brewing Company beers.

 

2nd Annual Apple Festival at Penoach Winery, 26759 N. Ave, Adel, Iowa, Saturday, September 19. 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

            Wine tasting, horse and carriage rides, apples, pumpkins, face painting, fall fun!

 

Back Stage Boogie Band at Dale Valley Winery, 3097 285th Street, Stuart, Iowa, Saturday, September 19. 1:00 – 4:30 p.m.

 

Sunday Tunes, Soul Searchers at Summerset Winery,  Indianola, Iowa, Sunday, September 20.  3:00 – 6:00 p.m.

 

Ashanti at Snus Hill Winery, 2183 320th Street, Madrid, Iowa, Sunday, September 20. 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.

 

Your Iowa wineries are ready to entertain you. Go have some fun!

 

Cheers!

Barbara Rasko, Publisher

Make Mine Wine

Break Out of Your Routine and Have Fun at these Wineries.

Mid-summer … the Iowa wine is good, the wineries are fun and the living is easy when you gather your friends and spend some time at one of these events.

You can also stop in almost any day (wineries are often closed on Mondays) to sample wines, talk to the winemakers, tour the wineries, purchase wine and shop for gifts and wine-related goodies. Many wineries also offer local products, cheese and meats.

All Summer

Heart of Iowa Wine Trail, http://www.heartofiowawinetrail.com

Summer Culinary Celebration

Collect culinary pieces at all 15 Heart of Iowa Wine Trail wineries.

Thursday, July 9

Jasper Winery, Des Moines, Iowa http://www.jasperwinery.com

Pianopalooza (Dueling Pianos) 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., food, fun. Free admission.

Friday, July 10

Wide River Winery, Clinton, Iowa http://www.wideriverwinery.com

Lt. Patty Judge’s Vacation Iowa Tour starting at 3:30 pm. http://www.traveliowa.blogspot.com

White Oak Vineyards, Cambridge, http://www.whiteoakvineyards.com

One Night Stand performs at Friday Night Wine Down

7:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Fireside Winery, Marengo, http://www.firesidewinery.com

Live music, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Snus Hill Winery, Madrid, http://www.snushillwine.com

Tony Valdez, Live music, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 11

Sugar Clay Winery, Thurman, Iowa http://www.sugarclaywinery.com

Sugar Clay Winery welcomes back Arizona’s singer & songwriter, Eddie Elliott, co-hosted by some serious fans from Whip’s Steakhouse! Music starts at 7pm…tickets $10…appetizers/dinner/dessert available for purchase, starting at 6:30 p.m..  Sugar Clay wine & Nebraska Brewing Co beer available. Check out Eddie and his music here www.myspace.com/eddieelliott

Penoach Vineyards, Adel, http://www.penoach.com

Concert in the Vineyards, The Other Side,

Grape Escape Winery, Pleasantville, IA http://www.grapeescapewineryia.com

Wine-In-Movies, Taken, dusk

John Ernest Vineyards & Winery, Tama, Iowa  http://www.johnernestvineyards.com

Dogs on Skis, live music, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Amateur Wine Competition, Lee County Fair Wine Expo, Donnellson, IA www.leecountyfairiowa.com/

July 11, 2009 3:00 – 6:00 p.;m.

The amateur wine competition is open to anyone 21 years of age.

Saturday & Sunday, July 11 & 12

Grillin’ with Iowa Wines

10:00-6:00pm Saturday,

11:00-5:00pm Sunday

Plan your summer road trip on the Western Iowa Wine Trail’s signature event!

Each of the 7 wineries will greet you with delicious grilled foods paired with the right Iowa-made wines that compliment the flavor!   To make your road trip even more fun,

be sure to visit each winery along the trail to collect a piece of the 7-piece gift set, available to the first 225 passport purchasers.

Although you can complete the trail in 1 day, many of our repeat wine trail participants have found that it is much more relaxing over 2 days.  Travel safe!

To reserve your passports with a credit card, please call the winery where you will start your journey. Passports: $60 per couple $35 for a single.

Sunday, July 12

Tabor Home Vineyards & Winery, Baldwin, Iowa http://www.taborhomewine.com

13th Anniversary Celebration with Music in the Vineyards

3:00 – 6:00 p.m.  Bryce Jayne

Snus Hill Winery, Madrid, http://www.snushillwine.com

One Night Stand, Live music, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Park Farm Winery, Bankston, Iowa http://www.parkfarmwinery.com

Toast & Jam, live music, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Tassel Ridge Winery, Leighton, Iowa          http://www.tasselridgewinery.com

Artist’s Display with Mary Beth Heikes, 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.  Watercolors

Prairie Moon Winery, Ames, Iowa http://www.prairiemoonwinery.com

Erick Hovey Band, Blues, 3:00 – 6:00 pm.

