Fireside Winery Live Entertainment

Fireside Winery hosts live local and regional artists on two outdoor stages throughout the warm weather season.  Visit www.firesidewinery.com/events to see what's coming.

POLKA! Oktoberfest at Fireside

Dust off your Dirndl (ladies) and Lederhosen (gentlemen) and get ready to POLKA with Gary's Ridgeland Dutchmen band. Fireside Winery will celebrate the areas German heritage on the last Saturday of September - and Oktoberfest means Polka!

And for the POLKA newbies, we're offering FREE POLKA DANCE LESSONS at 6pm and 8pm.

In addition, we will be serving delicious MILLSTREAM BEER TONIGHT ONLY! With dance lessons, wine and beer, there are no excuses not to be here !

Featuring the Wisconsin Polka Hall of Fame Band : Gary's Ridgeland Dutchmen

We welcome fans of Oktoberfest and Polka to join us during our first Fireside Oktoberfest. This amazing Hall of Fame Band will perform live on our big stage (with plenty of room for dancing) the scenic grounds of Fireside Winery. We encourage fun, dancing and welcome you, your friends, and family to join us for our Harvest Celebration!

FOOD : P.H.A.T. Daddy's restaurant, a local favorite, will prepare delicious German styled food ($15/pp). Appetizers will be available until 5pm. (we ask you to refrain from bringing outside food and beverages to Fireside Winery).

MENU :
Knackwurst with Sauerkraut
Jagerschnitzel with Mushroom Sauce and Noodles
Warm Potato Salad
Green Bean Salad with Dill

SEATING : Ample seating areas are provided on the grounds and patio areas of Fireside Winery. Come early for the best seats (seats may not be reserved) around our three warm and inviting fire pits. We also recommend bringing comfortable folding chairs and/or blankets.

About the Band : Gary's Ridgeland Dutchmen - "An award winning Polka/ Variety band from Cashton, WI. Chosen as Wisconsin Polka Hall of Fame's Band of the Year in 2003 and 2008, also Gary was inducted into the World Concertina Congress Hall of Fame in 2008. Our CD, "25 Year's of Miles, Smiles and Memories" won "Album of the Year" from Wisconsin Polka Music.com.

Just recently our latest CD, "Brueggen Down the House" picked up Variety CD of the Year from 247polkaheaven.com and also the Polka America Corporation.

The band plays a variety of Polka music including Dutchmen/German/Czech style, Polish Style and Slovenian style along with a variety of country, big band, swing, and 50's and 60's music.

Tropical Iowan Night - Sat., Aug. 4th

Tropical Iowan Night - Fireside Winery will transform into "Wine-a-Rita-ville" on Saturday, August 4th (4-10pm) when the Cedar Island Band plays all of your favorite tropical-infused tunes!

Special event celebrating warm island breezes amongst the rolling hills and richly hued Iowa sunsets. Dress for FUN (Tropical attire encouraged). We're featuring two wonderful groups:

4-7pm - Pennies on the Rail
7-10pm - Cedar Island Band

The Tropical Iowan Night is Fireside Winery's annual tropical island music special event. Bands will perform on two large outdoor stages on the scenic grounds of Fireside Winery.

We encourage fun, dancing and welcome you, your friends, and family to join us for our Tropical Iowan Night!

FOOD: P.H.A.T. Daddy's restaurant, a local favorite, will serve Caribbean style food ($15/pp). Appetizers will be available until 5pm. (we ask you to refrain from bringing outside food and beverages to Fireside Winery).

MENU:
Pepper Jelly Glazed Pork Loin
Caribbean Jerk Chicken
Mojo Marinated Steak Tacos
Rice & Beans
Caribbean Pasta Salad
Fruit Salad
Fried Plantain Chips
Sweet Potato Salad

COVER CHARGE: $10 per person (12yrs and under free). Cover charge wrist bands will be for sale all day; however, access to the patio and event grounds will close at 3pm to those without wristbands. Thank you.

