wine tour des moines

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Wineries in Des Moines

Swirl. Smell. Sip. Repeat. Find your new favorite vino at a Greater Des Moines winery. Listen to live music, take in the view and enjoy a glass of Caba Moch at Summerset Winery in Indianola. Then make your way to La Vida Loca or Annelise for a wine tasting. Three wineries. Just a few miles apart. Then head back to  Jasper Winery , close to Downtown, where you can end your day with a glass (or bottle) of Chancellor. Unscrew the cork. Raise your glass. And enjoy all the wine Greater Des Moines has to offer.  

Hours & Location

4040 University Ave, Suite A, Des Moines, IA 50311 (515) 777-3416

Monday: 4 pm – 9 pm Tuesday - Thursday: lunch 11-3 | 3pm-4pm Happy Hour menu only | Dinner  4pm-9pm Friday: Lunch 11-3| 3pm-4pm Happy Hour menu only |  Dinner 4pm-10pm Sat urday:  Brunch 10am-3pm | 3pm-4pm Happy Hour menu only |  Dinner 4pm-10pm Sunday: Brunch 10am-3pm | 3pm-4pm Happy Hour menu only |  Dinner 4pm-8:30pm

BRUNCH Saturday & Sunday 10am- 3pm Daily Happy Hour  Monday 4pm-6pm Tuesday - Sunday 3pm-6pm

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Best Wine Tours in Central Iowa

There’s nothing quite like a wine tour to complete your afternoon. If you’re looking for a day of light drinking surrounded by beautiful landscapes and grapes as far as the eye can see, here is a list of wineries in and around the Des Moines area that offers wine tours, tastings, and other events. Travel to one winery for white wine, then another for red, and maybe even another for some of that fortified elixir. Lyft or Uber is your friend for that kind of adventure.

Jasper Winery

  A post shared by Jasper Winery (@jasperwinery) on May 25, 2016 at 10:50am PDT

Located off of Fleur Drive, the Jasper Winery has hosted weddings, tastings, and events for almost ten years and is run by multiple generations of the Groben family. They espouse a unique, local farm philosophy that Iowa-grown grapes should be used in every bottle they produce. They use an innovative process to determine which grape varieties to use during formation and how to age the wine once it’s been barreled. Their dry wines are aged exclusively in French or American Oak casks. The Jasper Winery offers a variety of different events that allow patrons to explore its grounds. Choose the “VIP Tasting Tour” for a 90-minute educational tasting that will teach you how to properly taste wine while you learn about Iowa history ($15), or the “Wine and Chocolate Pairing” session to learn how to best take your chocolate with your wine ($15). The winery also offers a Bachelorette special for bridal parties that include your own table, five bottles of wine, two cheese plates, and chocolates to share for only $100.

Find it: Des Moines, IA

Summerset Winery

  A post shared by Mariah (@bohemedream) on May 17, 2017 at 6:50pm PDT

Find it: Indianola, IA

Tassel Ridge Winery

The Tassel Ridge Winery offers many events aside from your traditional tasting and wine tour. Every week, they host a wine and small plates event, a wood fired pizza day, a wine and pasta night, and a series of other less regular special events. A hosted tour of the winery is free and includes a winemaking process tour as well as a tour of the grounds.

You’ll learn vineyard planting techniques and get a glimpse of the harvesting process, then the processing, fermenting, blending, and bottling of wine. If you’re with a group, you can book a ride on the Vineyard Grapemobile, an aptly named open-air trailer that will take you through the vineyard at the pace of a brisk stroll while you learn about the vineyard’s history and how to harvest grapes in Iowa’s semi-cold climate.

Find it:  Leighton, IA

Fox Ridge Winery

  A post shared by Gwen (@fox_ridge_winery) on Jun 2, 2017 at 2:20pm PDT

If you’re willing to travel about forty-five outside of Des Moines, the Fox Ridge Winery is one local spot you won’t want to miss. Though the Fox Ridge Winery doesn’t offer tours, it’s the perfect place to go to enjoy live music on the lawn while enjoying their robust wine selection. Their wines are made exclusively from grapes from the region, and they encourage patrons to wander the grounds as they please. This is the place to go if you’re looking for a more independently led experience that allows you to choose your own itinerary.