Summerset Winery, Indianola, Iowa http://www.summersetwine.com

Tony Valdez and The Large Band, 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Celebrate Tony’s Birthday!

John Ernest Vineyards & Winery, Tama, Iowa  http://www.johnernestvineyards.com

Barefoot Becky, live music, 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Wallace Winery, West Branch, Iowa http://www.wallacewine.com

Blues in the Barn

Kevin “B.F.” Burt, 1:30-4:30 p.m. Wine by the glass or bottle and appetizers will be available.

Whispering Pines Winery, Keosauqua, Iowa http://www.whisperingpineswinery.biz

Two Pony Blues Band, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. Blues from the 1920s to today.

Tony Blew on guitar and harmonica and Kurt Mielke on slide guitar combine forces to recreate the sounds of the Delta Blues tradition.

1st Annual Calhoun County Amateur Home Wine Making Competition, Rockwell City, Iowa

Sponsored by the Northwest Iowa Grape Growers Association and Calhoun County Expo Board, Calhoun County Expo. For more information: 515-351-9601 or e-mail bcbush@wccta.net by Thursday, July 9th.

Thursday, July 16

Jasper Winery, Des Moines, Iowa http://www.jasperwinery.com

Brian Congdon and Brad Seidenfeld  6:00 – 9:00 p.m., various bands, food, fun. Free admission.

Southern Hills Winery, Osceola, Iowa http://www.shwinery.com

Lt. Governor Patty Judge will be visiting at 1 p.m. as part of the Vacation Iowa Tour. http://www.traveliowa.blogspot.com

Friday, July 17

Fireside Winery, Marengo, http://www.firesidewinery.com

Live music, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.

White Oak Vineyards, Cambridge, http://www.whiteoakvineyards.com

Tony Valdez & Don Jacques perform at Friday Night Wine Down

7:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Fireside Winery, Marengo, http://www.firesidewinery.com

Live music, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Snus Hill Winery, Madrid, http://www.snushillwine.com

Bill Martin Group, Live music, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Southern Hills Winery at Jordan Creek Mall, West Des Moines http://www.shwinery.com

Vino Rita & Wine Festival, Live music and art, food and other exhibits. $5 admission. Purchase a bottle of Southern Hills Winery wine and then take a Horse-Drawn Carriage ride around Jordan Creek Town Center. Friday nights from 6:00 –9:00 p.m. Red Wine Carriage Ride for two $46. White Wine Carriage Ride for two $44. $15 for each additional person.

Saturday, July 18

Sugar Clay Winery, Thurman, Iowa http://www.sugarclaywinery.com

Live Music with Matt Cox  8-11pm  $5 cover/

Free to case club members.

Loess Hills Vineyard & Winery, Crescent, Iowa http://www.loesshillsvineyardandwinery.com

Live Music with Enigma 6:00 – 9:00 p.m

The Iowa Wine Trail sponsors The Eastern Iowa Wine Festival

Black Horse Inn, Sherrill, IA http://www.easterniowawinefestival.com

This is an “All Iowa” event featuring Iowa wines from across eastern Iowa, food and bakery products from the local area as well as Iowa musicians, music groups and Iowa artists. Festival Entrance is $10 and includes a Souvenir Wine Glass and program.

Tasting Tickets Available for Sale, Wine by the Glass Available by Sale. Bottles are also available for sale to take home or you are welcome to open the bottle and enjoy with some food from the festival.

Events at the festival include:

Live Music Performance by the Americana Polka Band and the Free-4-the-Haulin Band, Amateur Wine Making Competition and Award Ceremony, Artisan Products available for sale

Grape Escape Winery, Pleasantville, IA http://www.grapeescapewineryia.com

Wine-In-Movies, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, dusk

Dale Valley Vineyard, Stuart, Iowa, http://www.dalevalleyvineyard.com

WINESTOCK

Wine, Music and Fun! Six bands from Noon – 9:00 p.m.

Eagles Landing Winery, Marquette, Iowa http://www.eagleslandingwinery.com

Good Ol’ Summertime Wine-A-Rita Weekend 10:00 a.m.

Emma Big Bears 140th Birthday, samples of Wine-A-Ritas. Try a sample of the summer drink everyone is talking about!

Also, Live music, Sunday, noon – 3:00 p.m.

