The First Trip

No, it's not the flowing hills of Florence, or even the luscious Napa Valley.
It's Iowa.
Most notably known as "corn country," a less known sweet crop has yielded a new cultural hot spot right in the Midwest.
Good to the last drop, Wallace Winery, just outside the quaint town of West Branch, Iowa sheds a familiar hometown feeling when you step into the adorable tasting room.
As an aroma of sweet wine seeps into the air, bottles of wine eagerly waiting to be uncorked sit against the wall.
A slight pop, and the fun begins.
The perfect compilation of sweet to dry white wines, including my favorite, "Vignoles," which quenched my taste buds with a burst of tropical fruits, hints of pineapple, and honey and lime lingering on.
A sweet sangria came next, which stirred up wonderful memories of a cafe I once spent an afternoon at in Barcelona, Spain.
The rest of the Red wines on the list provided deep rich flavors, giving me a warm rush, almost making me forget it was a cold November day.
To top of the tasting, a delectable "River City Port" dessert wine, complimented with dark chocolate provided as described,
"a rich and fruity finish."
As it tempts the taste buds for more, it fits its reputation perfectly.
While the sun was setting, I looked outside to the vines which grow those simply delicious grapes, and am once again surprised that I'm still in Iowa.
But amidst the chilly winds, and the slight smell of hog farms in the nearby area, this little treasure hidden in the most unexpected place made for an adventure that will garner many more visits from this newcomer to the wine industry.