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

Summer Fun at Western Iowa Wineries!

This weekend, July 11 & 12^th is the Western Iowa Wine Trail’s event, Grillin’ With Iowa Wines. Seven wineries invite you to stop by and sample their paired wine and grilled foods. Hours are 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Saturday and 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday.

The first 225 passport holders are eligible to receive a 7-piece gift set when they have completed a visit to all seven wineries on the trail. Most folks on the trail prefer to visit the seven wineries over a two-day period, not one. 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.

Participating wineries are:
Breezy Hills Vineyard Minden

Danish Countryside Vines & Wines Elkhorn

King’s Crossing Vineyard & Winery Glenwood

Loess Hills Vineyard & Winery Crescent

Prairie Crossing Vineyard & Winery Treynor

Sugar Clay Winery & Vineyard Thurman

Whispering Hills Vineyard & Winery Carson

Visit http://www.westerniowawinetrail.com for a map and Western Iowa tourism information. You will also find links to information about each winery, its history, wine and the winemaker.

Have fun … and be safe.

Cheers!
Barbara Rasko

Publisher

Make Mine Wine

Sugar Grove Winery Celebrates Winestock!

WINESTOCK: 1 Day devoted to peace, music, wine, art & Sugar Clay’s 4th Birthday!

Sunday, May 24th   11am-9pm
$10 adult admission includes Winestock wineglass & glass of Sangria! Music provided by 8 local bands

“En Plein Air Art Contest”
 7:30-9:00 am Artists register & have canvases stamped
8:00 am-4:00 pm – registered artists paint
4:30-6:00 – Judging & People’s Choice
6:00 Awards announced
6:00-8:00 pm Exhibit and sale
(paintings must remain on display until 8pm)
This event is open to anyone. Visit the website for entry details. (Bring your lawn chairs for this outdoor event.)

Thurman, Iowa

Details: www.sugarclaywinery.com

What a great way to spend a day!

Cheers!

Barbara Rasko

http://www.makeminewinemagazine.com

Wine Tasting, Beads and Masks Can Be Yours at Mardi Gras on the Western Iowa Wine Trail

Seven Western Iowa wineries welcome you to Mardi Gras, this weekend, Saturday, February 28 (10:00 – 6:00)  & Sunday, March 1st 2009 (Noon to 5:00).

Spend the weekend on the trail, visiting the wineries, sampling Iowa wine paired with samples of Mardi-Gras-style food. Collect beads and have fun!

Passports for the event are $18 per person and are available at each winery. The Western Iowa Wine Trail wineries are Breezy Hills Vineyard, Minden; Danish Countryside Vines & Wines, Exira; King’s Crossing Vineyard & Winery, Glenwood; Loess Hills Vineyard & Winery, Crescent; Prairie Crossing Vineyard & Winery, Treynor; Sugar Clay Winery & Vineyard, Thurman and Whispering Hills Vineyard & Winery, Carson.

Visit
www.westerniowawinetrail.com for more information.

Cheers!

Barbara Rasko, Publisher

Make Mine Wine

http://www.MakeMineWinemagazine.com

Have a Grape Experience. Stomp Grapes in Midwest Wine Country!

Join the newbies and experienced grape stompers heading into the vineyards from now through September. Help with the harvest. Meet some fun and friendly folks. Taste wine. And take some photos to send into the Make Mine Wine magazine’s Midwest Wine Country Photo Competition.

 

Make plans to attend one of these upcoming events … or just check with your local winery and see if they have a harvest festival coming up.

 

Park Farm Winery’s 2^nd Annual Grape Stomp is this weekend in Bankston, Iowa, August 30, from 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. Contact rguerrero@parkfarmwinery.com.

 

It’s “No-Pick-y, No Stomp-y” at White Oak Vineyards near Cambridge, Iowa.  They pick and stomp two weekends, so check it out at www.whiteoakvineyards.com.

  

Summerset Winery, Indianola, IA celebrates Fall Harvest every Saturday from Mid-August through September pre-paid reservations required. The fee covers breakfast, lunch, a commemorative T-shirt and wine in the vineyard, with a portion of the proceeds going to Dollars for Scholars. After breakfast and picking, the party begins with grape stomping and more.

 

Prairie Crossing Vineyard & Winery, Treynor, Iowa, will host their Harvest Party on Saturday, September 6, from noon to 9:00 p.m. www.prairiecrossingwine.com.

 

Pre-register for the Grape Picking Festival with John Ernest Vineyard & Winery in Tama, Iowa, by calling 641-484-8048.  The first 100 people can take part each Saturday, September 6^th or September 13^th.

