Van Wijk Winery

08/24/2026

Van Wijk Mead pairs well with Turkey legs!

Experience the Des Moines Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow with jousting, music, and family fun! Join us for an unforgettable adventure!

08/23/2026

They say wine is only as good as the grapes that go into it. The same can be said for mead. Back Forty Honey won the IA State Fair Blue Ribbon award for Best Honey. We are so excited for them and pleased to source honey from them for our hand crafted meads.

Just finished up our shift at the Iowa State Fair at the Iowa Honey Producers Association booth. Rachel is bringing home the most coveted blue ribbon in beekeeping and the title “The best honey in Iowa”.

08/18/2026

We would love to read your comments on this Iowa Wine post. “Have you ever tried mead?” Be sure to let us know in your comments which Van Wijk Mead is your favorite!

🍯 Best of Show Non-Grape Champion! 🍯

Honey, fruit, and pure perfection! Congratulations to Van Wijk Winery in Sully for winning Best of Show Non-Grape with their Melomel: Blackberry Mead! 🐝🍇✨
Crafted with rich honey and luscious dark blackberries, this specialty mead captivated the judges to take top honors in the non-grape division.

Looking to try something unique at the fair this year? Be sure to sample this award-winning mead at the Iowa Wine Experience at Grandfather's Barn (Aug 13–23)!

Have you tried mead before? Let us know in the comments! 👇

08/18/2026

See the harp twins at The Des Moines Sleepy Hollow Renaissance Faire - Weekend 1 - Viking Theme! We will be there with our newest Mango Mead!

08/18/2026

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Ron Maggard on his award-winning photo at the Iowa State Fair!
Come see the knights of JoustEvolution for yourself at the Des Moines Renaissance Faire...right down the road from the Iowa State Fair!

Gates open Sept. 5th for 3 weekends of live entertainment from across the U.S.!
👑 See International sensation Harp Twins with the Volfgang Twins!
👑 Amaze at free flight raptors with Regalia International Birds of Prey!
👑Watch in awe, the Magic of Andrew Baerlacher - straight from the WI Dells!

🏰 Kids 12 & under are FREE!
🏰 FREE parking with your online ticket!
🏰 Attend Saturday, return for FREE the following Sunday!

www.SleepyHollowRenFaire.com
4051 Dean Ave, Des Moines IA
Dates: Sept 5-6, 12-13 & 19-20

08/18/2026

Vote for your favorite IOWA State Fair food - the Best of Show IOWA Wine Flight at Grandfather’s Farm (Barn), called “Iowa Wine Growers Association: Award Winners Wine Flight” which includes our Blackberry Mead. Click below and be sure to vote no later than Wednesday, Aug 19 for your vote to count.

Link to vote: https://www.chooseiowa.com/iowa-state-fair

The Choose Iowa Favorite Fair Food is back! You can explore food vendors sourcing local and vote for your favorite Iowa State Fair fair food featuring at least one ingredient from Iowa now through Wednesday, August 19 at 11:59 p.m. A map of all of the participants and a voting link can be found here: https://www.chooseiowa.com/iowa-state-fair

08/18/2026

Vote for your favorite IOWA State Fair food - the Best of Show IOWA Wine Flight at Grandfather’s Farm (Barn), called “Iowa Wine Growers Association: Award Winners Wine Flight” which includes our Blackberry Mead.

Click below and be sure to vote no later than Wednesday, Aug 19 for your vote to count.

Link to vote: https://www.chooseiowa.com/iowa-state-fair

Vote for us!

The Choose Iowa Favorite Fair Food Contest is back! Simply visit us at Grandfather's Barn, and try our Award Winners Wine Flight. Scan the QR code on our sign to cast your vote through Wednesday, August 19th at 11:59pm.

Let's celebrate the talented vineyards and wineries in our great state!

08/10/2026

Our Blackberry Mead won Best of Show in the non-grape category.
We will be doing tastings of it and all other Best of Show wines at Grandfather’s Barn at the Iowa State Fair from 6-9:30pm on Friday, Aug 14 and Saturday, Aug 22. See you there!

Looking for the best way to beat the heat and "wine down" at the Iowa State Fair?

Take a ride on the Sky Glider! 🚡✨

Let the glider do the heavy lifting up the hill to the historic Grandfather's Barn. Once you step on, relax and enjoy the ride. You’ll find the Iowa Wine Experience at the top of the hill, where we are pouring cold glasses, flights, and frozen slushies all fair long.

Bookmark this page to plan your perfect route up the hill and check out everything we have waiting for you: 👉 https://www.drinkiowawine.com/iowa-wine-experience

08/07/2026

08/07/2026

Experience the Des Moines Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow with jousting, music, and family fun! Join us for an unforgettable adventure!