Fireside Winery

New White Wine - Tasting Trial

2012-03-05T09:19:00.000-08:00

We were proud to host our first-ever white wine tasting trial this past weekend for lovers of sweeter-styled white wines.

From 11am through 6pm we hosted groups of Fireside fans for a taste testing event. Four examples of a new white wine were sampled and participants judged each for preference and suggested possible names.

Thank you for sharing this experience with us and we thoroughly value your opinions. Below are a few of the photographs we shot during the event.

The Tasting Table

Four wines to sample

Fireside owner, Bill Wyant, greets guests

11am group samples wine

the judges table

Brad and Cassie talk about the process

Wine evaluators

Sensory Analysis

Brad in teaching mode

Final session of the day

Visual inspection

Wine Tasting at Fireside Winery

The Retreat at Fireside Winery - Video

2012-02-02T10:42:00.000-08:00

The Retreat at Fireside Winery awaits you! Whether your get-away is a night away or an entire week away, The Retreat at Fireside Winery is the perfect destination for the wine enthusiast who desires elegance and comfort—along with all the conveniences of home!

Located within walking distance of Fireside Winery and just minutes from the Amana Colonies, Tanger Outlet Center and the University of Iowa, The Retreat is perfectly situated, just off I-80, for a getaway, reunion, or romantic vacation with the wine lover in your life.

Des Moines - Fireside is close to you

2012-02-01T08:09:00.000-08:00

Many of our friends live in the greater Des Moines area and in an effort to make it easier for you to find our products we're expanding into your area.

Our goal is to provide a nice selection of Fireside wines and be as conveniently located as possible. We're increasingly expanding our ability to provide exceptional service to our wholesale friends, many of which are Hy-Vee stores.

Are we in a store close to you? If not, help us find them by providing a tip - send to Brad@firesidewinery.com

Please click here to view an interactive map: Fireside Wine Locator.

Want to Help Us Craft a New Wine?

2012-01-25T11:55:00.000-08:00

New Wine Tasting Trial

Fireside Winery

DATE: Saturday, March 3rd

TIME: 4 sessions (11a,12p, 2p, 3p)

LOCATION: 1755 P Ave., Marengo, IA 52301

Typically when Fireside Winery launches a new wine the management team gathers together and talks and tastes through the wines and selects a favorite. But this time we wanted to give our Facebook Fans a unique opportunity to experience what it's like to craft a new wine.

The Process: Participants will gather together in our cellar to taste and evaluate a new, sweeter-style white wine. As a member of our "taste team" you'll try five different samples and provide us with feedback on your preferences. Following the taste trial we'll also ask for your opinion on potential names for this new wine (and please feel free to give us your ideas too).

The Dates & Times: The Tasting Trail will take place on Saturday, March 3^rd (4 different sessions, 45 minutes each). Maximum number of session participants: 12

Session 1 - 11-11:45am
Session 2 - 12-12:45pm
Session 3 - 2-2:30pm
Session 4 - 3-3:30pm

Eligibility: Exclusively for Facebook Fans and Fireside Fan Club members.

How to Register: Each session is limited to the first 12 registrants (no more than two persons per registration). Submit your name (and guest name, if applicable), hometown, phone number, and session preferences (indicate first, second, and third preference) via email to: Brad@firesidewinery.com

Registrants will be notified at least one week prior to the event and asked to confirm their attendance. Questions should be directed to Brad Johnson at Brad@firesidewinery.com.

Hidden Treasures

2012-01-25T11:09:00.000-08:00

Periodically, despite our best efforts, our inventory of certain wines becomes depleted. Currently, we are temporarily out of BLU, Matchbox and St. Croix.

While our winemaker feverishly does everything possible to speed up the wine making process, I thought I'd look around at our area retailers to see if I might find some in a store close to you!

Cedar Rapids (CR) & Iowa City (IAC):

BLU:

Marion - Hy-Vee Drugstore (11 bottles)
C.R. - Mt. Vernon Hy-Vee Drugstore (3 botles)
C.R. - Benz Beverage Depot (3 bottles)
IAC - Hy-Vee (812 S. 1st Ave) - (4 bottles)
IAC - RJZ Express (2 Escort Ln) - (10 bottles)

Matchbox:

C.R. - Mt. Vernon Hy-Vee Drugstore (3 bottles)
C.R. - 6th St. Hy-Vee Drugstore (3 bottles)
IAC - Hy-Vee Drugstore (310 N. 1st Ave.) - (3 bottles)
IAC - RJZ Express (2 Escort Ln) - (7 bottles)

Dolce St. Croix:

IAC - Hy-Vee (1201 N. Dodge St.) - (6 bottles)

Happy Wine Hunting!!! .

Wine Art Contest at Fireside Winery

2012-01-25T10:25:00.000-08:00

Calling all Artists and Crafty Folks!

We're excited to announce our first-ever Wine Art Contest

Saturday, March 24, 2012.

General Guidelines

To be considered, all entries must have something to do with Fireside Winery, wine, vineyard, or grapes. Be creative and have fun!

Want to Save $$$ on Fireside Wines?

2012-01-17T11:41:00.000-08:00

One of the easiest ways to save money on your Fireside wine purchases is to become a Fireside Fan Club member. We make it easy to join, here's how:

You become eligible for Fireside Fan Club membership after you purchase a case of wine (12 bottles). You'll immediately get a 10% discount.

Our tasting room staff will ask if you'd like to join our free Fan Club -- fast and easy! One thing to remember is membership sign-ups* must be made at the time of payment for the case of wine you are buying (not retroactively).

Benefits of being a Fireside Fan Club member:

15% discounts on case purchases (12 bottles)
10% discounts on wine purchases (less than a case)
Use of Fireside Winery stemware during special events (at the winery - limit 4 per visit).
It's FREE!

Duration of Fan Club Membership? One year following your original effective sign-up date. To continue your membership for another year, another case must be purchased at a 15% discount. The 15% discount is only valid for one month after your membership expiration date. After this time, enrollment must start all over with only the 10% discount.

*membership enrollment is not eligible during our annual case sale.

Red Hot Wine Sale!

2012-01-09T11:47:00.000-08:00

*SAVE 20% on the following wines....

January Special - Cordovan (Zinfandel)
February Special - CoCo (Cabernet Sauvignon)

*Sale prices valid only at Fireside Winery for the specified wines and months (during 2012).

Just in time for the Holidays - retail locator

2011-12-23T07:44:00.000-08:00

Just in time for the Holidays! You can find Fireside Winery wines at these fine retail stores:

