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Thanks to our wonderful staff, Richard and I had an opportunity to go on another wine tour over the weekend of September 17th & September 18th. We were able to visit multiple wineries and pick up some wine for the upcoming wine walk. Our first stop was at Park Farm Winery in Epworth, Iowa to pick up a few cases of wine for our shelves. This was Richard's first time visiting, and the last time I was there was during the winter (see the blog post in February 2024). This time of year the views were even more amazing - I can only imagine how breathtaking the views would be in the Fall. The staff are friendly and welcoming and the location is just beautiful. If you ever get a chance to visit Park Farm, it is well worth the stop no matter what time of year you are there! They have a wine for everyone, some of which we carry at the Wijn House, including their Picket Fence, a semi-sweet white, their Bankston Red, a sweet red, and their Prairie Reserve, a dry red made with Marechal Foch grapes. Park Farm Winery - Epworth, Iowa Our next stop on our weekend of winery visits is hush-hush...it's a winery we do not currently carry in our store and we are hoping to work with the owners to begin carrying their wine - we can't wait to see what happens and hope to add to our selection and share another delicious Iowa wine with you! Our last stop of the day was the Frisky Fox Vineyard & Winery in Riceville, Iowa. The wine from Frisky Fox is a fan favorite and, since Riceville is about as far North as you can get, we were very excited to be able to include this as one of our stops. Frisky Fox Vineyard & Winery has been in production just over six (6) years and is a small, family-run vineyard and winery. Zach and his Dad Richard are the two main faces you will see when you visit; Zach is the winemaker and was nominated for winemaker of the year in 2023 by the Iowa Wine Growers Association. Zach and his team grow many of the grape varietals that they use, and those that they don't grow they source from local area vineyards and farmers. There are SO many different selections of wines from Frisky Fox; The Wijn House only carries a portion of what they make and he has some very different and unique flavors. If you ever have a chance, a visit to Frisky Fox Vineyard and Winery will be a very flavorful Iowa wine experience! We continued our wine tour on Sunday September 18th by stopping at 42 Degrees North to pick up wine for the Wine Walk. Our last stop on this Iowa winery tour was the newly opened Lubben Vineyards & Wines at 13504 Hwy. 501 in Anamosa, Iowa. Dan and Judy Lubben have been working towards their dream for months and this weekend was the grand opening! We were so excited to visit their new tasting room and it's the perfect place to sip, savor, and relax. With breathtaking views, plenty of seating indoor & outdoor, delicious food, and an amazing community of wine enthusiasts, this spot will quickly become a local favorite. Richard and I had a bottle of their dry white St. Pepin and enjoyed the wine with an order of their roasted brussel sprouts and avocado chicken flatbread. The wine and food were both delicious! Whether you're in the mood for a casual afternoon or a special celebration, Dan and Judy and their team have got you covered with their stunning vineyard backdrop and delicious selection of Iowa wines. Gather your friends, enjoy the scenery, and indulge in the flavors. Trust us, you don’t want to miss this one! Cheers to a great Iowa winery weekend!