Find it: Traer, IA

La Vida Loca Winery

  A post shared by Lisa (@thescienceoflisa) on May 28, 2017 at 11:22am PDT

The folks at La Vida Loca Winery know how to tell it like it is, and their wines don’t hide behind any pretenses either. They offer four wines, each variety harvested and bottled using the freshest grapes for superior quality. Their La Vida Loca Red variety won a silver medal in the Mid-American wine competition this year.

  A post shared by Stacey Dee (@sdrn07) on May 20, 2017 at 1:00pm PDT

They don’t offer winery tours but hold feature evenings where they serve guests smoked pork loin or smoked St. Louis ribs, paired with the perfect wine of course. Be sure to check out their Murder Mystery Dinner nights, which involve an action-packed dinner theater experience and the opportunity to discover how Loca La Vida truly is.

Beyond that, Des Moines is a great community that thrives on partnership. If you’re going to wine with a group, there are plenty of wine deals in Des Moines too. Check out the Heart of Iowa Wine Trail , whose mission is to “promote awareness and visibility for Iowa’s rapidly growing grape and wine industry.” On their website, download a Passport and stop at each of the eight wines in their collection for a chance to win a $500 grand prize to be drawn on November 26th, 2017.

Download our no corkage fee guide for free!

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Haley is originally from Gilbert, Arizona. Among her favorites are Arizona sunsets, Midwest greenery, and craft beers. "There's no time to be bored in a world as beautiful as this."

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Weekends were made for wineries. Here's how you can tour 10 vineyards near Des Moines.

Weekends were made for wineries — Iowa has 113 wineries in the state . And many of them are just a short drive from the city. 

Central Iowa vintner culture has hit its stride during the past few decades, with wineries and tasting rooms popping up all over the area. They're great places to relax and hold special events.

Not to mention, Central Iowa winemakers are producing delicious, unique and award-winning wines. 

Take your own weekend winery tour

Here are 10 vineyards and wineries that you can enjoy on Saturday and Sunday. All you need to do is pack a picnic and make sure you have someone along who agrees to be the designated driver. 

Interested in Iowa food news? Follow @briantaylorcarlson on Facebook, @BriinDSM on Twitter and @briindsm on Instagram.

Annelise Winery

Annelise Winery has been in operation since 1997. Owners Heidi and David Klodd have almost 8,000 mature grape vines producing fruit on 11 acres, both at the vineyard itself and at their home nearby. View the recently renovated barn that serves as an events center on the property and relax on the porch with some Rendezvous — a sangria-style red blend.

Location:  15110 Highway 92, Indianola

Hours:  Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Mondays and Tuesdays (or by appointment only).

Info:  (515) 229-1299;  annelisewinery.com ; Facebook

The Cellar at White Oak

Relatively new to the Iowa winery lineup, The Cellar at White Oak has been producing Iowa wine since 2015. Owners John Barber and Barb Hokel along with winemaker Josh Ellenberg have created an impressive starting lineup of Iowa wines for guests to drop in and enjoy. Sip on some bold BraveHeart, a blend of Frontenac and Brianna grapes that "goes great with action movies".

Location:  15065 N.E. White Oak Drive B., Cambridge

Hours:  Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Contact: (515) 367-7777;  whiteoakcellar.com ; Facebook

Covered Bridges Winery

Named for the famed historical bridges in Madison County, Covered Bridges Winery is owned by two married couples, Kevin and Jean Fifo, and Kevin and Rose Boyle. Since planting their first vines on the property in 2004, Covered Bridges wine has been 100 percent Iowa-made. Kick back on the grounds or in the tasting room and enjoy some of its award-winning wines — the best is "whichever one you like to drink". 

