Trails & Tales Iowa Travel Guide - Winter 2022

Iowa Trails & Tales is located in Humboldt, Iowa, printed and distributed Free quarterly to visitors, tourists and to anyone interested in the Craft Beverage industry in the state. Opinions expressed in Iowa Trails & Tales are not necessarily those of the publication personnel, but of the writers who contribute editorial to the publication. ERROR RESPONSIBILTY: Iowa Trails & Tales is responsible only for the cost of the ad for the first incorrect insertion of the ad. Each insertion of an advertisement is proof of publication and it is the responsibility of the advertiser to check the correctness of each insertion. The Publisher shall not be liable for slight aesthetic changes or typo graphical errors that do not lessen the intent of the ad. No adjustment can be made for advertisements not published. In the event of any error in an ad for which the publisher is liable, the liablility is limited to adjusting that portion occupied by the error in relationship to the entire value of the advertisement. No adjustments will be made 30 days after initial insertion date. Content is accurate to the best of the Publisher’s knowledge at time of press.

Welcome to IOWA Trails & Tales Travel Guide, a FREE publication dedicated to promoting Iowa’s unique Craft Beverage Producers. Whether you are just getting started on your craft beverage experience or you are a seasoned pro, we make it easy to discover Iowa’s craft beverages to ensure you have the best possible experience!

As home to more than 200 craft Wineries, Breweries and Distilleries, this convenient Iowa Guide helps you find the craft beverages you want to experience. Browse the Guide, find the Regions you will be visiting and get started on your craft beverage journey. In addition to highlighting beverage makers in each Region, we also include areas of interest to help make your stay with us most enjoyable.

Our website gives you more ways to explore Iowa’s craft beverage scene, including a full listing of every Winery, Brewery and Distillery Trail in Iowa, a Calendar for special events, a full craft beverage trail listing, and more: www.trails-tales.net. We hope you will discover what makes Iowa’s craft bever age makers so special and enjoy your exploration of our friendly and beautiful state!

Iowa’s Winter Craft Beverage Festivals & Tastings

by Alyssa L. Ochs

It’s no secret that Iowa winters can be brutally harsh, with temperatures averaging from the teens to 20s and accumulating approximately 20 to 40 inches of snow per season. This might lead you to assume that the craft beverage industry in the state more or less shuts down so that resi dents can hibernate in their homes and travelers can go elsewhere in search of warmth and sunshine.

However, this couldn’t be farther from the truth because winter is an exciting time to be in Iowa if you love craft beer, spirits, and wine! Whether you’ve lived in Iowa all your life or are just visiting for the first time, here are some highly anticipated craft beverage events to look forward to this winter season.

Amana Colonies Winter Events

If you want to experience the craft beverage scene in Iowa this winter but

need help figuring out where to start, make your way to Amana Colonies in eastern Iowa. Located only about 30 minutes from both Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, Amana Colonies is a historic communal society and collection of seven villages celebrating German cul ture and traditions. Some of those tra ditions involve handcrafted and locally produced wine and beer in a place that transports visitors back to a simpler time with unmatched hospitality.

Many events are taking place during the winter season in Amana Colonies this year, including the Tannenbaum Forest on Fridays through Sundays from November 25 to December 18.

“Tannenbaum Forest is a beautiful homage to the traditional Christmas tree,” Stacey Colledge, the executive director of the Amana Colonies Con vention & Visitors Bureau (ACCVB), told Trails and Tales. “With 80+ beautifully decorated trees lining our Festhalle barn, this is an event to see!”

This event is free to visit but welcomes donations, which benefit the nearby University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Colledge said that the Pre lude to Christmas week end during Tannenbaum Forest is fun for the whole family with Santa, games and tasty treats. Prelude to Christmas is scheduled

for December 2 to 4 at Amana Colo nies and coincides with some unique winery events.

For example, the Nutcracker Scavenger Hunt at Ackerman Winery runs from November 25 to December 26 and encourages visitors to search for up to 24 traditional Nutcrackers hidden around its store. Prelude to Christmas at Ackerman Winery during the festival weekend includes wine pairing flights for $10, a decadent wine cocktail spe cial, Christmas cookies, classic holiday movies and shopping deals.

“In Amana, we have several amazing craft beverage businesses that make delightful seasonal blends and cock tails!” said Colledge of ACCVB. “This includes the award-winning Ackerman Winery, the oldest operating winery in Iowa, White Cross Cellars, Fireside

Iowa Craft Beverages

Winery and Village Winery. Or visit Millstream Brau Haus for a local beer in a traditional-style, German beer hall environment.”

Yet even after the holidays have come and gone, the winter fun keeps going at Amana Colonies. Set for January 21, 2023, Winterfest encourages visitors to embrace the season with winter games, a wine walk and a “Wine and Dine” event that pairs each course of traditional cuisine with delicious local wines. There’s even a Best Beard Competition, ice sculptor, local chain saw artist and open-fire chili from the volunteer fire department to warm you up with a glass of delicious wine or beer in hand.

“Amana has a long history with locally crafted wine,” said Colledge. “It’s worth (Continued on Page 39)

Take a Beverage-Inspired Trip to Northwest Iowa This Winter

Avacation to Northwest Iowa in the winter? Are you crazy?! Those might have been the first questions that came to mind when you read the title of this article. Still, there are some surprisingly great reasons to venture to this region in November, December, January and February.

Yes, this part of the state is known for being a water sports destination and home to the “Ice Cream Capital of the World,” but these small towns and rural farming communities have some thing unique to offer during all four seasons. There is no shortage of indoor activities, such as art centers and mu seums, where you can escape the cold and quirky stops like the world’s largest

by Alyssa L. Ochs

popcorn ball in Sac City and the Kalei doscope Factory in Pocahontas.

Not only will you experience fewer crowds as you hop from one brewery, winery or distillery to the next, but you can also partake in festive Christmas activities around the holidays.

Here’s a look at how to take a North west Iowa trip in the winter while getting to know the local craft beverage scene.

The Northwest Iowa Craft Beverage Scene

Northwest Iowa is colder and drier than other regions in Iowa and more

University of Okoboji Winter Games

like that of the Dakotas than anything else. Growers of grapes, hops and other agricultural products must learn to adapt to bitterly cold temperatures in the winter and scorching hot tempera tures in the summer. Yet this resiliency adds something unique to products coming out of Northwest Iowa and certain hardiness that is both satisfying and refreshing.