 

Sugar Clay Winery’s 3^rd Annual Grape Stomp & Harvest Festival will be all day September 20^th in Thurman, Iowa. Stop by for live music, kids and adult grape stomps, crafters, food and wine! Check www.sugarclaywinery.com for details.

 

In Lake Lillian, Minnesota you can stomp three days in a row, September 5 – 7, at the Olde Country Winery and Vineyard’s Grape and Harvest Festival. There is a lot going on – including cash prizes, and while there you can see the world’s tallest wine bottle. RV parking is available. www.oldecountrywinery.com.

 

Are you going to be in the Chicago area? It’s a family affair September 27^th and 28^th, in Roselle, Illinois at  Lynfred Winery’s Oktoberfest and Pig Roast with kids’ and adults grape spitting, adult barrel races and grape stomping for kids, adult and couples. http://www.lynfredwinery.com.

 

You can enter the I Love Lucy look-a-like contest Sunday, August 24^th at the Kickapoo Creek Winery Grape Stomp in Central, Illinois. Expect wine, food, music and fun. www.kickapoocreekwinery.com.

 

The Grape Stomp at Superior Coast Winery in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan is held rain or shine on Saturday, September 13 at 11:00. The last two years the same person as won the contest for squeezing the most juice from their grapes – so practice up and go for the gold! www.superiorcoastwinery.com.

 

While I was at the Iowa State Fair, I heard a lot about the Harvest Festival in downtown Clear Lake, Iowa.  I don’t know if it the event is sold out yet, so give them a call or check the website to see if you can still purchase a Harvest Bag. The date is Saturday, October 4^th. www.clearlakeiowa.com/harvestfestival.

 

Don’t miss the fun! And don’t forget to send in your photos by October 1^st! Check our website, www.makeminewinemagazine.com for details.

 

Cheers!

 

Barbara Rasko

Publisher

Make Mine Wine

www.makeminewinemagazine.com

Summer Grillin’ and Iowa Wines on the Western Iowa Wine Trail

When was the last time you made the easy trip to Western Iowa? This weekend’s Western Iowa Wine Trail event is high motivation for wine lovers to get out and enjoy the beautiful Loess Hills countryside, historical landmarks, and parks and check out the antiquing, museums, casinos, fine dining, Bed & Breakfasts or camping.

 

There’s always plenty to do in Western Iowa and this weekend, July 12^th and 13^th, the main event is the 4^th Annual “Grillin’ with Iowa Wines” at seven host wineries along the trail stretching from Elk Horn to Thurman and back to Crescent. The Western Iowa Wine Trail was featured in the Summer 2007 issue of Make Mine Wine – go grab your copy and hit the trail. (Or, visit www.westerniowawinetrail.com.

 

From 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day of the two day event, each winery will be pairing their Iowa-made wines with samples of delectable grilled food. Passports are available for purchase at each participating winery for $60 per couple or $35 per single. The first 225 couple/single passports sold will receive a bonus opportunity to cleck one piece of a 7-piece cheese board set at each winery they visit. Visit all seven wineries over the weekend to complete your set. There will also be one complete set given away as a door prize at each winery.

 

The wineries are Breezy Hills Vineyard at Minden, Danish Countryside Vines & Wines at Exira, King’s Crossing Vineyard & Winery at Glenwood, Prairie Crossing Vineyard & Winery at Treynor, Loess Hills Vineyard & Winery at Crescent, Sugar clay Winery & Vineyards at Thurman, and Whispering Hills Vineyard & Winery at Carson.

 

Enjoy the wine – pack a cooler to purchase and transport your favorites home at a safe temperature – and discover the personality of each winery. You’ll meet some wonderful people, see unique gifts in the gift shops, and have a great time!

 

Cheers!

Barbara Rasko

Publisher

Make Mine Wine

MakeMineWInemagazie.com

Events at Local Wineries are Fun!

I am amazed when I meet people who are in the dark when it comes to Iowa’s growing wine industry. Iowa now ranks 14th in the nation for the number of wineries in a state. The wineries are constantly improving the quality of their wines … and more and more people are tasting and finding Iowa wines that are just right for any meal or occasion.

 

The wineries are also wonderful places to go for events. Each week crowds gather at local wineries for music events, fund-raisers, or pairing dinners. Folks take their out-of-town guests to tour wineries and taste wine.

 

Why? I can answer that in one word.  FUN!

