IOWA

While Iowa may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of winemaking, the Hawkeye State’s wine industry is steadily growing and gaining recognition. Despite the challenges of a continental climate, Iowa’s winemakers are proving that delicious wines can come from the heartland.

Iowa’s earliest vineyards can be traced back to the 19th century when settlers planted grapes for home winemaking. Commercial winemaking took off in the 1990s and today there are nearly 100 wineries and vineyards scattered across the state. Many utilize cold-hardy grape varieties like Marquette, Frontenac, and La Crescent that can withstand Iowa’s frigid winters.

IOWA WINE

While grape growing is challenging in Iowa due to extreme temperature swings, new viticulture practices and better trellising systems are helping winemakers coax more complexity from their grapes. White wines like La Crosse, Brianna, and St. Pepin are also increasingly popular Iowa varieties.

So next time you’re traveling through Iowa’s scenic byways, be sure to stop by one of the local wineries and experience the unique, quintessentially Iowan flavors they have bottled. The wines may surprise you with their vibrant personalities and flavors distinctly shaped by Iowa’s terrain.