Falling for Iowa Wine This Valentine's Day

Iowa's wine scene is blossoming, offering a delightful blend of local flavors and unforgettable experiences. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway, a fun-filled afternoon, or simply a taste of the good life, Iowa wineries have something to offer everyone.

Stay a While: Wine Country Getaways

Indulge in the ultimate wine country experience by staying at one of these charming Iowa wineries:

  • Wide River Winery: With two picturesque locations – one in Clinton, Iowa and another in historic LeClaire – Wide River Winery offers a unique blend of vineyard views and cozy accommodations. Clinton offers beautiful river views and LeClair has tons of cute restaurants and shops, including American Pickers. 

  • Summerset Winery: The Inn at Summerset is located just steps away from Summerset Winery and just minutes from downtown Des Moines. The Inn was originally built as a bed & breakfast and is now available to rent as a “whole house” rental. 

Upcoming Events Not to Miss:

Vineyard Spotlight: Matt Greteman

We caught up with Matt Greteman, owner of Louis & Roberto's Vineyard, to learn more about his passion for growing grapes.

  • Years of Growth: Matt and his family have been cultivating their 10-acre vineyard for 14 years, producing five varieties: Brianna, Petite Amie, Frontenac Gris, La Crescent, and St. Pepin.

  • Sales Strategy: Initially, the Iowa Wine Growers Association played a crucial role in connecting Matt with buyers. Today, word-of-mouth and returning customers are key to his sales success.

  • Love of the Land: For Matt, growing grapes is a deeply rewarding experience. It provides a sense of accomplishment and has become a cherished family project.

Meet the Winemaker: 42 North Winery

Discover the passion behind the pour at 42 North Winery, a small, family-owned winery nestled in the rolling hills of Benton County. Owned by Mary & David Paustian, 42 North Winery began as a passionate hobby. After honing their skills through viticulture & enology coursework at Kirkwood Community College, their 2018 Petite Pearl wine achieved top honors in the amateur division, propelling them into the professional winemaking world. 

Primarily utilizing grapes grown on their own property, 42 North currently produces a diverse range of wines, including crowd favorites like The Pearl, Hootie, and Green Frog. Mary & David love the unique flavors of each vintage and the joy of sharing their handcrafted wines with their customers. Come experience their warm hospitality and savor their delightful wines! Visit them at  www.42northwinery.com or follow 42 North Winery on Facebook.

Meet the wine industry at the Iowa Wine Awards Social!

Join the Iowa Wine Growers Association for an evening of camaraderie and celebration at the Iowa Wine Awards Social on February 11th. Invite a group of friends and enjoy samples of Iowa Wine with a delicious meal and industry awards. 

Have you dreamed of starting a winery? Or want to learn more about grape growing? This event is a fantastic opportunity to connect with winemakers, winery owners, tasting room staff, and learn about the Iowa Wine Industry. Tickets are available here.

Plan Your Valentine's Day with Iowa Wine!

Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or just beginning your exploration of Iowa's wine scene, these events and destinations offer a unique and unforgettable experience. Raise a glass to Iowa wine and celebrate the vibrant spirit of our state's growing wine industry!

Christie JensenComment