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

Just $12 for 4 quarterly issues of Make Mine Wine

Follow MakeMineWine on Twitter

Entertain! Explore! Indulge!

Subscribers, need a lift? A breath of fresh air in this long, cold winter? Watch your mailbox because the beautiful new issue of Make Mine Wine is on its way!

When you see our “WOW” cover, I’ll be shocked if your spirits don’t lift more than a little bit! And then wait until you see what is inside … Midwest Wine Country inspiration for after 5:00, the weekends and more!

Special thanks to the folks who helped make this issue so special: Make Mine Wine Staff Chef Tom White who designed the chocolate box on the cover; top-notch photographer Dean Tanner, Primary Image, Ltd.; Make Mine Wine Editor Staci Scheurenbrand and our excellent new designer, Leslie Diehl of Diehl Design. I appreciate everyone’s best efforts!

The wine on the cover is Tassel Ridge Winery’s 2006 Finalé Premier Red and let me tell you, it does pair well with a bite of chocolate. Indulge!

Here’s a little preview of this issue —  Tasting Time with Make Mine Wine recommendations, delicious recipes ( from RAW Vegan to  Cinnamon Rolls with La Vida Loca Winery’s Cinnamon Wine), an introduction to Wide River Winery, destination wineries in three Midwest states  to explore and a hearty stew with Summerset Wine that’s great for entertaining or a stress-relieving, comfort-giving family meal.

I love to hear your response to each issue, so please leave a comment here or send an email to me at MakeMineWinemagazine@mchsi.com.

If you have not yet subscribed, do so today at www.makeminewinemagazine.com and we’ll get this gorgeous issue in the mail to you right away.

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

 

 

Beautiful Wedding and Meeting Sites in Midwest Wine Country

Are you ever responsible for booking a meeting room? Are you planning a wedding? Looking for a wonderful, restful spot for your quilting or writing retreat?

 

There are some fresh new locations in Central Iowa that might just fit your needs.

 

Last week I stopped by Garden and Galley Bed and Breakfast outside of Indianola. The spectacular big-sky country view was breath-taking, and I vow to go out in the summer and catch a sunset.

 

Innkeeper Esther Hoffa gave me a tour and told of guests that had come out for family reunions, and women’s groups who use the beautiful setting to inspire their genealogical research, quilting parties and writing sessions. One group of several sisters reserves the big bedroom, and laughs and giggles the night away. I’m sure they all enjoy the food too. Esther is a wonderful chef – I had a delicious chocolate torte with tea!

 

Some companies who invite job applicants from out-of-state put them up at the Garden and Galley – it is a wonderful first-impression of Iowa. It is also a nice environment for a small corporate meeting – quiet, private and beautiful. I don’t know if anyone has done it yet, but I think a lawn wedding would be beautiful at Garden and Galley, too.

 

Oh, by the way, it is still a delightful weekend getaway destination for you and your best companion! www.gardenandgalley.com 

 

If you need wedding or meeting space for up to 300 people, take a look at White Oak Vineyards at Elkhart (between Ames and Ankeny). You can get married outside near the vineyard, at the gazebo, in the tasting room by the fireplace, or in the banquet facility. The building is beautiful and the people are terrific.

 

White Oak is also a great spot for a corporate day meeting for large or small groups. They have planned ahead to make sure you would have everything you need including wireless capabilities and plenty of electrical outlets! www.whiteoakvineyards.com 

Your local winery or bed and breakfast may have meeting room capabilities too – check it out and plan your next event in a surprising place!

 

Cheers!

Barbara Rasko, Publisher

Make Mine Wine

www.MakemineWinemagazine.com

Summerset Adventure Tour: Seaside Excursion and Balcony Cruise to Spain

Over-your-head piles of snow may be just the motivation you need to make plans for the Summerset Adventure Tour to Spain! You’ll be able to taste Wine! Visit a Barcelona cellar and the Sagrada Familia!  Shop!  Relax! Tour a Mediterranean Village!  Walk the beach!  Take a cooking class! Stroll through an art museum! Make new friends! Have fun!

These tours fill up quickly, so, if you are interested, attend one of the informational parties – either February 23rd or March 1st, from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Summerset Winery (between Des Moines and Indianola). 

The cost of the trip if $4,960.00 (per person/double occupancy), and a deposit of $450 is needed by March 1st. For more information, contact Summerset Winery at (515) 961-3545. 

If you can’t make the trip, at least ignore our Midwest Wine Country snow, and relax with a great bottle of Summerset Wine! 

Cheers! 

Barbara Rasko, Publisher

Make Mine Wine

www.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 

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

La Vida Loca … Sipping Wine, Having Fun!

I arrived at La Vida Loca Winery last night to speak to members of The Association of Women in Communications about Make Mine Wine, wineries in Iowa and Midwest Wine Country. It was a beautiful evening, so I sat on the deck with a few of the guests, enjoying the view of the lush vineyard and tree-lined rolling hills.

The sky darkened quickly and chairs blew across the deck. We decided it was time to move into the winery and refill our wine glasses.

Soon news came of sirens sounding in town and the decision was made to move to shelter – which happened to be the downstairs wine-making room. The tour of the area was a bonus we hadn’t expected, and we learned a lot about the fruit and grape wines produced there.

Soon we went back upstairs where we found other members of our group wandering around, wondering if they had arrived on the wrong night.

We filled our wine glasses with recommendations from Colleen. She asked what we usually liked, and it seems she had a wonderful suggestion for each of us. My favorite is Eldeweiss, a medium-body white made from the locally grown Edelweiss grapes.

Their top-selling wine for the month was the Japaleno-Raisin – a spicy, dry wine with a kick. Many people sip it, but the majority use it in cooking.

Kathryn, owner of Café Beaujolais, was our caterer for the evening, She served recipes she had developed using La Vida Loca’s wines – and they were a hit! There was Beef Dipping Sauce using La Vida Loca Red, Fruit Tart with La Vida Loca Cinnamon Wine, and Kathryn’s Hot Wings with La Vida Loca Jalapeno-Raisin Wine.

It was a great evening, after the storm passed, with beautiful, tasty food, great wine, and interesting conversation about everything to see and do from Make Mine Wine in Midwest Wine Country.

Do you like hot wings? Then try Kathryn’s Hot Wings and let me know what you think!

2 lbs Chicken Wings

1 Jar Cranberry Salsa

1 Cup Regular Salsa

2 Cups La Vida Loca Jalapeno-Raisin Wine

 

Cheers!

Barbara