During a recent visit from my brother & sister-in-law, we went out to lunch at the Tycoga Vineyard & Winery located about 18 miles from my home. My brother used to make his own wine as a hobby and enjoys trying different wines, so I knew he would enjoy visiting this winery. We had an extremely pleasant couple of hours doing a wine tasting and having this winery's fresh handmade wood fired pizzas for lunch.
Tycoga Vineyard & Winery
Tycoga Vineyard & Winery is a family owned business that began in 2010 with only 50 plants. Their intent was to only grow grapes and sell them. Their first plants produced a small crop.
Then one day a couple stopped by and gave the Tycoga family their phone number. They said they thought that these were wonderful grapes and that they needed to make wine instead of just selling the grapes.
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| Tycoga Vineyards |
After many long talks with this helpful couple, and learning about grapes, the Tycoga family ended up planting many, many more grape plants. They now have over 26 acres of plants.
TYCOGA Vineyard & Winery was then established in 2014. The Tycoga tasting room opened on December 20, 2014, and final construction was completed in April 2015.
Handcrafted Wines
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| Tycoga Wines |
The wines at Tycoga also include a dessert wine and a sparkling wine. The dessert wine pairs well with a delicious piece of chocolate cake. During a wine tasting, they offer you a piece of chocolate to eat – first tasting the dessert wine without the chocolate and again after eating the chocolate. It allows you to see how well it goes with a chocolate dessert. Yum.
Food
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| Wood-Fired Pizza |
Tycogo Winery offers 16 varieties of their delicious wood-fired Pizzas Click this link for the menu.
Private Parties and Small Events
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| Outside Patio overlooking the Vineyard |
Tycoga Winery has an event room, a Barrel room and an outside patio for booking anything from a bridal shower to a wedding, or for an office event, birthday party, retirement party, graduation or any other special occasion. An attractive venue for your special event.
Summary
If you enjoy visiting wineries and find yourself traveling in Southeastern Iowa, spend an hour or two at the Tycoga Vineyard & Winery. It has a delightful atmosphere and very friendly staff.
The name of the winery comes from the TYCOGA Family children - Tyler, Courtney & Gabe.
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| Tycoga Vineyard & Winery |
Location:
Tycoga Vineyard & Winery
Address: 2585 195th St, DeWitt, IA 52742
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
Website: Tycoga.com
Related Links to More Places to Visit in Iowa:
- Field of Dreams Movie Site - Dyersville, Iowa
- Midwest Adventures
- Go Fish Marina Bar and Grill Restaurant - Princeton, Iowa
- Figge Art Museum of Davenport, Iowa
*Tycoga Vineyard & Winery Travel Review written by Wednesday Elf
Wow! What a story. It was very interesting to read how they got started, as well as how successful they have been. It looks like a fun place to visit and a lovely venue for those special occasions you mentioned.
ReplyDeleteIt was fun to visit, Mouse. It's such a lovely venue and very peaceful to sit on the patio in nice weather and enjoy the view and the ambiance.
DeleteWhat a wonderful “hidden gem” (hidden from those of us in other parts of the country, at least)! The Tycoga Vineyard and Winery looks and sounds like a magical place to spend an afternoon or to host a special occasion event. I love that it’s a family owned business and enjoyed the story of how it evolved from just a vineyard to a vineyard and winery. Thanks so much for introducing us to this marvelous destination!
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy visiting family-owned businesses, Margaret. This winery is so pretty and enjoyable. A nice afternoon.
DeleteGreat review Pat. Ken and I really enjoyed going there. So glad you introduced us to it.
ReplyDeleteDelighted you enjoyed it. It was fun to take you there. Thanks so much for dropping by my review.
DeleteThis looks like a wonderful place to enjoy lunch and a pleasant afternoon. Thanks for sharing their story. Very interesting.
ReplyDeleteIt is a delightful place to visit. We enjoyed it very much.
DeleteI had no idea there were vineyards in Iowa (nor that the climate was amenable to growing grapes). I know I would enjoy a visit. Thanks for making me aware of this unique attraction.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed learning about this winery, Diana. The wines are different than those you'd find in California or other areas with longer growing seasons. But I think most states have some wineries. There are over 50 wineries in the Niagara Falls wine trail which are quite famous. And that area is about as far north as we are here in Iowa.
DeletePat, that looks like such a lovely outing. There are so many wineries where I live (close to the Niagara Region) and I've never been to one! That's on my list to do next summer. With Covid they were all shut down as you know, but maybe next year is the year. I love the dinner photo - wine and pizza, looks delicious.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed my tour, Barbara. You'll have to visit one or more of the Niagara wineries. I understand they are quite famous and boast delicious wines.
DeleteOh somewhere new to put on my places to go one day! Thanks Pat, I love wine and this sounds like an ideal place for me and my other half to put on our "want to" visit places. Family owned and operated businesses are some of my favorites.
ReplyDeleteI always find it neat to read about and/or visit a family owned and operated business. The Tycoga Winery was a delight and we really enjoyed our visit there.
DeleteThis sounds a really lovely place to visit and enjoy for a day trip out. The food and the wine look delicious and I can see why it would be a great venue for a small event and friendly staff make all the difference!It was interesting to learn how the family started up and grew the business.
ReplyDeleteIt's a lovely place to visit and enjoy, Raintree Annie. One summer day they hosted a craft fair, which was a delight because I got to be one of the vendors with my little crocheted critters. That's the day I took some of the pictures I featured in this review. :)
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