Retail Store	Address	City
Daily Bread Bakery	814 N. Roan	Algona
Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits	108 8th Street SW	Altoona
Ox Yoke Restaurant	4420-220th Trail	Amana
Ronnenburg	4408 220th Trail	Amana
Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits	640 Lincoln Way	Ames
Hy-Vee Drugstore	849 S. Ankeny Blvd	Ankeny
Bloomsbury Farm	3260 69th St.	Atkins
Bancroft Liquor Store	107 Portland St. N	Bancroft
Belle Plaine Drugstore (Phillip Pharm)	810 12th St.	Belle Plaine
Country Foods	1206 7th Street	Belle Plaine
Timbergate Gardens	204 13th Street	Belle Plaine
See What We Got Shop	210 Main Street	Bennett
Seaton Flag Foods	122 East Front Street	Brooklyn
Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits	5925 University Avenue	Cedar Falls
The Vintage Iron Company	104 Main St.	Cedar Falls
Benz Beverage Depot	501 7th Ave SE	Cedar Rapids
Hy-Vee	1843 Johnson Avenue NW	Cedar Rapids
Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits	20 Wilson Ave SW	Cedar Rapids
Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits	3235 Oakland Road NE	Cedar Rapids
Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits	5050 Edgewood Road NE	Cedar Rapids
Hy-Vee Drugstore	2405 Mt. Vernon Rd SE	Cedar Rapids
Hy-Vee Drugstore	1520 6th Street SW	Cedar Rapids
Hy-Vee Drugstore	4825 Johnson Avenue NW	Cedar Rapids
Hy-Vee Drugstore	2001 Blairs Ferry Road NE	Cedar Rapids
Hy-Vee	279 Collins Rd., NE	Cedar Rapids
Tomasos Pizza	212 Edgewood Rd NW	Cedar Rapids
Downtown Drug (Phillip Pharm)	207 2nd Ave. SE	Cedar Rapids
Central City Family Pharmacy	402 E. Main St.	Central City
Lake Coffee & Bakery	210 US18	Clear Lake
Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits	1914 8th Street	Coralville
Marriott Hotel (Edgewater Grille)	300 East 9th St	Coralville
Hy Vee Wine and Spirits	3301 W. Kimberly Rd	Davenport
Bart's End Zone	P.O. Box 640	Denver
Hy-Vee	2540 E. Euclid Ave.	Des Moines
Palma's Deli and Market	604 Main	Dike
Custom Creations by Sheri	319 Main St.	Dysart
Willow Creek Wine & Garden	104 1st Street SW	Elkader
Cobblestone Creek	3445 Lafayette Rd.	Evansdale
New Morning Coffee House & Wine Tavern	213 Main St.	Grimes
Hy-Vee	320 W Street S	Grinnell
McNally's Foods	1021 N. Main St.	Grinnell
Northside One Stop	1208 4th St. NE	Hampton
Koerner-Whipple Pharmacies	104 1st St. NW	Hampton
Basket Bowtique	758 N. Center Point Road	Hiawatha
The Farmers Daughter Market	495 Miller Road	Hiawatha
Basket Cases	601 St Thomas Ct	Iowa City
Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits	1720 Waterfront Drive	Iowa City
Hy-Vee	812 South 1st Avenue	Iowa City
Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits	1201 North Dodge Street	Iowa City
Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits	310 North 1st Avenue	Iowa City
RJZ Express	2 Escort Lane	Iowa City
Casey's General Store	601 E Ave	Kalona
Ampride	2205 Hwy 6 Trail	Marengo
Big G Foods	PO Box 261	Marengo
Cornerstone Apothecary	1099 Court Avenue	Marengo
Phools Gold	1185 Court Ave	Marengo
Hy-Vee Drugstore	2790 7th Ave	Marion
Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits	3600 Business Hwy. 151	Marion
Ramsey's Metro Market	1120 7th Ave. Ste. A	Marion
Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits	802 S. Center	Marshalltown
J.T. Hadherway (Phillip Pharm)	419 E 1st ST	Monticello
Hy-Vee	1501 1st Ave E	Newton
North English Family Foods	114 N Main St	North English
Johncy's Liquor Store	585 Hwy 965 SE	North Liberty
Saint Avenue Stop	302 E School	Olds
Kwik Serve	115 Main Street	Osage
Sleepy Hollow RV Campground	3340 Blackhawk Ave NW	Oxford
Trunck's Country Foods, Inc	606 Grundy Ave	Reinbeck
Riverside Travel Mart	3070 Hwy 22 East	Riverside
Strawberry Point Drug (Phillip Pharm)	104 W Mission St	Strawberry Point
Kava House & Café	122 2nd Street SE	Swisher
The Secret Cellar	1205 Curtis Bridge Rd NE	Swisher
Hunt's Cedar River Camp Ground	1231 306th Street	Tipton
Cornerstone Apothecary	122 Main St.	Van Horne
Victor's Market	1001 3rd Street	Victor
L Marie Boutique	915 W 4th Street	Vinton
Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits	1004 W Madison St	Washington
Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits	2834 Ansborough	Waterloo
Lena's Liquor	1544 Superior	Webster City
Freeman Foods	268 8th Avenue	Wellman
Casey's General Store	700 6th St	Wellman
Ingersoll Wine Merchants	1300 50th Street	West Des Moines
Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits	1725 Jordan Creek Parkway	West Des Moines
Hy-Vee	1700 Valley West Dr.	West Des Moines
Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits	1990 Grand Ave.	West Des Moines
Hy-Vee	7101 University Ave.	Windsor Heights
Burg Spirits	813-1/2 S. Highland	Williamsburg
Casey's General Store #2528	602 South Highland Street	Williamsburg
Casey's General Store #2769	130 West Evans St	Williamsburg
Colony Point Convenience Store	333 East Evans Street	Williamsburg
Star Drug (Phillip Pharm)	517 4th St.	Williamsburg
Williamsburg Foods	1030 W Walnut Street	Williamsburg

Apple Blue Cheese Salad & Frontenac Vinaigrette

2011-12-15T07:24:00.000-08:00

Last week I was invited to join Luann Alemao, an educator and speaker on topics of etiquette and conduct, skills and abilities, and food and nutrition, who hosted a cooking course at the new Hy-Vee store in Waterloo, called "Food for Fellows". I was the local wine support.

During the very hands-on cooking class her students (mostly middle-aged gentlemen with little to no experience in the kitchen) were guided through a four-course meal preparation. The students excelled and because the meal was so easy to prepare and tasty, I thought I'd repost the salad recipe:

Apple Bleu Cheese Salad

1 bag mixed greens
2oz Blue Cheese crumbles
1 ripe pear or crisp apple, cubed
1/2 cup toasted walnuts
Directions: Toast walnuts for about 2-3 minutes, over medium heat, using a flat saute pan - stir frequently to prevent burning. Place the rest of the ingredients in a large bowl and toss. Serves about 4-5 people.

Frontenac Vinaigrette

1/2 cup of oil (Canola or good vegetable oil)
3Tbsp Balsamic vinegar
2 Tbsp Fireside Winery, Iowa Frontenac
1/2tsp Dijon mustard
Directions: Mix ingredients together thoroughly. Serve over the salad greens you prepared (above). Enjoy!

Special thanks to Luann Alemao & Associates for permission to reprint the recipe. Please visit her website to learn more: Luann Alemao & Associates.

Cheers!
~Brad

Celebrating our Holiday Open House

2011-12-11T12:00:00.000-08:00

Our Holiday Open House (December 10th) was a tremendous success! We wish to thank all of you who were able to make it out to the winery yesterday and share a special day with us.

A beautiful day drove temperatures to the lower 30's and we stoked the fireplace on our patio and turned on the heaters. Before long many friends began filling the space and by 5pm we were treated to the beautiful and familiar holiday renditions performed by the Williamsburg High School choir.

Singing on our warm, back patio the choir students silhouetted by the setting sun provided pleasing entertainment for 2 hours.

Interspersed between sets Mrs. Jessica Claus and her associates shared stories from the north pole.

We had a wonderful time and are thankful to all of you for your support. Because we had such a great time we cannot wait until next year!

Cheers,
Your Fireside friends

Fireside Wines Earn High Praise at Jeff Cup!

2011-11-29T08:05:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE

The Jefferson Cup Invitational Wine Competition, celebrating its twelfth year, selects great wines from across the United States for its prestigious competition. “While many competitions insist upon selecting a preordained number of sweepstakes winners, our judges are allowed to find the top wines, whether there are only one, two or three, or even NO winners in some categories, as happened this year,” says Jefferson Cup Invitational founder Doug Frost.

