Yes! They DO grow grapes and make wine in Iowa. I was just as surprised as you probably are. In the past, I have mentioned that my family that lives in Iowa. It is a side of the family that knows how to eat, drink and be merry.
My aunt changed her career path in the past few years and opened up a boutique in Pella, Iowa. It was an instant hit thanks to her innate knack for merchandising. Her entrepreneurial spirit must have been stimulated because shortly thereafter she launched a gallery next door that carries art from Iowa artists. The final surprise was the addition of a wine room where they began peddling local wines.
This part of the story brings me to Steve, her husband. He is a special guy with a kind demeanor, the unending energy of a toddler, the fix-it skills of a master handyman, the auto know-how of a mechanic, a healthy appetite, a ready laugh and intense love for his town, his country and his family. He is a farm machinery engineer during the week and has become an Iowa sommelier on weekends. And while I am bragging about him, I might as well mention that today is his birthday. Happy Birthday Uncle Steve.
Back to these Iowa wines. The Gallerie of Pella carries three wines exclusively: Cedar Ridge from the Cedar Rapids/Swisher area, Snus Hill from Madrid and La Vida Loca from Indianola, IA. Should life bring you onto Highway 80 passing through Iowa, take a little jaunt down to Pella for a sip. You will find some crisp summer whites, creative infused wine (even jalapeno!), nice red table wines and port served in a dark chocolate cup. Cheers!
July 1st, 2009 at 11:06 am
Thanks Caroline…Wonderful story! Great pics!
Happy belated b-day!
July 1st, 2009 at 1:33 pm
I went to school in Iowa City and my boyfriend’s family lives in Cedar Rapids, but I never knew they made wine there! I’ll have to ask him about it and give it a try.
July 2nd, 2009 at 12:00 am
I am a Minnesota native that just moved to Seattle and have family back in Iowa. So glad to hear about the local wine, I am definitely going to tell them! We also have some in MN, including ‘Alexis Bailey’ vineyards near Minneapolis. Leave it to Midwesterners – when there’s a will, there’s a way!
July 2nd, 2009 at 10:22 am
My husband has a t-shirt that says “Don’t Meth With Iowa”. I’ve got to tell him there’s more to Iowa than basement drug labs now! What a wonderful little spot they’ve created!
August 7th, 2009 at 9:11 am
nakliyat: nice drink like, I need to not tasted. Thank you for sharing.
August 16th, 2009 at 6:00 am
Iowa Wine? Not an Oxymoron great article thank you.
August 17th, 2009 at 7:53 am
Iowa wines are indeed here to stay! Award winning wines also at Tassel Ridge Winery, just 13 miles southeast of downtown Pella on Hwy 163. 56 acres of vineyards grow 13 different varieties of grapes. All wines are made and bottled at the Winery and include dry reds and whites, semi-sweet, sweet, fruit-based, and dessert wines. Check it out at http://www.tasselridge.com.