By Andi Anderson
Drew Tuttle, a senior horticulture student, is preparing for a unique journey after graduation — following grape harvests across the globe. Starting at Abacela Winery in Oregon, he’ll apply knowledge gained at Iowa State University and his past internships to real-world winemaking.
His passion for viticulture and enology began through hands-on experience with the Midwest Grape and Wine Industry Institute at Iowa State. As the lead cellar hand, Tuttle took part in every step of winemaking, from vine to bottle. Seeing wines he helped create sold in stores gave him a sense of accomplishment and pride.
“Wine is an art, but science-based,” Tuttle says. This mix of creativity and chemistry is what drew him to winemaking. Working closely with Erin Norton, director of the institute, Tuttle learned to understand the science behind wine — from how to test wine quality to making important production decisions.
Norton praises Tuttle for his strong work ethic and commitment. Together, they’ve produced three vintages. She credits him as a key part of Iowa State’s award-winning wine success. “It’s been a partnership since day one,” she said.
Tuttle also completed internships at a vineyard in Pennsylvania and a distillery in Wisconsin, learning about wine faults and proper sanitization techniques. These experiences gave him a strong foundation to start his global career in viticulture.
In the fall, he plans to continue his journey in the southern hemisphere, where the grape harvest season will begin. This approach — “following the vintage” — allows winemakers to gain year-round experience across different climates and regions.
Tuttle is excited about the future and grateful for his path at Iowa State. “This is the place to be,” he said. His passion for wine and dedication to learning set him up for a successful career in the world of winemaking.
Photo Credit: pixabay-vinotecarium
Categories: Iowa, Rural Lifestyle