15 Of The Best Small Town Iowa Wineries
If you’re a wine lover, you may be surprised to learn that Iowa is home to a growing number of wineries.
With over 100 wineries spread throughout the state, you are bound to find one that suits your style.
The history of Iowa wineries dates back to the mid-19th century when German immigrants began planting grapevines in the state.
Today, Iowa wineries produce a wide variety of wines, from traditional reds and whites to unique fruit and dessert wines.
Many wineries also offer tours and tastings, giving visitors a chance to sample the wines and learn more about wine production.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just looking for a fun day trip, Iowa wineries offer a unique and enjoyable experience.
Have you heard about Iowa’s Trail Wine Weekends?
May is Iowa’s wine month!? There are 5 designated trails you can travel to visit every weekend in May to the participating wineries and enjoy their events!
Each trail is a specific area of Iowa: Northwest, South-Central, Central, Northeast, & Southeast.
You can buy your tickets here. Each ticket comes with a free drink at each participating location and more!
15 Small Town Iowa Wineries
If you’re a wine lover, Iowa has a lot to offer. Here are fifteen small town iowa wineries that are worth a visit:
Ackerman Winery
Located: Amana, IA | Population: 388 | Eastern Iowa
Ackerman Winery, nestled in the heart of Amana colonies, which is seven villages built by German Pietists in the 19th century. …Yes in Iowa!
Fun fact, you will see Fireside Winery in the list below and since 2015, they have become the owners of Ackerman Winery too.
Ackerman Winery is known for its unique fruit wines.
If you’re in search of an unconventional favorite, a trip to Ackerman Winery is highly recommended.
Glyn Mawr Winery – The Local
Located: Mt Vernon, IA | Population: 4,500 | Eastern Iowa
This is a family business that has changed a bit over the years. Starting Glyn Mawr with a small vineyard, eventually expanding to produce 9,000 bottles of wine.
Now they reside in a historic building in Mount Vernon for their tasting room and gift shop.
Although they no longer have their vineyard, The Local, as they now call it, focuses on sourcing grapes from Iowa growers and supporting local businesses.
They also offer a variety of Iowa craft beers alongside their wines.
Check out their Facebook page for their upcoming events!
Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery
Located: Swisher, IA | Population: 900 | Eastern Iowa
Established in 2005, making it Iowa’s first licensed distillery since Prohibition.
Initially focused on Bourbon Whiskey, Cedar Ridge has gained national attention for its craft spirits, winning awards like the American Distilling Institute’s “2017 Distiller of the Year.”
But not to worry, they also offer a diverse wine selection, blending California and Iowa varietals.
Eagles Landing Winery
Located: Marquette, IA | Population: 440 | Northeastern Iowa
A small family-owned establishment in downtown Marquette, along the Mississippi River.
If you are into hiking, camping, and trails this winery is close to attractions like Pikes Peak State Park, Effigy Mounds National Monument, and Yellow River State Forest.
Visitors can enjoy free wine tastings.
Eagles Landing hosts events like live music performances on Saturdays.
Try Eagles Landing Winery by having their pizza and a glass of wine from one of their 36 different varieties!
Fireside Winery
Located: Marengo, IA | Population: 2,400 | Eastern Iowa
Fireside Winery, nestled in the heart of Iowa’s countryside near Marengo, offers a charming destination for wine lovers.
Visitors can indulge in wine tastings, tours of the vineyard and production facilities, and relaxing picnics on the scenic grounds.
Fireside Winery frequently hosts events such as live music performances.
Stop and enjoy Fireside Winery‘s menu and delicious wines Friday through Sunday.
Park Farm Winery
Located: Epworth, IA | Population: 2,000 | Eastern Iowa
This winery is a family-owned vineyard, winery, and wood-fired pizza.
Some say their wood-fired pizza is the calling just as much as the wines!
The estate vineyard cultivates cold-hardy grape varieties suited to Iowa’s climate.
They also offer guided tours during the summer months. Their tasting room is open all year long.
I love to see uniqueness in small businesses, for Park Farm Winery, it’s their brick oven wood-fired pizza. And to pair that with delicious wine makes for a fun afternoon!
