Business : Achievements in Iowa Wine and Grape Production Celebrated

The Iowa Wine Growers Association (IWGA) introduced two new components during their annual conference March 13-18, 2013, which was held at the West Des Moines Marriott. The conference started off with their first ever Amateur Wine Competition. Over 65 wines from all over the state were judged for quality structure and taste. Along with awarding medals to various category winners, the IWGA panel of judges awarded Joel Garretson of Salem, Iowa, with this year’s Amateur Winemaker of the year.

The second new component was added at the end of the conference, during the association’s annual banquet, Saturday, March 16. At that time, the association announced the 2012 Iowa Wine and Grape Awards in honor of Iowa’s most outstanding vineyards, wineries, industry partners and professionals. The award recipients have positively contributed to the wine experience of our visitors and residents and to the growth of the wine industry in Iowa.

The award winners included:

Outstanding Industry Partner: Iowa State Fair Board

Retail Partner of the Year: Hy-Vee Corporation

Winemaker of the Year: Les Ackermann, Ackermann Winery

Vineyard of the Year: Larry & Vi Engbers, Black Creek Vineyards

Outstanding Collaborative Wine Event: Swine Festival

Outstanding Marketing Campaign: 2012 Fireside Chat, Fireside Winery

The Iowa Wine and Grape Award nominations were open to all individuals, private businesses, for profits, and non-profit organizations positively impacting the wine and grape industry in the state of Iowa through an online nomination system. A panel of judges representing Iowa’s wine and grape industry reviewed each qualifying nominations before awarding the winner in each category.