The 2024 Iowa Wine Awards banquet was held on Monday, Jan. 8 at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny, in conjunction with the Iowa Specialty Producers Conference.

It's no secret that Iowan's know a thing or two about agriculture! Grapes have been grown in Iowa as early as 1857 when a vineyard was planted in the rolling hills of western Iowa near Council Bluffs.

A resurgence in the industry occurred in 2000, when the Iowa Wine Growers Association was established to represent the wine grape growers and winemakers across the state of Iowa.

Today’s industry is vibrant and growing, just like our 2024 Iowa Wine Award winners. We are well-positioned to take advantage of growth opportunities and become greater contributors to the agricultural and economic vibrancy of the state of Iowa.

We are excited to share the 2024 Iowa Wine Award winners!

Zach crafts a diverse range of wines for Fireside and Ackerman wineries, primarily utilizing northern climate grapes grown on their property.

His wines have garnered numerous awards, but more significantly, they enjoy immense popularity among the public, propelling Fireside to become one of the most popular wineries in the state.

Zach's wine lineup reflects some of the best wines in Iowa, featuring everything from dry wines made from locally grown varietals, to popular seasonal offerings, to the sweet fruit wines Ackerman is known for.

Go visit Fireside Winery and Ackerman Winery to taste some of Zach's amazing creations for yourself! Congratulations, Zach!!!

2024 Vineyard of the Year

Victoria Eckstat

Victoria’s Vineyard was started as a labor of love by Dr. Steve Eckstat and wife Victoria. In 2004 they planted 1000 grapevines and now produce both white and red grapes for production of native Iowa wines.

As a commercial grower, Victoria’s Vineyard is known for producing top quality La Crescent grapes. She is also currently working on growing a new varietal. Her impeccable care and attention to detail is what makes the quality of her grapes second to none. She currently sells to Soldier Creek Winery, but in the past has sold to other wineries in Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska. Congratulations, Victoria!

2024 Retail Partner of the Year

The Wijn House, Jeremy & Tara Kohlhaas

The Wijn House was established in 2016, and has exclusively featured Iowa wines on its shelves during that time.

Prior to 2024, The Wijn House has been awarded Retailer of the Year three other times. They are also winners of multiple Red Rock awards.

The Wijn House are Iowa's largest retailer of Iowa wines typically featuring more than forty wineries from around the state in their charming shop on the historic Pella square. They feature a rotating tasting menu, allowing patrons to "taste their way around the state" as they enjoy the best wines Iowa has to offer.

The Wijn House has always been a strong advocate for native wines and wineries: even being the "first retail location" for more than a half dozen small new wineries.

Congratulations Jeremy & Tara, and thank you for all you have done for the Iowa wine industry the past 7 years!

2024 Outstanding Industry Partner

Brian Jones

Brian has had a vineyard for over a decade and does custom harvesting for other growers and wineries. He purchased the harvester in 2014, fixed it up, and started harvesting in 2016.

Since 2016 they have harvested 4 other vineyards plus their own every year. They harvest around 25 acres in a season and 13 different varieties of grapes.

Larger grapes are easier to harvest. When the harvester goes through the field it shakes the vine and the berries fall off the stems then they are caught in the machine and transported to the bin running alongside. Large sized berries have enough weight to them that when they are shaken they pull free from the stems easily.

Harvesting grapes is a very time sensitive and labor intensive process. Brian runs the tractor and one his sons monitors and adjusts the harvester to make sure only grapes are going in. They try to run it as slow as possible, so they don’t stress or damage the plants.

The Three Sons Vineyard harvester has been a large asset to these other businesses as it allows them to get the crops harvested in a timely manner, with minimal labor.

Congratulations on your well deserved award, Brian!

Steve and Jean Larson of Train Wreck Winery in Algona have been named the 2024 Iowa Wine Growers Association Jean Gerrath award recipient.

This award was established by the Iowa Wine Growers Association (IWGA) Board of Directors in 2019. It honors industry members who have been involved in the industry and in the association. The award is named after IWGA founding President Jean Gerrath and the award recipient is determined solely by the IWGA board of directors.

Steve and his team produced up to 6000 gallons a year across 14 varieties. They have won numerous wine awards over the years, including Double Golds and Best of Shows from the Iowa State Fair Commercial Wine Competition, Indy International, International Cold Climate, Mid-American Wine Competition, and Finger Lakes International.

The Larson’s were instrumental in educating fellow wineries, retailers, and customers about the potential of Midwest-grown grapes and the thriving Iowa Wine Industry.

Visit an Iowa Winery near you!

Raise a glass of wine to all the winners!

If you haven't visited an Iowa winery lately, we encourage you to taste the experience that Iowa wine has to offer! Trust us, getting there is half the fun. Visit our map to find wineries near you or create a full weekend trip to one of the seven official Iowa wine trails that crisscross the state.

Uncorking Excellence: Celebrating the 2024 Iowa Wine Award Winners

Visit an Iowa Winery near you!