SEATING: Ample seating areas are provided on the grounds and patio areas of Fireside Winery. Come early for the best seats (seats may not be reserved) around our three warm and inviting fire pits. We also recommend bringing comfortable folding chairs and/or blankets.

About the Bands:

Pennies on the Rail -"Friends that got together and discovered we could make some pretty great music."

Cedar Island Band - "The Cedar Island Band is a six piece Tropical Rock (TropRock) band that started in 2004. We have performed for Parrot Heads in seven different states including Key West, Fl! In 2009, we were nominated for the Margarita Mafia TropRock Horizon Award."

2012 "iPick iStomp iDrink" - Call for Volunteers

UPDATE 8-3: All Volunteer Slots Have Been Filled.  Thank you!

We are excited to announce the 2^nd annual “iPick iStomp iDrink™” grape harvest at Fireside Winery’s Brickyard Hill Vineyard.  Planning grape harvest dates is one-part art and one-part science.  Because of the unusual weather conditions, late frost and hot summer, we’re likely going to pick earlier than normal.  But dates can and likely will change unexpectedly.

IMPORTANT: Consider the below dates as tentative (grape ripening and weather dependent) and any change may result in a date cancellation and/or a move to another weekend.

 GRAPE HARVEST WORK PARTY DATES (Saturdays)
August 4, Volunteers needed: 40 (Full)

August 11, Volunteers needed: 75 (Full)

August 18, Volunteers needed: 100 (Full)

August 25, Volunteers needed: 100 (Full)

First Come Basis

Where: Brickyard Hill Vineyard (Marengo, IA)

When: 7:30am-noon (at the vineyard); then back to the winery for lunch and fun (Noon to 3pm).

What: Join us at the Brickyard Hill Vineyard by 7:30 and help us harvest our 13+ acres of grapes. 

What to Bring: Hat, gloves, sunscreen and snacks

What to Expect (times are approximate): 

7:15am.  Arrive at Brickyard Hill Vineyard for briefing.

7:30am – Noon. Pick grapes (take a break when you need).

12:00pm.  Depart vineyard and drive to Fireside Winery (1755 P Ave).

Noon-3pm.  Receive thank you lunch, bottle of wine (for those 21 or older), grape stomp, production tour (you can help us during the crush operations, if you’d like), and a "iPick iStomp iDrink™" - harvest t-shirt.

IMPORTANT -- THIS IS REAL VINEYARD WORK!

Must be at least 15 years old to receive above benefits; and 21 and older to receive the complementary bottle of wine.

REGISTER NOW: LIMITED SPACE - Send the following information to Brad@firesidewinery.com – subject line: “iPick”

1.   Name of Contact; Phone Number.

2.   Number of Pickers in your group.

3.   T-shirt sizes for those 15 years or older.

4.   Date Preferred (see above for dates).  Please indicate secondary choice. *Note: please let us know if you are willing to be called upon on short notice to help pick if conditions warrant.

5.   Special dietary concerns.

Other Considerations:  It’s a good idea to wear a long sleeved t-shirt as you'll be fishing around the vines to find the berries (not required but suggested). Check the weather reports before you leave - might want to have a jacket for the cool morning and shorts and t-shirts for later in the morning and later on for the STOMP.  NOTE: In the event of thunder/lightening or severe weather during harvest we will call pickers from the vineyard until threat diminishes. Some people wear gloves. Insect repellant. Bring Snacks. Take a break when you need. Drink plenty of water.

Directions to Brickyard Hill Vineyard: leave earlier than you think you need if you’ve never been to the vineyard before.

Reference Start Point – Marengo, Iowa (US-6)

1.   US-6 – Drive WEST out of Marengo (just out of town).

2.   Turn LEFT (South) on L Ave (County Hwy V-62), a gravel road.  (NOTE: there will be a grain CO-OP at the corner of US-6 and V-62. 

