Wine Country

Over 80 state-licensed wineries are in Iowa! If you love wine, make sure to stop at all of the fantastic wineries!

Day 1
Start your day off at Summerset Winery. Take a guided tour of the vineyard while sampling wine. Contact (515) 961-3545 for more information.

The National Balloon Museum and U.S. National Ballooning Hall of Fame in Indianola archives more than 200 years of ballooning, hosts 24,000 visitors a year (with 20 countries in attendance) and operates on more than 2,000 volunteer hours annually. Contact (515) 961-3714 for more information.

For over 50 years, Knoxville Raceway has entertained with exciting open wheel and dirt track racing. The raceway and museum is known as the “Sprint Capital of the World.” Contact Brian Stickel at (641) 842-5431.

Next, travel to Peace Tree Brewing Company for a tasty beer and delicious lunch. Peace Tree is home to handcrafted beers. Your group will also enjoy a wonderfully catered meal in their showroom. Contact (641) 842-2739 for more information.

Tour the state-of-the-art Tassel Ridge Winery, that offers 20+ dry, semisweet, fruit and dessert wines. Contact (641) 672-9463 for more information.

Visit the eclectic West End Architectural Salvage. Craftsmanship from the past is available for renovations or creative repurposing. Socialize at the coffee shop and try one of their famous smoothies! Contact owner Don Short at (515) 243-0499 for more information.

Day 2
The John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, set on 4.4 acres in the heart of Downtown Des Moines, features 27 works of art donated to the museum by John and Mary Pappajohn from their renowned collection of contemporary sculptures. John and Mary Pappajohn are known worldwide and ARTnews magazine listed them as one of the top 200 art collectors in the world. The 27 sculptures are the largest single public gift in Des Moines' history and the largest public gift of art in Iowa history. Guided tours are available through the Des Moines Art Center at (515) 277-4405.

Embrace your artistic side at the Des Moines Art Center. Tours are available in the gallery. Contact (515) 277-8369 for more information.

For lunch, visit Sbrocco Wine Bar and Wine Shop. The restaurant and bar serves 42 wines by the glass and their wine shop offers an additional 1,000 wines! While enjoying your lunch, take advantage of their professional connoisseurs with a group wine class. Contact (515) 282-3663 for more information.

After lunch, head to an estate-style winery in the heart of the Metro! Jasper Winery is located minutes away from Downtown Des Moines. This winery produces high quality wines using varieties from the Midwest. Contact (515) 282-9463 for more information.

Then, visit Schade Creek Vineyard and Winery. Learn about the wine making process and how a local entrepreneur started this popular vineyard. Call (515) 987-6695 for more information.

Further west sits Dale Valley Vineyard and Winery, a unique winery located in a one-room school house. Enjoy a wine tasting while hearing the history of the area. Contact (515) 523-2198 for more information.

A unique dinner experience awaits on the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad dinner train ride through the beautiful Des Moines River Valley. Contact (515) 432-4249 for more information.

Day 3
Before traveling back home, stop at Two Saints Winery, located three miles east of St. Charles in the rolling hills of Warren County. Contact (641)396-2101 for more info.

Just down the road, you’ll find Twisted Vine Brewery and Madison County Winery. The small-batch craft brewery is nestled within the winery. While in the area, you can also visit the Birthplace of John Wayne! Contact (641) 396-2220 for more information.

Click here to download a PDF of this itinerary.

For more information, contact:
Katie Stien
Sales Manager
Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau
(515) 699-3432
kstien@desmoinescvb.com