Take A Wine Tour in Pella, Iowa
The last several years have seen quite a growth of Iowa wineries; which can actually be viewed as a re-birth. During the 20th century, Iowa was the sixth largest grape producer in the nation; then Prohibition came into effect and destroyed the industry.
Since the first native winery opened in 1997, more than 70 licensed wineries have opened, greatly increasing the number of Pella, Iowa, wine tours and boosting the local economy.
Over 700 acres are now planted with grapes, boosting the monthly wine production to over 25,000 gallons a month. Recent surveys conducted estimate 2008 wine sales will total more than $22,000,000.
Your Pella, Iowa, wine tour should also include sightseeing and some other activities to fully appreciate the beauty of the area.
History of Pella
Pella was founded in 1847 by 800 Dutch immigrants and their leader Dominie Scholte. They had fled their homeland seeking religious freedom; Pella means “City of Refuge.”
Pella, Iowa, Wine Tour - Tulip Time Festival
Tulip Time is held the first Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in May. This festival, with its parades, stage performances, open-air markets, and quilts and flower shows, celebrates Pella’s rich Dutch Heritage.
Pella, Iowa, Wine Tour - Wyatt Earp’s House
Pella is the childhood home of the Nicholas Earp family that included Wyatt Earp and his brothers Warren and Morgan. When Wyatt was two years old his father moved the family to Pella from Monmouth, IL. While living in Pella Nicholas held the office of Provost Marshall of Marion County.
Pella, Iowa, Wine Tour - The Vermeer Mill
This mill was built by two skilled Dutch craftsmen, using parts that were made in Holland by Lucas Verij. This mill grinds wheat into flour by capturing the power of the wind. The flour produced by the mill is used by local bakeries and restaurants. It is the tallest working Windmill in the United States, being 124 feet tall at the tip of its upright blade.
While on your wine tour of Pella, Iowa, you can’t miss noticing signs of the early Dutch immigrants, both in its agriculture and architecture.
Varieties of Grapes
During your Pella, Iowa, wine tour, you are likely to view many different varieties of grapes that are well suited to the local climate. These varieties include the native Catawba, the French-American hybrid Marechal-Foch, La Crosse, St. Croix, Delaware, Norton/Cynthiana, Leon Millot, Seyval Blanc and Vignoles.
Most of the wine produced in Iowa is consumed in Iowa, either by Iowans or by participants of the Pella, Iowa, wine tours.