In Northwest Iowa, distilleries have a grain-to-glass mentality that comes from sourcing ingredients, such as corn and grains, from local farms. The region’s distilleries are spaced relatively far apart, and there are only a few of them, so you’ll need to plan your route strategically to visit them all. For wine, LaCrescent, Edelweiss, St. Croix, Lacrosse and Frontenac are some of the most common varietals that you’ll find in Northwest Iowa. There are not an abundance of wineries in this region, but you’ll find some to visit in the rural areas of Inwood, Swisher, Primghar and Estherville. Craft breweries are much more common in this part of the state, with beer establishments welcoming visitors in Sioux City, Luverne, West Okoboji, Sibley Rock Rapids and Le Mars.

Lyon

Sioux

Woodbury

Cherokee

Ida

Crawford

Dickinson

Clay

Buena Vista

Hamilton

Northwest Iowa Beverage Businesses to Visit Wineries

Plum Creek Winery: Located seven miles from Algona, Iowa, is a fami ly-owned business with about two acres of grapes planted. It has been

part of the local wine scene since 2012 and offers fun “Paint and Pour” nights to help you tap into your creative side, as well as a brand-new outdoor wed ding venue.

River Valley Orchards Winery & Distillery: Located four miles from Humboldt, Iowa and along Highway 3. The history of this family farm dates back to 1998, and it has since expand ed to offer 21 excellent wines and 5 distilled spirits – most of which are made exclusively from fruit grown right here on the farm. Sample them in our beautiful West Wing.

Rustic Rivery Winery & Vineyard:

A family owned winery & vineyard located in rural Lake View is a true family affair. What began as a fully operating farm has diversified into offering a full selection of medal winning wines. The Winery makes the perfect venue for an

intimate wedding, baby shower, wed ding shower, birthday party, family/ friend gathering, or simply just a relax ing spot to unwind on the weekends.

Breweries

Shiny Top Brewing: Nate & Todd McCubbin brought Shiny Top Brewing to Fort Dodge, Iowa, along with great beer, a friendly atmosphere and a showcase of local talent. Not only can you enjoy a tasty brew here, but also weekly pizza specials, live music and displays from local artists.

TractorLift Brewery: Is a nano-brewery in Humboldt, Iowa that adopted an old post office building as its taproom location. Larry Beilke, the owner of TractorLift, welcomes beer-lovers to bring in their own food and enjoy one of the many tasty beers on tap.

Distilleries

S&B Farms Distillery: Located in Bancroft, Iowa is a first-generation, seed-to-spirit distillery that uses grains grown from its very own farm. It has won numerous awards for its spirits and promises a genuinely smooth taste in every bottle.

Century Farms Distillery: Located just 15 miles south of Lake Okoboji in Spencer, tour the distillery and experience the innovation then enjoy a cocktail at the Tasting Room. Sample all their products, visit the food truck on site and most weekends they have live entertainment and games in a family friendly atmosphere and patio that welcomes your pups as well! Don’t miss the newest offering, Open Gate Sweet Tea Vodka from one of Iowa’s fastest growing native distilleries!

Why Plan a Northwest Iowa Trip for Winter?

If you aren’t scared away by a little cold and snow, a lot of fun awaits you in Northwest Iowa this winter. For example, the town of Spencer offers the best collection of 1930s Art Deco archi tecture in the Midwest, and the town of Storm Lake has an indoor water park and a tree museum for a unique history lesson. Meanwhile, Smoldering Cigar, located in Livermore, is the only premium cigar store and private smok ing lounge in the region.

Cone Park is an excellent place for winter activity in the region, including ice skating and snow tubing. Equip ment rentals are available here, so you don’t have to worry about bringing your own gear, and there are conces sions available to warm up around the fire pit. Winter weekends here can

also be filled with snowshoeing at the Oneota Recreational Area in Clay Coun ty, Prairie Heritage Center in O’Brien County and Horseshoe Bend in Dickin son County.

Northwest Iowa also hosts some ex citing holiday events during the winter including the University of Okoboji Winter Games in Arnolds Park north of Spencer, Iowa.

Northwest Iowa Attractions

Still not convinced? Well, here are some more ideas for winter fun in Northwest Iowa that goes beyond just the fantastic craft beverage scene:

Fort Dodge, IA

• Fort Frenzy: the largest and most popular family entertainment cen ter in Fort Dodge. Featuring dozens

of indoor and outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone including go karts, bowling, bumper boats and arcade games. Get com petitive on the miniature golf course or stop by for special events and concerts.

Spencer, IA

• Spencer’s Historic District: Take a walking tour of Spencer’s Historic Grand Avenue Commercial District! Tour booklets are available at the Spencer Main Street Office and Clay County CVB Office.

West Bend, IA

• Grotto of the Redemption: The largest man-made Grotto in the world. The Grotto stands as a testi mony in stone, a treasured work of art. Covering a city block, the Grotto

Rustic River is a family owned winery gem in rural Iowa. Come and relax on the patio overlooking four acres of grapes. Visit the tasting room and enjoy our award winning wines.

April-December Hours: Fridays 5-7pm Saturday 2-7pm Sundays 1-5pm Hours Vary Seasonally Follow us on Facebook @ Rustic River Winery & Vineyard

represents the largest collection of precious and semi-precious rocks, minerals, fossils and petrifactions concentrated in any one spot in the world. • Smoldering Cigar: Down the road in Livermore with a great selection of cigars and accessories. To learn more about other things to do and where to stay in Northwest Iowa, check out the official Travel Iowa website www.traveliowa.com and browse our guide Iowa Trails & Tales for fun trip ideas and inspiration or visit our website www.trails-tales.net

Winter Guide to the Craft Beverage Scene in Northeast Iowa

With its hills, streams, caves, and other uniquely diverse landscapes, Northeast Iowa is known for being one of the best out door recreation areas in the Midwest. This is a place that travelers flock to in the summer months to get active outside. But it’s also a great place to plan a winter trip, especially if you enjoy an excellent beverage to add a little local flavor to your day.

This primarily rural part of the state that meets up with the borders of Wisconsin and Illinois at Dubuque has some breweries, wineries and distilleries worth visiting. So, bring your sense of adventure and hop in the car

by Alyssa L. Ochs

because we’re heading to Northeast Iowa!

Getting to Know Northeast Iowa

There are many things to see and do in Northeast Iowa, including scenic state parks, interesting national mon uments and quaint Main Streets. The towns in this region are good places to check out antique shops and learn about local culture. Meanwhile, the wide-open spaces offer ideal terrain for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. After long days of sightseeing and fun in the snow, there’s nothing quite like stopping by a locally owned brewery or winery to relax and

Dubuque Winter Arts Snow Sculpting Competition & Festival

reflect on all you’ve done.

Throughout eastern Iowa, we’ve seen new grape varieties thriving and wines being fruitier or tarter than those grown from grapes in other parts of the U.S. Frontenac, La Crescent and Frontenac are commonly grown in Northeast Iowa and favorites among local winemakers. Northeast Iowa also has rich soil for growing hops for beer. Still, hop-growers typically need to apply fungicide regularly to prevent downy mildew because of the high humidity levels in the region.