Location:  2207 170th Trail, Winterset

Hours:  Wednesday and Thursday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 12 to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 12 to 5 p.m., closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Contact:  (515) 729-9463;  coveredbridgeswinery.com ; Facebook

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Jasper Winery

Jasper Winery is located just minutes from downtown Des Moines. Owners Jean and Paul Groben began planting vines in 2000. Since then, their winery has grown to a collection of about 13 different varieties that tasters can pair with cheeses and chocolates. Enjoy a rich and creamy glass of Seyval Blanc while enjoying live music during the winery's Summer Concert Series .

Location:  2400 George Flagg Parkway, Des Moines

Hours:  Monday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; closed Tuesdays; Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.

Contact:  (515) 282-9463;  jasperwinery.com ; Facebook

Madison County Winery

Since 2000, Madison County Winery has been offering both beer and wine in a relaxed setting. Owners Doug and Cheryl Bakker invite visitors to listen to live music under the pergola or on the patio with a bottle of wine like its Gold Chardonnay or a bottle of Midnight Rain, a soft, semi-dry red blend. Twisted Vine Brewery brews beer on-site as well.

Location:  3021 St. Charles Road, St. Charles

Hours: Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, noon. to 5 p.m.; closed Monday through Wednesday. 

Contact: (641) 396-2220;  madisoncountywinery.com ; Facebook

Penoach Vineyard and Winery

The tasting room at Penoach Vineyard and Winery in Adel is located in a barn that was originally built in 1917 and refurbished into a relaxing wine experience. Eight different types of grapes are used to create their selection of 14 different Iowa wines. Relax with some Farmhouse White — a semi-sweet white table wine — while listening to live entertainment . 

Location:  26759 N. Ave., Adel

Hours:  Friday and Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m.; closed Monday through Thursday.

Contact: (515) 993-4374;  penoach.com ; Facebook

Snus Hill Vineyard & Winery

Located north of Des Moines, Snus Vineyards has been making wine since 2000, when John and Diane Larson began planting their first grape vines. The Larson family are fourth-generation Swedish immigrants, and their lineup of 15 wine varieties have been winning regional awards since 2008. Try the High Trestle Taille — a sweet red with intense berry flavors — and relax on the tree-shaded lawn or in one of the rocking chairs on the front porch.

Location:  2183 320th St., Madrid

Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Contact:  (515) 795-3535;  snushillwine.com ; Facebook

Summerset Winery

Summerset Winery has been in operation since 1997, but it has been the dream of owner Ron Mark since he was a child. His wife also shares his passion for making delicious Iowa wine, and they've grown the winery and vineyard considerably — producing about 150,000 bottles per year. Take a tour of the grounds and enjoy a bottle of Frontenac paired with assorted Iowa cheeses. Enjoy live concerts every Sunday from May to October during the winery's Sunday Tunes Concerts .

Location:  15101 Fairfax St., Indianola

Hours:  Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Mondays.

Contact:  (515) 961-3545;  summersetwine.com ; Facebook

Two Saints Winery & Vineyards

This St. Charles winery is a hidden gem — located south of West Des Moines — and features handmade boutique wines made from Iowa grapes. Stroll through 10 acres of vineyards and the nearby woodlands with a bottle of Trinity, or sit back and enjoy a wine flight. Port-style wines are also made here.

Location:  15170 20th Ave., St. Charles

Hours: Wednesday through Monday, 12 to 5 p.m.; closed Tuesdays.

Contact:  (641) 396-2102;  twosaintswinery.com ; Facebook

La Vida Loca Winery

This quaint winery and tasting room is immersed in the Iowa countryside near Indianola. Its unique and creative wines have won several local awards for its wide variety of wines made from grapes, of course, but also fruit and berries found on the property and locally like aronia, gooseberry, apple and currant. Throughout the summer, try one of its Dinner of the Deck events with a bottle of La Vida Loca Red.

Location:  7852 Jesup St., Indianola

Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.; closed Mondays. 