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 What do you do when your son is not home on Mother's Day? You go visit a winery, of course! Richard and I made the most of the gorgeous weather on Mother's Day by heading to Wide River Winery in Clinton, Iowa. This charming winery has been crafting wines since 2005, inspired by the breathtaking view of the widest point of the Mississippi River. With three tasting rooms—in Davenport, LeClaire, and the "wine cellar" in Clinton—there's plenty to explore. The drive to the winery was an adventure in itself. It felt like a hidden gem off the beaten path, but don't worry, the signs will guide you through. (Pro tip: Ignore your GPS if it tries to lead you to their hotel, The River Lodge—just follow the signs to the winery!) We arrived a bit early, so we took a leisurely drive around the grounds and marveled at the 10+ acres of vineyards. The vines were just starting to green up, and the grapes are just beginning to grow! The tasting room was cozy and flooded with natural light. Sarah was a fantastic host, and we sampled some delightful wines we hadn't tried before. After our tasting, we headed outside to their incredible outdoor space. The weather was perfect for lounging on the deck with a glass (or two) of wine in hand. I savored a glass of Ms. D'Meanor White, a crisp dry white, while Richard enjoyed the bold flavors of Cody Road Felony, a dry red. The deck is surrounded by trees, offering a lovely mix of sun and shade, and the view of the Mississippi River was simply stunning. Even though it was a bit of a long day trip (about 3 hours from The Wijn House), it was totally worth it. We had a blast and can't wait to visit again—next time, we'll definitely stay overnight at their River Lodge!  Raise your hand if you knew Pella had its very own winery? Richard and I were introduced to this hidden gem through a wine tasting at the Wijn House late last year. Started just over four (4) years ago by owners Ron and Kris, Thunder Creek Winery began as a humble home operation with tastings held in their breezeway! More recently, Ron built a charming tasting room right on their property where they now showcase an impressive array of over 16 different wines. From the dry notes of Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Grigio to the delightful sweetness of Raspberry Peach and Pineapple Pear, there is always something to tantalize every palate! Step into their cozy tasting room, complete with ample seating inside or within their enclosed porch for a lazy afternoon of sipping, relaxing and enjoying wine with friends. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving good company and great wine, Thunder Creek Winery promises a unique and delicious experience! Curious to taste the wines and visit the winery? Reach out to Ron or Kris at 641-629-6009 to schedule a tasting!  Van Wijk Winery is located in Sully, Iowa - a mere 19 miles from the Wijn House! The winery is built within the walls of an old church, which gives their winery the look of a castle, but the feel of a cozy cottage. There is plenty of space for small or large groups and plenty to taste too! Van Wijk Winery has over 40 different selections of wines and meads and no matter what your palette, or your mood, you will find something that you will enjoy. The winery specializes in crafting meads, using honey from local beekeepers to create a range of flavors to create over 14 different flavors of mead, from their original honey to various fruit flavors including peach, raspberry and plum. One of the highlights of the winery is their amazing outdoor space. They have an expansive shaded deck as well as a wine garden which hosts several pergolas surrounded; the outdoor space is surrounded by flowers, greenery and Rebecca Van Wyk’s expansive garden. Visit Van Wijk Winery and enjoy one of their many wines or your favorite mead flavor while enjoying their outdoor seating areas for the perfect combination of wine and unwinding with friends and family.  During the Iowa Wine Growers Association annual conference in January, Richard and I had the opportunity to meet many of the folks involved in the Iowa wine industry and learn more about the grapes, the process and of course, the wine! During the social hour many of the wineries provide bottles of their wine for the guests to try, and during this tasting process we were able to meet David and Mary Paustian the owners of 42° North Winery. After tasting some of their wine, we knew that we wanted to get their wine into the Wijn House so we could share it with others! We had the opportunity to visit 42° North Winery for an “official tasting” and David and Mary spoiled us with tastes of their wines, followed by welcoming us into their home where we were treated to lunch with their family. The winery is located approximately two (2) hours north of the Wijn House in Vinton, Iowa. Like many of the wineries in Iowa, David and Mary began making wine as a hobby; they planted 1½ acres of grapes in 2010 and made their wines for family and friends. After many positive reviews, they began producing and selling their wine to the public in 2021. They currently carry eight (8) wines ranging from sweet to dry and everything