Iowa State-grown wines win State Fair competition. Here's how to sample them at the fair:
Winemakers at Iowa State University have several reasons to raise a glass.
The winery at ISU has won multiple awards for its 2023 wines, which competed in several contests, including this year's Iowa State Fair Wine Competition. It’s just the third vintage produced in the Iowa State winery, but it has crushed it in recent regional, national and international competitions.
The three award-winning bottles include the 2023 wines — La Crescent, Rosé and Marquette. Limited quantities are available for purchase at Cyclone Liquors and the Lincoln Center Hy-Vee, both in Ames.
The wines were bottled in March 2024 at Iowa State's winery, which is located in the Food Sciences Building.
Erin Norton, director of the Midwest Grape and Wine Industry Institute at Iowa State, bottled the wine with the assistance of undergraduate student workers and MGWII staff.
“These wines embody the resilient spirit of the Midwest, crafted from two acres of cold-hardy grapes grown at Iowa State’s Horticulture Research Station and various off-campus locations across the state,” a news release from ISU says. “The vines’ unique ability to endure Iowa’s harsh winters reflects the strength and character of the region.”
More: Only have time to spend one day at the Iowa State Fair? Here's a plan to see everything.
How to sample Iowa State University's wine at the Iowa State Fair
At the Iowa State Fair Wine Competition, the La Crescent and Rosé wines received Best in Show awards in the Dry White and Rosé categories. Rosé received a double gold, La Crescent a gold and Marquette a silver.
All three wines will be available for sampling at Grandfather’s Barn during the Iowa State Fair, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day, Aug. 8-18.
Norton said she is delighted with how the wines showcase the cold-hardy grapes grown in the state. She said the wines can complement a meal and hopes people can “taste a little of Iowa in each sip.”
According to the release, the La Crescent wine offers a balance of sweetness and bright acidity, complemented by inviting tropical and floral aromas. The Marquette presents a fruit-forward, food-friendly dry red with notes of cherry, black currants and oak. The Rosé’s semi-sweetness offers aromas of strawberry and hints of butterscotch.
The wines also earned awards at the International Cold Climate Wine Competition, Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition and International Women’s Wine Competition.
“We are so proud of these wines and greatly appreciate the help from the undergraduate student workers. It was a learning process for everyone involved,” Norton said in a news release.
Reporter Ronna Faaborg can be reached at rfaaborg@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: How to sample Iowa State's award-winning wine at the Iowa State Fair