Contact:  (515) 962-2236;  lavidalocawinery.com ; Facebook

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Jasper Winery

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Jasper Winery - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Sun - Sun 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
• Mon - Sat 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• (1.74 mi) Des Lux Hotel
• (1.81 mi) Surety Hotel
• (2.03 mi) Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines Downtown
• (1.59 mi) Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
• (3.83 mi) Baymont by Wyndham des Moines Airport
• (1.39 mi) Skip's
• (1.64 mi) Centro Restaurant
• (2.17 mi) La Mie Bakery
• (1.28 mi) Exile Brewing Company
• (1.94 mi) Fong's Pizza

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Wine tasting Tour

With our professional limo staff we recommend to try this tour out. We have three great wineries on our list and makes for a fun time. Head out to one of these wineries surrounding Des Moines, for a fun time of wine tasting with some complimentary snacks.  Special thanks to Gene at Jasper Winery.

Recommended Route: 3 stops take around 2.5hr-3hr and 4 stops take around 3hr-4hr. Winery's are in order of tasting stops

Jasper Winery, Madison County Winery, 2 Saints Winery, Pen Oach Winery.

Groups of more than 6 require a reservation with winery's

A visit to our tasting room is the perfect opportunity to sample Jasper wines.  Tastings at the bar are complimentary for up to five wines. 

We also offer wine flights, bottles, and wine by-the-glass.  beer, sangria, mimosa, cider, and soda are available..

There is a seating area and large outdoor patio where visitors can sit and enjoy the winery.  Cheese trays can be purchased onsite. 

Views into the production area and barrel-room give visitors an up-close experience of winery operations, large groups - to ensure an enjoyable tasting experience, we ask that groups of 8 or more contact the winery prior to arrival to schedule a special tasting., check out our tasting room menu.

Gift Ideas - We offer a variety of wine related items in the tasting room, as well as gift certificates.

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Des Moines Food Tour - Secret Food Tours

Des Moines, Iowa is a hidden gem for food enthusiasts, and embarking on a Des Moines Food Tour is a delectable adventure waiting to be savored. This vibrant city has transformed into a culinary haven, earning its rightful place on the foodie map.

Firstly, Des Moines boasts a rich agricultural heritage, with a plethora of locally sourced ingredients. From farm-to-table restaurants to bustling farmers' markets, the city celebrates fresh, seasonal, and sustainable cuisine. The keyword "Des Moines Food Tours" unlocks a world of diverse flavors.

The city's dining scene is an eclectic mix of traditional American fare and international cuisines. You can savor mouthwatering Iowa pork tenderloin sandwiches or explore global tastes at authentic Thai, Italian, or Mexican eateries. Des Moines proudly hosts food festivals, celebrating everything from BBQ to vegan delights, making it a year-round culinary destination.

One highlight of Des Moines' food culture is its craft beer and cocktail scene. Local breweries and distilleries offer unique brews and spirits to pair with your meals, ensuring a memorable gastronomic experience.

In conclusion, Des Moines, Iowa is a foodie paradise that invites you to indulge in its culinary delights. The keyword "Des Moines Food Tours" promises a journey through diverse tastes and culinary innovation, making it a must-visit for anyone with an appreciation for exceptional food and drink. Come hungry and leave with a satisfied palate and unforgettable memories.

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Vines to Wines DM

Come join us for a fun evening of wine making. Get some friends together, go grab something to eat before, or after the wine making, and you’ll have a truly fun, and unique evening.

Welcome to Vines to Wines

Offering a unique experience for wine lovers.

Centrally located in the historic Sherman Hill District of Des Moines, customers go down into the wine cellar of a century old home to make their wine. When the weather permits, we’ll sample the wine we’re going to make that night outside, under the grape covered pergola, before you actually make your wine.

