Trail: Western Iowa Wine Trail
Number of Wineries: 7
Distance: 71 miles
Description: In 1919, Iowa ranked sixth in grape production in the U.S., but ran dry years later. Thanks to a recent resurgence, more than 225 commercial vineyards have been established since the year 2000. The Western Iowa Wine Trail’s seven wineries now feature 86 different wines. This trail, one of several designated wine trails in Iowa, is situated in the Loess Hills, where the undulating terrain provides the air drainage necessary to grow high-quality grapes, and the soil resembles that found in southern France and the Rhine and Moselle river valleys in Germany.
Where to Sip: King’s Crossing Vineyard and Winery is a 3.5-acre vineyard that produces wine with 100 percent Iowa-grown grapes. Try its 2006 King’s Mead (honey wine), 2006 Jester’s Quandary (red table wine), 2006 Guinevere’s Lace (white table wine), and the award-winning 2006 Edelweiss. The patio includes an oversize checkerboard—complete with tree-trunk checkers that are 12 inches in diameter.
Where to Stay: Check into the Country Homestead B&B in Turin, owned by a knowledgeable Loess Hills tour guide.