In Northeast Iowa, you’ll find lowkey and welcoming craft beverage establishments where you can often talk to the owners and learn about their businesses. There are some great breweries along the northern border of Northeast Iowa and towards the Mississippi River and Wisconsin border. The wineries in the region are a bit spread out but conveniently located near local highways, so it’s best to make an entire weekend or week-long vacation out of visiting them. There are fewer distilleries in this region, so if you are a craft spirits fan, you may want to venture farther west towards

Interstate 35 or south towards Interstate 80 to check out some nearby.

dorf. Located in Guttenberg, the winery also hosts seasonal live music in the back courtyard on Sundays and freshly baked pizzas if you get hungry. Inside the winery, you will find a spa cious tasting room, an event room that can be used for small to medium-sized parties, and six boutiques that will fulfill your shopping needs! Enjoy some music in the back courtyard when the weather is nice or warm up by a cozy fire when it’s too cold to be outside! Whatever the occasion, PromiseLand Winery is a unique and gorgeous desti nation!

Winneshiek Wildberry Winery: Is a family-owned and operated winery specializing in fruit and Midwestern grape wines, which are best enjoyed while taking in the view from the winery’s patio. Located on a 150-year family farm, Winneshiek Wildberry Winery also offers a food menu and wine-themed gifts.

Breweries

Toppling Goliath Brewing Company: Is a Decorah brewery that has been on the local scene since 2009. It is wellknown for its IPAs and barrel stouts but serves over 40 rotating beers through out the year in its friendly taproom.

TLC Brew Works: Artisanal Brews made with Tender Loving Care, by Tom, Linda and Carol in Holy Cross, Iowa! Come drink some beverages, bring some snacks from home, cheer for your favorite team and have a good time!

What Makes Northeast Iowa Special in Winter?

Northeast Iowa is an exceptional

place to visit in the winter, not only because of the highly recommend ed breweries and wineries but also because of all the seasonal fun you can have between beverage stops. For example, the city of Waverly has a signature event called Greetings on Main that lets visitors view live window scenes, ride in horse-drawn carriages, watch ice sculptures made and sip hot chocolate while getting into the spirit of the season.

In the winter, it’s fun to visit Backbone State Park, the highest point in the region, which offers winter camping, cabins, sledding and ice fishing. It’s also fun to go cross-country skiing on Forest Trail, snowshoeing on Lost Canyon Trail and fat tire biking on Lima Trail.

Suppose you don’t feel like braving the chilly temperatures. In that case, there are also plenty of museums to

PromiseLand is the perfect destination for a day trip! Right off of the Great River Road, which provides gorgeous views of the Iowa countryside. Our indoor space includes six boutiques that will fulfill your shopping and snacking needs, and our menu features a variety of freshly-baked pizzas if you’re craving something a little more. Our back courtyard is the beloved home to live music on Sunday afternoons, featuring wonderful local and regional talent (March through November). 39053 Great River Rd • Guttenberg, IA 52052 563-252-2665 • Promiselandwinery.com facebook.com/PromiseLandWinery *Check website or Facebook for current hours

visit, such as the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum, plus live performances at the Waterloo Center for the Arts.

Essential Attractions in Northeast Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA

Cedar Falls Beer Trail: The Cedar Falls Beer Trail showcases local craft brew eries and taprooms in Cedar Falls and celebrates the safe use of its extensive, 100-mile trail system. Pick up a passport at one of the seven participating breweries/taprooms or print a pass port at home from www.cedarfallstourism.org/webres/File/Trails/BeerTrail-Passport-2022.pdf Each passport may be used by one person age 21 or older.

Dubuque, IA

Hops & Vines Trail: Grab a brew, sip on wine, and check into participating locations. Discover the Hops & Vines Trail that takes you to the locally owned breweries and wineries throughout scenic Dubuque County. Visit TRAVELDUBUQUE.COM/HOPSVINES

When you visit Northeast Iowa in the winter check the local business websites to see if their regular business hours have changed due to the holi days and if any special seasonal events are going on.

To learn more about things to do and where to stay in Northeast Iowa, check out the official Travel Iowa website www.traveliowa.com and browse our guide Iowa Trails & Tales for fun trip ideas and inspiration or visit our website www.trails-tales.net

Top Reasons to Experience Central Iowa This Winter

by Alyssa L. Ochs

With a mix of small towns, big cities, college towns and rural areas, Central Iowa is a region unlike anywhere else in the state. Not only are there museums to explore, a thriving arts scene and local artisans to connect with, but also many more local craft beverage options than in other parts of Iowa.

Travelers often start their exploration of this region in the capital city of Des Moines and then branch out to expe rience some of Iowa’s best fine dining and arts and cultural events around Iowa State University. Pella is anoth er top place to visit in the region and offers Dutch heritage, a historic down

town, gardens and museums. In the region, there are historic hotels to stay at, the iconic Lincoln Highway Bridge to see and lots of excellent places to grab a beer, wine or cocktail.

Fortunately, Central Iowa is a four-season destination between the rivers in the Loess Hills and sheltered from the most extreme hot and cold temperatures due to the unique micro climate. Is a winter vacation to Central Iowa a possibility in your near future?

An Overview of Central Iowa

The central region of Iowa is excep tional for growing wine grapes be

Seven Oaks Recreation: Boone, Iowa

cause of the relatively mild climate, compared to other parts of the state. Some wines that the region is known for are Boule de Polis, which is similar to a sauvignon blanc, as well as the Marechal Foch and Frontenac grape varietals.

There are lots of breweries in Cen tral Iowa, especially in the city of Des Moines. You’ll find dozens of local craft beer establishments in the Des Moines metro area and even the Iowa Craft Beer Festival, which is typically held at Water Works Park in Des Moines. Local residents are passionate about their craft beer, and new breweries continue to open up in the region, including the recent additions of 1717 Brewing Com pany in Des Moines, Gezellig Brewing Company in Newton and Fenceline Beer Lab in Huxley. Not surprisingly, there are also several craft spirit distill eries in the Des Moines area, namely Foundry Distilling, Dehner Distillery, Two Jays Distillery and Red Boot Distillery.

Craft Beverage Destinations in Central Iowa

Narrowing down your list of craft beverage establishments to visit can be a challenge in Central Iowa, so let us suggest a couple of great places to start!

Confluence Brewing Company: Is a must stop destination in Des Moines to taste the beer that Des Moines calls it’s own. There’s no better place to enjoy great beer, beautiful times, and good friends with a spacious taproom and patio. In addition, visitors can bring in their own food, buy something from on-site food trucks, or order delivery from one of the nearby local restau rants.