Vines To Wines is a unique winery located right here in central Des Moines. We have regularly scheduled wine making sessions almost every week. (Check out our schedule below. We also take private groups of up to 10 people.) Have fun making really good wines from grapes grown all over the world: grapes from California, Italy, France, Argentina, Chile, and Australia. Whatever your tastes: reds, whites, sweet or dry, you can come make some wonderful wine here at Vines To Wines. Finally, our wines are low in tannins, and have just a fraction of the sulfites that’s in commercial wines. Many of our customers cannot drink store bought wines due to their sensitivities to these chemicals, but they don’t have an issue with our wines.

Wine making events on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Our Fine Wine

The most important factor in determining the quality of wine is the quality of the grapes you start with. To make fine wine, we use concentrates using grapes from around the world. This ensures that the grapes used are grown and harvested in perfect conditions to create some really nice wine.

Visit Our Winery!

Get in touch with us for more information and general concerns about our wine-making sessions and other services.

Where Culture and Comfort Meet

Wine, distillery, and brewery tour transportation services.

Need a designated driver for your next tour of local vineyards or breweries? Save yourself the trouble and book our beer and wine trip transportation services today. At CIT Signature Transportation, we help guests enjoy their wine tours to the fullest with comfortable, private vehicles. Give us your itinerary, and we’ll provide the coach or minibus rental for your wine trip.

Whether you’re visiting a new city or you’ve been meaning to try your hometown drafts, we offer transportation services for brewery tours in Des Moines and across the surrounding area. Savor every sip of locally crafted beer, wine, or spirits when you book our brewery, vineyard, or distillery tour transportation in Iowa. Have peace of mind as you spend a day out without the stress of getting yourself around.

Charter Services

If you’re planning a trip with friends and family, a winery tour is an excellent option. A chartered winery tour allows you to travel far from home to other cities or states. Drivers from CIT Signature Transportation will even travel through Canada. If you’re planning a multiple-day winery or brewery tour, consider booking our services. Our knowledgeable drivers will find the best routes and may even offer insight into the local area.

Shuttle Services

You may seek a shorter getaway, like a day trip for a bachelorette party or a company bonding experience. Our local winery shuttle bus services offer the perfect solution. We’ll drive you around town and let you explore the nearby distilleries, breweries, and wineries at your own pace. During the drive, you’ll have comfortable seating and plenty to entertain you.

Brewery, Distillery and Wine Tour Services

When it comes to wine, there are many things to discuss. Whether you want to take a wine tour to expand your palate or to enjoy an evening culinary tasting tour, we are the transportation you’re looking for.

If you’re a bigger fan of beer gardens or distilleries, we’re happy to take you along. Book our transportation services for your next distillery tour or trip around the area’s breweries. We’ll make sure you get to savor every sip as we get you to each location on time.

Have you ever thought of a wine tour for your next vacation? Walking through beautiful vineyards and learning about the varietals they grow can be educational and fun. There are always the tastings that come afterward, too. For your next wine trip, don’t forget to book us to come along for the drive.

Comfort and Convenience

When your group gets on board one of our coaches, we want you to be impressed. We outfit our coaches with power, Wi-Fi, individual reading lamps, and bathrooms to ensure you are comfortable and able to enjoy the ride.

It’s always fun to participate in tastings on a wine tour. If you are going to several vineyards in one day, let us be your designated driver so you can savor each tasting and relax on the drive home.

On a wine tour, it’s not uncommon to purchase some of your favorite vintages at each stop. Bring along a wine cooler and fill it up as you go. Our coaches have ample storage space, ensuring you’ll never be cramped for the return ride home, no matter how much you buy.

Group Travel

Experiencing wine country as a family or with friends makes the whole experience more memorable. Group travel is what we do best. We can transport up to 57 passengers at a time — there’s plenty of room for whoever you want to bring along.

Local Drinks

Want to plan a day trip highlighting the local pubs and eats this area is known for? Get a group of your friends together and let us do the driving while you spend the day in a tasting paradise.

