Events and Activities : Iowa Wine Trail announces 10th anniversary event

(Marquette, IA). Eight wineries over one weekend equals a “wine-derful” experience for lovers of locally crafted Iowa wines. Celebrating their 10th anniversary, The Iowa Wine Trail member wineries are hosting a special spring wine trail event, called “Ten Years Together: Vintners Choice” during the weekend of April 26-27, 2014 (10am to 6pm daily).

“Over the past decade the Iowa wine industry has seen a lot of growth in wineries and quality of wines,” says Jay Halvorson, President of the Iowa Wine Trail and owner of Eagles Landing Winery in Marquette. “In fact, over the past four years alone the industry has grown by approximately 80% and the economic impact from Iowa wineries exceeds $420 million dollars. We’re fortunate to have such a supportive fan base that enjoys our wines but also asks for them at their local retailer,” states Halvorson.

Iowa Wine Trail spring event ticket holders will receive a commemorative wine glass, get free samples of delectable foods paired perfectly with locally made wines, learn more about Iowa wines, gain insights into the Iowa wine industry, tour, and enjoy gift shopping at each one of the eight member wineries.

The April 26-27 (10am-6pm) spring event gives everyone plenty of time to visit all eight wineries over the course of one fun-filled weekend. Some visitors start at one end of the wine trail, either in West Branch or Decorah and work their way through the trial, staying overnight at a local B&B or hotel; while other visitor pick and choose wineries to visit. Regardless of your wine trail strategy wine lovers are sure to have a great time!

Celebrating 10 years together, member wineries have decided to select food samples that visitors really love, including:

· Brick Arch Winery (West Branch): Bacon Wrapped Tater Tots, Salmon Potato Pie, Mushroom Ravioli and "Naked Ladies" Cherry Truffles

· Daly Creek Winery & Bistro (Anamosa): Peppadew Peppers stuffed with crab salad, Smoked Pork Ribs with a tangy Pen Red BBQ Sauce, and Panna Cotta.

· Eagles Landing Winery (Marquette): Meatballs with red wine gravy, Nachos with Queso Cheese Dip, Country Cole slaw, Bread pudding with wine sauce

· Engelbrecht Family Winery (Fredericksburg): White wine soup, Red wine soup, Gouda and Blue Cheese wheels with gourmet crackers, and Flan with homemade whipped cream and fresh raspberries and blackberries.

· Park Farm Winery (Bankston): Pork tenderloin with smoked paprika rouille, Swedish meatballs, Fruit salad with honey dressing, and Apple doodle dessert pizza

· Tabor Home Winery (Baldwin): - French Beef Stew Fioritures, Chocolate Red Raspberry Torte, Catawba Wine Cake

· Wide River Winery (Clinton): Spring salad, Sausage and Gorgonzola pasta, and Wide River Paradise Chocolate

· Winneshiek Wildberry Winery (Decorah): Nettle Soup, Texas Caviar w/Avocados, Asian Short Ribs, and Baklava

Early bird event tickets (purchased before April 21, 2014) are on sale now for $30 per person; purchase 3 tickets and get the 4th for free. Or purchase tickets for $40 the day of the event. Please sample responsibly by designating a driver. Free Designated Driver tickets are available upon request.

Tickets can be purchased at participating winery tasting rooms, online by clicking on the Purchase Tickets tab at www.iowawinetrail.com, or by calling563-557-3727563-557-3727.