Wine Your Way Through the Hills Trail

Many people are unaware that Iowa ranked sixth in grape and wine production in the nation during the 1930’s, and the Loess Hills area of Western Iowa was perhaps the state’s premier viticulture treasure.  During the years to follow, Iowa’s grape acres were virtually eliminated by a combination of Prohibition, The Great Depression, and a powerful new corn herbicide.  But in recent years, Iowa has seen a resurgence of wine production and increasing interest from the wine loving public!

This Trail will take you all around Pottawattamie County, and you will end your journey with a bounty of fruit, cheese, meat, bread, and wine to enjoy!  Hop on the Watta Way at any town along the way.  For this example, we will start here:

Minden

Breezy Hills Vineyard and Winery, 31735 Tamarack Road.  The winery and vineyard location is a scenic and peaceful one where you can relax and enjoy the wine and hospitality.  The views are breathtaking and change with the seasons, and yes, there is most always a breeze.  Inside the winery, roughly two dozen wines are fermented each year providing a variety of palate soothing choices ranging from dry reds to sweet whites, fruit wines, and even a traditional bottle method sparkling wine to choose from. 

Minden Meat Market, 315 Main Street.   Sourcing only the best meats and produce, Minden Meat Market and Hodges Smokehouse Catering offers customers high-quality food for all their catering and cooking needs. The Market knows that nothing brings people together like great food.  Peruse the refrigerated case for fresh items that will light up your taste buds with the carefully crafted flavors of locally sourced meats and poultry. 

Walnut

Roberts Bakery Treats and Treasures, 230 Antique City Drive.   

Roberts Bakery is stately and proud on the corner of downtown Walnut.  But don’t let the old exterior fool you, aromatic bread and other goodies are baked daily to delight you. The homemade taste of bread from the bakery will keep you returning again and again.  Pick up your favorite to go along with your wine and meat selections!

Macedonia

The Painted Camel, 322 Main Street.  When you need more wine glasses or something to hold the wine, cheese, meat, and bread for serving, stop by the Painted Camel.  This gallery represents over 32 Midwest artisans and their works for sale.  One specialty of the shop is pottery, perfect as serving ware. 

Treynor

Prairie Crossing Vineyard and Winery, 31506 Pioneer Trail.  From Spring pruning to Fall harvest, the vineyard is worked by hand because great wine starts in the vineyard.  Prairie Crossing offers several grape wines from light and fruity to a robust peppery red.  Give them a try to pick your favorite. Grown in Iowa, made in Iowa, enjoyed anywhere! 

Council Bluffs

Ditmars Orchard and Vineyard, 19475 225th Street.  Ditmars Orchard has been known for a beautifully maintained apple orchard, pumpkin patch, plus wine, sauces, and family activities.  Make your fruit selection from several varieties of apples, look over products and wine made with apples and other fruit. 

Honey Creek

Honey Creek Creamery, 25593 Old Lincoln Highway.  The Creamery grows its own organic feed, resulting in small batch, high quality fresh goat milk products whose mild flavor is derived from Loess Hills vegetation and enhanced by seasonal, local organic herbs and fruit.  Pick out your favorite Chevre! 

Doe’s and Diva’s Dairy, 31140 185th Street.   

This sheep and goat dairy, features co-mingled milk products and is one of only a handful of certified combined milk dairies in the United States. Pasture fed, the goats and sheep produce sweet milk that is hand crafted into fresh and aged cheeses. Pick out your favorites to take home! 

It’s a good idea to check location websites and/or Facebook pages for seasonal open days of the week and hours.  Many locations throughout the County have these products available.  For example:  Hy Vee Grocery Stores and some local retailers near you.

Breezy Hills Vineyard & Winery

31735 Tamarack Road
Minden, IA 51553
(712) 485-2083

Ditmars Orchard & Vineyard (Seasonal)

19475 225th St.
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
(712) 256-7053

Prairie Crossing Vineyard & Winery

31506 Pioneer Trail
Treynor, IA 51575
(712) 487-3812

The Painted Camel Gallery

320 Main Street
Macedonia, IA 51549
(712) 310-4534

Roberts Bakery Treats

230 Antique City Dr
Walnut, IA 51577
(712) 784-2253

Trail Map

More Trails to Explore

Railroad Highway Multi-Use Trail

Enjoy this trail as it links smaller communities across Pottawattamie County.

California Trail

Trace the California Trail, an emigrant trail that crossed Iowa.

B & B Trail: Watta Way to Enjoy Burgers and Beer

Follow this trail to determine the best burger and your favorite brew.

Loess Hills National Scenic Byway (TM)

Marvel at this national trail that is rated among the best trails in the nation.

Wabash Trace Nature Trail

Take an amazing trip through Southwest Iowa, home to the Taco Ride.

All Trails

Go back to our full list of trails!