DES MOINES, IA — The Iowa Wine Growers Association is hosting the first ever Iowa Wine Festival Series next month featuring local wines, local foods and live local music. The Eastern Iowa Wine Festival is to be held at Park Farm Winery on Sunday, June 13, 2021 and the Central/Western Iowa Wine Festival is to be held at Covered Bridges Winery on Sunday, June 27, 2021. Both events will be held from 1 - 4 p.m., with a VIP hour from 12 - 1 p.m. and are 21 and over only. The Festival Series highlights the beauty of all things LOCAL; wine, food and music together, in the eastern and central/western regions of Iowa.

Each Festival will feature wine tastings by select wineries in each region, showcasing the unique flavors and aromas of locally grown grapes and the quality wines being produced here in Iowa. Throughout the events, attendees will have unlimited access to wine tastings, listen to live local music, have the opportunity to pair wines with deliciously prepared foods from local food trucks, sit in on fun wine education sessions, chat with local winemakers, purchase and take home their favorite bottles of wine and more. 

Ticket packages are available to purchase in advance for $40/person, $65/couple or a VIP option for $60/person. Ticket prices will go up the day of the event. Ticket benefits include a commemorative wine glass, unlimited wine tastings, $5 off wine bottle purchase and more. VIP guests will enjoy an additional hour of wine tasting from 12 - 1 p.m. with a special wine being featured from each winery, a free bottle of wine to take home, as well as a chance to visit with winemakers in a more casual setting. 

“We are thrilled to be able to host these events to showcase the quality of wines and our wonderfully talented winemakers here in Iowa,” said Nicole Eilers, marketing director for the Iowa Wine Growers Association. “After the past year or so, I think we’ve all realized the importance of local businesses to our communities, and the wine industry here in Iowa is no different. Vineyards across Iowa are growing unique and exciting new grape varietals that winemakers are crafting into some pretty awesome wines, and we’re eager to familiarize wine consumers with what we have to offer.”

The Festival Series is being hosted in conjunction with Iowa Wine Month being celebrated throughout the month of June. Consumers are encouraged to get out and visit one of the nearly 100 wineries across the state, pick up a bottle of local wine from your favorite retailer to enjoy, or request Iowa wine next time you order a drink at a restaurant. Most wineries are back to hosting regular summer events this season. For a listing of various activities being held, visit www.iowawinegrowers.org/events. 

“Iowa’s wineries each offer a pretty incredible experience for consumers and we’re excited that we can bring it to consumers through this Festival series. We are proud to partner with Park Farm Winery and Covered Bridges Winery to host these events at their gorgeous wineries, just two of the nearly 100 located across the state. We would invite you to Sip & Support Local during June as we celebrate Iowa Wine Month,” said Eilers.

To learn more about the Iowa Wine Festival or to purchase tickets, visit www.iowawinefestival.com.

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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