Greene

Boone

Story

Marshall

Tama

Guthrie

Dallas

Polk

Jasper

Adair

Madison

Warren

Marion

Mahaska

Poweshiek

Firetrucker Brewery: Has an exciting beer lineup that comes in beautifully designed cans that are truly works of art. The brewery’s taproom in Ankeny is open from Tuesdays to Sundays and offers live music, food trucks, happy hours and other fun events.

The Hall: For an epic craft beverage experience, don’t miss out on a visit to The Hall in Des Moines. This is a food hall with 54 taps pouring local craft beer, national brews and wine. There are also signature cocktails on the menu, as well as nitro coffee, diverse food menus and live music perfor mances.

Why Plan a Winter Trip to Central Iowa?

Aside from the craft beverage scene, which continues going strong through out the winter, there are many other reasons to plan your trip here during the months of December, January or February. Some of the best winter activities to do here are the Brenton Skating Plaza, Baconfest, the Science Center of Iowa and watching the Iowa

Wolves play a hockey game. In this area, you can also tour the Iowa State Capitol and State Historical Building, take your little ones to the Des Moines Children’s Museum or splash around at Honey Creek Resort’s indoor water park.

During the winter holiday season, there are lots of things to do in Cen tral Iowa, such as taking a ride on the Boone & Scenic Valley Railway’s Santa Express. Lunch, dinner and picnic train rides are available during other times of the year. A Christkindlmarket event in Des Moines takes place in early December and celebrates the tradi tional markets in Germany and Austria that are held during the four weeks of Advent. There are opportunities here to learn about European culture, taste authentic German foods, shop for artisanal holiday gifts, watch live en-

tertainment on stage and enjoy some warm Glühwein. This is a mulled wine characteristic of Christmas markets and comes with a keepsake mug – a mustdo for any wine enthusiast visiting Central Iowa!

Overall, this is a prime time to visit this part of the state because of all the events that are perfect for people of all ages. Many university students leave for winter break, making the local bev erage establishments and general area a bit less crowded. The winters here are not as harsh as in Northern Iowa, but you’ll still want to pack a good coat, hat and pair of gloves!

Other Places to Visit in Central Iowa

Whether you visit in the winter or save your trip for another season,

TYCOGA Winery & Distillery

TYCOGA Winery & Distillery has that unique rustic charm a perfect setting for any event from birthday parties, retirement parties, graduations, corporate events, bridal or baby shower & weddings. Our event room can accommodate up to 250 people or our small intimate down stairs barrel room can accommodate up to 35 people. Our outdoor patio or grass space is perfect for relaxing or for holding a wedding ceremony.

At TYCOGA we offer a wide variety of wine from dry to sweet, including a dessert wine and some delicious sparkling wine. Whether you prefer a bold dry, softer smooth semi sweet or a delicious fruity or sweet wine, we have wine for you. We offer wine tastings every day we are open for a small fee.

of all of our pizzas online at tycoga. com.

TYCOGA Vineyard & Winery first opened our doors in December 2014, with the winery portion. In February 2015 our event space opened. After many years of enjoying the wine side of things and winning many Interna tional awards with our wine from 2014 to 2022 we decided to start the distillery portion in 2021. We are now called TYCOGA Winery & Distillery making Whiskey & Vodka, including many mixed drinks now available at TYCOGA.

TYCOGA wine is now available for on line purchase to select states at tycoga. com.

We also make a delicious wood fired pizza every day we are open Wednesday through Sunday. You can find a list

Come find us at TYCOGA Winery & Distillery located just 20 minutes north of I-80, right off of Hwy 61 located at 2585 195th Street Dewitt, IA. Enjoy the serene countryside, surrounded by our vineyard & beautiful landscape. The Serenity pond, waterfalls and fire pits are truly breathtaking to sit beside enjoying a glass of your favorite wine or a mixed drink along with a delicious wood fired pizza. TYCOGA Winery & Distillery is open all year Wednes day through Sunday, some Saturdays during April through October open hours will be shortened due to private events. During the winter months you can reserve an Igloo out on the back patio with a maximum of 8 people. You can find the details about our Igloos online at tycoga.com. You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram.

We look forward to meeting you at TYCOGA Winery & Distillery!

TYCOGA Winery & Distillery

2585 195th Street • Dewitt, IA 52742

Phone: 563-659-1443 Website: www.tycoga.com

Information shown on the map is compiled from numerous sources and is complete at time of print. Space restrictions prohibit showing all beverage produc ers. Please refer to the website www.trails-tales.net for more information.

Featured Iowa Craft Beverage Producers

Northwest

Plum Creek Winery - Algona, IA www.PlumCreekWines.com

River Valley Orchards Winery & Distillery - Humboldt, IA www.rivervalleyorchards.com

Rustic River Winery & Vineyard - Lake View, IA www.rusticriverwinery.com

Shiny Top Brewing - Fort Dodge, IA www.shinytopbrewing.com

TractorLift Brewing - Humboldt, IA Email: tractorlift@gmail.com

Wise I Brewing Company - Le Mars, IA www.wiseibrew.com

S&B Farms Distillery - Bancroft, IA www.sbfarmsdistillery.com

Century Farms Distillery - Spencer, IA www.cfwhiskey.com

Northeast

Winneshiek Wildberry Winery - Decorah, IA www.wwwinery.com

PromiseLand Winery - Guttenberg, IA www.promiselandwinery.com

TLC Brew Works - Bancroft, IA www.tlcbrewworks.com

Toppling Goliath Brewing Company - Decorah, IA www.tgbrews.com

Central

Van Wijk Winery - Sully, IA www.vanwijkwinery.com

Confluence Brewing Company - Des Moines, IA www.confluencebrewing.com

Firetrucker Brewery - Ankeny, IA www.firetrucker.com

Southeast

TYCOGA Winery & Distillery - Dewitt, IA www.tycoga.com

Cedar Valley Winery - Batavia, IA www.cedarvalleywine.com

Crane Winery - Selma, IA www.cranewinery.net

Buchanan House Winery - Tipton, IA www.buchananhousewinery.com

Walker Homestead Farm & Winery - Iowa City, IA www.walker-homestead.com

Front Street Brewery & Taproom - Davenport, IA www.frontstreetbrew.com

Green Frog Distillery - Keokuk, IA www.greenfrogdistillery.com

Bridge House Cider - Long Grove - IA www.bridgehousefarms.com

Lost Duck Brewing Company - Fort Madison, IA www.duckbrewing.com

Southwest

Keg Creek Brewing Company - Glenwood, IA www.kegcreekbrewing.com

Hot Air Brewing - Creston, IA www.hotairbrewing.com

There are over 200 Wineries, Breweries and Distilleries in Iowa. For more information, visit our website... www.Trail-Tales.net

Next stop on your distillery trail is Century Farms Distillery in Spencer, Iowa.