in between. The labels of their wines are colorful and fun, and are all artwork or photographs created by family members, including paintings and photos of beloved pets. The tasting room is attached to their home and is usually open on Saturdays, or you can call them to see if they can accommodate you on a different date or time. Watch their Facebook page for more information or call them directly for a visit. You can find the wines from 42° North Winery in various boutiques and farmers markets, and, starting Saturday, March 23rd, in the Wijn House! We thought the Ladies Getaway Day on Saturday, March 23rd in Downtown Pella would be the perfect opportunity for you to meet David and Mary and taste their wines! Come join us on Saturday, March 23rd between 2:00-4:30 to taste the wines from 42° North Winery including: Blowfish, a sweet fruity white made with Frontenac Blanc grapes. Dog Days White, a semi-sweet white made with the St. Pepin grape and with a very similar flavor of a Riesling. Slinky, their sweetest wine made from California orange Muscat grape and can be compared to a non-carbonated Moscato wine. Wingnut, a sweet, but not too sweet, red blend of Merlot and homegrown St. Croix grapes Tatanka Red, a dry red blend of 4 grapes with a spicy finish  Continuing on our journey of Iowa wine exploration, Richard and I decided to venture closer to home with a visit to Madison County Winery. Nestled snugly between St. Charles and Winterset, this winery shares its neighborhood with the iconic covered bridges, just a little over an hour's drive from the Wijn House. Perched atop a hill, Madison County Winery offers a picturesque view of its vineyards and the surrounding landscape. Stepping into the tasting room, we were greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere, complemented by ample outdoor seating to enjoy a tasting or a glass of wine. Our hosts, Doug and Laura, exuded genuine hospitality, their passion for wine evident as they shared insights and knowledge about their offerings. From sweet indulgences like the Strawberry Blonde and Raspberry Blanc to more refined options such as the Bourbon Barrel Red, Madison County Winery boasts a diverse selection to suit every palate. Among the standout favorites currently on The Wijn House shelves are Hunter’s Moon, a tantalizing semi-dry blend resonating with notes of pear and honeydew, culminating in a crisp, citrusy finish. Additionally, the return of Midnight Rain, a medium-bodied red wine boasting a smooth yet earthy character and a Merlot and Petite Sirah that have us eagerly anticipating our next sip. In addition to their exceptional wines, The Wijn House also offers a unique twist with Madison County Wineries red wine vinegar infused with rosemary and garlic, adding a flavorful dimension to culinary creations. Our visit to Madison County Winery was delightful, reaffirming our belief in the richness and diversity of Iowa's wine culture. With its charming ambiance, passionate hosts, and diverse selection of wines, this hidden gem is undoubtedly a must-visit for wine enthusiasts and explorers alike. Our trip would not have been complete without a visit to one of the iconic covered bridges in the area; we hope to be in the area again when we can enjoy the outdoor space.  Richard and I are truly enjoying our winery tours; visiting wineries and meeting the winemakers, the owners and the staff is so much fun! One destination on our “bucket list” has been on our list since we saw it off of highway 61 between Dubuque and Davenport over three years ago, Tycoga Winery and Distillery. We were finally able to visit Tycoga and enjoyed everything about it, except how far away it is from Pella. The winery and distillery is located in DeWitt, Iowa approximately 2 ½ hours northeast of The Wijn House. Tycoga Winery and Distillery is a family owned business that began in 2010; today they are the 2nd largest grape growing and production facility in Iowa. The name Tycoga is a combination of the first two letters of names of their three children, Tyler, Courtney and Gabe. The location has a rustic charm with a cozy indoor space combined with an amazing outdoor space complete with a view of their vineyard. In the winter months you can reserve an igloo with heat and lights to enjoy a private space outdoors with friends and family. Tycoga has a wine for everyone from their sweet Serendipity to their dry Noiret and Arndt Private Red which is aged in an oak barrel and then finished in a bourbon barrel. All of their wines are aged in oak which adds a robust flavor to each bottle. After purchasing a tasting of wines you can enjoy a wood fired pizza while you sip on a glass of your favorite. Tycoga also has a wide selection of mixed drinks made with their own vodka and whiskey; Richard is anxious to try the whiskey next! There are a lot of little details at the winery that just add a personal touch, from their wine barrel sinks to the parking strips in the shape of wine bottles. Tycoga Winery and Distillery is definitely worth a visit and you will find something to suit any palette. The Wijn House is happy to have restocked our shelves with the Tycoga wines listed below; stop by for a taste this week and find your favorite!
