Get ready for summer sipping! May is recognized as Iowa Wine Month by the Iowa Wine Growers Association to celebrate the state’s grape and wine industry. Kick off the celebration and welcome warmer weather with your new favorite varietal, fun events and delicious food, all handcrafted in scenic destinations across the state. Find a winery no matter where you're traveling in Iowa. Download the Iowa Wine Passport to keep track of which ones you've visited and earn rewards along the way.
There’s always something fun to do at Soldier Creek’s tasting room in Fort Dodge, including a variety of year-round events. Enjoy walk-in sampling on the weekends or stop in on Fridays for their free music series – Vineyard Vibrations.
Do: Have fun with family and friends at Fort Frenzy Entertainment Center and Rosedale Rapids Aquatic Center.
Eat: Grab a delicious meal at local favorite Sneakers Eatery & Pub or indulge in a sweet treat from Dariette.
Sweet Honeymoon Winery serves more than 15 unique wines, each of them named with tongue-in-cheek wit. Located in Lohrville, the classic mom and pop winery also features a cozy shop with home décor, antiques, and gift baskets available for sale.
Do: Hit the land and water trails at North Raccoon River Water Trail and visit the Freedom Rock.
Eat: Venture out to Manson to try the wings and sandwiches at Shore Side Pub & Grub, a beach-themed sports bar.
Bishop Vineyard and Winery produces an assortment of wine styles, perfect for every palate. Open year-round, their Sherrill tasting room offers a relaxing atmosphere and beautiful views with indoor and outdoor seating.
Do: Catch a comedic show at Bell Tower Theater or musical performance by the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra.
Eat: Visit Iowa’s oldest food and drinking establishment, Breitbach’s Country Dining.
Eagles Landing Winery produces their award-winning wines in the scenic setting of Iowa’s rolling hills along the Mississippi River. Sample free tastings daily or enjoy a bottle while listening to music in their grapevine-lined Wine Garden. The Marquette winery also features a rustic country store.
Do: Explore the town’s railroad history at the Marquette Depot Museum or 10,000 feet of antiques at the Schoolhouse Antique Mall.
Eat: Grab a fruity frozen drink at Big Buoys Tiki Bar or try some classic Midwestern BBQ at Backwoods Bar & Grill.
This Corning winery offers a one-of-a-kind tasting experience. Floating Vine was appropriately named for its bar and event center which double as a floating lounge to offer the perfect way to round out your day with friends and family.
Do: Visit the birthplace of American legend Johnny Carson or experience the thrills of a NASCAR half-mile dirt track racing at Adams County Speedway.
Eat: Pick up fresh bread or homemade pastries at Sweet Desires Bakery.
The award-winning Santa Maria Winery has more than 30 different wines to try in an atmosphere that will transport you to from Carroll to old-world Italy. Try wood-fired pizza on the piazza every Thursday and Friday with sangria, beer and other Santa Maria wines.
Do: Catch a Carroll Merchants baseball game at the historic Merchants Park or tour the Swan Lake Farmstead Museum.
Eat: Indulge in a homemade Italian dish at Napoli’s Italian Restaurant or savory burgers and pizza at Brothers on Main.
Winterset Cidery is Iowa’s premier Hard Apple Cider Mill and the perfect place to taste crisp creations with friends and family. This season, visit the Winterset orchard for U-Pick apples or enjoy food trucks, live music, trivia nights and other weekly events.
Do: Visit the birthplace and museum of American film icon John Wayne, dive into history at the Iowa Quilt Museum or feed and pet alpacas at Rusty Stars farm.
Eat: Try the historic square’s taproom and eatery, The Drift, or shop goat cheese at Simple Life Farms.
Ackerman Winery offers an array of entertaining events as the perfect complement to your favorite wines. Head to this Amana staple to enjoy crafting, wine and food pairing nights, community celebrations, private wine mixology classes, facility tours and so much more.
Do: Learn about colonial life and explore recreation excursions at the Amana Heritage Museum.
Eat: Enjoy the best German and American food served family style at Ox Yoke Inn.
Open for tastings every Sunday, Walker Homestead boasts an upscale setting against the idyllic backdrop of its 85-acre farm outside of Iowa City. Enjoy their Chef’s Special Series, Farm to Table dinners or Uncorked wine pairing nights.
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Do: Stop by the Old Capitol Museum to learn everything Iowa history or catch a show at The Englert Theatre.
Eat: Sit down to a luxurious steak meal at The Iowa Chop House or try the renowned falafels and hummus from Oasis Falafel.
No matter the season, Iowa offers endless possibilities. Whether it’s a family getaway, an outdoor adventure, or anything in between, we know a place.
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