Visiting a winery or brewery is already relaxing, but when paired with food, games, live music and more, that's next level refreshing. These 10 wineries and breweries offer top-notch drinks alongside delicious snacks or meals and entertainment that keeps the good times rolling. So, grab your crew, bring your appetite and enjoy the perfect outing.
1. Great Revivalist Brewery - Clinton
Housed inside Clinton's stunning Gothic Revivalist church, Great Revivalist Brewery offers one of the most exciting brewery experiences in the state. Inside, you'll find tables and chairs crafted from former pews alongside stunning architecture and stained glass windows. Grab a table to sip on craft brews or sodas (all made in-house) and pair your beverage with a woodfired pizza, sandwich, burger, appetizer and more . After the meal, challenge your friends and family to game of pool or wander the space to admire art pieces from famous creators like Picasso and Dali.
Learn more about the church's extensive renovation and the birth of the brewery.
2. Gezellig Brewing Company - Newton
A female-owned, award-winning microbrewery, Gezellig Brewing features a cozy taproom where you can sip and savor a large variety of beers as well as ciders and craft sodas. During the summer, pair your beverage with Gezellig's pet-friendly courtyard, lawn games and local food trucks to discover the ultimate place to unwind in Newton.
3. Glyn Mawr Winery/The Local - Mount Vernon
Not only does this family-friendly winery in Mount Vernon serve more than 10 of their own distinct wines, but Glyn Mawr/The Local also sells 15 craft Iowa beers and Iowa kombucha. Those looking for dining options can try the curated selection of gourmet snacks like chips and salsa or questo, or grab something from the neighboring restaurants and bring it into the winery. The winery also hosts monthly Bingo nights and houses a store selling Iowa goods and gifts.
4. Millstream Brewing Co. - Amana
Known as Iowa's original craft brewery, Millstream Brewing started creating small batches of German pilsner in 1985. Now, the Amana brewery is one of the oldest operating breweries in the country and offers an impressive collection of crafts beers as well as craft root beer and sodas. It also boasts an exciting event calendar that's packed with live music performances, food trucks, Oktoberfest and Maifest celebrations, a Wurst Festival, the Tour de Brew bike ride and more.
To pair a Millstream Brewery beer with a hearty German-style meal, pay a visit to the nearby Millstream Brau Haus. Their menu includes giant pretzels, German poutine, burgers, schnitzels, bratwursts and more.
5. Calico Skies Vineyard and Winery - Inwood
It's safe to say that pizza and wine is a top-tier combo. Calico Skies Vineyard and Winery in Inwood offers some of Iowa's best in both categories. With wines created from French American hybrid grapes and pizzas that are handcrafted and baked to perfection in a wood-fired oven, you're sure to leave satisfied. Enjoy a pairing of the two while admiring the scenic hills, valleys and woods surrounding the Big Sioux River. Be sure to also check out their event calendar to catch live music performances, murder mystery dinners, food and wine pairings and more.
6. Wise I Brewing - Le Mars
Recognized as Plymouth County's first commercial micro-brewery, Wise I Brewing also just so happened to open as Iowa's 100th brewery. The unique name pays tribute to Le Mars prohibitionist Ida B. Wise, and honors her legacy through their delicious flagship, rotating and seasonal beers. Enjoy a brew while playing a round of trivia, a game of shuffleboard or a classic board game. Wise I also works with community food trucks and restaurants for food events for the opportunity to pair your beverage of choice with delicious local flavors.
7. Iowa Grape Vines Winery - Maquoketa
Originally started in 2001 in nearby Preston as a grape vine nursery, the business was transformed into the Iowa Grape Vines Winery in 2009, then moved to its current Maquoketa location in 2013. Today, its wines are all produced in-house and served in the tasting room alongside international wines. During your visit, be sure to also take a vineyard tour, sample the root beer and ice cream and shop locally made products lke wine shakes and jellies, soaps, honey and more.
8. Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. - Decorah
One of Iowa's most decorated breweries, Toppling Goliath is especially known for its world-renowned IPAs and barrel-aged stouts. Stop by to sample one of the 40 beers on tap or a cannabis-infused sparkling water and refuel with the brewery's delicious appetizers, pizzas, sandwiches or burgers, salads and more. When the weather permit, enjoy all the flavors on the massive patio (which is dog-friendly), or plan accordingly to catch exciting events like Bingo, game nights, paint and sips and more.
9. Van Wijk Winery - Sully
Located inside a stone castle in Sully, a visit to Van Wijk Winery ensures a unique experience. Sample more than 40 wines while relaxing on the shaded patio (it's dog-friendly!) that overlooks a Dutch Letter Homestead garden. Inside, the tasting room also doubles as a bistro and offers an array of charcuterie boards and small plate appetizers.
10. Marto Brewing Co. - Sioux City
With jam-packed food and drink menus, Marto Brewing is a must-visit in Sioux City. With a passion for a wide range of beer styles, the beer menu is always changing and often features unique concoctions crafted from fruit, coconut, vanilla beans, peanut butter and more. Pair your pick with an authentic Neapolitan style pizza, a massive homemade pretzel, pasta dish or appetizer – all of which are baked inside a wood-fired oven.