Rather than emphasizing traditional awards of gold and silver, as many wine competitions do, the Jefferson Cup invites wineries with a proven track record of excellence in competitions and tastings. Competition organizers stress the importance of bringing awareness to wines that are “extremely deserving of the nation’s attention”.

FiresideWinery, located between Marengo and Williamsburg, is fast becoming the premiere Midwest wine destination and crafting some of the best wines in the country. “Identifying and growing the best grapes for our particular climate is crucial”, says Fireside owner William Wyant, “and combined with expert wine making knowledge and continued attention to detail are the cornerstones of our winemaking philosophy”.

“This competition underscores the increasing appreciation for Iowa wines by a panel of internationally recognized judges”, says Wyant. Three Fireside wines entered into competition fared very well; two earning Medals of Excellence (Gold): BLU and 2010 IowaSeyval; and one recognized with a Medal of Merit (Silver): Iowa Frontenac.

We encourage you to stop by the winery to try these (and our other wines) for yourself. You can find many of our wines at these fine retail stores: Locator.

Punching Down the Cap

2011-11-12T14:16:00.000-08:00

Red wine production tends to begin in open-top fermentation tanks called micro-bins. Once the red wine grapes are destemmed and crushed (actually, the skins are broken to release the juice) we pump the "must" (the grape skins, seeds, and juice) into these bins to ferment.

HOW DOES FERMENTATION WORK? Wine yeast have the ability to convert sugars into alcohol (with carbon dioxide and heat as by-products). Fully ripened wine grapes tend to be very sweet, upwards of 25% sugar, and we in the wine industry refer to this percentage as degrees-Brix, or 25 Brix. Generally speaking the yeast can convert about one-half of the sugar into alcohol, thus a 25% sugar grape juice can yield about 12.5% alcohol wine. The fermentation process creates a lot of carbon dioxide gas!

Once fermentation takes off, with the addition of a specially selected commercial yeast strain, the grape skins rise to the surface because of all that CO2 gas. Because the grape skins contain important properties, such as anthocyanins (color pigments), tannin, and other good stuff, we want to make sure it is incorporated into the fermenting wine. Additionally, it makes for good practice to avoid any bad micro-organisms.

So, two or three times daily we "punch down the cap" to make sure all that goodness is in the wine! :) The following video shows the process in action.

FALL FOR WINE - Coming Soon!

2011-11-07T12:39:00.000-08:00

Just in time for the Holidays! Join us for our annual Fall for Wine case sale. Save 20% off our regular prices when you purchase a case (12+ bottles) of your favorite Fireside wines (cases may be mixed).

NEW RELEASE - FRONTENAC (our award-winning signature dry red wine) will be released and available during the Fall for Wine event.

The 20% case discount does not qualify for enrollment in the Fireside Winery case club; however, renewals at 20% are accepted if expiration date is within one month of the event dates.

Tasting Room Associate - Help Wanted

2011-10-19T13:54:00.000-07:00

We are hiring (2 positions). Fireside Winery, the the premiere Midwest wine destination, is building capacity and seeks two highly motivated and enthusiastic wine fans to join our team. If you are passionate about locally produced Fireside wines and have a way with people, then we encourage you to consider applying for this position.

TASTING ROOM ASSOCIATE

Reports to: Onsite Manager

Schedule: 30-36 hrs/week – 4 days/week (weekends) – 2 positions.

PURPOSE OF ROLE:

The Tasting Room Associate is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of winery tasting room service though excellent customer service; sees to exceptional visitor/tourist experiences though knowledgeable social/educational interactions; and positively contributes to Fireside Winery’s focus on attention to detail.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES –TASTING ROOM SERVICE

Welcomes and assists winery customers with wine tastings/samplings, and purchases.
Able to sell wine, general merchandise, and knowledgeable of onsite programs (e.g., Fan Club and benefits).
Operate cash register, Point-of-Sale register, program register, and print reports.
Assists with winery special events, concerts, weddings, receptions as needed.
Provides information, education and tours to visitors as appropriate.
Periodically assists with off-site winery events/tastings.
Other functions as needed.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES – GENERAL WINERY BUSINESS FUNCTIONS

Restock wine and general merchandise, label and price retail inventory.
Periodic office work to include: filing, computer data entry (MS Word, Excel), laminating, and printing.
Cleaning: tasting bar area, general winery up-keep and cleaning, as necessary.
Kitchen: prepare and serve appetizers, and clean kitchen area, as necessary
Other duties as needed.

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCES

Loves working with customers and tourists.
Enjoys and thrives in a fast-paced work environment
Passionate about local wines
Knowledgeable of wine, winery operations, and/or willing to learn
Strong office skills and ability to communicate effectively and clearly.
Works independently and within a close team environment.

Compensation: Dependent upon Experience.

APPLY: Send resume and letter of introduction to Cassie Bott (Onsite Manager): cassie@firesidewinery.com

The Retreat at Fireside

2011-09-30T09:13:00.000-07:00

Have you heard about the new Retreat at Fireside Winery?

The Retreat at Fireside Winery awaits you! Whether your get-away is a night away or an entire week away, The Retreat at Fireside Winery is the perfect destination for the wine enthusiast who desires elegance and comfort—along with all the conveniences of home!

View our Photo Album: http://s1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa385/firesidewinery/The%20Retreat%20at%20Fireside%20Winery/

Located within walking distance of Fireside Winery and just minutes from the AmanaColonies, Tanger Outlet Center and the University of Iowa, The Retreat is perfectly situated, just off I-80, for a getaway, reunion, or romantic vacation with the wine lover in your life.

The Retreat at Fireside Winery is a fully furnished residence adjacent to the winery and includes these amenities:

Three bedrooms, all with Queen beds in the lower level plus a queen sofa sleeper in upper level living room and extra twin rollaway
Two and one half baths, one full bath on each level
Fully equipped kitchen, including pots, pans, towels and table settings for 30 guests
Dining area seating for 24
Laundry facilities (detergent not included)
3 large flat screen Televisions (Dish Network)
WIFI Internet access
Multi-level patio with outdoor seating, grill and fire-pit
Central Air/Heating

Click to learn more about The Retreat at Fireside Winery or call 319-662-4222

I-80 Wine Trail Uncorks Potential for X/C Tourists

2011-08-18T09:34:00.000-07:00

10 Million Vehicles Travel on New Iowa Wine Trail

I-80 Wine Trail Tempts Cross-Country Travelers to Sample Iowa Wines

Marengo, IA (August 18, 2011) – A new wine country is emerging amongst the rolling hills of corn and soybeans in Iowa tempting cross country travelers to exit the Interstate and to sample the new fruits of the land – Iowa grown and made wine!

The Iowa (and Midwestern) wine industry is growing by leaps and bounds in recent years and many wineries have banded together to help tourists identify local wineries by creating wine trails. However, for cross-country travelers finding conveniently located wineries, in close proximity to I-80, has proved difficult. The I-80 Wine Trail was developed in response to this tourism need.

More than 10,800,000 vehicles pass through central Iowa along I-80 each year!

(Statistic based upon the 2008 Iowa DOT Vehicular Traffic Map)

“One of our goals, says Fireside Winery owner and an I-80 Wine Trail organizer, Rona Wyant, was to make it easy for travelers to find wineries that are relatively close to I-80 (within 10 miles of an exit)”. She adds, “We frequently have visitors from states like California, Illinois, and New York tell us how wonderful it is to find a winery in the Iowa and are pleasantly surprised by the high quality wines they taste and purchase”.