Sunday, July 19

Tassel Ridge Winery, Leighton, Iowa http://www.tasselridge.com

Asian Fusion Wine & Food Pairing Dinner
Wine Tasting: 6:00 p.m.
Dinner Seating: 6:30 p.m.
Price: $55 per person, plus tax
Join us for an Asian-inspired dinner beginning with Chef Hang’s special spring rolls and Vietnamese steam balls followed by spicy sour chicken soup, Asian grilled pork tenderloin with hoisin sauce, jasmine rice, grilled bok choi, and sticky rice with mango. This 5-course dinner will be paired with select Tassel Ridge wines. Call the Winery at 641.672.WINE (9463), advance reservations required by Wednesday, July 15.

Summerset Winery, Indianola, Iowa http://www.summersetwine.com

Listen to the Bob Pace Band with Barb Miller from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the winery.  Over the years Bob has performed nearly every genre of music–from hard hitting Rock n’ Roll to soothing acoustic solos; from down home Country songs to sensitive ballads, but its playing the blues that is his real passion.  www.bobpaceband.com
 $3 cover per person or $10 a car.  Case Club members get in free.

Snus Hill Winery, Madrid, http://www.snushillwine.com

Ashanti, Live music, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Park Farm Winery, Bankston, Iowa http://www.parkfarmwinery.com

Toast & Jam, live music, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Prairie Moon Winery, Ames, Iowa http://www.prairiemoonwinery.com

Amy and Adams, Folk, 3:00 – 6:00 pm.

Tassel Ridge Winery, Leighton, Iowa          http://www.tasselridgewinery.com

See new mechanical grape harvestor, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

John Ernest Vineyards & Winery, Tama, Iowa  http://www.johnernestvineyards.com

Holiday Road, live , music, 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, July 22

Entries due for Eastern Iowa Wine Club Amateur Wine Competition, Benton County Fair, Vinton, Iowa

Contact Martin Blind at 319-551-2075 for more information.

Have fun in Midwest Wine Country! Find a bottle or two that you really enjoy and buy a case to take home. It’s the way to support your local wineries.

Cheers!
Barbara Rasko

Publisher

Make Mine Wine

http://www.makeminewinemagazine.com

Find Weekend Inspiration (With Wine!) Here

Are you out there having fun? Your local wineries look forward to seeing you. There’s no end to the fun you can have!

Heart of Iowa Wine Trail Receive 2 Heart of Iowa Wine Trail wine glasses when you complete your passport ($25 each) with stamps from each of the wineries on the trail. Sample wine, find your favorites and take some home to enjoy. Between now and October 1st you may participate in the Heart of Iowa Culinary Celebration – purchase an apron ($40 each) and receive a free culinary item from each winery (15 in all). For more info see www.heartofiowawinetrail.com.

Purchase tickets now for one of the upcoming Wine & Prime Dinners at the Iowa State Fair. Prime rib and the fixings, along with your favorite Iowa wine from the Iowa Wine & Cheese Garden is a first-rate fine dining experience at the Iowa State Fair, August 13 – 23). Call 515/262-8323 for more information.

Scenic Rivers Grape & Wine, Summer Romance in the Vineyards, takes place this weekend, June 27 & 28 from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. through Iowa, Illinois and Missouri. Download a map with the 15 wineries and check for details at www.scenicriverswine.com

Saturday, June 27th, downtown Adel is the scene for the Raccoon Valley Wine Festival. Groove with Tony Valdez sample and buy wine, explore the food vendor booths. 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.

It’s Music in the Barn, Sunday, June 28th,  with Dave Moore at Wallace Winery. 2:00 – 4:30, West Branch Iowa.

Tassel Ridge Winery’s 2nd Annual Croquet Tournament is this Saturday, June 27th, in Leighton, Iowa. Stop by for wine and BBQ. Enjoy the artist’s work on display. Relax and have fun!

There are plenty of opportunities to hear the live music at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid, Iowa. Front Porch Fridays are from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. and Snus Sundays are 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Sip wine and relax!  www.snushillwine.com

Rumor Has It will be on the big outdoor screen (10′ x 20′ on the side of the barn) at Grape Escape Winery, Pleasantville, Iowa, this Saturday night, June 27th. Free popcorn during the movie – bring a chair and, if you like, snacks. Purchase wine from Grape Escape and have fun!  Movie begins at dark — around 8:45/9:00. (Must be 21 and no pets.)

Dale Valley Vineyard at Stuart, Iowa, features live music every other Saturday from 1:00 – 4:30 p.m. – check the website for dates and bands at www.dalevalleyvineyard.com.

