Cedar Valley Winery hosts Wine Wednesday

Wine Wednesday, a program of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, was held at Cedar Valley Winery, near Batavia, on Wednesday, November 30. Aude Watrelot, Assistant Professor and Extension Enology Specialist, led this free workshop. She covered topics such as the grape and wine industry in the world and in Iowa, types of wines, grape varieties, and the impact of geography and the environment on grape production. Then she led participants in wine tasting and pairing of wine with food.

In addition to sampling wine from Cedar Valley Winery, those in attendance were also able to sample wine from Airport Road Winery in Mount Pleasant and East Grove Farms in Salem. Winemakers were present from all three wineries to discuss their winemaking process. Participants enjoyed being able to talk to the winemakers, learning that wine making is both an art and a science, and they were surprised to learn that the food you pair wine with can change the flavor of the wine.

To learn more about upcoming wine events, the research being done on campus, or Aude’s projects, visit her lab website at: https://faculty.sites.iastate.edu/watrelot/

Cedar Valley Winery near Batavia hosted ISU Extension’s program “Wine Wednesday” on Nov. 30. (Photo courtesy of Courtney Burkhalter)

Joel Garretson, from East Grove Farms, discusses their wine making process. (Photo courtesy of Courtney Burkhalter)

David Miller from Cedar Valley Winery shares information about their wines. (Photo courtesy of Courtney Burkhalter)

David Rogers, of Airport Road Winery, talks about their wines. (Photo courtesy of Courtney Burkhalter)

David Miller, from Cedar Valley Winery, and Aude Watrelot, ISU Extension and Outreach Enology Specialist greet participants. (Photo courtesy of Courtney Burkhalter)