I asked Iowa winemakers across the state what wine they recommend with a traditional Thanksgiving meal and recommendations are listed below. Wine can be purchased at the wineries or often at many retail outlets. Check the winery’s Web site to see where the wine is available. Of course you can always stop in a winery, taste the wines and purchase your favorites.

Another option is to visit www.buyiowawines.com and review the tasting notes on wines from selected Central and Eastern Iowa wineries. Place the order and the wine will be delivered to your door.

Wondering how much wine you’ll need? It depends on the size of glass. You’ll pour approximately six servings per bottle using a 4-ounce wine glass compared to five servings using a 5-ounce wine glass.

Here are our winemaker’s recommendations:

Vern Holm, BlueStem Winery, Parkersburg, says, “With that big slice of turkey I would suggest our Feelin' Groovy (a Gruner Veltliner) at off-dry, our Tongue Twister (a Gewurztraminer which is just slightly sweeter than the Gruner) or our Prairie Fire (a Riesling which is just a little bit sweeter yet).

“With dessert (especially a piece of chocolate pie) a glass of Red Crescent (a Cabernet Franc dessert wine) would be super.” www.bluestemwine.com.

“Warm Dallas County Apple with spices would be perfect,” says Stan Olson, winemakers at Penoach Winery at Adel. www.penoach.com.

John Guinan from Santa Maria Vineyard & Winery, Carroll, recommends their Swan Lake, Brianna or Riesling Reserve with the Thanksgiving meal.  All three wines are white and range in sweetness from medium sweet (Swan Lake) to dry (Riesling Reserve). www.santamariawinery.com.

Here's the word from Daly Creek Winery and Bistro in Anamosa, "Daly Creek Winery's "Gothic White" and "Octoberfest" are excellent pairings for Thanksgiving fare.  For those that prefer a red wine, "Penitentiary Red" would be a perfect choice. Have a great Thanksgiving!" www.dalycreekwinery.com.

“St. Pepin from Two Saints Winery, St. Charles, is a white, semi-sweet fruity wine that pairs well with appetizers and the main turkey course,” says Christine Carlton. www.twosaintswinery.com.

“Traditional Cranberry wine from Breezy Hills Vineyard,” says Darrell Morse of Breezy Hills Vineyard, Minden. www.breezyhills.com.

Al Meeks, winemaker at Rosey Acres Winery, Runnels, recommends their Cranberry wine. It is a sweet dessert style wine that goes very well with turkey and pumpkin pie. www.roseacreswinery.com.

Mike Pence from Heartland Harvest Vineyard & Winery at Fort Madison recommends their Cranberry and Seyval Blanc. www.heartlandharvestwinery.com.

"At King’s Crossing Vineyard & Winery, Glenwood, we recommend our Princess Rachel’s Blush for a sweet wine and our La Crosse for a dry white wine," said Karen Foster. www.kingscrossingvineyard.com.

The Cranberry is Great! That’s the message from Dr. Ken Groninga, winemaker at Eagle City Winery, Iowa Falls. www.eaglecitywinery.com.

“Cheers to Cherry,” toasts Julianna Hrasky from Prairie Crossing Vineyard and Winery in Treynor. Just in time for the holidays, it’s a sweet cherry wine with a hint of vanilla.  www.prairiecrossingwine.com.

Lisa Springer at Southern Hills Winery suggests Outback Zak which has a full cranberry taste (without the tartness) finished with a peppery kick.  Our Riesling-like Splendor in Glass as well as our You're Making Me Blush (similar to a White Zinfandel) are also good choices. www.shwinery.com.

At Little Swan Lake Winery in Estherville the choice is White Swan - made from Iowa LaCrosse grapes or our semi-dry Riesling. www.lslwinery.com.

Cheers!

Barbara Rasko

Make Mine Wine magazine