Wide River Winery

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!

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