Start-up Winery Resources
Considering getting involved with the grape & wine industry?
That's great! Some of the best advice we could give you if you're considering starting a vineyard or winery in Iowa is to spend your first amount of time and resources visiting many different vineyards and wineries in your area and within the state and even across the Midwest.
Attend industry educational workshops, the Iowa Specialty Producers Conference or take some viticulture or enology classes to educate yourself.
Enroll in the Iowa Wine Growers Association Registered Apprenticeship Program, where you'll receive education and on-the-job training to become certified as a cellar worker or winemaker.
Become a member of the Iowa Wine Growers Association, which provides many valuable benefits to industry members.
Take time to meet with winery/vineyard owners and discuss the benefits and challenges they've faced in this industry so that you're fully prepared to succeed once you are ready for business. Not only will you gain some great connections for mentors and future business contacts, but you'll have a pretty fun time exploring as well!
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Start-up Resources
Here are a few helpful resources for you as you begin your journey!
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Licensing Resources
Marketing Resources
Native Wine Production & Sales Reports - courtesy of Iowa State University MGWII
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Enology Resources
We are fortunate to have the Midwest Grape & Wine Industry Institute available to us here in Iowa to assist with the processes and quality of our native wines. They have many wine making resources available online, but they're also available to Midwest wineries and winemakers for consultations, chemical analysis as well as to help provide educational opportunities. Visit their website for more information.
Winemaking Resources - Publications written by Iowa State University
Winemaking Conversion Calculator - volume conversions, SO2 additions and more provided by WineBusiness.com
Enology Charts & Best Practices - courtesy of MGWII
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