A colorful and informative I-80 Wine Trail brochure, including a map, winery contact information and exit number, is available at all State of Iowa Interstate Welcome Centers. Visitors planning a trip through Iowa, via I-80, are encouraged to visit the I-80 Wine Trail website: www.I80WineTrail.com to plan ahead.

Current members of the Iowa I-80 Wine Trail, include (from east to west):

· Brick Arch Winery (West Branch)

· Fireside Winery (Williamsburg)

· Jasper Winery (Des Moines)

· Penoach Vineyard and Winery (Adel)

· Dale Valley Vineyard and Winery (Stuart)

· Danish Countryside Vines & Wines (Exira)

· Breezy Hills Winery (Minden)

Down the road, organizers of the I-80 Wine Trail envision working with other I-80 connected states and adding them to the trail, until ultimately, tourists traveling coast-to-coast can visit I-80 Wine Trail wineries from New York to California.

The colorful and informative I-80 Wine Trail website serves as an illustrative guide and links to I-80 proximate wineries. Visit: www.I80WineTrail.com for additional information.

Creative Contest - Deadline Aug. 15th

2011-08-05T06:45:00.000-07:00

Fireside Graphics Contest

Fireside Winery is seeking creative and graphically endowed artistic wine fans to help us create fun, eye-catching, and interesting images we can use on our website, wine displays, and on our social media sites.

Considerations:

Image: JPEG or PNG, no larger than 4MB, (to use as badge or button or as Display Rack eye-catcher).

Conceptual: preference for images with Flame icon present

Possible Tag Lines: 1) “I Buy Fireside Wine”, 2) “I Love Fireside Wines”, 3) “Ask for Fireside Wine”, 4) “I Work for Wine” (suitable for a t-shirt design too), 5) other creative tag-lines are welcome.

Contest: The top three winning images, as judged by the Fireside Winery staff, will be selected to receive a $50 Fireside Winery Gift Card. All entrants whose images are used, electronically disseminated, or printed shall be awarded a complimentary glass of wine and a tour of the winery – and our deepest appreciation!

Deadline: August 15

Submit your art or questions to Brad@Firesidewinery.com

NEW UPDATE - iPick...iStomp...iDrink - Harvest Opportunity!

2011-07-28T13:11:00.000-07:00

9-5-11 UPDATE - DIRECTIONS TO VINEYARD.

Each year our fans ask if they can help us with harvest, stomp grapes, and then drink some wine. So, in response we’re pleased to announce four Saturdays (grape ripening and weather dependent, of course) where you and your friends can come out to our vineyard (Brickyard Hill Vineyard, approximately 4 miles west of the winery) and join us for the harvest.

LAST HARVEST DATE: We now have 35 additional spaces open for the September 10th harvest date!

The September 17th harvest date is cancelled due to earlier than anticipated ripening. If you've already signed up for that date you can join us on Sept 10th.

GRAPE HARVEST WORK PARTY DATES (Saturdays)
- ~~NEW DATE - urgent need -- SUNDAY, August 21~~

~~August 27~~ (FULL)

~~September 3 - (FULL)~~

September 10 (OPEN) - Last Harvest Date of 2011

~~September 17~~ - CANCELLED

Where: Brickyard Hill Vineyard (Marengo, IA)

When: New times - 7:30am-noon (at the vineyard); then back to the winery for lunch

What: Join us from 7:30am to noon at the vineyard and help us harvest our 11+ acres of grapes. Bring hat, gloves, sunscreen and snacks. Afterwards (around noon) we’ll meet at the winery where we’ll provide you with a lunch, free 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 2011 "iPick iStomp iDrink" - harvest t-shirt.

THIS IS REAL VINEYARD WORK!

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

What to Bring? Its 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. Some people wear gloves. Insect repellant. Snacks. Take a break when you need. Water.

Directions to Brickyard Hill Vineyard:

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

US-6 – Drive WEST of Marengo (just out of town)
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.
Drive approximately 1 mile and take the first gravel road on your RIGHT ( 160^th St .). As you travel on 160^th St. you’ll notice farm buildings and grain silos. Continue on 160^th for about ¼ mile.
Take the first turn to the LEFT (about ¼ mile from the last turn) on Kk Ave. You’ll begin to climb a hill.
Within about 400 yards you’ll notice a Vineyard on the hill. Turn LEFT into the grass entrance to the vineyard
Follow the path up the hill and park on top. There will be other cars and Fireside Winery staff there to direct.
IF YOU GET LOST – call Brad at 319-329-1509

Here is a map link that will get you close to the vineyard: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=2088+160th+st.,+marengo,+iowa&hl=en&ll=41.775344,-92.069464&spn=0.033093,0.084543&sll=41.779057,-92.073154&sspn=0.033091,0.084543&vpsrc=6&gl=us&z=14

REGISTER NOW: LIMITED SPACE -- Send a note to Brad Johnson at brad@firesidewinery.com to save your spot. Please identify the date(s) you’d like to attend and the number and names of those in your party.

Will Work For Wine? -- Fireside Wine Ambassador Program

2011-07-22T07:25:00.000-07:00

NEXT TRAINING - Sept. 14th (6:30-9:00pm)

Our wine friends frequently tell us how they'd love to work behind the tasting bar or at a wine tasting event. We've figured out a way to bring our most vocal supporters into the wine industry through an innovative volunteer program called, "Fireside Wine Ambassador Program".

Our hope is to find our most ardent fans and equip them (through wine education, training, and wine tasting supplies) to, a couple times a month, help us by conducting wine tastings on our behalf at a retail outlet near where you live.

You won't get rich by doing this, but you will have fun, meet nice and interesting people, and as our slogan goes you "will work for wine"! :)

Below is a more formal description of our program. If you're interested, read on...share with other Fireside wine fans, and if you're ready to join us, contact us soon because training will begin shortly.

Fireside Wine Ambassadors

Volunteer Program

The Fireside Wine Ambassador Volunteer Program is designed to identify, train and ultimately staff off-site tastings and events with our most ardent supporters. Volunteers will need to agree to serve wine at two events per month.

Fireside Wine Ambassadors Are…

· Vocal supporters of Fireside Winery
· Passionate about Fireside wines
· People who want to share their knowledge of wines
· Interested in learning more about wine, winemaking and the Fireside Story
· Fans who represent Fireside Winery during off-site tastings and events

Training

Prior to your first solo off-site tasting/event each Ambassador will need to complete the following: 1) attend a Fireside Winery wine education program (includes: winery tour, wine 101, and basics of wine service); 2) assist during an off-site tasting/event with a trained Fireside employee.

Benefits

There are several benefits to being a Fireside Wine Ambassador. It’s fun! Hosting a wine tasting at a local retailer, pouring samples and describing Fireside wines is just plain fun! In addition to being our vocal advocate in the community, you’ll gain a new level of appreciation and understanding for the wine industry in general and Fireside Winery in particular.

One of the benefits of serving as a Fireside Wine Ambassador is the opportunity to access our wine industry training program, via Today’s Wine Professional. This 15 hour online Winery Tasting Room Service Training is organized to take you through basic wine production information (e.g., how red wine production differs from white wine production), sparkling wine production, wine sensory analysis, health benefits and history of the wine industry, and finally how to properly serve wine to customers. The online format, using YouTube video instruction and online assessment ensure you have every opportunity to learn as much as you can about the world of wine.