Cheers, Richard & Rene’  Last weekend Richard and I were able to visit Lubben Vineyards and Wines located in the city of Marion, Iowa. We were excited to embark on this journey for so many different reasons; it’s an area of Iowa we had not yet explored and we were anxious to learn more about the wine-makers from Lubben Vineyards and Wines, and, of course, taste their wine! Marion, Iowa is just outside of Cedar Rapids and is about a two hour drive from the Wijn House in Pella. The winery is family owned and we were able to meet Dan, Judy and their son DJ in their current location, which is an industrial condo. The Lubbens are quickly outgrowing their space and are in the process of building a tasting room just outside of Anamosa off of Highway 151. The goal is to be open at the end of May or the beginning of June of this year; after tasting their wine we are even more excited to share the news of their tasting room, and share their wines with you at the Wijn House.  High Brow wines range from dry to sweet and everything in between and all of them are full of flavor. The Wijn House is currently carrying:
-St. Pepin, a light and easy drinking dry white wine -Destiny, a semi-sweet Frontenac Blanc -White Lies, a sweet blend of white wine -Petite Pearl, a dry red aged in a mix of French and American oak -Marechal Foch, a dry red also aged in a mix of French and American oak with a touch of a sweet fruit on the nose. There are other wines the Lubben family are working on that we are also anxious to have once they are available, including a dry red blend, a dry white Itasca and a Foch Barrel Reserve. We will be featuring Lubben wines on our tasting menu the week of March 4th through the 9th so you can have a chance to taste some of them; or, keep an eye out for the opening of their tasting room this summer! Cheers, Richard & Rene’  In our continued quest to meet our winery partners and learn more about their wines, I had the opportunity to meet Donna with Calico Skies Winery. Donna was kind enough to come to The Wijn House for our visit, so I did not get the opportunity to visit the winery itself, but I was able to learn more about the venue, their journey, and their wines. The picture of their winery is one I took from their website and, as you can see, it is a beautiful location and the next time Richard and I are thinking of a wine tour, we will try to add this one to our list! Calico Skies began their winemaking journey in 2010 and is located about 30 minutes from Sioux Falls, SD in the town of Inwood, Iowa. Their wines range from semi-sweet to dry and the names of their wines stem from their love of dogs; for instance, Deebo, a blend of Chambourcin, Marquette and Frontenac grape is their dry red blend that is named after one of their rescue dogs. The Wijn House is proud to carry an assortment of wines from Calico Skies and will add them to our rotating tasting menu so you can taste them for yourself.
   Last week I took an unexpected road trip to Wisconsin to help a friend during a medical procedure and on the way back to Pella I realized how close I was to Park Farm Winery in Epworth, IA. Since I was close, I thought it would be worth a visit. This was, technically, my first visit to a winery as one of the owners of the Wijn House and I was excited to meet the staff, see the winery and taste their wines. I was NOT disappointed! Park Farm Winery is approximately 30 minutes west of Dubuque and the drive takes you through rolling hills, pastures and woods. The winery itself is set on top of a hill with amazing views throughout the outdoor, and indoor, space! When you walk into the winery you are greeted by their friendly and knowledgeable staff in their tasting room where you can order your wine and, if you like, a wood-fired pizza. There is a wine that will please any palette, from their dry Prairie Reserve red, to their semi-sweet Picket Fence, to their sweet Bankston Red and Daisy Girl. There is something to suit every taste and plenty of space to sit and enjoy. From there, you have several seating choices; the largest seating area is complemented by a beautiful stone fireplace and there is plenty of room for groups of any size. You have the option to go up the stairs to the second and third floors where the views are beautiful, even in the winter! The third floor hosts a smaller room that can be reserved for private functions. The outside space at the winery was amazing and I can not wait to visit again when the weather is more hospitable for sitting outdoors with a glass of wine and a pizza! When you are looking for a day trip, or heading through the area, it is definitely worth a visit!  |
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