 

This Friday night, June 28th, there are two new events, Save the Ta-Tas Breast Cancer Fundraiser at Snus Hill Winery, Madrid, and Comedy Night with Elliott Treat at Southern Hills Winery, Osceola.

 

Saturday and Sunday is the Spring Open House at Eagle City Winery in Iowa Falls.

 

Summerset Winery, Indianola; Prairie Moon Winery, Ames;  Sugar Clay Winery, Thurman; Snus Hills Winery, Madrid; Tabor Homes Vineyard and Winery, Baldwin; and White Oak Vineyards & Winery, Elkhart will have live music over the weekend. Check the events list at MakeMineWinemagazine.com for details.

 

By the way, you must make reservations by tomorrow, Thursday, June 29^th, for the July 1^st Red, White and Blue Summer Celebration (a wine and food pairing event) with Tassel Ridge Winery in Leighton. It is a kick-off for July and sounds like a lot of fun. You can play old-fashioned yard games and enjoy grilled steak sandwiches, corn-on-the-cob, fresh fruit and strawberry shortcake. This is your change to drink wine-a-ritas – and of course, the other fine Tassel Ridge wines. www.tasselridge.com.

 

 

I was on a little wine tour yesterday with a friend from Chicago and heard that a lot of folks have been bringing their picnic baskets to the wineries for the Picnic in the Vines. The Heart of Iowa Wine Trail event continues through July 31st. Take the Make Mine Wine Wine Score Card (download for free from the Make Mine Wine Website) with you to record your favorites.

 

If you’re going to be in Southern Illinois this weekend, swing by Blue Sky Vineyard at Mankanda. It is part of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail and is hosting two events this weekend. An Art Exhibit Featuring Andrea LeBeau will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 Friday night, and the Chamber Music and an Art Fair will be from 2:00 – 5:00 on Sunday, June 29th. More details are available at www.blueskyvineyard.com.

 

This weekend you can also participate in The Epicurean Experience – A Food & Wine Pairing, at Lynfred Winery in Roselle, Illinois. Reservations are required for this 6-course adventure. www.lynfredwinery.com.

 

Have fun this weekend at a Midwest Wine Country winery! And … take some photos for our Midwest Wine Country Photo Competition too!

 

Cheers!

Barbara Rasko

Publisher

Make Mine Wine

http://www.makeminewinemagazine.com

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

Experience the Spring Fling this Weekend on the Western Iowa Wine Trail

Do you want to have some fun this weekend? Here’s the event for you!

 

During the Spring Fling on the Western Iowa Wine Trail, you can sample each winery’s newly-released wines, paired with cheeses, breads and flavored dipping oils.

 

Purchase a commemorative Western Iowa Wine Trail wine glass for $20.00 per person at your first stop … and that’s the ticket you use at each stop. You can visit wineries from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Saturday, May 3rd and Sunday, May 4th.

 

The Western Iowa Wine Trail runs 90 miles from north to south, so plan your route using the map of the Western Iowa Wine Trail available at www.westerniowawinetrail.com/events.shtm.

 

Sample the wines and visit with the owners at these participating wineries:

 

• Darrel and Roberta Morse, Breezy Hills Vineyard, Minden
• Allan and Carol Peterson, Danish Countryside Vines and Wines, Exira
• Rick and Karen Foster, King’s Crossing Vineyard & Winery, Glenwood
• Andy and Julianna Hrasky, Prairie Crossing Vineyard Winery, Treynor
• Larry and Sheila Rohatsch and Ron and Nancy Rohatsch, Loess Hills Vineyard & Winery, Crescent
• Frank and Amy Faust, Sugar Clay Winery & Vineyards, Thurman
• Mike and Dana Killinger, Whispering Hills Vineyard & Winery, Carson

 

The Western Iowa Wine Trail was featured in the Summer 2007 issue of Make Mine Wine. Spend a Midwest Wine Country weekend on the Western Iowa Wine Trail … you’ll taste some fine wine and meet some wonderful people.

 

Cheers!

 

Barbara Rasko

Publisher

Make Mine Wine

http://www.MakeMineWinemagazine.com

Let Spring Fever Carry You Away to a Winery Event!

Remember your high school days? How did Spring Fever affect you? Were you frisky? Restless? Ready to get out and try something new?

 

It’s time to let Spring Fever get a hold of you again … and this time, I’m guessing you are old enough for a weekend escape … so go out and try some new wines!