There are many reasons to visit the Iowa Great Lakes in NW Iowa and one of them is on the north side of Spencer on Hwy 71 just 15 miles south of Lake Okoboji. Century Farms Distillery was established in 2017 by Ryan and Amanda Bare. Graduates of Iowa State University with degrees in mechanical engineering and after decades of ex perience working in the energy sector across the United States, the two head ed home to Iowa. An abundance of curiosity and a passion for quality crafts manship led the Bares to design and build from scratch their own distillery. To say it looks like no other distillery you’ve seen may be an understatement you just have to see for yourself.

At the heart of every farm there is a story. One of the most unique features of Century Farms Distillery is the individual relationships they build with each farmer who provides corn for their small batch spirits. To date, Cen tury Farms Distillery has worked with over 50 farmers across Iowa, South Da kota, Minnesota, Missouri, and Nebras ka. Every bottle of whiskey they sell has a QR code specific to the farmer or family that grew the corn used to make the whiskey in that bottle. In this single barrel approach, each bottle contains the history of the hard work, dedica tion, and spirit of the family farm. The QR code takes you to a webpage dedi cated to the legacy of the family with a completely traceable product that only Century Farms Distillery provides.

Come enjoy a cocktail at The Tasting Room. A trip to Century Farms Dis tillery includes a visit to The Tasting Room where you can sample all their

products as well as operating as a full bar with a food truck available on site.

On most weekends they also have live entertainment and games with a great atmosphere to catch your college and professional sports teams on the TV. The Tasting Room is family friendly, and the patio welcomes your pups as well.

Tour the Distillery and experience the innovation. A visit wouldn’t be com plete without a tour of the unique and innovative setup of Century Farms Distillery. Every Saturday includes an op portunity to walk through the process used to create their unapologetically authentic bourbons, whiskeys, and vodkas. Don’t miss the newest offering, Open Gate Sweet Tea Vodka, from one of Iowa’s fastest growing native distill eries! While not required, setting up your tour in advance will ensure you have the most informative experience with the most knowledgeable staff.

Turn your corn into whiskey! If you have a connection to a family farm (and in Iowa, most of us do some where!), they’d love to make your whiskey. With 45 bushels of corn and a bit of patience, the custom “Corn to Whiskey” program will get you started on celebrating your own story on a bot tle of Century Farms Distillery bourbon.

there’s always a lot to look forward to in Central Iowa. Between craft bev erage stops, check out some of these local attractions along the way:

Des Moines, IA

• Capitol Building: Tour the Iowa State Capitol building, the only U.S. Statehouse with five domes.

• Iowa State Fairgrounds: Each Au gust, it’s a fairground, but for the other 354 days of the year, it is the home to auto shows, livestock exhi bitions, flea markets, antique shows, concerts, trade shows and more. See what’s happening at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

• Adventureland Park: More than 100 rides, shows, and attractions, including the new family spinning roller coaster, The Phoenix! Rides for all ages are available from mild to wet-and-wild. Shows throughout the park feature a variety of family entertainment. Don’t miss Iowa’s newest water park, Adventure Bay. Water park admission is included with admission to Adventureland Park. Please see www.adventurelandpark.com for Park and Water Park operation dates.

• Prairie Meadows Casino Racetrack & Hotel: With more than 2,000 slot machines, game tables, live horse racing from April through October, award-winning restaurants, bigname entertainment, and a contemporary hotel, it’s no secret that Prai rie Meadows has it all. Also featured is the Prairie Meadows Events and Conference Center, making Prairie Meadows the perfect place to hold your next conference or event. Open 24 hours a day.

• Blank Park Zoo: Blank Park Zoo is “Iowa’s Wildest Adventure!” Expe rience the wonders of nature found in the tropical rainforests, Australian Outback and Africa. The zoo offers educational classes, tours and rental facilities.

Pella, IA

• Lake Red Rock: Iowa’s largest reser voir. Enjoy boating, hiking, camping, biking, fishing, birdwatching, and more!

• Pella Historical Village & Vermeer Mill: Step back in time to early Pella! Log cabin, general store, Dutch cos tume displays, and much more. Tour the Vermeer Windmill, one of the tallest working windmills in North America. The Wyatt Earp Experience explores the life of the famous west ern lawman who grew up in Pella.

• Molengracht Plaza: The Molengracht Plaza, located in Pella’s central business district, was built to replicate an authentic Dutch canal and is over 100,000 square feet. The better of two worlds, the Mo lengracht complex combines a 21st century entrepreneurial spirit with Old World Charm.

• Frisian Farms Cheese House: Small farm producing artisan Gouda Cheese, tours by appointment.

• Cordova Observation Tower: Tallest observation tower in a public park in the Midwest: 106 feet tall, 170 steps to the top!

Indianola, IA

• National Balloon Museum: This

national nonprofit is dedicated to educating the public on its balloon ing history through collections and exhibitions. More than 10,000 visi tors attend the museum every year to comb through over 200 years of ballooning archives. The National Balloon Museum calls Indianola home because of the area’s prime flying conditions. Indianola also played host to the Balloon Federa tion of America’s National Hot Air Balloon Championships before it took on its current nine-day national event, the National Balloon Classic. The museum is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and guided tours are available to those who call ahead.

Ames, IA

• Reiman Gardens: Take in the stun ning beauty of the 17 acre Reiman Gardens, located on the campus of the University of Iowa. The year-round botanical garden offers events, programs, lectures, and a butterfly wing that houses over 800 butterflies.

• McFarland Park: Hit the outdoors at McFarland Park, a 200 acre paradise offering views of a variety of hab itats, including prairies and woodlands. Picnic, fish, camp, hike, bike, and trail walk to your heart’s con tent against one of the area’s most beautiful backdrops.

• Octagon Center for the Arts: Get a close look at local artists’ contribu tions at the Octagon Center for the Arts, a not-for-profit organization that promotes and supports Iowa’s local artists. Exhibits are evolving

Confluence brews the hand-crafted beer that Des Moines, Iowa, can call its own.

If you savor beer as both a bold taste adventure in the present and a connection with generations past, Confluence Brewery was founded for you.

We’re devoted to creating a confluence of great beer, good friends and wonderful times — and look forward to bringing you together with a pint very soon.

throughout the year and offer the viewers a chance to own original clothing, textiles, pottery, paintings, and photography from Iowa’s local art community.

Boone, IA

• Boone Scenic Valley Raiload: Take a ride on the rails to experience the scenery of Central Iowa. Riders can enjoy beautiful views of the Des Moines River Valley, where it is not uncommon to see a convocation of bald eagles. Take the Dinner Train in historic 1950’s passenger cars.

