DES MOINES, IA — The Iowa Wine Growers Association presented awards to several industry members who have been integral to the success of the wine and grape industry in Iowa. Winners were presented with their awards at the 2020 Iowa Specialty Producers Awards Banquet on Thursday, January 23, 2020 at The Courtyard by Marriott in Ankeny, Iowa. The banquet was held in conjunction with the Iowa Specialty Producers Conference, a partnership between the Iowa Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association and the Iowa Wine Growers Association. Iowa’s Secretary of Ag, Mike Naig, was in attendance at the banquet and presented industry members with their awards. The event was sponsored in part by the Iowa Pork Producers Association and the Midwest Grape & Wine Industry Institute. 

Kevin Fifo, Covered Bridges Winery in Winterset, was presented with the 2020 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. 

Kevin Fifo has been a dedicated business partner and winemaker at Covered Bridges Winery since they opened for business 12 years ago. By staying true to using only Iowa grown produce, they support many other local growers by purchasing their produce and collaborating with them during the wine making process. Winemaker Kevin Fifo prides himself in making the best possible wines sourced from 100 percent Iowa grown grapes and it shows in the number of awards his wine has received over the years. Kevin is continually learning in his trade through workshops, educational conferences and collaborating with other winemakers at roundtable events. Kevin is a demonstrated leader and respected mentor in the industry, and is always willing to share his experiences in the winemaking business with fellow wine makers, growers and customers. 

Cooper Vineyards in Humboldt, was presented with the 2020 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. Jerry and Tina Cooper, along with their son Ethan Cooper, have been growing grapes since 2010, adding additional vines every year. They are currently producing eight varieties of grapes on 10 acres including the Frontenac trio, Brianna, Edelweiss, Marquette, Petite Pearl and St. Croix. They've owned a mechanical harvester for 2 seasons, and are working on improving its efficiency and cleanliness every year. The Coopers are committed to the Iowa wine industry and its success. They care strongly about their vines, and go to great lengths to make sure their winery buyers are pleased and satisfied with the product.

Andy Breuer, Muse Wine Bar in Newton, was awarded the 2020 Retail Partner 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. Muse Wine Bar recently opened in the historic Maytag hotel in Newton. Andy is a home winemaker himself and appreciates what it takes to create fine wine. Muse Wine Bar features a wide range of wines and you’ll find Iowa wines on the Muse menu alongside wines from France, Italy and Napa Valley because he believes our local wines are a unique experience equal to that of wines from around the world.

Terry Bockenstedt, Nutrien Ag Solutions in Dyersville, was presented with the 2020 Outstanding Industry Partner Award for the second consecutive year. 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. Terry has worked with many vineyards throughout the state, going above and beyond for his customers to provide outstanding expertise and willingness to consult in order to continually improve the quality of Iowa vineyards. 

Paul Tabor, Tabor Home Winery, was presented with the 2020 Jean Gerrath Award. This is the second year for this annual award, which is named after Jean Gerrath, who helped establish the association and served as the founding president. The award recipient is determined by the IWGA Board for their work on behalf of and within the industry, as well as for the association directly. Paul worked alongside Jean Gerrath and several other industry members to help establish the Iowa Wine Growers Association in 2000. Paul first planted grapes in the late 80s, with the winery building being constructed in 1994 and the winery opening in 1997. The winery was named “Tabor Home” because there were seven Tabor families in the area and the farm became known as the Home Place, having passed down through the generations since the 1860s. Over the years, Paul has received many notable awards for his wine and has served as a highly respected mentor and valued leader to many in the industry over the years.. 

Brian Jones, Three Sons Vineyard, was presented with an IWGA Board Service Award in recognition of his term on the Board. Brian has served on the IWGA Board of Directors since 2014 in various roles including Secretary and most recently, Board Treasurer. 

In addition, two lifetime achievements awards were given out from the Iowa Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association to Dean & Judy Henry of Berry Patch Farm in Nevada and Helen and the late Dave Huitink of Pumpkinland in Orange City for their many years of dedicated service and commitment to their organization.

QUOTE:

“The Iowa Wine Growers Association is honored to present these awards each year. Our awards are determined from within our industry, so I think it makes it even more special for the award recipients to know their peers value and recognize their hard work and leadership. As an association, we look forward to seeing their continued success and involvement within the industry,” said John Barber, president of the Iowa Wine Growers 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. 

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