The harvest season is a magical time in Iowa wine country. The grapes are ripe and ready to be picked, and the wineries are buzzing with activity. There are many fun events happening at wineries throughout the state, so be sure to check out what's going on near you.

What is the Grape Harvest like?

The heart of the harvest season is, of course, the grape harvest. As the grapes reach their peak ripeness, workers carefully hand-pick them from the vines. This delicate process ensures that only the finest grapes make it into the winery's cellars. The air is filled with the sweet aroma of ripening grapes, and the sight of vines heavy with fruit is a testament to the labor of love that goes into winemaking.

Did you know some wineries mechanically harvest? Check out this video from Wide RIver Winery:

The Winery Buzz:

Inside the winery, the atmosphere is electric. The rhythmic clinking of machinery and the bustling of workers create a vibrant energy that reflects the excitement of the harvest. The grapes are carefully sorted, crushed, and pressed, and the resulting juice is transferred to barrels or tanks for fermentation. The cellarmaster oversees the entire process, ensuring that the wine develops its unique character and flavor.

Winemaker's Passion:

Iowa winemakers are passionate about their craft. They take pride in producing high-quality wines that showcase the region's terroir. Many wineries offer tours and tastings that allow visitors to learn about the winemaking process and sample the finished product. It's an opportunity to connect with the people behind the wine and appreciate the artistry and dedication that goes into creating each bottle.

Winery Awards:

Speaking of winemaker’s passions, let’s hear it for the Iowa 2024 Governor's Cup winner!

Governor’s Cup Ceremony at the Iowa State Fair

On August 16th, Governor Kim Reynolds joined Christie Jensen, Executive Director of the Iowa Wine Growers Association to present the 2024 Governor’s Cup trophy to Roy & Melanie Olsen, owners of Oscar Carl Vineyard of Sioux City. Their winning wine, Loesscato, was chosen for this top award at the 2024 Iowa State Fair Commercial Wine Competition and was featured at the Iowa Wine Experience at the Iowa State Fair.

Cream of the Crop: Best Vineyard

Rustic River Winery & Vineyard was chosen as the “best vineyard” by the Iowa Farmer Today Cream of the Crop awards! Congratulations!

Harvest Festivals and Events:

Harvest season is also a time for celebration. Many wineries host festivals and events that feature live music, food vendors, and, of course, plenty of wine. These gatherings provide a festive atmosphere where visitors can enjoy the beauty of the Iowa countryside and sample the region's finest wines.

Here are some of the event highlights of Iowa's wine harvest season:

Covered Bridge Winery Join us for our 2nd annual Paint Madison County event on Sunday, September 22nd! Artists will create artwork in the open air at Covered Bridge Winery.
Lazy Acre Vineyard Grape Picking: Experience grape picking at Lazy Acre Vineyard in Lake Mills. They will have a picking event on Saturday, September 14th from 8am to 4pm. After picking, you can enjoy sangria, grape stomping, and live music. Click here for more information.
Fall Festival: Kick off the start of Fall on September 28 with a fun day out at these 4 stops: Happy Time Resort, Lazy Acre Vineyard, Good Shot Golf & Sporting Clays, and Border Market. Click here for event information.
Madison County Fall Crawl: The Madison County Fall Crawl is a great way to visit multiple wineries & other small businesses in one day. The crawl is on Saturday, September 28th from 10am to 4pm. Get your passport stamped at all four participating wineries to be entered to win door prizes.
New wine bar alert! The Niche Wine Bar in Vinton, Iowa is now open! Shop antiques and drink wine from 4 Iowa wineries: Old Man's Creek, Fox Ridge, 42 North, and Buchanan House.
Fireside Winery Volunteer Grape Harvest is Saturday, August 31st 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.! RSVP directly to Fireside Winery for this unique local event to save your spot!
Fireside Winery Grape Stomp Competition! 🍇 We've got some teams signed up and ready to battle it out in the barrels September 21st at our Harvest Celebration.... 💪 Sign up your team of 3 now!

In addition to these events, many wineries offer special tastings and tours during the harvest season. Be sure to look at your favorite Iowa Winery’s website and social media accounts for more events.

A Taste of Iowa:

A visit to an Iowa winery during harvest season is a truly memorable experience. From the thrill of the grape harvest to the artistry of winemaking, it offers a glimpse into the heartland's rich agricultural heritage. So, whether you're a wine enthusiast or simply looking for a unique way to experience Iowa, be sure to visit a local winery and savor the flavors of the harvest.

Iowa Grape Harvest Season is Here!