At Fireside you’ll be treated like family – employee discount prices on wine purchases, use of wine glasses during our special events, and other ambassador benefits. Moreover, each year we will host a Wine Ambassadors Night during the summer season to show you our appreciation.

Compensation

Fireside Winery Wine Ambassadors are volunteer off-site tasting representatives. In addition to the benefits described above, as a Wine Ambassador you’ll receive the following volunteer compensation:

One complimentary Fireside bottle of wine for each 2-3 hour event you volunteer
Complimentary Fireside Winery “I Work for Wine” t-shirt
Fireside Winery Name badge
Two free passes to Fireside Winery special events (e.g., Tropical Iowan Night)
Earn special bonuses for your annual Wine Ambassador service:

After 5 events – Complimentary appetizer and two glasses of wine at Fireside
After 10 events – Friday Night Live: free catered dinner for two and bottle of wine
Additional bonuses to come…

FINALLY...If you are interested in learning more or would like to attend an upcoming training session, please contact Brad Johnson at brad@firesidewinery.com

Around Fireside...happenings

2011-07-12T11:19:00.000-07:00

Summer is here at last...and before you know it we'll be in the vineyard harvesting our grapes and making wine again! This is just a brief note to catch you up with the happenings around Fireside Winery.

In the Cellar: Zach, our winemaker, is in the process of bottling all of our 2010 wines in order to make room for the 2011 grapes that will need space. We're continually working to improve our wine quality through education and top-of-the-line winery equipment. We've recently upgraded our wine filtration system, a machine we use to make sure the wine is clear; and have added 3,000 gallon-worth of new stainless steel tanks.

These behind-the-scene changes reflect our commitment to quality wine and our goal of continual improvement.

KCRG A-List: Earlier this Spring we asked you to show your support by voting for Fireside Winery as your favorite "wine shop" in the KCRG A-List. Because of your efforts we were awarded the 2011 Winner "Best Wine Shop" in Eastern Iowa!

Thank you for your vote...and your show of support!

Excellent Entertainment: our line-up of high quality local musicians make a trip to Fireside even more enjoyable. Each Friday (arrive by 6pm) we have lively music (bring your dancing shoes), delicious catered food of P.H.A.T. Daddy's Restaurant, and all of our wines.

Every Sunday (open noon-5pm) we offer a more casual mix of live music, appetizers, and wine-by-the glass (or bottle) and a lovely environment to relax with your friends.

Special Events: Every so often we produce an extra-special event for our winery friends. Here are a couple of our upcoming events: July 16th - Tropical Iowan Night featuring the musical performance of the Cedar Island Band, delicious tropical foods prepared by P.H.A.T Daddy's; and on September 24th we'll be rockin' country style during our Harvest Festival (and Hog Roast) with Chris Brooks and the Silver City Boys.

...That's all for now! Stop out and see us, but if you can't, please support our local retailers: http://www.firesidewinery.com/products2.html

Eventastic!

2011-06-23T11:17:00.000-07:00

Just read a recent article, from a Missouri winery owner, about the music we (winemakers) listen to during the winemaking process and how it might affect the wines we make. He went on to suggest that the music we play (in the cellar during production and in the tasting room) says a lot about the winemaker and winery owners.

This got me thinking about the events wineries have and how the personality of a winery is reflected, not only in the music, but in the events and activities promoted by a winery. We enjoy hosting events! Whether it is our new "3rd Thursdays at Fireside" or Friday Night Live and Sunday musical events or our extra special events held periodically throughout the year - we love a good event!

Here are some upcoming events that are Event-tastic!

80's Ladies Night - Saturday, June 25th (7-11pm)

Girls just wanna have fun!!

...and you'll be at the center of the fun universe this Saturday (June 25th) at Fireside Winery.

PRIZES FOR - BEST 80's DRESSED & BEST 80's HAIR - Dress up in your best 80's outfit, poof-up your hair and compete to win.

Join us for 80's dance music, fun & games, Tanger Outlet goodie bags, and wicked-awesome fun!!

$5 cover charge - entitles you to a 20% discount on all 80's Ladies Night purchases.

Share this with your friends and if you haven't been to Fireside Winery yet (or in a long time) this is a great chance to bond with the girls, sip some wine, and dance - dance - DANCE!

Tropical Iowan Night - SPECIAL EVENT - Saturday, July 16th

Fireside Winery will transform into "Wine-a-Rita-ville" on Saturday, July 16th (7-10pm) when the Cedar Island Band plays all of your favorite tropical-inspired tunes!

Food Service ($15): Catered by P.H.A.T. Daddies Restaurant and includes: Jerk Pork Loin; Coconut Curry Chicken; Rice & Beans; Caribbean Pasta Salad; Sweet Potato Salad; Banana Casserole; Tropical Fruit Salad.

Beer? Yes, one time only! Millstream Brewing Company.

Special Event Cover Charge - $10. Save $5 when you dress in tropical attire (e.g., Hawaiian shirts, grass skirts, etc.).

Dinner Theatre

Old Creamery Theatre Presents: LOVE LETTERS

Two Live Performances: 1) Saturday, July 23rd and 2) Thursday, July 28th

This bittersweet love story traces the lifelong correspondence between Andrew and Melissa. Their relationship is gradually revealed through what they have written in their letters and what they have left unsaid.

Featuring Tom Milligan and Deborah Kennedy: This special dinner theatre presentation will begin with dinner served at 6:30 pm and the show will begin at 7:30 pm. Cost is $40 per person and includes the show, dinner, a glass of wine of your choice, tax and gratuity.

SEATING IS LIMITED - Call Fireside Winery now to make your reservations at 319-662-4222

In The Cellar - Making Firefly

2011-06-17T09:40:00.000-07:00

Recently we posted some pictures on Facebook showing the process of bottling Firefly. A friend mentioned how nice it was to get a behind the scenes view of the bottling line operation in progress. So, we figured it might be nice to provide some background, the things you don't see, and give an overview of each step in the bottling process.

The Making of Firefly

The life of a wine begins with grapes, of course, and white wine grapes follow a different production plan process than do red wines. Firefly is a blend (98%) of Catawba and Cayuga White (the other 2% is comprised of Chambourcin and Merlot - to give it the pink hue).

White wine production (and we consider blush or rose' wines as white wines) starts with fresh grapes. The grapes go through two immediate processes: destemming (removal of stems) and crushing (splitting the grape berry - not really "crushing"). The crushed white wine grapes and juice are then transported via pump to our wine press. Under low pressure and through several cycles the juice is liberated from the grapes and is then pumped to a temporary holding tank so the grape juice settles overnight.

The juice (not yet wine) is not the crystal clear juice you see in bottles of grape juice in the store - it is cloudy, with grape particles, but still very juicy and delicious. The next day, after the heavier sediment in the juice falls to the bottom of the holding tank, we transfer off the clear juice to a temperature controlled stainless steel tank to begin fermentation.

We use a winemaking process called cool-fermentation to produce fruity styled wines. Making wine at cool temperatures (around 50-55 degrees) enhances the fruity character (also known as "esters") of this wine. White wines made in this style can be bottle ready in 4-6 months, while red wines, in general, take between 12+ months to be bottle ready.

After fermentation and before bottling Firefly will be treated to two stabilization processes - to make sure the wine retains its stability and brilliance in the bottle. And before bottling the wine will go through filtration to ensure clarity.

The Bottling Line.

It takes a well-trained bottling crew and excellent organization to put together a major bottling operation. This week Zach, our winemaker, organized three bottling days to bottle 2,600 gallons (~13,000 bottles or 1,083 cases) of Firefly. The dedicated and hard-working crew put in long days in the cellar (broke a record or two in the process - one day we bottled 950 gallons (about 4,750 bottles) of Firefly. Whew!