3.   Drive approximately 1 mile and take the first gravel road on your RIGHT (160^th St.). Look for Vineyard Sign at turn. As you travel on 160^th St. you’ll notice farm buildings and grain silos. Continue on 160^th for about ¼ mile.

4.   Take the first turn to the LEFT (about ¼ mile from the last turn) on Kk Ave. You’ll begin to climb a hill.

5.   Within about 400 yards you’ll notice a Vineyard on the hill (Note vineyard sign). Turn LEFT onto the gravel entrance of the vineyard.

6.   Follow the gravel drive up the hill and park on top. There will be other cars and Fireside Winery staff there to direct.

7.   IF YOU GET LOST – call Brad at 319-329-1509.  FYI…There is limited cell phone reception in the vineyard.

MAP Link: http://bit.ly/NtjN2L

NEW RELEASE - GLOW!

NEW RELEASE  -- GLOW!

Available Friday, June 29th!

Don't miss GLOW our new delicious sweet white wine made from our Iowa grown grapes.

Overview

Our GLOW (Vintage 2011), a delicious white wine, is made from our Iowa grown Brianna grapes.  Amazing tropical fruit aromas and flavors deliver an enticing and satisfying treat for the lovers of sweet white wines. A perfect summer sipping wine or an excellent accompaniment to spicy food.  Best when served chilled. $14

Color/Aroma/Palate

Moderately hued straw colored wine. A rich balance of sweet and tart, GLOW delivers scrumptious aromas of tropical fruit, rich apricot and peach, and a hint of spice.  Cool fermentation enhances the pineapple, banana, mango and apricot you’ll enjoy.  The pleasantly long, rich, and silky-sweet finish is the perfect wine to share with your friends.  

Wine Production Info

Cultivars: 100% Iowa Brianna

Harvest Year: 2011

Bottling Year: 2012

Total Bottled: 2000 gallons = 10,000 bottles

Vineyard: Brickyard Hill (Estate Vineyard), Wilson Vineyard (near Milo), and Peers Vineyard (near Tama).

Alcohol: 11.5 %

Oak: None

Cold Stabilization: Yes

Note: Cool fermented to enhance fruity character

Background: Developed by Elmer Swenson.

Pairing and Service

Optimal Serving Temperature: 50 degrees (chilled)

Cheese: Fontina, Havarti, Muenster, Monterey Jack, Colby, Gouda, BellaVitano

Meals: Spicy Thai or Mexican food, pasta with cream sauce.

 

2012 Special Events at Fireside Winery

We're pulling out all the stops this summer at Fireside Winery!  Our Sunday Afternoon Tunes runs through the end of October and our lively Friday Night Live begins May 25th through the end of September.

Our interactive online calendar will help you find the perfect reason to visit Fireside Winery:  http://www.firesidewinery.com/events.html

NEW: We thought we'd try something new this year at our Brickyard Hill Vineyard (about 4 miles from the winery) on three Thursday's this summer, we're calling it "Sunset Wine and Vines."  Fireside Winery is bringing live music to the vineyard. Feel free to bring your own wine and picnic basket and enjoy the beautiful views and relaxing music within Fireside Winery's Brickyard Hill Vineyard.  Admission: $10 per person. Cash only accepted at the vineyard.  In event of rain, the performance will take place back at Fireside Winery.

2012 SPECIAL EVENTS 

June 23 -- WinEquinox - Special event celebrating the beginning of Summer featuring two amazing rock-n-roll bands:
  

4-7pm - Tattooed Barbie  

7-10pm - Crazy Delicious

FOOD: P.H.A.T. Daddy's restaurant, a local favorite, will serve their delicious BBQ ($15/pp). Appetizers will be available until 5pm. (we ask you to refrain from bringing outside food and beverages to Fireside Winery).

Menu: Smoked Pork Shoulder, Beef Brisket, Amish-Style BBQ Chicken, Baked Beans, Pasta Salad, Tangy Slaw, and Fruit Salad

COVER CHARGE: $10 per person (12yrs and under free). Cover charge wrist bands will be for sale all day; however, access to the patio and event grounds will close at 3pm to those without wristbands. Thank you.

