There's A Wine Trail In Iowa And It's Everything You've Ever Dreamed Of

When you think of Iowa, the first thing that pops into your mind probably isn’t vineyards with rows of grapes, but there’s actually a growing industry here that’s making use of cold climate grapes to create delicious local vintages. That’s right. Now you can experience the unique and scenic beauty of vineyards right here in Iowa, and what could be more lovely than visiting a winery on a crisp, clear fall day?

There are a few wine trails in Iowa, but the Western Iowa Wine Trail is truly unique, as it is located in the beautiful Loess Hills area where you can explore prairie remnants, wildlife and hilltop views, along with visits to the local wineries.

Yelp/Jenny L.

This winery was founded in 2004 and has a 3-acre vineyard. Because it’s located on top of a hill, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views as you sip your wine.

Yelp/Jennifer F.

As you taste your way through The Western Iowa Wine Trail, you’ll enjoy award-winning wines produced from "cold climate" grape varieties and locally produced fruits. Winemakers are onsite to talk about their wines, the winemaking process and even offer tours of the wineries and vineyards. You can enjoy your tastings inside tasting rooms or, if it’s a nice day, outside on the deck. Along with the wine and food on offer, you’ll also get to enjoy local art and stock up on bottles of your favorite wines.

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Flickr/Michael Leland

As you’re traveling the wine trail, make sure to enjoy the region’s unique and scenic landscape of rolling hills, narrow ridges, prairie and forest along the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway.

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Facebook/Loess Hills Winery

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Facebook/Loess Hills Winery

The owner of this winery planted his first batch of grapes in 1998 and has been going strong ever since.

Facebook/Sugar Clay Winery & Vineyards

Facebook/Sugar Clay Winery & Vineyards

Facebook/Sugar Clay Winery & Vineyards

This vineyard and winery is nestled among the rural Loess Hills. Their 6-acre vineyard offers beautiful valley views that you can see from their shaded deck.

Specifically, the trail includes six wineries: Breezy Hills Vineyard, Loess Hills Vineyard & Winery, Prairie Crossing Vineyard & Winery, Sugar Clay Winery & Vineyard, Vine Street Cellars and Bodega Victoriana.

You can visit each winery on the trail, or you can participate in a special event, where you purchase a passport that includes food and wine pairings at each winery. The next Western Wine Trail Event is Holiday Entertaining with Whites, on November 5th and 6th.

For details about winery events, business addresses and to see the Wine Trail map, click here.

Have you been to the Western Iowa Wine Trail? What did you think? For some fun Iowa nature trails, here are 10 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List In Iowa.