Prior to Firefly entering a bottle it is held in a large, 1,000 gallon stainless steel storage tank and then pumped through a final filtration before entering the bottling holding tank.

In the image to the left you can see a large pallet of empty wine bottles (to the far left) and a crew of four getting ready to resume bottling. Cases of bottles are placed on the far table and follow this process: filled with wine, closure inserted, capsule shrunk, label affixed, and then placed in empty case and put on awaiting pallet.

The Picture to the right shows the process of filling the bottles. Wine held in storage are, via gravity, fed into awaiting bottles. Six bottles at a time are in various stages of filling at any moment. Once filled, they are removed from spout and handed to the next person who inserts a closure.

The vacuum closure machine. This machine evacuates the air/oxygen and inserts a closure (i.e., cork or synthetic closure). Note the closure in the bottle.

The photo to the right shows the machine that heat-shrinks the capsule (the decorative cover on the top of the bottle). It takes only a couple of seconds for the capsule to shrink to fit the bottle.

The labeling machine makes quick work of adding a front and back wine label. Each bottle is placed on the black rubber rollers and then a foot pedal is depressed and the label is applied. Once affixed the bottle is placed in an awaiting empty box. After 12 bottles are labeled the box is taped shut and placed on the next pallet. About a 109 boxes will complete a pallet. The full bottles on pallets are then placed in our warehouse.

(Left) this is a portion of our warehouse where our finished wines wait for you to visit, taste, and take home.

We hope you've enjoyed this wine production briefing. This fall we'll document the process of winemaking via YouTube videos.

Hope to see you soon!

~your pals at Fireside

Eliminate Dullitis - Fireside Events are the Cure!

2011-06-13T07:50:00.000-07:00

Are you getting enough fun?

Recent studies suggest eastern Iowa residents suffer from a condition referred to as Dullitis - "an affective disorder brought on by chronic boredom and lack of fun". According the the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the Enological Foundation, the most "effective treatment option for those suffering from Dullitis is a four-pronged therapeutic treatment plan: 1) attend an upcoming Fireside Winery event, 2) enjoy a glass of wine, 3) listen to live music, and 4) savor delicious food.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE MUSIC - Rain or Shine!
Every Friday night (7-10pm) through the end of September Fireside Winery offers up an array of local, live music for your enjoyment. Here is a sample:

June 17th - Dogs on Skiis
June 24th - Silver Wings
July 1st - Mid-Life Crisis
July 8th - Silver Wings
July 15th - Dogs on Skiis
July 22nd - A.C.E. Band
July 29th - Damon Dotson & Brad Meyers

Great food catered, every Friday Night, by PHAT Daddy's Restaurant. An amazing menu, reasonably priced makes for a perfect night. Food service runs from 6:30-8:30pm every Friday night.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON LIVE MUSIC - Rain or Shine!
Every Sunday afternoon (2-5pm) through the month of October we offer a wonderful selection of local musicians. Here is an upcoming list:

June 19th - Steven Kristopher
June 26th - Billy Heller
July 3rd - Two Fold
July 10th - Jasmine
July 17th - Billy Heller
July 24th - Past Masters
July 31 - Billy Heller

Appetizers are available to purchase.

SPECIAL EVENTS - Rain or Shine!
In addition to our regularly scheduled Friday Night and Sunday Afternoon events we periodically offer extra-special events. In upcoming blog postings we'll provide additional detail but for now, here is a sample of our special events - save these dates!

Saturday, June 25th - Ladies Night: Rock'n to the 80's
Saturday, July 16th - Topical Iowan Night, featuring Cedar Island Band; and Millstream beer
Saturday, July 23rd - Dinner Theatre: Love Letters *reservations required
Saturday, July 28th - Dinner Theatre: Love Letters *reservations required
Sunday, September 4th - Labor Day Live: live music from 3-10pm
Saturday, September 24th - Harvest Party and Hog Roast

Parting Thoughts: Performances will be held rain or shine. We ask our visitors to please respect our policy of not allowing outside food or beverages on our property. We do encourage visitors to bring their own patio chairs and/or blankets and wine glasses for Friday night performances.

Please share Fireside Winery with your friends! Thank you.

Welcome Our New External Relations Manager!

2011-05-29T07:37:00.000-07:00

Fireside Winery, located between Marengo and Williamsburg, Iowa is pleased to announce the hiring of Brad Johnson as the External Relations Manager. In this position, he will be responsible for growing Fireside Winery’s wholesale program throughout Iowa, and enhancing the public relations and social media efforts of our award winning winery.

Brad Johnson’s affiliation with Fireside Winery began in 2008 during a volunteer internship, while working toward his enology certification credentials. Since that time, he has actively been helping around the winery in various capacities. He established the social media presence for the winery, assisted with media relations, developed a marketing research program, and for more than a year served as the winemaker’s assistant.

An experienced wine industry professional, Brad Johnson earned his enology (winemaking) certificate in 2010, is a skilled wine industry market researcher and conference speaker, and is an experienced professional wine competition judge. Additionally, Brad is the founding editor and publisher of Winedustry™: wine industry news for the “other” grapes, and is a contributing writer for the regional “Make Mine Wine” magazine; and co-founding member of the Eastern Iowa Wine Club.

“We are excited to bring Brad on as our External Relations Manager” said Rona Wyant, owner, “and are confident his tremendous skill-set will be an asset as we build our wholesale program and enhance our pubic and social media presence.”

Retailers and restaurants interested in carrying the award winning Fireside Winery wines should contact Brad Johnson at Brad@FiresideWinery.com or call him (319-329-1509) to learn more.

Winemaker / Tasting Notes - NEW!!

2011-05-09T16:59:00.000-07:00

For the past few months, in preparation for my new position (External Relations Manager) at Fireside Winery, I've spent considerable time putting our wines through a updated sensory evaluation process - for our new Tasting Notes.

As advocates for locally made wines we appreciate and value an insiders view of the wine, and thought you might be interested in seeing an overview of our wines, a descriptive sensory analysis of each wine, along with our winemakers' (Zach) production notes, food-wine pairing suggestions, and finally (a pat on our back) the awards won.

The Winemaker/Tasting Notes are available on our Products Page if you'd like to view or download (pdf).

Overview

BLU is a light, crisp, semi-sweet white wine made from two delicate grapes: Seyval Blanc and Geisenheim. Great by itself! BLU possesses incredible tropical characteristics and is perfect with spicy Eastern food. Best when served chilled.

Color/Aroma/Palate

Light, straw colored wine with voluptuous legs. On the nose, BLU offers delicate fruity aromas of pineapple, pear, peach and lychee. Crafted in the German white wine style, BLU’s tropical fruit character and acidity are enhanced with just the right amount of residual sugar. Perfect for sipping or accompanying a spicy meal.

Wine Production Info

Cultivars: 50% Seyval Blanc, 50% Geisenheim

Harvest Year: 2009

Bottling Year: 2010

Vineyard: New York State, Finger Lakes Region

Alcohol: 12.5 %

Brix: 22.7

Residual Sugar: 2.5%

Oak: None

Cold Stabilization: Yes

Note: Cool fermented to enhance fruity character

Background: Seyval was developed in France in the 1930’s.

Pairing and Service

Optimal Serving Temperature: 50 degrees (chilled)

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

Meals: Light fare, spicy Thai or Mexican food, pasta with cream sauce.

