See, swirl, sniff, sip, and savor your way across the wineries and vineyards Iowa has to offer. Check out these 10 dry red wines from the region’s best and experience the vibrant flavor of Iowa’s local wineries.
Bird Dog Red – 99 Bottles Winery & Vineyard, Garner (Lakes & Land)
99 Bottles Winery & Vineyard offers a rustic vision of tree houses and tire swings, taking inspiration from family life to create classic tastes. Their full flavored and crisp Bird Dog Red is mostly dry with traditional dark cherry and berry flavors. Bird Dog’s hints of pepper and licorice will compel you to seek out one of Iowa’s finest wine experiences.
Marechal Foch – Tucker Hill Vineyards, Hinton (Lakes & Land)
When their first vines came to fruit, the Dittmer family brought the pages of the Tucker Hill Vineyards’ story to life, using Iowa grapes to produce an array of local wines. Their Marechal Foch, a smooth burgundy style red wine, embodies the pureness of this winery's origin with its black cherry flavor and strong finish.
Marquette 2021 – Frisky Fox Vineyard & Winery, Riceville (Driftless Area)
Frisky Fox Vineyard & Winery boasts a colorful display of wines produced on their family farm. The Marquette 2021 is made entirely from the Marquette grape variety, producing a rich ruby-red color with hints of spice. The ripe fruit taste of cherry and berry captivates the palate of all wine lovers.
Sawyer Reserve – Park Farm Winery, Durango (Driftless Area)
This chateau-style winery combines country charm and old-world Italy. Inspired by a sawmill that operated on the property in the 1800s, Park Farm Winery’s Sawyer Reserve is comparable to Cabernet Sauvignon – a full bodied, dry red with round tannins. The 2019 Vintage pairs well with the winery’s own wood-fired pizza and locally grown toppings.
Horse Trader – Danish Countryside Vines & Wines, Exira (Loess Hills & Beyond)
Danish Countryside Vines & Wines gives wine lovers the experience of delicious delights from a restored barn built in 1913. Their Horse Trader dry red bears a medium, full-bodied flavor made from Cynthiana Norton grapes and aged with French Oak. Best enjoyed at room temperature, Horse Trader is sure to satisfy the desire for a simple wine done right.
Founders – Bodega Victoriana, Glenwood (Loess Hills & Beyond)
Nestled in a century-old bank barn, Bodega Victoriana is the premiere location for fine wine and tapas. Made with locally grown grapes, their Founders wine is a rich, full bodied dry red with smoky aromas of coffee and tobacco. Heavily influenced in style by Spanish wines, Founders has hints of raspberry and elderberry with a bit of spice left on the finish.
Behind the Shed Red – Jasper Winery, Des Moines (Capital Country)
Jasper Winery combines a unique blend of innovation and modern tastes while specializing in locally grown grapes. The signature dry red blend, Behind the Shed Red, has an overall smooth taste with blackberry and raspberry flavors. The perfect opportunity to sip and see is through a trip to their tasting room where guests can witness the barrel aging process.
Storybook – Nearwood Winery, Knoxville( Capital Country)
Nearwood Winery is Knoxville's first and only winery and vineyard, located two miles south of Knoxville, offering handcrafted, boutique wine made from Midwest grapes. Made from Chancellor grapes, the Storybook dry red wine follows in the tradition of their most popular dry reds. It is smooth and luscious with a dark purple color.
Mountain Man – Wooden Wheel Vineyards & Winery, Keota (Storied & Scenic)
Wooden Wheel Vineyards & Winery is filled with American history as many of their wines are dedicated to the Vincent family ancestors. A tribute to pioneer life, Mountain Man has notes of blackberries and raspberries with a nice tannin structure. Including a velvety finish, it’s great to pair with steak, but smooth enough to enjoy on the patio.
Marquette Reserve – Buchanan House Winery, Tipton (Storied & Scenic)
Buchanan House Winery offers award-winning wines curated in their 19th century brick mansion. A triumph of bold oaky goodness, their dry Marquette Reserve has a hint of velvety truffles with a burst of raspberry bliss. The Marquette can be enjoyed during a stroll in their Colonial Revival Garden, while viewing the panorama of ornamental flowers and plants.
