Jasper Winery

We love wine, all types and varietals of wine, and we especially love supporting the growing Iowa wine industry. There are now over 400 vineyards in Iowa and the state boasts over 80 wineries. We think that is pretty exciting! The quality of Iowa wines is continually improving and many Iowa wineries are bringing home top medals in national and international wine competitions.

We stopped in recently at Jasper Winery. Located just minutes from downtown Des Moines at 2400 George Flagg Parkway, Jasper Winery is an "estate style" winery that specializes in using grapes sourced from vineyards throughout central Iowa. The winery first operated near downtown Newton, IA, and expanded into it's current location in 2007.

The gardens and vineyards surrounding the building are beautiful.

They were busy completing some of the never-ending chores necessary to maintain healthy vines.

This cool old car sits just outside the main entrance to the winery.

The tasting room offers an opportunity to sample all selections of the Jasper Winery. A modern, urban space, the tasting room also gives you a view of the production area and barrel room. Open seven days a week, tasting is free and you can also request a tour of the winery.

We each tasted 4 wines - Grant went with the more dry varieties, while I sampled the more semi-dry/semi-sweet wines. The wines ranged from a full bodied red to fruity and refreshing whites. A more in-depth look at the varietals available at Jasper Winery is here.

Jasper Winery also offers samples and sales of several different types of Madhouse Brewing Company beer.

It was a beautiful day, so we decided to enjoy a bottle of wine out on the patio. We chose a bottle of La Crescent, a Midwestern variety that was citrusy with just a touch of sweetness. If you'd like, the winery also offers a Noshing Plate of cheese, nuts, dried fruit and your choice of olives or chocolate to enjoy along with your wine.

Jasper Winery also hosts a Summer Concert Series every Thursday night through August 25 (oops, just missed that). Plus, they serve their wines by the glass or bottle as well as Madhouse Brewing Company beer at the unWINEd event at Gray's Lake every Friday in September from 5:30 - 8:30pm.

You can also contact the winery for VIP Tasting & Tours for your group, Wine & Chocolate Pairings, or Madhouse Beer & Chocolate Pairings.

If you love wine, don't hesitate to stop in at Jasper Winery. They strive to produce world-class wines using Iowa grown grapes, which can be a difficult task, but one in which they have definitely succeeded. Take some time during these last long days of summer and enjoy a glass or bottle at Jasper Winery.

Jasper Winery

2400 George Flagg Parkway
Des Moines, IA  50321

515.282.9463

Hours

Monday - Saturday  10am - 6pm
Sunday  1pm - 5pm

Much more information at www.jasperwinery.com