In our continuing series of Spectacular Wines from the Mid-American Wine Competition (MAWC) we focus on the top five wines recognized as sweepstakes winners. In the 2010 MAWC, the award for Best Dry Red Wine was given to Summerset Winery’s Iowa Frontenac.
Summerset Winery Iowa Frontenac (NV)
Best Dry Red Wine, MAWC
The Wine: “A spicy dry red with hints of black cherry and currants. This French Hybrid varietal is grown on the north slope to accentuate the floral tones and balance of the wine. Fermented on French oak.”
The Winery (via winery website): “Ron and Linda Mark opened Summerset Winery in the summer of 1997 and became one of the first estate wineries in Iowa. They began growing grapes on the scenic Summerset ridge above the Middle River in 1989. Ron experimented with several grape varieties in order to find what could withstand the cold Iowa winters and thrive in central Iowa. The first yield was processed in 1993 and the idea of Iowa wine was realized. In 1997 the winery opened it's doors to the public via the owners’ home. The basement was redesigned into a tasting room and the wine production occurred in the modified garage. As the popularity of the winery grew, so did the need for a larger production facility. Since 2001, the winery has resided in a large, upscale barn that was designed to house a cellar, wine tasting room, gift shop, meeting room, and grand banquet hall.
Today the winery is nestled on 12.5 acres of vineyard just 7 miles south of Des Moines and twenty minutes from the downtown area. The driveway winds through the vineyard and concludes at the winery and tasting room. Summerset Winery’s estate offers an oasis of lush landscaping, expansive decks and terraces. The winery is host to many group tours, special events, wedding ceremonies and receptions, as well as live music every Sunday afternoon. The Arbor House provides the perfect backdrop for wedding ceremonies and concerts. During the summer months, the green grass is laden with lawn umbrellas that offer shade to the wine enthusiasts enjoying picnics and live outdoor concerts. From the back patio, guests can enjoy the picturesque flora as well as the downtown Des Moines skyline.
Over the years the winery has increased its production capacity substantially….The winery now produces 150,000 bottles of wine a year and has continued to be one of the largest producing wineries in the state. In addition, Summerset Winery is in control of over 100 acres of Iowa grapes through agreements with other farmers. Over the years Ron and Linda have taken on more staff to help run the business and now employ 9 full-time staff members and many part time employees to help with weekends and events.
Ron and Linda’s dream of owning a winery with a quality product has become a reality. Ron has become a pioneer of the Iowa wine industry and has been an integral force behind the resurgence of the industry in the state. He continues to focus on the development of the industry. He was one of the founders of the Iowa Wine Growers Association and has served as its president. He was heavily involved in the creation of the Iowa Wine Development Commission with the Iowa Department of Agriculture. Ron and Linda’s main goal was only to make a really good bottle of wine. Thanks to them, people from all over Iowa, and the United States, can enjoy a great bottle of Iowa wine too”.
Visit: Summerset Winery