• Seven Oaks Recreation: Visit this family-owned and operated ven ue that offers year-round outdoor recreation in central Iowa. Seasonal activities include canoeing, kayaking, river tubing, paintball, skiing, snow boarding and snow tubing. They also

provide a VERY nice facility that can be rented for wedding receptions, family reunions, class reunions, sum mer/winter retreats, birthday par ties, corporate meetings/retreats, team building and other activities.

When you visit Central Iowa in the winter, your focus will probably be on things to do indoors, especially as brewery and winery patios close for the season. So, be sure to dress in layers so that you can take off and add pieces of clothing and stay comfortable all day long.

To learn more about things to do and where to stay in Central Iowa or else where in the state, check out the offi cial Travel Iowa website www.traveliowa.com and browse our guide Iowa Trails & Tales for fun trip ideas and inspiration or visit our website www. trails-tales.net

Craft Beverages and Much More in Southeast Iowa This Winter

Southeast Iowa is one of the most unique parts of the state because it offers a little something for everyone. There are the busy metro areas of Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, as well as the German heritage attractions in the Amana Colonies and outdoor areas along the Mississippi River and Maquoketa Caves. This region of the Midwest is where the woodlands meet the grasslands, where there are no shortage of historical landmarks and where communities are friendly and welcoming.

In Southeast Iowa, you can see a famous swinging bridge, learn about Native American burial grounds at

by Alyssa L. Ochs

Toolesboro Mounds National Historic Landmark and get out into nature at Geode State Park and Shimek State Forest. It’s also a place where you can enjoy a great game of golf and experi ence authentic farm life and animals at Harvestville Farm and Wildlife Lakes Elk Farm.

Yet another great reason to visit Southeast Iowa is the local craft beverage scene, which is a steady source of tourism and local community even during the winter months. In fact, winter is a great time to visit the area because there are fewer crowds, more affordable accommodations and lots of festive activities for families. There are

Bald Eagle Days & Eagle Watching at Quad Cities

several quaint Christmas towns to visit, plenty of indoor attractions for chilly days and a climate that is a little milder than further north in the state.

Here’s what you can look forward to when you visit Southeast Iowa this winter.

The General Vibe of Southeast Iowa

Southeast Iowa is a storied and scenic place that offers arts and culture, small-town charm and world-class fes tivals. It is home to the Literary Capital of the World (Iowa City), lovely river front cities and plenty of family fun all throughout the year. The major inter states in the area are I-80 and I-380, while other primary routes to travel are Highways 34, 63 and 218.

There is a lively and growing craft beverage scene in Southeast Iowa that features sustainable products and ingredients from local farms. Most of the breweries are centered around Iowa City, and there are well over a dozen breweries here. Davenport has a few more breweries, while there are also a couple in Burlington, Keokuk and Fort Madison. You’ll find a scattering of wineries in the areas around Batavia, Donnellson and Mt. Pleasant.

Visit These Southeast Iowa Beverage Businesses

You can find a little bit of everything in Southeast Iowa if you love locally produced, hand-crafted beverages. For example, Lost Duck Brewing Company in Fort Madison has an extensive beer menu, gives tours and serves pub-style food. After your brewery stop, stay at the 19-room Kingsley Inn in downtown Fort Madison to get lovely views of the

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Mississippi River and be right across the street from historic Old Fort Mad ison.

You can also try BridgeHouse Cider from Long Grove during your regional travels. This cidery produces fresh hard cider made from apples harvested by hand on its own orchard. These smallbatch ciders are naturally gluten-free and can be tasted at the cidery by appointment or at local events.

Although there is less of a distillery presence in this region, you’ll definite ly want to check out the Green Frog Distillery in Keokuk. The distillery offers tours, tastings, a retail store and seasonal offerings that come out a little before Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Breweries

Millstream Brau Haus: The name “Brau Haus” simply means “Brewing House!” For years the Millstream Brew ery owners had said that it would be wonderful to add an authentic German Bierhalle to the Amana Colonies. In August 2016, the Millstream Brau Haus

was born! Adding the Brau Haus gave the Millstream Brewery the opportuni ty to make more ‘one of a kind’ brews and specialty beers only to be sold in the Brau Haus!

Front Street Brewery: Everything you would expect from a river town brew pub. Their first beer was brewed in the basement of their current building, over a century old and stoically posi tioned along the banks of the Missis sippi River in downtown Davenport.

Wineries

White Cross Cellars: Located in the historic village of Amana, Iowa, White Cross Cellars is a new approach to the Amana Colonies wine industry. While the Amanas have long been famous for fruit wines, White Cross Cellars delivers a more traditional approach to the wines of the Amanas. They feature

Award-winning wines from classic wine grapes as well as Midwestern varieties; producing wine in the European or California style. Specialties are white wines reminiscent of the traditional German and French styles, along with red dinner wines designed for beef and Italian dishes.

TYCOGA Winery & Distillery: Located outside of Dewitt just off Hwy 61 and named after their three children, this family owned Vineyard & Winery was established in 2014 and then started their Distillery portion in 2021. Boasting over 20 different types of wines from Dry to Sweet, their wide variety of mainly estate produced wines allows them to showcase wines to both the novice and the experienced wine drink er. In addition to their award winning wines, they also offer mixed drinks made with their Vodka & Whiskey. They truly enjoy meeting every person

BUCHANAN HOUSE WINERY

We’ve revived a 19th Century brick mansion into a modern-day Winery. Nestled in the rolling hills and breath taking view of cedar county, Iowa. We produce world class, high-quality wines from local ingredients.

Stop by our tasting room to find your favorite wines!

Tastingroom Hour’s:

11am - 7pm ... Thursday & Sunday

11am - 10pm ...... Friday - Saturday

Follow us on Facebook to learn more about our upcoming events or contact us about hosting an event with us.

(563) 357-9916

Events@buchananhousewinery.com www.buchananhousewinery.com 726 Green Rd, Tipton, IA 52772

and sharing their story!

Cedar Valley Winery: Located in Bata via, Iowa and traces its origins back to a 1.5 acre family vineyard. With early success, the Miller family expanded their vineyard to include seven different varieties of grapes. As a result, you can now conveniently visit their tasting room and sample their farm-to-glass wines while traveling to or from other regional tourist attractions.

Crane Winery: Known as “The Sweet est Little Winery In Southeast Iowa” and located in historic Van Buren County. Offering a quaint place to sit and sip their wines while relaxing in a charming, perfectly decorated setting that assures you that you are among friends.