Awards: Silver (2010) Finger Lakes Wine Competition; (2009) Finger Lakes Wine Competition; Bronze (2009) Mid-American Wine Competition; Bronze (2008) Mid-American Wine Competition; Bronze (2008) American Wine Society Competition; Bronze; Bronze (2007) Mid-American Wine Competition.

Click here to view the online product page (then, click on the label you want to learn more about).

Thank you for supporting Fireside Winery!

Sincerely,

Brad Johnson

Garden Party This Sunday!

2011-04-29T13:45:00.000-07:00

Join us this Sunday (May 1st) at Fireside winery for our first annual Garden Party (2-5pm)

Things to do: 1) plant exchange, 2) listen to live music, 3) attend presentations and demonstrations, and 4) check out some amazing welded garden art. See you Sunday from 2-5pm!

Winemaker/Tasting Notes - Online!

2011-04-24T08:12:00.000-07:00

Are you a curious wine enthusiast? Perhaps you're interested in learning more about the wines you are drinking - and that might mean learning the characteristics of those wines (e.g., sensory attributes) and how to best pair them with your favorite foods.

We're just like you! We want to know more about the wines we consume - where the grape come from; the cellar details (i.e., harvest parameters, pH, acidity, etc.); the sensory details (i.e., flavor, aromas, sensations); service and food-wine pairing suggestions; and the awards won.

That's why we're excited to offer this information to you, our wine friends, on our website: Fireside Products. Simply roll your cursor over the wine label and click to view the Winemaker Tasting Notes for that particular wine.

Take a peek and let us know what you think.

Cheers,
Fireside Winery

Third Thursdays @ Fireside - NEW!

2011-04-19T08:07:00.000-07:00

Not too long ago we conducted a comprehensive online survey to assess our current and potential future events. One of the things that stood out was your suggestion to open up the Thursday night events to everyone.

From now on the Third Thursday of each month we'll have extended hours - open until 9pm.

What can you do on Third Thursdays @ Fireside?

Make it a date night
Sip wine by the fireplace
Bring a book and relax
Escape the house night
Try a new wine each time
Bring your guitar and play (maybe an open mic night?)

Happy Birthday to YOU!!! If you celebrated your birthday in this month, show us your ID and you'll receive a glass of your favorite Fireside wine on us!

* * * * * * * * *
For our "MyTimeToWine" fans - we've updated the name to "Girls Night Out" and will host them as periodic Special Events.

"Girls Night Out"
When: Thursday, April 28th (4-8pm)
Location: Earl May Nursery & Garden Center (1901 Lower Muscatine Rd., I.C.)
Featuring: Scency Candles, Fireside Wienry, Bochner Chocolates and Rebecca's Island Collection Jewelry. *Food, drinks, door prizes, and seminars!

Keep up-to-date with our current Events by following the link to our EVENTS PAGE.

Food-Wine Pairing: Smoked Salmon Mousse & Edelweiss

2011-04-13T14:16:00.000-07:00

Early this Winter we offered a food-wine pairing education night at Fireside Winery. Prior to the event we tasted, tested, critiqued, and eventually found perfect matches for our night of Hors d'oeuvres and Fireside Winery wines.

Recipe created by Kym Wroble, RD, LD

This is the second recipe in our series of easy and delicious treats you can try for yourself. For this recipe the smoked salmon mousse was placed atop a crusty and crunchy Crostini and was a delicious partner for our Iowa Edelweiss (a white wine made from Edelweiss, a cold-hardy grape).

Smoked Salmon Mousse

(Served with Edelweiss and Crostini)

6 ounces Smoked Salmon

1 shallots, minced

1 ½ ounces low-fat cream cheese

1 ½ ounces goat cheese

3 teaspoons lemon juice

6 tablespoons low-fat plain yogurt

¼ - 1/3 cup diced red onion

1 ½ - 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley

1 clove garlic

Salt and pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Process salmon and shallot in food processor, scraping down sides as necessary, until mixture is chopped fine, about 10 seconds. Add cream cheese, goat cheese and lemon juice and process until mixture forms a ball, scraping down sides as necessary.
Add yogurt and red onion and pulse just to incorporate, about 5 seconds. Transfer mousse to a serving bowl and season with salt and pepper.
If making ahead, season with additional salt, pepper and lemon juice, to taste, prior to serving.

Food & Wine Pairings - Try for Yourself

2011-04-04T18:10:00.000-07:00

Over the next few weeks we'll post these wonderful recipes so you can try for yourself. For this first recipe, the unctuous and earthy deliciousness of the stuffed mushroom paired perfectly with our Hearthstone (a red wine blend of Chambourcin and Chancellor).

Recipe created by Kym Wroble, RD, LD

Roasted Mushrooms with Blue Cheese and Walnuts

(Paired with Hearthstone)

The mushrooms can be roasted and stuffed up to 3 days in advance, but don’t top them with bread crumbs until you are ready to heat and serve the mushrooms. Store stuffed mushrooms on a paper towel-lined plate in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap. Keep the bread crumb topping separate; refrigerate for up to 3 days.

List of Ingredients:

1 ½ slices hearty whole grain sandwich bread slices, torn into quarters
3 medium garlic cloves, pressed through garlic press
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
36 large mushrooms, stems removed
¼ cup + 2 Tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Table salt and ground black pepper
6 ounces Maytag blue cheese, at room temp
3 ounces low-fat Philadelphia Cream Cheese, at room temp
1 ½ cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press
1 ½ tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 ½ tablespoons olive oil

Pulse bread in food processor to coarse crumbs. Mix garlic, and oil in a bowl. Stir crumbs and walnuts into oil mixture to evenly coat. Set aside.
Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 400 degrees. Line rimmed baking sheet with foil and set wire rack inside baking sheet. Toss mushrooms with oil, vinegar, ¼ teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Arrange mushrooms gill side up on rack and roast until juices are released, about 15 minutes. Run caps over and roast until mushrooms are browned, about 5-10 minutes. Remove from oven. Flip mushrooms right side up.
Meanwhile, combine cheeses, garlic, herbs and olive oil in a food processor. Season with ¼ teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper; mix until smooth.
Fill zip-top bag with cheese mixture and snip off one corner. Use bag to pipe filling into mushrooms.
When ready to bake, spray 9x13-inch pan with baking spray.
Press each cap (stuffing side down) into bread-crumb topping to coat and arrange (topping side up) in pan.
Bake until filling is hot and topping is golden brown, about 10 minutes.
Serve 4 mushrooms for each of 6 tables. (There will be a few leftovers.)

WeTube on YouTube!

2011-04-02T09:20:00.000-07:00

We recently created a Fireside Winery YouTube channel as a way to tell our story, share our daily goings' on, and to exercise our new digital video flip camera!

Just this week we've been very busy around the vineyard with early spring maintenance and spraying. In this first video, a team of vineyard management specialists prune our 13+ acre Brickyard Hill Vineyard (about 4 miles from our winery).

The second video features winery owner, William Wyant, taping/tying the cordon (the horizontal branches of the grapevine to the trellis wire.

This last video (we have others available to view) shows our vineyard manager spraying our demonstration vineyard (the one in front of the winery) with a lime-sulfur mist. This spraying helps alleviate "Phylloxera", a pest that attacks the leaves and roots of grapevines; without our plants will become damaged and result in substantially lower yields.

Our Channel: http://www.youtube.com/FiresideWinery

We encourage you to visit our YouTube channel and subscribe (and get notifications of new postings).

