Wineries in Midwest Wine Country hope that wine lovers think of them, if not first, then close to the top of the list as the season hits for holiday shopping.  Local wine makers, just like the farmers and suppliers at farmer’s markets, have a variety of high quality items for sale and know their neighbors’ support is what keeps them in business.  Read more.

Wine, by the bottle or the case, is a top choice for gift giving. Wine from Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota and the other Midwest states may be made from grapes from local vineyards or from juice or grapes shipped in from around the world.

Choose wines from grapes that have been brought in, wines with familiar names such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Zinfandel.  Or select wines from the locally-grown native and cold-hardy grapes: Concord, Marechal Foch, Swensen Red, Frontenac, Vidal Blanc, Seyval Blanc, Chardonnel, Vignoles, Catawba, Edelweiss, La Crosse, etc.

Fruit wines are popular too, and selections including blackberry, apple, cranberry, strawberry, rhubarb, cherry and raspberry.

Mead is another gift idea – that’s the name of the wine when honey is added.

You can stop in to taste wines at your neighborhood winery and select the wines you want to give. Ask the winemaker about their best-selling wines. Or, you can read descriptions of wines and order online from most Midwest wineries. Additionally you can taste wines from many Iowa wineries at Iowa’s Wine Cellar in Ames, or select popular Iowa wines to ship to various states on www.buyiowawines.com.

Wineries also offer wine-related items that make great gifts. You’ll find hand-blown glass bottle toppers, t-shirts and sweatshirts with clever sayings, wine glasses, wine and food pairing books, bottle openers and stoppers, decorative plaques, gift certificates and much more. Many wineries carry items from local artists – so poke around and see what’s wonderful.

Many wineries and wine trails have special events – dinners, live music, girl’s luncheons, trail events and fun, fun, fun! Find out what is coming up and purchase tickets to give to family and friends.

Midwest wineries have so much to offer … and you’ll love the big smiles when your gifts are opened.

Cheers!

Barbara Rasko
Make Mine Wine magazine
www.makeminewinemagazine.com