It may not be as popular as California’s Napa Valley, but believe it or not, Eastern Iowa has some fantastic wineries to boast of. With three outstanding wineries within a 30 minute drive of Iowa City, Iowa, it’s apparent that farmers in the area grow something besides corn.
Located in Amana, Iowa, the Ackerman Winery has been in operation since 1956, the oldest winery in the Hawkeye state. Starting off with Concord Grape and Rhubarb wines back in the day, the winery now offers 22 varieties to choose from.
The Ackerman Winery can be found in the main colony of Amana, a historical area of Iowa settled by German Pietists in 1856. The winery is surrounded by unique shops and restaurants featuring big front porches and rocking chairs. Walking through the colony, you might happen upon the occasional horse and buggy.
A visit to the winery is a very comfortable and casual one. Visitors are encouraged to take their own self-guided tour where they can check out the winery’s whole process from start to finish. You can observe the press room; the production and filtering area; the 15,000 gallons of stainless steel storage tanks; the bottling system and the wine cellar.
The best part of course is the tasting bar which is open daily. While they do make the traditional wines such as Merlot and Riesling, the Ackerman Winery is best known for its unique varieties, such as Dandelion and Red Raspberry. The winery also has a nice selection of wine accessories such as racks, glasses and various wine gadgets. If you’re in the area, this is a must stop and the Dandelion wine is a must taste! Offering a number of award winning wines, their price per bottle is in the $10 range. Ackerman Winery, 4406 22oth Trail, Amana, IA 52203, their phone number is 319-622-3379.
Founded on a 156-year-old family farm with a rich Irish Heritage, the Ardon Creek Vineyard & Winery is located near Letts, Iowa.
Ardon Creek features some very nice sweet and semi-sweet wines to include “Stagecoach Red” a sweet grape wine infused with strawberry. The winery holds regular wine tasting events, such as Girls’ Night Out on Thursdays, music nights and a fall harvest tasting. A nice feature about Ardon Creek is you can not only enjoy a bottle of their wine, but picnic on the grounds.
Open during the afternoon to early evening hours, visitors to the tasting room are encouraged to bring a snack to enjoy with their wine sampling experience. The price per bottle is in the $15 range. Ardon Creek Vineyard & Winery, 2391 Independence Avenue, Letts, IA 52754, their phone number is 563-506-8044.
Located in downtown West Branch, Iowa and the birthplace of Herbert Hoover, is the Brick Arch Winery. They are perhaps best known for its spring event, celebrating regional foods with Iowa Wine which is held in April.
They have live music year round every Sunday from 2-4pm. Their wines have a lot of character and some great names like, “Sun Dog,” “Naked Lady,” and “Save The Barn.” You can also enjoy some dark chocolate truffles at the winery made with their “Naked Lady” cherry wine. A nice thing about the Brick Arch is you can use the facility for events, they have a great space for birthday, anniversary or ‘whatever’ celebrations. Paired with their Blanc de Blanc, it’s a fun time.
If you’re in town during the Hooverfest in August, be sure to stop in and sample their offerings. Their tasting room is open daily in the afternoon to early evening hours, the price per bottle is in the $12 – $20 range. Brick Arch Winery, 116 West Main Street, West Branch, Iowa, 52358. Their phone number is 319-643-4001.
If you’re traveling through the Hawkeye state, be sure to stop and enjoy a glass of fine wine along Iowa’s Wine Trail, you’ll be glad you did.
Mike Thayer is from Eastern Iowa and offers the Heartland perspective. Providing news analysis, highlighting events in the Midwest and offering a unique take on the issues of the day, Mike isn’t typical media, he’s Sick Of Spin! View profile