July 14th -- FIREFLY FESTIVAL - Special event celebrating the beloved lightening bug - the namesake for our best selling blush wine, Firefly. BIG FUN night featuring two wonderful groups:

4-7pm - Chubby Trio
7-10pm - The Dueling Pianos of Andy Anderson & Mike Leeds

The Firefly Festival is Fireside Winery's annual tribute to the Firefly and our fun and fruity blush wine. Bands will perform on two large outdoor stages on the scenic grounds of Fireside Winery. We encourage fun, dancing and welcome you, your friends, and family to join us for our Firefly Festival!

P.H.A.T. Daddy's MENU: Sweet & Tangy Chicken Sandwiches, Grilled Vegetable Salad, Mixed Greens Salad with Firefly Vinaigrette, Gazpacho, Mini Cheesecakes with Firefly Glaze

COVER CHARGE: $10 per person (12yrs and under free). Cover charge wrist bands will be for sale all day; however, access to the patio and event grounds will close at 3pm to those without wristbands. Thank you.


August 4th -- Tropical Iowan Night - Fireside Winery will transform into "Wine-a-Rita-ville" on Saturday, August 4th when the Cedar Island Band plays all of your favorite tropical-infused tunes!  Special event celebrating warm island breezes amongst the rolling hills and richly hued Iowa sunsets. Dress for FUN (Tropical attired encouraged). We're featuring two wonderful groups:

4-7pm - Pennies on the Rail
7-10pm - Cedar Island Band

The Tropical Iowan Night is Fireside Winery's annual tropical island music special event. Bands will perform on two large outdoor stages on the scenic grounds of Fireside Winery. 
We encourage fun, dancing and welcome you, your friends, and family to join us for our Tropical Iowan Night!

FOOD: P.H.A.T. Daddy's restaurant, a local favorite, will serve Caribbean style food ($15/pp). Appetizers will be available until 5pm. (we ask you to refrain from bringing outside food and beverages to Fireside Winery).

MENU:  Pepper Jelly Glazed Pork Loin, Caribbean Jerk Chicken, Mojo Marinated Steak Tacos, Rice & Beans, Caribbean Pasta Salad, Fruit Salad, Fried Plantain Chips, and Sweet Potato Salad.

COVER CHARGE: $10 per person (12yrs and under free). Cover charge wrist bands will be for sale all day; however, access to the patio and event grounds will close at 3pm to those without wristbands. Thank you.  

Sunday, September 2nd -- Harvest Celebration - Our annual labor day event is now our Harvest Celebration. We'll be celebrating until 11pm!

We're in the midst of our annual grape harvest and the first juice of the season is beginning to ferment. Join us for our annual Harvest Celebration for a night of live music, grape stomping, food, fun, and live music!

Fireside Winery is the perfect Labor Day weekend getaway and our Harvest Celebration is one of our last big events of the summer! Stomp Grapes in your favorite "Lucy" costume! We'll also celebrate our family farm heritage with barrels of corn and beans to stomp around in too!

Featuring two wonderful groups (note times):

5-8pm - The Agency Band
8-11pm - Standing Hampton

The Harvest Celebration is Fireside Winery's last big summer event of the season. Bands will perform on two large outdoor stages on the scenic grounds of Fireside Winery.

We encourage fun, dancing and welcome you, your friends, and family to join us for our Harvest Celebration!

FOOD: P.H.A.T. Daddy's restaurant, a local favorite, will prepare a special Hog Roast ($15/pp). Appetizers will be available until 5pm. (we ask you to refrain from bringing outside food and beverages to Fireside Winery).

MENU: Hog Roast, Farfalle with Grilled Fall Vegetables, Fall Fruit Salad, Roasted Fall Vegetables, Cauliflower Gratin, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

COVER CHARGE: $10 per person (12yrs and under free). Cover charge wrist bands will be for sale all day; however, access to the patio and event grounds will close at 3pm to those without wristbands. Thank you.