Motorcoach Rentals for Corporate Wine Tours

Among the many transportation options your business might choose, a coach often provides the most benefits. Here are a few reasons companies frequently rent motorcoaches for corporate transportation:

• Flexibility: With a motorcoach, you move according to your schedule. You’re free to explore wineries at your own pace, and the driver is always there when you need to move.
• Amenities: Our vehicles come equipped with everything you need, from a bathroom for long trips to Wi-Fi that keeps riders connected the whole drive.
• Comfort: You’ll have plenty of room for employees and their belongings. Our motorcoaches have high-back reclining seats for a relaxing ride.
• Safety: Buses include seat belts for safety. Beyond that, our drivers have thorough background checks and plenty of behind-the-wheel driving experience.

Select the Ideal Vehicle

Different wine tour buses are available depending on the size of your group. Explore CIT Signature Transportation’s charter bus fleet to discover your options and choose the best fit for your winery tour. Note details like the number of passengers you plan to transport and find vehicles that suit your criteria. Here are a few other features to look for:

• Air conditioning: Cool off after wandering through vineyards with an air-conditioned coach.
• Storage space: Give passengers a place to store their wine, beer, or other purchases during the trip.
• Entertainment: Features like a microphone or Bluetooth music capabilities will make your trip more fun.
• Facilities: Planning an extended trip? Ensure comfort for guests with a restroom on board.

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Start planning your winery tour.

Whether you’re planning a bachelorette party or a company retreat, make your trip a success by noting information like the locations you want to visit and additional stops for things like food. Our drivers can work with you to find the best routes between each destination. Tell us your planned arrival and departure times, and we’ll work with you to establish a more detailed schedule.

You’ll also have a more successful trip if you coordinate with venues. When they know a big group is coming, they can plan for your arrival and ensure a smooth wine-tasting experience.

Once you coordinate with your drivers and winery or distillery destinations, you will have a more detailed itinerary to give to your group so they know what to expect. With proper planning and assistance from an experienced transportation company, you’ll have a smooth plan as a foundation for an excellent experience.

Our Fleet Leads Private Transportation for Wine Trips and Tours

Take a leisurely tour around your area’s best breweries and vineyards with CIT Signature Transportation. Book your next beer or wine trip minibus rental so you can delight in a hassle-free day out. With our professional and reliable team leading the way, you may want to make this tour a yearly tradition.

Treat yourself to a luxurious beer or wine tour with CIT Signature Transportation. We take great pride in our safe, clean coaches and buses. If you want to start your trip planning today, reach out for a quote .

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Grand Tasting presented by Creative Nature + RDG

• September 22
• Hotel Fort Des Moines

Prepare for a grand evening of the best wine and food available in central Iowa!

This year, we’re thrilled to announce that Winefest is taking place at a stunning new location, the Hotel Fort Des Moines, creating an intimate and enchanting experience for all attendees. The Grand Tasting presented by Creative Nature + RDG is set to be an exceptional event, where you can savor the finest food and wine available in central Iowa. Delight your taste buds as Des Moines’ top-notch restaurants and caterers prepare hearty hors d’oeuvres, perfectly complemented by a selection of high-end wines from esteemed wineries and importers worldwide.

Indulge in an Elevated Winefest Experience with Our Ticket Upgrades:

VIP Upgrade: Elevate your evening by gaining access to the exclusive Farm Bureau Wealth Management VIP Lounge, where you’ll be treated to a heightened level of luxury and entertainment. Enjoy a comfortable lounge area, receive larger wine pours, and savor delectable appetizers curated exclusively for our VIP guests.

Community Cellar Upgrade: Now separate from the VIP area, enjoy the Community Cellar – a hidden gem reserved for Winefest patrons, sponsors and donors. Immerse yourself in the discovery of new and selective wines from the personal wine cellars of fellow wine enthusiasts in our community.

Mark your calendars and get ready to be enchanted by an evening filled with the finest cuisine, exquisite wines, and a warm community of wine lovers.

We can’t wait to raise a glass with you at the Winefest Grand Tasting!

Please Note: This Event is Restricted to Attendees Aged 21 and Above.

