A new American Viticultural Area – or AVA – which includes
Iowa, will help draw more attention to Iowas wineries.
Thats according to Rod Haworth, who owns Grape Escape
Winery in Pleasantville. He says although the
recently-added Upper Mississippi Valley AVA doesnt run
directly by Marion County, it will help make wine
enthusiasts look at Iowas wine products more. Bob Wersen,
owner of the Tassle Ridge Winery near Leighton says the
biggest challenge for Iowa wineries in the AVA will be
marketing the characteristics that distinguish their
products. AVAs are designated wine-growing regions defined
by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.