September 29th -- OKTOBERFEST - Fireside Winery will celebrate the areas German heritage on the last Saturday of September - and Oktoberfest means Polka!

Dust off your Dirndl (ladies) and Lederhosen (gentlemen) and get ready to POLKA with Gary's Ridgeland Dutchmen band.

Featuring the Wisconsin Polka Hall of Fame Band:

7-10pm - Gary's Ridgeland Dutchmen

We welcome fans of Oktoberfest and Polka to join us during our first Fireside Oktoberfest. This amazing Hall of Fame Band will perform live on our big stage (with plenty of room for dancing) the scenic grounds of Fireside Winery.

We encourage fun, dancing and welcome you, your friends, and family to join us for our Harvest Celebration!

FOOD: P.H.A.T. Daddy's restaurant, a local favorite, will prepare delicious German styled food ($15/pp). Appetizers will be available until 5pm. (we ask you to refrain from bringing outside food and beverages to Fireside Winery).

MENU: Knackwurst with Sauerkraut, Jagerschnitzel with Mushroom Sauce and Noodles, Warm Potato Salad, Green Bean Salad with Dill

COVER CHARGE: $10 per person (12yrs and under free). Cover charge wrist bands will be for sale all day; however, access to the patio and event grounds will close at 3pm to those without wristbands. Thank you.

October 27th -- Halloween Costume Dance Party.  Calling all Ghouls, Goblins, and Ghosts! Fireside Winery will host the 2nd annual Halloween Costume Dance Party.

Pre-party starts at 6:00 - Tomb opens at 7pm!

CONTEST Categories: Audience votes.
1. Best Costume (individual)
2. Best Costume (group)
3. Most Creative Costume

AWARDS: to be announced.

FOOD: Appetizers will be available until 9pm. (we ask you to refrain from bringing outside food and beverages to Fireside Winery).

COVER CHARGE: $5 per person.

SEATING: Limited seating areas are provided within the winery, on the patio, and inside the pavilion. Come early for the best seats (seats may not be reserved). 

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GENERAL SEATING SUGGESTIONS -- Ample seating areas are provided on the grounds and patio areas of Fireside Winery. Come early for the best seats (seats may not be reserved) around our three warm and inviting fire pits. We also recommend bringing comfortable folding chairs and/or blankets.

Visit us online: www.firesidewinery.com 

Call us: 319-662-4222

 

Wine Art Contest Results

Fireside Winery's first Wine Art Contest was a success with several dozen entries and nearly 100 votes cast. Listed below are the category winners:

Cork Art - Pat Ganzer Holland
Bottle Art - Rick Andrews
Photography - Julie Staub
Painting - Heather Day - Best of Show
Wearable Art - Two Grammas Quilting

Heather Day - "Cozy by the Fireside" - Category Winner & Best of Show

 

Selection of Wine Art

Rick Andrews - Wind Walking Wine Tree (Category Winner)

Mixed media

Cork art

Photo (center) - Julie Staub - "Wine Glass" - Category Winner

Cork art

Bottle Art, Wearable Art, and Photograph

Wall of art

We want to thank everyone who participated in our Wine Art Contest.  We are impressed with your artistic skills and appreciate your willingness to share your pieces with us.  

Thank you!

Fireside Wines on Vacation

We're always happy to hear that you're giving Fireside wines as gifts, taking them to friends homes to share, and even taking them on vacation.  

Here are a few snapshots taken by Fireside Winery friends recently.  

Fireside Wines on Vacation

Dolce St. Croix on Vacation with Pat & Jean in Florida!

Stephanie A. and her sweetheart take Spark on a cruise.

On the Carnival Magic, in the Gulf of Mexico on the way to Jamaica.

Docked in Cozumel Mexico, with the Carnival Conquest in the background

We love being a part of your life together -- from the beginning.

Cozumel in the background. Took this bottle to dinner with us to enjoy on the night we got engaged.

Congratulations!