Go Grilling with Iowa Wines on The Iowa Wine Trail this weekend, April 26^th and 27^th.  Discover wines that complement your summer outdoor barbeques. The event is open each day from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at seven Eastern Iowa wineries. You can sample tasty grilled tidbits paired with the excellent wines of the Upper Mississippi River Valley.  The Iowa Wine Trail wineries are: Daly Creek Winery, Anamosa, Wallace Winery, West Branch, Sutliff Cider Company, Lisbon, Tabor Home Vineyards& Winery, Baldwin, Park Farm Winery, Bankston, Eagles Landing Winery, Marquette, and Winneshiek Wildberry Winery, Decorah.  

Ticket information is available at www.iowawinetrail.com. Free Designated Driver Tickets are also available for food sampling only.

King’s Crossing Vineyard and Winery at Glenwood, Iowa is hosting a Medieval Feast with Vegetable-beef soup, roasted turkey legs, twice baked potatoes, bread and butter, fruits and a medieval dessert … and King’s Crossing wine. They seat 20 royals, merchants, commoners or peasants … so call today for details or to reserve your space. Reservations and pre-payment ($30 per person) required, so call 712-526-2873. If it’s too late to join the fun this weekend, get your reservation in for their next event! www.kingscrossingvineyard.com

 

Head over to Wichita, Kansas, Saturday, April 26^th for the 13^th Annual Midwest Winefest. At the Grand Tasting and Auctions in Century II Exhibition Hall, from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., attendees will sample from over 300 different wines, enjoy gourmet cuisine from Wichita’s finest restaurants, attend cooking with wine demonstrations and participate in silent auctions. Enjoy live Jazz music, browse wine-related booths and a rare bottle exhibit, or visit the Cigar Veranda. You’ll sip new wines, learn some interesting facts, taste outstanding foods and delight in the company of fellow wine enthusiasts.

 

The fast-paced excitement of the live auction begins with the venerable wine auctioneer, Fritz Hatton. Participants will have the opportunity to bid on everything from rare wine to wine dinners to vacation getaways. 

 

Best of all, your attendance will help the Guadalupe Health Foundation serve the needy families in our community. For more information about the Midwest Winefest and the Guadalupe Health Foundation, visit the web site at www.midwestwinefest.com.

 

Already booked this weekend? Plan ahead to attend one of these enjoyable events next weekend!

It’s Southern Hills Winery’s Birthday and it’s time to celebrate. The party is Saturday, May 3^rd  from 7:00 – 11:00 p.m. in Osceola, Iowa  … and you are invited. Step up to the taco bar and fill your plate, then relax while One Night Stand entertains with their high-quality contemporary jazz and rhythm and blues sound. Purchase your tickets ($15.00 each) before May 1^st. www.shwinery.com

 

Planning to be in the Cedar Falls area on May 3^rd? Order your tickets now to attend An Evening in Celebration of Wine & Tulips, 6:00 pm – 8:00 p.m This is the 23^rd year for this popular and enjoyable event, presented by the Friends of KUNI/KHKE to benefit public radio in Iowa. Attendance is limited to 800 guests so don’t hesitate to order tickets ($35 in advance and $45 at the door) at 319. 277-1255..

More than two hundred domestic and imported wines are available for sampling with reds, whites, blushes, dessert and sparkling wines on hand. Wines from the vineyards of California, Washington, Italy, France, Australia, Spain, and Iowa, will be poured. Also available for sampling is a variety of Midwestern cheeses, plus breads and fruits to cleanse the palate.

Adding to the festive atmosphere will be live jazz and classical music by Marc Irving Weber, plus arrangements of fresh tulips by Rainbow Florists & Greenhouses (Waterloo).

 

You may be interested in attending the Meet the Distributors VIP Pre-Party – call Angela Vezdos at 319.273.6336 to purchase a ticket at a Patron level.

 

Ready for one more great Spring Fever suggestion? It’s a good one!

 

The Western Iowa Wine Trail wineries present their annual Spring Fling, May 3^rd and 4^th. Again, this is a wonderful opportunity to sample Iowa wines, and enjoy the wineries and their fine hospitality. Participating wineries are: Breezy Hills Vineyard, Minden, Loess Hills Vineyard & Winery, Crescent, Sugar Clay Winery & Vineyards, Thurman, Danish Countryside Vines & Wines, Exira, King’s Crossing Vineyard & Winery, Glenwood, Whispering Hills Vineyard & Winery, Carson and Prairie Crossing Vineyard & Winery, Treynor. To purchase a passport and print a map of a trail, visit the Web site at www.westerniowawinetrail.com/.

 

Cheers!

Barbara Rasko, Publisher

Make Mine Wine

www.MakeMineWinemagazine.com