John Ernest Vineyard & Winery, Tama, Iowa, invites you to join them for live music and wine. Their outdoor entertainment schedule is posted at www.johnernestvineyard.com  Coming up is Major Day on Sunday, June 28th from 3:00 – 6:00 and Route 66 on Friday, July 3rd from 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Friday night, June 26th,  One Night Stand will be performing R&B and Jazz at Prairie Moon Winery, Ames, Iowa.

Jasper Winery, Des Moines, Iowa, has Thursday night music events, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.. This week you can hear Tony Valdez, play lawn games and purchase wine, burgers, brats, etc.

Friday Night Wine Downs at White Oak Vineyards, Cambridge, Iowa, feature live music from 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Details at www.whiteoakvineyards.com

Sunset in the Vineyard at Penoach Winery, Adel, Iowa, is a great place to listen to live music on Friday nights. This week it is Louderbox in Concert, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Details at www.penoach.com

Fireside Winery, Marengo, Iowa, hosts their Summer music series from 7 pm – 10 every Friday night.

Sunday, June 28th, Brich & Killion will be at Sugar Clay Winery, Thurman, Iowa, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.

SEMBA Bluegrass Jam takes place at Winneshiek Wildberry Winery, Decorah, Iowa, on Sunday, June 28. Details at www.wwwinery.com.

Park Farm Winery’s Toast and Jam gets underway every Sunday from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. It’s a end-of-the-weekend wind-down in Bankston, Iowa.

There are plenty of choices for fun at wineries – all good!

Mark your calendars for next weekends 4th of July Celebration at Summerset Winery, Indianola, Iowa. Be there between 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. for live music, good food, great wine and fun people. www.summersetwine.com

 Of course, you can catch Sunday Tunes at Summerset Winery, Indianola, Iowa, every Sunday, year round from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Did you know, not far from Summerset Winery at  Carlisle, Iowa, (just off the Highway 5 by-pass) has an old-fashioned 4th of July Parade (9:30 a.m.) and a day of activities in the park. Have some fun in Carlisle, then head to Summerset Winery. That night, the spectacular Fireworks display in Carlisle will put a big exclamation mark on a wonderful day!

Cheers!

Barbara Rasko Publisher, Make Mine Wine www.makeminewinemagazine.com

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Distinct Flavors of Iowa Grapes

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has just posted a beautiful and helpful set of Iowa Grape Descriptor Cards on  at http://www.agriculture.state.ia.us/Horticulture_and_FarmersMarkets/Brianna.asp

Ten Iowa grapes are profiled with the name and pronunciation of the grape, a large color photo of the grape on the vine, the origin and characteristics of the grape. The taste of the wines made from each grape is also described.

The ten Iowa grapes on the list are Brianna, Edelweiss, Frontenac, Frontenac Gris, La Crescent, La Crosse, Marechal Foch, Seyval Blanc, St. Croix and Vidal Blanc.

The Wines for the Season section in the current issue of Make Mine Wine features Iowa Wines from Iowa Grapes: Park Farm Winery Picket Fence, Bankston, Iowa, fromVidal Blanc; Penoach Vineyard Winery and Nursery Briana, Adel, Iowa, Brianna grape; and Breezy Hills Vineyard Misbehavin’, Minden, Iowa, Concord and Edelweiss grapes.

John Marshall, a Minnesota grower and owner of Great River Vineyard/Nursey in Lake City, Minnesota, is featured in In the Vineyard, and takes readers through the history of The Quest for Cold-climate Grapes.

The development of cold-climate grapes is the foundation for the Iowa wine industry, and our wine makers are producing wine with the fresh new tastes of our grapes.

Whether you sample wine at a winery’s tasting bar, or order a bottle of wine from a winery or www.buyiowawines.com, become familar with the grape in the bottle. The descriptor cards can guide you as you learn the tastes of each grape and wine.

Soon you’ll know what to expect when you order St. Croix, La Crescent, Edelweiss or Marechal Foch.

Cheers!

Barbara Rasko, Publisher, Make Mine Wine

Subscribe to Make Mine Wine ($12 for 4 issues) at 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

Make Your Choice from 67 Wines When You Sample at the Iowa Wine Garden

This year 67 Iowa wines from twelve Iowa wineries are available for you to choose from at the Iowa Wine Garden … sample, choose your favorite, and purchase a bottle to open and enjoy – or take with you. Tonight my husband and I are attending Wine & Prime — which is receiving rave reviews — so we’ll be sampling and selecting a wine to enjoy with our prime rib, potato, salad and chocolate mousse! I’ll let you know what we select.