Spark Forges GOLD Medal at Finger Lakes International Wine Competition

2011-03-30T14:49:00.000-07:00

The results are in from the 2011 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition and Fireside Winery wines were acknowledged for their superb craftsmanship.

"For the second straight year, the 11th annual Finger Lakes International Wine Competition set a record for the number of entries Saturday. At the Rochester Plaza Hotel, a record-breaking 3,259 wines from 788 wineries were entered.

The wines came from 19 nations, six Canadian provinces and all 50 states. Last year's entries comprised 3,010 wines from 666 wineries".

GOLD MEDAL WINNER: SPARK

Our "Spark" is the newest addition to the Fireside Winery line-up features two locally grown white wine grapes, Edelweiss and La Crosse, and just a splash of Zinfandel to make it blush. Lightly chilled, “Spark” with its bright floral aromas and smooth, juicy melon flavors are destined to be a Fireside favorite! Perfect for summertime sipping or as an aperitif, “Spark” is elegantly balanced and offers a silky, long lasting finish that promises to satisfy.

Other Fireside Winery wines were entered into this critically acclaimed international wine competition. An additional five wines were recognized for their excellence by receiving bronze awards.

Bronze Award Winning Wines:

Cordovan
Firefly
Hearthstone
Storyteller

Look for these award winning wines at our winery or at your favorite retailer.

KCRG's A-List - Vote for Fireside Winery

2011-03-29T13:10:00.000-07:00

Springtime awakens our vineyard meaning bud-break is close at hand....Springtime also brings about another seasonal observance -- the KCRG's A-List!!

It is that time of year again to vote for your favorite places, including your favorite "Wine Shop". The last two years Fireside Winery has went from 11th to 4th and this year, with your help, maybe we can win the top spot.

Please vote for Fireside Winery now, by clicking this link --> KCRG's A-LIST

Thank you for your continued support! We're planning a big summer and can't wait to see you soon.

Cheers!

Part-Time Summer Employment at Fireside Winery

2011-03-26T10:23:00.000-07:00

Are you an enthusiastic fan of Fireside Winery Wines? Are you a friendly, fun and outgoing person who wants to share your knowledge of wine (or learn more about wine)? Then, Fireside Winery may have a summer job for you!

Fireside Winery is searching for a few additional part-time employees (must be at least 18 years old) to help around the winery this Summer.

What kind of work? Winery work! :) Helping out in the Tasting Room: pouring and describing our wines, and answering questions; preparing food, being nice to our winery visitors, cleaning, and general “whatever needs to be done” work during weekends, holidays and special event days.

When? Part-time, throughout the summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day). Mostly weekends and during big event days (e.g., holiday weekends).

If you would like to be considered for one of these few, part-time positions please make an introductory inquiry to Cassie Bott (Marketing Manager) by sending an email to: cassie@firesidewinery.com by including “Summer Help” in the subject line.

It’s going to be a busy, fun-filled summer around Fireside Winery! See you soon.

Uncorked...Food & Wine Pairing at P.H.A.T. Daddy's

2011-03-22T07:37:00.000-07:00

This weekend (Sunday, March 27th) Fireside Winery wines will be featured during a special fine dining experience at P.H.A.T Daddy's in downtown Marengo.

A few spaces are still available - CALL NOW to reserve your place: 319-642-7332

Five spectacular courses featuring Fireside Winery wines!

$50/per person/Sunday, March 27th/Doors open at 4:30pm/First course begins at 5pm

The Menu

Amuse Bouche

Jumbo Scallop/Brussels Sprouts/Pancetta/Pomegranate-Carrot Sauce

Wine - Iowa Seyval

Salad

Smoked Duck/Mixed Greens/Watercress/Blackberry-Almond Dressing

Wine - Iowa LaCrosse

Appetizer

Pork Belly Confit/Roasted Garlic-Ginger White Bean Puree/Leek Sauce

Wine - Cordovan (Red Zinfandel)

Entree

New York Strip/Horseradish Creme Fraiche/Sweet Potato Hash

Wine - CoCo (Cabernet Sauvignon)

Dessert

Chocolate-Espresso Mousse/Tuile Cup/Raspberry Sauce

Wine - Night Cap (port-style)

Iowa Wine Growers Association - Annual Conference

2011-03-21T11:57:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was a busy weekend filled, not with visiting with you in our tasting room, but instead, learning more about the wine business (i.e., wine making, growing and marketing), networking, and a fair amount of reconnecting with our extended Iowa wine industry family.

Cassie, our marketing manager, was involved with the conference organizing committee and is seen here (in the below photo on the right side) in her role as moderator speaking with Patty Held, a guest speaker, just before an interesting talk about tasting room management.

This impromptu photograph (below) captured Rona, Cassie and Bill (owners) as they exited one of the Iowa Wine Grower Association (IGWA) educational sessions.

Meeting periodically with other Iowa winery owners, grape growers, and industry experts is a way to stay current and ahead of trends. The IGWA annual conference is not only informative but also a great opportunity to rejuvenate before the busy summer season takes off.

NEW: Grape Vine Planning

2011-03-16T12:39:00.000-07:00

This morning Bill (the owner) and his crew were working out back behind the winery and flagging where the next addition to our vineyard will be planted. In the upcoming month we'll be planting about an acre of Brianna, a white wine grape here, and more grapes back at our Brickyard Hill Vineyard.

This first photo (above) shows the location of where both vines and trellis system will be placed. Brianna (below) is a wonderful and prolific white grape making delicious fruity styled wines.

The next picture (below) is looking looking west (from the Veranda). In addition to the Brianna we will also be planting another 1.5 acres of Marquette (red wine grape) adjacent to our Brickyard Hill Vineyard (closer to Marengo). Each acre of grapes will ultimately yield about 3-5 tons of grapes!!

Finally, it may be early spring but we're really gearing up to have a wonderful event season. And in case you want to extend your personal wine-season, we've enclosed (temporarily) our back porch so you can enjoy the warmth of our fireplace and the scenery while sipping your favorite Fireside Wines.

Hope to see you soon.
Cheers!

Retailer Spotlight: L Marie Boutique (Vinton, IA)

2011-03-12T11:57:00.000-08:00

We want to recognize and highlight our retail friends who carry Fireside Winery wines. If it is not convenient to stop by the winery to resupply your wine closet, cellar or cubby, then we want to make sure you have a locally available source to find our wines.

This morning I stopped by L Marie Boutique, located on 4th street in Vinton, to catch up with Lisa, the shop owner. The first thing you notice upon entering L Marie Boutique is the great selection of items they carry. Of course, my wine-eye always scans for the wine section. Lisa does such a nice job of decorating her store and the Fireside Winery wines are beautifully displayed.

Providing visitors with a taste of Fireside Winery wines gives her new wine customers a taste-test of our wines. For those who already enjoy Fireside Wines it is just convenient to stop by L Marie to pick up a bottle or two, or case of their favorites: BLU, Firely, Storyteller, Serenade, Hearthstone, Edelweiss, Seyval and CoCo.

If you live in or near (or want to take a road trip, for that matter) Vinton (Benton County, NE of Cedar Rapids), then make sure to stop by L Marie Boutique and find our wines. Tell Lisa we sent ya!

New Winery Blog

2011-03-08T13:37:00.000-08:00

Hello Fireside Winery Friends!

We're excited to add another outlet to share the experiences of everyday life around Fireside Winery. With our new winery blog, we'll post notes about the goings' on at the winery, upcoming events, snapshots of our friends (new and familiar faces), and post video of our special moments.

So...here's to you, our wine friends and family. Cheers!

Hope to see you soon!