AMES, Iowa – The 2023 wines from the Iowa State University Winery have recently been honored with prestigious awards from international, regional and state wine competitions.
The 2023 wines — La Crescent, Rosé, and Marquette — were bottled in March 2024 at Iowa State's winery, located in the Food Sciences Building on campus. These wines embody the resilient spirit of the Midwest, crafted from two acres of cold-hardy grapes grown at Iowa State’s Horticulture Research Station and various off-campus locations across the state. The vines’ unique ability to endure Iowa’s harsh winters reflects the strength and character of the region.
The La Crescent and Rosé wines were awarded Best in Show in the Dry White and Rosé categories at the 2024 Iowa State Fair Wine Competition. There, Rosé received a double gold, La Crescent a gold and Marquette a silver. Both the Rosé and La Crescent wines will be available for sampling at Grandfather’s Barn during the Iowa State Fair, Aug. 8-18, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day.
2024 Wine Competition results
2023 Rosé
- Best in Show - Rosé: Iowa State Fair Wine Competition
- Double Gold: Iowa State Fair Wine Competition
- Best in Class - Sweet Rosé: International Cold Climate Wine Competition
- Double Gold: International Cold Climate Wine Competition
- Silver: Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition
- Silver: International Women’s Wine Competition
2023 La Crescent
- Best in Class - Dry White: Iowa State Fair Wine Competition
- Gold: Iowa State Fair Wine Competition
- Silver: International Cold Climate Wine Competition
2023 Marquette
- Silver: Iowa State Fair Wine Competition
- Bronze: Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition
- Bronze: International Women’s Wine Competition
This was the third vintage of wine produced in the Iowa State winery and second by Erin Norton, director of the Midwest Grape and Wine Industry Institute at Iowa State, with the assistance of undergraduate student workers and MGWII staff.
“We are so proud of these wines and greatly appreciate the help from the undergraduate student workers. It was a learning process for everyone involved,” Norton said.
Drew Tuttle, a senior in horticulture, has gained extensive hands-on knowledge through working on the winemaking process from harvest to bottling. After his expected graduation in spring 2025, Tuttle aspires to pursue a career as a winemaker.
“Each summer, I use the knowledge gained in the classroom and from MGWII at wine and distillation internships,” Tuttle said.
Nick Howell, superintendent of the Horticulture Research Station, and his team of staff and student workers have played a significant role in the success of Iowa State’s wines through growing the grapes.
"I am very proud of what we have accomplished. It is a team effort. We have two excellent fruit specialists, student workers, and the MGWII team that make it all possible,” Howell said. “Grapes are not easy to grow, and to see their success in the wine competitions, it's the whole point of what we are doing."
Norton is delighted with how these wines showcase the cold-hardy grapes grown in the region. She said the wines can complement an entire meal and hopes people can taste a little of Iowa in each sip.
The La Crescent wine offers a delightful balance of sweetness and bright acidity, complemented by inviting tropical and floral aromas. The Marquette presents a fruit-forward, food-friendly dry red with luscious notes of cherry and black currants and a touch of oak. The Rosé’s well-balanced semi-sweetness boasts enticing aromas of strawberry and delicate hints of butterscotch.
For those who seek the opportunity to experience and evaluate the Iowa State wines firsthand, there is a limited supply at Cyclone Liquors and the Lincoln Center Hy-Vee in Ames.
Contacts
Erin Norton, Midwest Grape and Wine Industry Institute, 515-294-1555, elnorton@iastate.edu
Jocey Caelwarts, Midwest Grape and Wine Industry Institute, 515-294-3308, joceyc@iastate.edu