Wine Wednesday Workshops to be Held at Iowa Wineries

Wine consumers and those interested in learning more about Iowa's unique grapes and wines can do so at two upcoming Wine Wednesday events.

On Nov. 9, Covered Bridges Winery in Madison County and on Nov. 30, Cedar Valley Winery in Jefferson County will open their doors for a presentation, discussion and tasting of wines made from Iowa-grown grapes.

Both workshops are from 5:30-8:30 p.m. and feature award-winning operations that are helping to advance Iowa's wine industry.

"The goal of the workshops is to educate Iowans about grapes and wines produced in Iowa," said Aude Watrelot, extension enology specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. "Winemakers from surrounding counties will also be present, and participants will learn more about what Iowa grapes and wines can offer."

Watrelot is organizing the workshops and will be a featured speaker at both events. The workshops will also feature some suggestions on wines that pair well with specific foods, especially foods that are popular this time of year.

These workshops are geared toward consumers, winemakers and anyone who would like to learn more about Iowa grapes and wines. Registration is required to help with event planning and to ensure a spot.

To attend the Nov. 9 Wine Wednesday consumer workshop hosted by Covered Bridges Winery, register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScDcIcCHR0-1er1TRi7_gGQLQ9-761L3xAQ1oYJTfmbT1gAow/closedform. For the Nov. 30 workshop at Cedar Valley Winery, email your information to Aude Watrelot at watrelot@iastate.edu.

In addition to these two workshops, topic-specific webinars for winemakers will continue this fall.

Cold Stabilization, Nov. 15, 3-4:30 p.m. Register online.

Wine Packaging, Dec. 13, 3-4:30 p.m. Register online.

For more information, visit the Watrelot Lab website at https://faculty.sites.iastate.edu/watrelot/, or contact Watrelot at watrelot@iastate.edu.