Buchanan House Winery: Uses grapes

and fruits from its own vineyard to offer red, white, fruit, and sparkling wines to please even the pickiest of palates. Their fresh tasting offerings are made from high-quality Brianna, Frontenac, Marquette, and St Pepin grape varietals with the flavors of homegrown blackberries, currants, and apples. Enjoy your favorite on the grounds of the accompanying Colonial Revival Garden, displaying traditional brick and gravel pathways that wind through 19th-century appropriate plants and ornamental flowers.

Walker Homestead Farm and Winery: Provides visitors a total experience in agricultural stewardship. A farm-totable format allows diners an intimate insight into where our food comes from. Their commitment to farm stewardship teaches sustainability by using environmentally friendly techniques

BUCHANAN HOUSE WINERY & VINEYARD

Sweetest Little Winery in Southeast Iowa!

and shows visitors how to lead a more healthy and sustainable life. The Walk er Homestead Farm and Winery is also an event space and wedding venue to compliment those special moments.

Ciders

Bridge House Cider: All natural ingredients, minimal preservatives, and a simple process form the basis for Bridge House Cider’s appeal. Handpicked straight from the orchard, apples are ground with a traditional rack and cloth press, then fermented with high-quality yeast and left to mature before blending, carbonating, and bottling for your consumption. Simple, pure, and refreshing is the way it’s done.

Distilleries

Green Frog Distillery: Has become known as “both the newest and oldest distillery” in Southeastern Iowa. Nes tled in a rural setting as all good distill eries are, their varied line of flavored corn liquors offers something for every taste profile.

Reasons to Visit Southeast Iowa in Winter

Travel in Southeast Iowa can slow down a bit in the winter, but this is actually one of the best times to visit the region. Here you’ll find friendly and authentic experiences, lots of local farms and fun snow-related activities for the whole family to enjoy. South east Iowa has some great Christmas and holiday activities, including Win terfest in Amana Colonies and many

HANDCRAFTED, CRISP & REFRESHING HARD CIDER!

Award-winning cider bottles & cases for sale fresh off the farm! Tastings Available!

Also available for pickup most M-F 10-3 & Sat 10-2 Please call ahead 563-343-2622

bridgehousefarms.com Find us on Facebook & Instagram

EXPLORE IOWA

festive events throughout the season, such as Prelude to Christmas and the Tannenbaum Forest.

Southeast Iowa Attractions

To complement the local craft bev erage scene that is a big draw to the region, you’ll also find plenty of yearround attractions in Southeast Iowa towns that are perfect for a winter day of exploration.

To learn more about things to do and where to stay in Southeast Iowa or elsewhere in the state, check out the official Travel Iowa website www. traveliowa.com and browse our guide Iowa Trails & Tales for fun trip ideas and inspiration or visit our website www.trails-tales.net

Cure Your Cabin Fever with South-

west Iowa’s Craft Beverages

Southwest Iowa always provides some of the most diverse and unmatched outdoor experienc es for visitors and residents alike in the spring, summer and fall months. But what happens when the winds change and the winter season grabs hold of the landscape to dampen the eye-catching vistas of the beautiful prairies and savannas of the Loess Hills? What should you expect when the wetlands and deciduous forests along the Missouri River that were once so alive and inviting are forced by Mother Nature to tuck themselves in and hibernate until next spring? What is a person to do when feeling cooped up and stressed out over the holidays

by Gerald Dlubala

and dreary winter weather?

Well, you’re still in luck because although the views change, the avail able southwestern Iowa activities are still abundant for those that need to break out and cure their cabin fever. Hiking, winter birdwatching and cross-country skiing are just a sampling of the activities still on the table for year-round enjoyment. For others, this can be a perfect time to look inward, and although we’re not talking spe cifically about your soul right now, a trip through the friendly counties of southwest Iowa can be good for your soul as well as your mind and body. And speaking of being good for the

Council Bluffs Winterfest

soul, now is the perfect time to pull up a chair, relax and destress with some of the great local food and award-winning craft beverages that southwest Iowa can provide during your visit.

Southwest Iowa’s Craft Beverage Scene Serves It Up for All Tastes

Southwest Iowa boasts excellent craft beverages and local wine options, no matter your preference, but we know how hard it would be to pick a favorite. So, while visiting southwest Iowa, be sure to treat yourself and your party to one or more of the great local craft beverages because a little bit of selflove is never a bad thing.

Craft beer enthusiasts will surely find a new favorite among Iowa’s local craft breweries. Choose a home-inspired brew at Full Fledged Brewing, which holds the honor of being Council Bluff’s

Fueled by a 7-barrel brewhouse and a thirst for both tradition al and modern styles of craft beer, Hot Air Brewing in Creston, Iowa showcases a wide range of beer while providing a third space hangout for the community.

Founded by Katie Davidson and Andy Rullestad, opened to the public on Feb. 26, 2021 with brewer J. Wilson. Featuring both “high falutin” and “low falutin” beers brewed in-house, whether you like your beer light, dark, hoppy, sour, fruity, or spicy, Hot Air Brewing offers some thing every beer lover will enjoy.

Mathletic IPA, Microphone Scarves Saison, Sticks of Stubblefield Lime Berliner Weisse and Happy Dagger Oatmeal Stout—as well as a host of rotating beer styles—Hot Air serves up something for everyone.

Hot Air Brewing offers a range of ales and lagers from German, Brit ish, Belgian and modern American brewing traditions, with everything in between rotating frequently. The brewery is named for the communi ty’s annual hot air balloon festival, as well as the owners’ desire to lift others up. The duo tapped industry veteran J. Wilson to helm the bre whouse, and Hot Air proudly offers twelve beers on tap in a wide variety of world beer styles.

With standard beers like Trailbird Lager, Canary in a Coal Mine Pilsner,

Open and inviting, the Hot Air tap room brings a comforting, modern vibe to a historic, Uptown Creston building. Family-friendly and welcom ing to all, the space is well-supplied with games, popcorn, cupcakes, hard cider, and house-made Italian sodas, as well as numerous events ranging from Tuesday Night Trivia and First Friday Karaoke to drag brunches, professional wrestling, Oktoberfest and more.

A relative newcomer to the Iowa brewing scene, Hot Air Brewing is lo cated in Creston, Iowa (212 N. Maple Street), a small railroad town located an hour southwest of Des Moines, ninety minutes southeast of Omaha and two hours north of Kansas City. The brewery is located in Creston’s Uptown Business District, two blocks north of its historic restored Depot.

For more information about Hot Air Brewing visit hotairbrewing.com or follow the brewery on Facebook or Instagram.

Southwest Iowa Top Craft Beverage Destinations

Keg Creek Brewing Company: Locat ed in Glenwood, it is as authentic of a craft brewery as you’ll find. Started by homebrewers that decided to try and make beer they enjoyed, it wasn’t long before they discovered that other beer drinkers liked their products as much as they did.

