DES MOINES — A group representing the Iowa wine industry attended the governor’s official proclamation signing declaring the month of April as Iowa Wine Month.
Representatives in attendance at the proclamation signing were John Barber,The Cellar at White Oak; Mike White, ISU Extension Office; Ron Mark, Alexis Klahr and Shannon Klahr, Summerset Winery; Doug Bakker, Madison County Winery and Nicole Eilers, Iowa Wine Growers Association.
Facts about the Iowa wine industry:
• Average grape yields in Iowa are typically in the 3 to 4 tons/acre range. One ton of Iowa grapes will produce approximately 150 gallons of wine, filling about 750 bottles. Iowa grows cold-climate grape varietals.
• Iowa is home to 105 wineries and more than 300 vineyards across the state, covering nearly 1,300 acres.
• According to the most recent economic impact study conducted in 2012, the full economic impact of the Iowa wine industry totaled $420 million. Wine-related tourism in Iowa had an economic impact of $41 million, drawing nearly 360,000 visitors to the state.
• Iowa has seven wine trails across the state: Amana Colonies Wine Trail, Iowa Wine Trail, Western Iowa Wine Trail, Heart of Iowa Wine Trail, Scenic Iowa Wine Trail, I-80 Wine Trail and the Northwest Prairie Wine Trail.
The Iowa Wine Growers Association and its membership of wineries, vineyards and other industry members encourage adult residents and tourists alike to help celebrate Iowa Wine Month by visiting wineries across the state and responsibly enjoying a glass of quality Iowa wine.
Wineries are holding many events during April in celebration of Iowa Wine Month. For a listing of all events throughout the month, visit the Iowa Wine & Beer calendar of events.
About Iowa Wine
Growers Association
Iowa Wine Growers Association represents the 105 wineries and more than 300 vineyards operating in the state of Iowa.
Established in 2000, the association provides support and education to encourage sustainable viticulture practices and promotes the creation of quality wine and grapes from Iowa. The Iowa wine and grape industry provided $420 million in economic impact to the state of Iowa’s economy based on a 2012 survey performed by MKF Research.