Tabor Home Vineyards & Winery
Located: Baldwin, IA | Population: 340 | Eastern Iowa
Tabor Home Winery has been in the same family for five generations. Their wine has to be delicious if they’ve been in business that long!
The winery also hosts many “music in the vineyard” on Sunday afternoons throughout the year as well as their tastings of wines and vineyard tours.
Check their website to see the schedule of events!
Find the different types of wine they make here.
TYCOGA Winery & Distillery
Located: DeWitt, Iowa | Population: 5,500 | Eastern Iowa
TYCOGA Winery & Distillery has an interesting name. It’s the first two letters after the owner’s children’s names.
Enjoy their 20 different dry and sweet wines along with their mixed drinks made from their vodka, gin, and whiskey.
Try their firewood pizzas as you enjoy an afternoon.
Better yet, if you visit November through March, you and your friends can spend your time at TYCOGA in an igloo! I absolutely love the uniqueness of this!
Winneshiek Wildberry Winery
Located: Decorah, Iowa | Population: 7,600 | Northeastern Iowa
Winneshiek Wildberry Winery, nestled in the countryside, is renowned for its unique fruit wines.
Visitors can indulge in wine tastings featuring a variety of fruit wines, as well as traditional grape wines along with their food menu.
Fun events are available throughout the year. Check out their events page for upcoming events.
With its focus on fruit-based wines and its charming rural setting, Winneshiek Wildberry Winery offers a delightful experience for wine enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Tassel Ridge Winery
Located: Leighton, Iowa | Population: 151 | Southeastern Iowa
Tassel Ridge Winery, is a great place to stop and have lunch at the Bistro with their wine.
Something kind of cool is you can take a “virtual” tour of their winery here.
Wine tasting and winery tours are also available.
Stay connected with Tassel Ridge with their blog that keeps you up to date with what is happening on their winery.
Frisky Fox Vineyard
Located: Riceville, Iowa | Population: 800 | Northeastern Iowa
Frisky Fox Vineyard is a family-run business nestled in Iowa’s countryside.
The vineyard specializes in producing a diverse range of wines, including both traditional and unique varietals.
Starting with just 30 grape vines to expanding to 550 vines today. You can grab Frisky Fox bottle of wine in several locations throughout Iowa.
Visitors can savor wine tastings, relaxed atmosphere on the outdoor patio, and enjoy panoramic views of the rolling vineyards.
Frisky Fox Vineyard’s commitment to crafting memorable experiences and delicious wines makes it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists in Iowa’s wine country.
Calico Skies Vineyard and Winery
Located: Inwood, IA | Population: 950 | Northwest Iowa
Calico Skies Vineyard and Winery specializes in producing high-quality wines from cold-hardy grape varieties grown in their vineyard and sourced from local growers.
Plus, if you’re there on a weekend, they’ve got firewood pizza to pair with their wine to make for a fun and awesome evening!
Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, tours, and scenic views of the surrounding countryside.
The winery hosts various events, so check out their website for upcoming events.
Known for its commitment to crafting exceptional wines and providing a welcoming atmosphere, Calico Skies is a must-visit in northwest Iowa’s wine country.
Summerset Winery
Located: Indianola, Iowa | Population: 16,000 | Central Iowa
Summerset Winery is Iowa’s oldest winery.
Wine tastings are available with a reservation.
Summerset Winery hosts private events such as weddings so make sure to call ahead and see if you can stop by!
Little Swan Lake Winery
Located: Superior, Iowa | Population: 132 | Northern Iowa
Little Swan Lake Winery is a charming location overlooking Little Swan Lake.
The winery hosts music concerts on the weekends. A bed and breakfast is open all year long. And a view of the lake and bison roaming around to give you that peaceful feeling.
Little Swan Lake Winery offers a delightful retreat for wine lovers in northwest Iowa.
Covered Bridges Winery
Located: Winterset, Iowa | Population: 5,500 | Central Iowa
Madison County Winery is celebrated for its charming location amidst the historic covered bridges of Madison County.
Covered Bridges Winery often hosts events, such as live music events, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
Covered Bridges Winery offers a delightful experience for wine enthusiasts exploring Iowa’s countryside.