Iowa might not be the first state that comes to mind as a winemaking region, but its wineries and the Iowa Wine Growers Association are challenging that notion.

In lieu of the Iowa State Fair Commercial Wine Competition, postponed when the 2020 fair was canceled, the Iowa Wine Growers Association conducted a standalone contest in March to shine a light on the best wines in Iowa over the past year.

The numbers tell the story of the industry's growth. The judges tasted 186 wines and handed out 149 awards to products from 30 wineries, including best-of-show winners from Fireside Winery in Marengo, Eagles Landing Winery in Marquette and Rustic River Winery & Vineyard in Lake View.

The overall winning wine, Fireside's Storyteller, received the Governor’s Cup trophy. It also took home the Best of Show White award for its sweet, fruity blend of Vignoles and St. Peppin grapes that the judges said provided notes of citrus, apple and pineapple.

Read the full article on the Des Moines Register website.