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Iowa Wineries We Love

Iowa has been growing grapes since 1857 and even ranked sixth in grape production in the United States in 1919. Prohibition took a toll on the industry, but today it is back and better than ever. With over 100 commercial wineries, there is no shortage of amazing wine in the state. Here are our favorite Iowa wineries that are perfect for a quick visit or weekend getaway.

Fireside is proud to be among such stellar winemakers in the Iowa scene. We hope you take advantage of visiting these unique businesses and look forward to seeing you at Fireside Winery soon. You can stop at Fireside while exploring the Amana Colonies or relax at the vineyard in Marengo with live music. Choose from a wide selection of white, red, sparkling and seasonal wines. We will have the glasses ready!

Author:

Eastern Iowa

Ackerman Winery


Iowa’s oldest winery was founded in 1956 by Harry and Louisa Ackerman.
Bill and Rona Wyant, owners of Fireside Winery, purchased the business in 2015. They moved production of Ackerman wines to Fireside’s facility but kept the tasting room in Amana to ensure the wine-making tradition was kept alive.

Now when you visit Ackerman, you can sample from their extensive list of fruit wines or try one of their delicious wine cocktails.

Our Wine Picks: Rhubarb or Lover’s

Location

4406 220th Trail, Amana, IA 52203

ackermanwinery.com
Akerman Winery

Wide River Winery


Located on the mighty Mississippi river, Wide River will make a repeat customer out of you at first sip. Opened by Dorothy O’Brien in 1997, there are now three tasting rooms that each have a unique vibe in Clinton, Le Claire, and Davenport.

Inspiration for many of the wine names come from the owners’ law heritage. Dorothy is an employment law attorney and her husband, Charlie Pelton, is a retired Clinton County judge.

Our Wine Picks: Caught Red Handed or Blushing Testimony

Location

1776 E Deer Creek Rd, Clinton, IA 52732
1128 Mound St, Davenport, IA 52803
106 N Cody Rd, Le Claire, IA 52753

wideriverwinery.com
Wide River Winery

Tabor Home Vineyards & Winery


Located in the rolling hills of Eastern Iowa, Tabor Home is a family run business through and through. The vineyard and winery are located on the family’s 1860s farmstead. Winemaker and manager, Dr. Paul Tabor, is the fifth generation to make his livelihood from the land.

They host many events throughout the year in their gorgeous vines as well as provide samples of their wines made from estate-grown grapes.

Our Wine Picks: Barn Dance Red or Toast of Iowa

Location

3570 67th St, Baldwin, IA 52207

taborhomewinery.com
Tabor Home Vineyards & Winery

Glyn Mawr Winery – The Local


Built by mother-daughter team, Brenda & Anna, Glyn Mawr started with a two-and-a-half-acre vineyard that expanded to produce 9,000 bottles of wine. They have since restored a historic building in downtown Mount Vernon that has become their tasting room and gift shop. Their entire family has become part of the operation and you are guaranteed a warm welcome when you visit.

While they no longer have the vineyard, The Local sources 100% of its grapes from Iowa growers and makes supporting local businesses a focus of the business. They also carry a wide selection of Iowa craft beer that is perfect for non-wine drinkers.

Our Wine Picks: Cellar Red or La Crescent

Location

103 1st St W, Mt Vernon, IA 52314

glynmawr.com
Glyn Mawr Winery – The Local

Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery


Jeff Quint founded Cedar Ridge in 2005 as the first licensed distillery in Iowa since Prohibition. While they are more well-known for their spirits, they also have a diverse wine list. Using a blend of California varietals and Iowa varietals, they feature wines that will please many palates. Stop in to enjoy a cocktail or their special Iowa bruschetta.

Our Wine Picks: Nine Sixty-Five or Reserve White

Location

1441 Marak Rd NW, Swisher, IA 52338

crwine.com
Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery

Southeastern Iowa

Cedar Valley Winery


The Miller family started the business in 2002 by planting three grape varieties. These grapes were sold off to other Iowa wineries before they started making their own wine in 2007.

The unique venue allows you to watch the family bottle the wine right next to the tasting room. Alternatively, enjoy your favorite wines on their outdoor deck overlooking the vineyards.

Our Wine Picks: LaCrosse Reserve or Norton

Location

2034 Dewberry Ave, Batavia, IA 52533

cedarvalleywine.com
Cedar Valley Winery

Northeastern Iowa

Park Farm Winery


Set atop the rolling hills of Iowa’s Driftless Region, the surrounding scenery makes Park Farm the perfect place to enjoy a bottle of wine.. Established in 2004, they have a full tasting room where you can sample wines by themselves or expertly paired with food. If you have time, check out their weekly wood-fired pizza special.

Our Wine Picks: Arrowhead Reserve or Daisy Girl

Location

15159 Thielen Rd, Durango, IA 52039

parkfarmwinery.com
Park Farm Winery

Central Iowa

Soldier Creek Winery


Like almost all of our favorite Iowa wineries, Soldier Creek Winery is a family-run business. The vineyard is located on a plot of land that has been in the family for over 50 years and officially opened in 2014. The vines provide a wonderful contrast to the miles of corn and beans in the surrounding Fort Dodge farmland. . Tastings are always available during their opening hours, and they often host live music events during the summer.

Our Wine Picks: Iowa LaCrescent or Paragon Pink

Location

1584 Paragon Ave, Fort Dodge, IA 50501

soldiercreekwinery.com
Soldier Creek Winery

Northwestern Iowa

Calico Skies Vineyard and Winery


Located farthest from Fireside Winery, we promise Calico Skies is worth the trip. Founded in 2011 by a husband-and-wife duo, the winery has been influenced by the couples’ experiences in California wine country and extensive exploration into grape growing in an Iowa climate.

The spacious grounds and gorgeous tasting room are a perfect backdrop to savor a bottle of wine. If you are there on a weekend, take the time to enjoy a wood-fired pizza!

Our Wine Picks: Deebo or Frontenac Gris

Location

2368 Able Blvd, Inwood, IA 51240

calicoskieswine.com
Calico Skies Vineyard and Winery

South-Central Iowa

Tassel Ridge Winery


Known as Iowa’s largest winery, Tassel Ridge has a selection of over 50 wines. Many of their wines are made from grapes grown in their 56-acre vineyard.

Our Wine Picks: Iowa in the Dark or Oskyfizzante Iowa White

Tassel Ridge Winery

About Fireside

Fireside Winery is a family business focused on creating warm memories with good wine and good company. Our broad selection of award-winning, Iowa-made wines is reason enough to visit, yet we also provide a welcoming atmosphere, live music, and other fun events throughout the year. Our greatest joy is providing the framework for you to create lasting memories with your loved ones.

We have two locations: Fireside Winery in Marengo, Iowa, and Fireside Winery in the Village on the Amana Colonies Main Street in Amana, Iowa. We look forward to seeing you soon!