The Iowa Wine Trolley Tour You’ll Absolutely Love

Raymond Goldfield

Raymond Goldfield is a life-long New Jersey resident and an avid traveler and foodie who can be usually found on the Jersey Shore during the offseason or checking out the latest seasonal flavors at The Bent Spoon in Princeton. He has been working for Only In Your State for since early 2022, where he writes for New Jersey and Iowa and edits the Mid-Atlantic region. He can also be found writing about pop culture for GeekDad. When at home, he enjoys reading comic books and is part of The Rabbitt Stew podcast team. While New Jersey is his home base, he travels regularly and has visited Virginia, Florida, Maine, Minnesota, and Canada as well as all of NJ's border states. Ultimate travel goal? Visit all the best buffets in the United States.

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For wine lovers in the Hawkeye State, it can almost be too much of a good thing. Iowa is dotted with so many wonderful wineries that it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why one Dubuque company invites you to leave the decisions to them and take an Iowa wine tour you won’t soon forget. You and your private small group will board a small bus and head on your choice of two itineraries to some of the best wineries in the state. These tours are popular choices for bachelor or bachelorette parties, anniversaries, milestone birthdays, and college graduations – or just because you and some friends want to sample some fine wine. So hop on board the top wine trolley in Iowa and trust in the wine lovers at Iowa Wine Tours to give you an adventure you won’t soon forget.

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Have you hopped on board the trolley of Iowa Wine Tours? Let us know what you enjoyed on this unique Iowa wine tour in the comments section. If you’re planning on booking your own tour, you can find everything you need to know on their website . If you’d prefer to go on a longer adventure at your pace, consider taking the Iowa wine shuffle .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Wine, Food & Beer Showcase

Save the date.

Friday, March 7, 2025 | 6:00-9:00pm

Des Moines Marriott Downtown 700 Grand Ave, Des Moines

The Grand Showcase | 6:00-9:00pm

Sample the night away! Started in 1985, the Wine, Food & Beer Showcase is one of the oldest food and beverage events in the area and has become a yearly favorite for foodies, wine lovers and beer enthusiasts alike! Featuring 30-40 of the finest restaurants, caterers, wineries, breweries and distilleries in the area, the Wine, Food & Beer Showcase has become the premier event of its kind in Des Moines and has become Des Moines Metro Opera’s signature fundraiser. All proceeds raised throughout the evening support Des Moines Metro Opera’s award-winning education and community engagement programs. 

The Reserve Experience | 6:00-9:00pm 

Gain access to exclusive rare and fine wines (90 point and above) from the private collections of members of The Wine Group, paired with high-end culinary creations from exclusive Des Moines establishments.

The Silent Auction | 6:00-8:30pm

Guests may place bids on high-end silent auction packages featuring unique experiences you can only find at the Wine, Food & Beer Showcase! Previous packages included 3-day passes to the sold-out Hinterland music festival, a stay at a private villa for up to 16 at Reunion Resort in Orlando, tickets to Barry Manilow, Moulin Rouge!, the Minnesota Twins, Funny Girl, the Lyric Opera of Kansas City and more, as well as culinary classes, wine tastings, luxury portrait experiences, sports packages, and much more!

The 2024 Sponsors

PRESENTING SPONSOR TruBank RESERVE EXPERIENCE SPONSOR Elder Corporation

DIRECTOR SPONSORS Homesteaders Life Company Iles Funeral Homes

VENDOR SPONSORS Merchants Bonding Company Denman & Company, LLP Iowa ENT Center PIANO SPONSOR West Music

The 2024 Reserve Experience Vendors

Stay tuned for the 2025 vendors! 

The 2024 Grand Showcase Vendors

• Weddings & Parties
• Holidays & Special Occasions
• Better Than Uber

Beer Wine Distillery Tours

If you’re looking to sample some of the local spirits on a winery, brewery or distillery tour, let Luxxor Limousines take care of the driving for you, so all you’ll have to do is sit back and enjoy the sumptuous interiors of our luxury fleet.