Hot Air Brewing: Located in Cres ton, the brewery features both “high falutin” and “low falutin” beers brewed in-house, whether you like your beer light, dark, hoppy, sour, fruity, or spicy, Hot Air Brewing offers something every beer lover will enjoy. Enjoy special events such as Tuesday Night Trivia and First Friday Karaoke in a family-friend ly space well supplied with games, popcorn, hard cider and house-made Italian sodas.

Enjoy a memorable, satisfying glass of locally produced wine by exploring the Loess Hills District Wine Trail.

Reasons to Visit Southwest Iowa in Winter Are Numerous

Southwest Iowa has you covered whether you’re looking to hike, bike, ski, shop or sip. Voted the #1 place for sledding and to learn snowboarding and skiing, Mt Crescent in Honey Creek is a snow lover’s paradise. Mt Crescent satisfies the needs of all Midwest skiers, offering a variety of slopes for beginners, enthusiasts and up to the most challenging for experienced skiers. Beautiful scenery and Swiss-in spired lodging complement this south west Iowa jewel. Then, after challeng

ing your body, satisfy your senses with some of Iowa’s great food, craft bever ages or hot drinks in the mountain top café or out on the year-round sun deck.

For outdoor enthusiasts that prefer sledding, the Hitchcock Nature Center in Pottawattamie County is a worthwhile stop in all seasons. Still, it is known in the winter for its infamous chute sledding trail. Scream-worthy, banked turns send you down the hill, only to walk back up and do it all over again, transforming an ordinary snow day into an extraordinary experience. Not into the thrills of a winding sled ding experience? You can still enjoy the winter outdoor life at Hitchcock Nature Center with winter birdwatch ing, cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails through the 10 miles of nature trails or with a stay at one of their cozy and serene wintertime cabins.

Southwest Iowa Attractions

As always, check the attractions’ website or call to ensure availability and any operating hours changes that may be affected by weather or unfore seen circumstances. Additionally, keep up with the best of Iowa’s craft beer, distilled spirits and wine scene with updated quarterly editions of Trails & Tales. Cheers, and happy sipping!

To learn more about things to do and where to stay in Southeast Iowa or elsewhere in the state, check out the official Travel Iowa website www. traveliowa.com and browse our guide Iowa Trails & Tales for fun trip ideas and inspiration or visit our website www.trails-tales.net

(Continued from Page 3) a stop at the Heritage Society Museum to learn more about how the colonists would brew, share and enjoy their wines with each other. It’s just one of many interesting customs in this com munal society.”

BrrrFest 2023

Meanwhile, craft beer enthusiasts are marking their calendars for Saturday, January 28 because this is when Brr rFest 2023 takes place in Coralville, Iowa. BrrrFest is a celebration of the

Iowa Craft Beverages

because of the niche focus on winter brews, such as stouts, porters and oth er classic “big brews” with a seasonal twist.

“Iowa craft breweries products reflect the seasons,” Otto said. “This is a great time to try some of the bolder winter beers you might miss if you’re only sampling during the heat of summer. This event happens in the Iowa River Landing in Coralville with shops and restaurants to visit. At the neighboring Xtream Arena, the Iowa Heartlanders ECHL hockey team will be playing, so you can make a whole weekend out of visiting the area!”

winter craft beers and the brewers who make them. This will be the event’s 11th year, with proceeds supporting Coralville’s annual 4th of July celebra tion and the Iowa Brewer’s Guild.

“BrrrFest started in 2011 as the first specifically winter beer tasting event in Iowa,” Noreen Otto, the executive director of the Iowa Brewers Guild, told Trails and Tales. “There will be more than 50 Iowa breweries at the event again this year, each bringing two to four winter-style craft beers to taste. It is a great way to try brews from around the whole state!”

This is an interesting craft beer festival

Otto acknowledged that, yes, winter weather in Iowa can be cold, but this is a fun indoor event at the Hyatt Regency Coralville Hotel & Conference Center where people can still get together with friends and help raise money for great causes. Some proceeds support local youth scout ing organizations too. BrrrFest sells out nearly every year, and Brewmaster VIP tickets sell out very quickly. Tickets go on sale Monday, November 28, and you can follow Coralville BrrrFest on Facebook for additional updates and information.

More to Sip and Enjoy in Iowa This Winter

Even during Iowa’s long winters (perhaps especially at this time!), craft beer, wine and spirits have a way of bringing people together, and these events are excellent examples of Iowans’ hardy resilience, unwavering sense of community and dedication to

supporting local businesses. Of course, there are plenty of spring, summer and fall craft beverage festivals and tasting events scattered throughout the state. Yet winter is a unique and magical time in Iowa where traditions are celebrat ed, everyone is welcome and cozy vibes are felt everywhere you go.

This winter, we are also looking for ward to events taking place at individu al beverage producers’ establishments, such as Confluence Brewing Company’s Cabin Fever Day in January and Firkin Fest in February. There’s also the 11th annual Dubuque on Ice Brewfest on February 25 at the Grand River Center in Dubuque, Iowa, with both general

admission and VIP options available.

Learn about more local events and craft beverage-themed happenings on IOWA Trails & Tales event calendar. If you are a craft beverage producer and planning to host a winter event in the upcoming months, please share the details with us so that we can help get the word out and encourage Iowans to have the best winter ever!

For more information on Iowa Travel & Events, check out the official Travel Iowa website www.traveliowa.com or browse our guide Iowa Trails & Tales for fun trip ideas and inspiration or visit our website www.trails-tales.net

RIVER ROCKS: 18 regional craft beers on tap, large liquor, wine and bottled beer selec tion with a great view of the Mississippi Riverfront! 319-470-5992 • 709 Avenue H www.kingsleyinn.com

FAETH’S CIGAR STORE: 98 year old watering hole in downtown Fort Madison with a historic bar from the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair! 319-372-2792 • 832 Avenue G

CORKS and BARRELS: The newest edition to the Historic Downtown Fort Madison bar scene with a large variety of whiskey and wine. Offering smoked drinks and amazing charcuterie boards in an eclectic setting! 319-372-8840 • 622 7th Street

Timeless elegance with a family feel, modern comforts and superior service. Our property includes 18 guest rooms, a Guest House, parlor, banquet room and bar & grill on site! Guests receive 1 welcome drink per person at River Rocks until April 30, 2023.

LOST DUCK BREWING COMPANY: Hand crafted beer and pub style food location along the Mississippi Riverfront and overlooking Old Fort Madison. Beautiful woodwork, fantastic views and the beer is brewed on the 2nd floor! 319-372-8255 • 725 Avenue H