Iowa Wineries Say, “Let Us Entertain You!”

It’s easy to stay indoors when Old Man Winter visits, but you can raise your happiness level when you step into the warm, inviting world of Midwest Wine Country. Our Iowa Wineries have planned plenty of fun for you over the next few weeks, so get out and enjoy!

Friday, January 30th
Van & Bonnie’s FREE Chocolate Breakfast at the Hy-Vee Conference Center., West Des Moines 5:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Sample chocolate from: Tassel Ridge Winery, Southern Hills Winery, The Iowa Machine Shed Restaurant, The Goertz Haus Gallery, Teacups & Tiarras, Calico Shops & Tymes Remembered Tea Room, Lillie Mae Chocolates, Scheel’s Fudge Factory, Suzette’s, A Celtic Tradition, Van Veen Candies, Over The Top, Chocolate Dreams & Peppermint Wishes, , Flarah’s Cheesecake, Maggie Moos Ice Cream & Treatery, Donutland, Cookies By Design, Cold Stone Creamery, The Boy Scouts, Anderson Erickson Dairy, Sweet Treats Unlimited, The Sweet Binney’s, Twin Girls Gardens, Beautiful Blessings, Sweets By JoAnn,Taste To Go & Catering, Hy-Vee, the Hy-Vee Conference Center, Xocai – The Healthy Chocolate, Java Joes, Cake Me, I’m Yours and Beaverdale Confections.

The Jive For Five Brass Quintet will be performing on stage from 7-8AM during the Chocolate Breakfast. More info at: http://tinyurl.com/b8owaf

Saturday, January 31st
Wild Women on Wine
Summerset Winery, Indianola, Iowa 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Ladies, Summerset invites you to discover your seductess within! Attend a night you won’t soon forget… Just in time for Valentine’s Day we are offering a treat for you and one your men will appreciate later… This event is sure to be a fun, frolicking evening of frivolity & favors. Jen Kees with Kees Camp will be giving a pole dancing demonstration along with striptease lessons and, yes, the guests will be invited to participate!

Ultra Salon will provide instruction on hair and make-up techniques for the bedroom, a massage therapist will give massage demonstrations, Judge’s Signature Catering will serve up delicacies with an aphrodisiac flair and vendors will be showing adult themed products, candles and an array of other goodies for you to purchase. Cost is $45 per person. FOR WOMEN ONLY! Reservations are required. Call the winery at 515-961-3545 to order tickets. Tickets are non-refundable.

Tuesday, February 3rd
Women’s Rewined Series- Mirror, Mirror on the Wall – Who is that??
Jasper Winery, Des Moines, Iowa 6p.m. -8pm
Even Snow White is aging but with Tomorrow’s Health here – we’re sure to learn how to keep the wicked witch’s wrinkles away! $20 -, Hors d’oeuvres and glass of wine included

Thursday, February 5
An Evening of Wine & Chocolate
Tassel Ridge Winery, Leighton, Iowa 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Find the perfect gift for that special someone in your life. Enjoy samples of chocolate delights, from sweet to savory, paired with Tassel Ridge wines while listening to special music by Mary Foss, principal harpist of the Des Moines Symphony will be performing at the event. . Our experts will be on hand to assist you with a romantic wine gift for your sweetheart, or create your own special gift basket with our fine wines, chocolates, and wine-related items. Complimentary. (641) 672-WINE

February 6th
Heart of Iowa Wine Trail- Tropical Wine Festival
Friday, February 6th – 6:00 p.m. -9:00 p.m,
15 Central Iowa Wineries
Des Moines Botanical Center, $25 in advance from any Heart of Iowa Wine Trail winery, $30 at the door, includes commemorative glass. http://www.heartofiowawinetrail.com.

February 14th
Valentine’s Day
Jasper Winery, Des Moines, IA 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Flipside! …will be playing/
Guaranteed good time! $50 per couple, includes admission, bottle of wine of choice, and complimentary appetizers.Call the winery at 515-282-9463 to reserve your spot.
A perfect way to spend the holiday!

Saturday, February 14th
Valentine’s Dinner
Southern Hills Winery, Osceola, Iowa
5:30pm- Wine Tasting 6:30pm-Dinner with Southern Hills Wines.
Call the Winery for more details at 641-342-2808.

Saturday, February 14th
Valentine’s Ball
Summerset Winery 6:00 – p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Experience the romance of the winery Summerset style on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14, 2009. Your special evening will begin at 6:00 p.m with a wine reception followed by dinner catered by Christiani’s VIP Catering. Tickets are $55 per person and also include a bottle of wine, a gift and dancing to live music performed by Bunky Marlow Band featuring Janey Hooper.

Appetizers and wine tasting from 6:00 – 7:00 featuring:
* European Cheese Table featuring cheeses from America and Europe
* Assorted Crackers
* Relish Tray and Dip
* Grilled Asparagus and Mushroom Caps marinated in Virgin Olive Oil, Fresh Lemons and Spice

Dinner served at 7:00 featuring Christiani’s Verona Buffet:
* Christiani’s Signature Garden Salad with House Dressing
* Chicken Parmesan
* Carving Station with USDA Choice Roast Beef with Horseradish Cream Sauce
* Cheese Stuffed Ravioli with Basil Marinara
* Italian Roast Potatoes
* Green Beans with Pimento
* Fresh Baked Rolls and Butter
* Coffee, Cream & Sugar

* Assorted Desserts and Miniature Sweets

Dancing with your sweetie to the Bunky Marlow Band featuring Janey Hooper from 8:00 – 10:30.
Reservations are required. Call the winery at 515-961-3545 to order tickets.
Tickets are non-refundable.

Saturday, February 14th
Valentine Dinner 
Tassel Ridge Winery, Leighton, IA
Wine Tasting: 7:00 p.m. & Dinner Seating at 7:30 p.m.Celebrate Valentine’s Day by treating your sweetheart to an exquisite dinner at Tassel Ridge Winery. This five-course dinner will feature Prime Rib and Chocolate Créme Brûlée, along with other delectable items. Each course will be paired with a Tassel Ridge wine chosen specially to enhance the flavor of both the food and the wine. Advanced reservations are required by Wednesday, February 11. Cost: $60 per person, plus tax. (641) 672-WINE

February 21, 2009 6:30 p.m.
JEV’s Annual Winter Wine & Dine Dinner
John Ernest Vineyard, Tama, Iowa
Enjoy a fine meal paired with fine wine and a night of music provided by Rob Lumbard.
Menu:
*Bacon Rollups
*Mixed green salad with diced red apples, crumbled cheese, dried cranberries and chopped walnuts
*Choice of herbed sirloin tip roast OR stuffed pork loin
*Parsely Red Potatoes
*Broccoli Spears with melted cheese
*Wheat Dinner Rolls
*Cheesecake for dessert
Tickets are $45/person or save on a table of 8 at $350. Reserve at 641-484-8048

Cheers!

Barbara Rasko
Publisher
Make Mine Wine
http://www.makeminewinemagazine.com