You’ll be able to enjoy all the flavors that Des Moines (and its next-door neighbors) has to offer in supreme luxury when you book your limo rental with Luxxor Limousines. Whether it be a limousine wine tour, brewery tour, or distillery tour we have you covered.

  Beer Breweries

1. Confluence Brewing Company –Launched in October 2012, Confluence proudly boasts its three flagship beers—Farmer John’s Multi-grain Ale, Des Moines IPA and the Capital Gold Lager—and a seemingly endless array of meticulously crafted seasonal and limited brews.

2. Firetrucker Brewery – Newly launched in July 2014 and located just down the road in Ankeny, Firetrucker Brewery offers a delectable selection of smoky porters and stouts, and a monthly lineup of outstanding seasonal beers to perfectly sate your appetite year-round.

3. 515 Brewing Company – Located in Clive, Iowa, 515 Brewing Company opened in March 2013 and its founders have channeled their passion for craft brews into a menu that rewards those looking to expand their pallet. Highlights include the Wired Heifer—stout brewed with coffee from the local Java Joe’s—and D.A.R.T. Dodger—a full-flavored West Coast style IPA.

1. Jasper Winery – Located in the heart of downtown Des Moines, Jasper winery boasts a sublime collection of premium wines using grapes from local Central Iowa vineyards, and they also offer tours of the winery and onsite vineyards.

2. Covered Bridges Winery – As you might expect, Covered Bridges Winery is located in the picturesque Madison County, and what could be better than a relaxing limousine ride through the rolling hills and iconic covered bridges? Covered Bridges Winery embraces traditional winemaking techniques, producing elegant wines of all varieties that implement signature 100% Iowa-grown French-American hybrid grapes.

3. Two Saints Winery – Family-owned and nestled in Warren County’s rolling hills, Two Saints’ winery offers a selection of handcrafted wines that appeal to all sensibilities, implementing Iowa-grown grapes chosen for their ability to withstand Iowa’s extreme weather swings. Not only does Two Saints boast a delicious range of complimentary wines, but they also take great pains to use conservation measures at all turns, demonstrating a dedication to good land stewardship.

4. Tassel Ridge Winery – Just a pleasant drive away, in Leighton, Tassel Ridge offers illuminating tours of the winery, where a qualified guide will walk guests through grape growing practices in Iowa, vineyard planting and harvesting, and all steps in producing the exquisite wine that Tassel Ridge prides itself in.

5. Summerset Winery – Located just south of Des Moines, Summerset Winery is one of the oldest estate wineries in Iowa, having transformed from humble beginnings in the owner’s basement to its current residence in an upscale repurposed barn that houses a cellar, wine-tasting room, event halls, gift shop and grand banquet hall. Summerset offers a rich selection of diverse wines, all of which nicely compliment the sweeping vistas of the beautiful Iowa landscape.

Distilleries

1. Iowa Distilling Company – Dedicated to bringing distilling back to its roots, Iowa Distilling Company proudly highlights the relationship between good local grains and high-quality spirits. Its selection of Steel Drum Rum, double-distilled Prairie Fire cinnamon whiskey, and Country Gal Moonshine, are sure to win you over, and you’re certain to gain some valuable insight into the historic distilling process along the way.

2. Broadbent Distillery – This small Micro Distillery proudly produces Grappa and Corn Whiskey using Iowa-grown fruit and grains, and highlights of the collection include the classic Two Jay’s Iowa Corn Whiskey and the tangy Bella Orangecello. The boys down at Broadbent will win you over with their heart, and they’ll keep you around with the smoothness and quality of their product.

Present your chauffeur with your own itinerary or make your selection from the established favorites—we’ll make sure that you and your fellow aficionados will be escorted in comfort and class to the wineries, breweries and distilleries of your choice. And by the end of the day, we’re confident you’ll see what makes Luxxor Limousines the most upscale and accommodating limo service Des Moines has to offer.

Dial (515) 868-1819 for a free quote and begin planning your tour today!

Contact us to learn more.

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