I recently made a "bucket list" of all the places I want to travel, international and in the States. As I wrote my husband cringed thinking about all our money being replaced with plane tickets and hotel stays. In order to please him, I started an Iowa travel list. As I researched and discovered all of the wonders in our own state, I got excited! Instead of dreaming of how to get out, I imagined how to dig in even deeper.
My first opportunity to dig deeper came in July. For Christmas my sister in-law and I gave my mother-in-law a girl's day with a winery tour. Because of the whole 'being pregnant thing', we waited to celebrate until summer. I chose five wineries across Madison and Warren counties. However, we got way off track and just decided to stick to 3 stops. Check out the original itinerary and wine tour guide I put together here.
The wineries near Winterset and St. Charles were absolutely stunning. Rolling hills, rivers, and cornfields represented the finest of Iowa's natural beauty. Our day was spent conversing, trying new wines, meeting complete strangers, and a few surprises.
Stop #1: Madison County Winery - St. Charles, IA
Tasting Room Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 11 am - 5 pm
Friday: 11 am - 10 pm
​​Saturday: 11 am - 6 pm
Sunday: 12 - 5 pm
Tasting Cost: $5/for 6 samples - You can split with somebody if you don't want all 6.
I'm obsessed. This winery was my favorite of the day. Not only were the views incredibly gorgeous, but the wine was delicious. I ended up buying only one bottle, but only because it was the first stop and I didn't want to go overboard. I normally enjoy dry reds and whites, but I was on a mission to find a wine my husband would also enjoy. I purchased Pink, a rosé that went down smoothly without being too sweet. However, I also loved Red. Make sure to try Phat Man if you are into dessert wines or port wines. SO GOOD. It won a gold medal at a competition in California last year. It pairs with chocolate, so you really can't go wrong. They also had a few beers on tap, a cranberry spritzer, and wine slushies. YUM. In conclusion, this place is awesome. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable, the wine was tasty, and the grounds were in perfect condition. Go there. Run. Now.
Other tidbits:
- HAPPY HOUR - 2-for-1 glasses of wine and wine-a-ritas from 4 - 6 pm
- The owner, Doug Bakker, won the "IOWA WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR" award!
- Check their website to learn more about events, they have live music! https://www.madisoncountywinery.com/events
Stop #2: Covered Bridges Winery - Winterset, IA
Tasting Room Hours (Summer Hours Through Oct. 28):
Wednesdays:Â 12 pm to 5 pm
Thursdays: 12 pm to 5 pm
Fridays: 12 pm to 6 pm
Saturdays: 12 pm to 6 pm (open 'til 10pm on Music at the Winery nights)
Sundays: 12 pm to 5 pm
Tasting Cost: No cost, but tip because the staff was awesome!
Another golden winery! It sits in the rolling hills just north of Winterset right off of highway 169. The vineyard is in a location about two miles away so you won't see the grapes, but the window looking out made me sigh in contentment and had a calming effect. There were a few more dry wines at this locations, which made me happy. But the sweet wines I did try...WOW! So good, and very sweet. Pseudo-wine drinkers will be also happy with the wineritas. Both flavors they offer were good but the berry made with Hogback Bridge was perfect. I ended up purchasing Brianna, a sweet white. Again, I was on a mission to find something my hubby would enjoy with me.
Covered Bridges is a great place to enjoy music on the weekends as well. I know I plan on going back and experiencing it for myself!
Stop #3: Winterset Cidery - Winterset, IA
Tasting Hours:
Thursdays: 4 pm to 9 pm
Fridays: 1 pm to 10 pm
Saturdays: 1 pm to 10 pm
Sundays: 1 pm to 6 pm
Tasting Cost:
Flight of 4 ciders for $9
If you want to change it up and try something different, head to the cidery! Splurge and purchase 2 flights - that will give you the chance to try all the flavors. They had two seasonal ciders on tap, pina coloda and apple pie. They were great, but sadly they don't bottle the seasonals so they can't be purchased. That didn't stop me from taking a few home. I got the Cherry Vanilla and the French Kiss. Both are perfect for a hot summer day.
The best thing about these beverages was they have no artificial flavors or ingredients. This place prided themselves on the fact they add no sugar or water to their product. Going on a no added sugar diet, then NO WORRIES! I think that means you can have a whole bottle. ;)
Stop #4 - Rusty Stars Alpaca Farm
Yep, you read that right. While driving back towards Norwalk to get our nails done and break for lunch, we found a hidden gem. A roadside sign drew us in and we turned the car around to check it out. When you pull in you see the CUTEST little shop. Inside they had all kinds of products made strictly from alpaca fibers. The teddy bears were the softest thing I have ever felt, and that is not an exaggeration.
The owners are incredibly friendly and open the shop and farm to visitors on Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM. They said they have over 20 alpacas and even have two babies! They shear them once a year in April so they were fairly groomed when we saw them. I was in awe at how friendly the animals were and the owners, Aron and Kari, assured us we could take selfies, snuggle, and pet them. I think we asked Aron and Kari about a thousand questions, but they happily answered each one and kindly entertained us for about an hour. Definitely worth the stop and throwing us off our itinerary. :)
Madison County has SO MANY hidden gems to find. I have the pleasure of working in the area so I get the chance to drive these roads daily. Some of my favorite places you have to stop and check out include:
- North Side Cafe - featured in The Bridges of Madison County movie
- The covered bridges - neat to check out if you have never seen a covered bridge
- The Bakery Unlimited - if the light is on, they still have yummies available! Hurry, they sell out fast...despite the name ;)
- Spoons Full of Sugar Boutique - the owner makes jewelry out of spoons and they are incredible. They also sell the world's cutest clothes, shoes, and purses.
- The Winterset City Park - trails, a hedge maze, and the Clark tower make it a picturesque spot for lunch, a photo shoot, or just an afternoon of exploration.
As always, I'd love to hear about what you find during your adventures :)
XOXO,
The Wandering Blonde