FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2022 IOWA WINE AWARD NOMINEES ANNOUNCED

DES MOINES, IA—The Iowa Wine Growers Association has announced the list of award nominees for the upcoming Iowa Wine Awards recognition event. Award winners will be announced and presented at the 2022 Iowa Wine Awards Social being held from 5 - 9 p.m. on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at the FFA Enrichment Center Ballroom in Ankeny, Iowa. The awards social event is held in conjunction with the 2022 Iowa Specialty Producers Conference taking place Wednesday, Feb. 9 and Thursday, Feb. 10, also at the FFA Enrichment Center.

The Iowa Wine Awards Social will feature a variety of heavy hors d'oeuvres specially paired with wines crafted by the three nominated winemakers. In addition, IWGA Commercial Wine Competition award winning wines will be available and the evening will include a cocktail/networking social hour, the awards presentation ceremony followed by entertainment provided by local duo Ducharme-Jones. The event is open to the public, ages 21 and over. Tickets are $30 each and can be purchased online here.

Three winemakers in Iowa were nominated for the 2022 Winemaker of the Year Award. This award honors an Iowa winemaker who has served as a leader in the wine industry by crafting superior Iowa wines utilizing locally sourced products when possible, adhering to best practices of winemaking, and demonstrating a willingness to experiment and try new techniques while positively contributing to the industry as a whole. Nominees include David Rogers - Airport Road Vineyard & Winery in Mt. Pleasant, Josh Glasson - Ardon Creek Vineyard & Winery in Letts, and Kent Foulker - Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery in Swisher.

Two vineyards were nominated for the 2022 Vineyard of the Year Award. This award honors an Iowa vineyard positively contributing to the industry through demonstrated superior viticulture practices, adhering to viticulture best practices to provide high quality produce for Iowa wineries, while continually seeking to improve their business through education and advancement. Nominees include Megan Farley, Summerset Winery in Indianola and Victoria Eckstat, Victoria’s Vineyard in Altoona.

Two industry members were nominated for the 2022 Retailer of the Year Award. This award honors an Iowa retailer who has supported the wine and grape industry growth in Iowa through partnership with Iowa wineries and vineyards and demonstrating willingness to showcase Iowa wines in the retail setting. Nominees include Jeremy & Tara Kohlhaas, The Wijn House in Pella and Jorene and Rae Ann King, Wines of Iowa in Valley Junction.

Two industry members were nominated for the 2022 Outstanding Industry Partner Award. This award honors an individual or organization that has supported the growth of the wine and grape industry in Iowa, served as an advocate for the industry and has positively impacted the quality of the Iowa grape and wine industry. Nominees include Lisa & Carlton Goodwin, Heaven Boutique Winery in Fayette and Waterloo Container in Waterloo, New York.

 "We are thrilled to be able to gather and recognize leaders within our industry at this year’s awards social, after taking a year off in 2021 (due to COVID-19). These awards recognize the quality and innovation of our Iowa wine industry and represent the best of the best. Collectively, this group’s dedication to improving the quality and reputation of Iowa wines and their overall involvement at the association level is outstanding. Members from within our industry nominate and vote on these awards, and I think that speaks volumes to each nominee’s character," said Nicole Eilers, marketing director for the association.

ABOUT IOWA WINE GROWERS ASSOCIATION:

The Iowa Wine Growers Association (IWGA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the growth of the wine and grape industry in Iowa. Established in 2000, the Iowa Wine Growers Association (IWGA) supports the industry through education, marketing/promotion and legislative support.