 

 

Participating wineries at the Iowa Wine Garden are: Jasper Winery, La Vida Loca Winery, Madison Country Winery, Park Farm Winery, Penoach Vineyard, Winery and Nursey, Prairie Moon Winery and Vineyards, Santa Maria Vineyard & Winery, Southern Hills Winery, Summerset Winery, Tabor Home Vineyards and Winery, Tassel Ridge Winery and White Oak Vineyards. Winemakers and staff from the wineries are pouring, and it is always interesting to visit with them.

 

There are tables in the Iowa Wine Garden and folks are sitting down in the fan-cooled tent and spending some time off their feet, relaxing, laughing and having fun.  Many are taking a free copy of Make Mine Wine to the table, and browsing through the Summer issue. After reading Stomp! Stomp! Stomp! Squeeze? I hear some planning to participate in grape stomping this season. One of the most surprising things for many is the list of all Iowa Wineries – the wine trails and the wineries that are not associated with a trail. It fills a page – small print – and will serve for many as a check list as they spend weekends visiting Iowa wineries.

 

I love the stories that I hear. Yesterday a guy who grew up in Ames and lives in Arizona said he was back for a family reunion. The event was held at Fireside Winery near Marengo. He was amazed to discover the winery in the middle of the cornfields and very pleased with the high-quality of the Fireside Wine. I asked which ones he tried. He shook his head, assured me that he was with a group of twenty people, and said, “All of them!”

 

One couple told me that they had always prided themselves on stocking and drinking high-priced wine, since they felt the price assured them they were drinking the best. One night they stopped into White Oak Winery at Cambridge and found a wine that is now their favorite, and more reasonably-priced to boot. Since then they are traveling to other Iowa wineries and have add a new more local wines to their “must have on hand” list.

 

A young couple was entertaining friends from Oregon, who brought wine to share with them, so they brought out their favorite Park Farm wine, and the friends ended up taking a few bottles back to Oregon with them, along with a new appreciation of Iowa wine.

 

Many folks have asked if I’ve had Prairie Moon Winery’s ice wine. They all feel like they are giving me a tip on a new great wine and of course I have to tell them I already love that Winter Moon.

 

Come on out to the Iowa Wine Garden – I look forward to meeting you and hearing your stories from Midwest Wine Country!

 

Cheers!

Barbara Rasko

Publisher

Make Mine Wine

www.MakeMineWinemagazine.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

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

 

 

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

Crowds are Enjoying Iowa Wines at the State Fair

You have five days left to sample Iowa wines and talk to winemakers at the Iowa State Fair – it runs through Sunday, August 19^th.  Not only that, you can buy a bottle of wine – any bottle for the State Fair Special Price of $12.00 – and sit in the shade and enjoy it, take it up to the campground, or pour it into a wine glass and stroll! The Iowa Wine and Cheese Garden is open and inviting … and fair-goers love it!

Two of the most popular wines on these hot August days is Rosey Acre’s Paradise Mist (I love the name!) and Red, White and Blue from Tassel Ridge. If you like Rieslings, Paradise Mist is for you. The traditional sweet white, Red, White and Blue is Concord-based and delicious.

The wines being sampled at the fair are certainly some of Iowa’s best. The wines were juried and you’ll find selected wines from twelve of Iowa wineries: Deja Vine, Eagle City Winery, Jasper Winery, Kaiser Home Winery, Madison County Winery, Park Farm Winery, Penoach Vineyards and Winery, Prairie Moon Winery, Rosey Acres Winery, Summerset Winery, Tabor Home Vineyards and Winery and Tassel Ridge Winery.

I’ve been in the booth each day showing off Make Mine Wine and have thoroughly enjoyed meeting each of you that have stopped by. Some have seen the magazine previously – others have not. It’s a hit since the wine-drinkers at the fair are curious about and interested in Midwest Wine Country.

I hear rave reviews about the Caba Moch and weekly music events at Summerset Winery in Indianola. The wines from Tassel Ridge, as well as the pairing dinners, are popular – and people rave about that beautiful green granite winery. Folks from the Eastern part of the state are thrilled to be close to the gorgeous wineries and great wines of Park Farm and Tabor Home. Lots of fans of Eagle City stop by, and the Central Iowa regulars love seeing their familiar winemakers … especially Jean Grebe and Al Meeks.

The fine people from TTC, Inc. created the inviting Iowa Wine and Cheese Garden. Kevin and Jayne Smith are true professionals and long-time concessionaires with endless energy and a friendly, competent staff. The booth is west of the Giant Slide—and you’ll see the stand under a big white canopy, ringed by a grape-stained bar set on French oak barrels (they are for sale and can be made into tables, chairs and a wine-chilling cooler).

Stop by, taste some great Iowa wine, and say hi. It’s the best new experience at the Iowa State Fair!

Cheers!

Barbara Rasko

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