Just outside the small town of Superior in northwestern Iowa, Scott and Diane Benjamin became interested in winemaking more than 20 years ago.
“We visited a New Mexico winery just as the entire Iowa winery movement began and we just jumped in,” said Scott Benjamin. “We have begun the process of planting, licensing and building cold-resistant vines. We have converted a 100-year-old barn into a tasting room, gift shop and wine production area.”
Benjamin buys juice from New York and grapes from both local and California to produce more than 30 wines.
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“There are 15 different dry reds, from Cabernet Sauvignon to Petit Verdot, with some medium and sweet wines,” says Scott Benjamin. “Preferences vary from person to person, so we try to cover all our locations. Our most popular wine is called Summer Peach, but it really depends on who walks the door on a particular day. increase.”
The tasting room and gift shop are large and rustic, with large beams and lots of trees.
“We maintain a relaxed and casual experience, and people can taste wine and look around whenever we are open,” Benjamin said.
Benjamins has also added an event room to host live music and accommodate a larger crowd.
“Our winery is worth traveling with a full tank for a combination of everything that makes us us,” said Scott Benjamin. “Here is Little Swan Lake, the scenery is beautiful. There is a lively bald eagle nest just below the coast, and buffaloes are grazing on the hills. The barn is rustic and relaxing. Our Musicians, food and wine are all top notch. This is a mysterious place and it has always been. “
address: 1350 320th Ave., Estherville, Iowa
phone: (712) 858-4592 or (712) 380-0001
Website: lslwinery.com
Distance from downtown Des Moines: 198 miles
time: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Thursday and Saturday from 11am to 8pm with the musical performer.
event: The winery hosts music performances on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays in the summer and fall. Scott Benjamin said that the standards of performers are quite high, as he and his wife were both music teachers.
“I’m amazed at the quality of a large group of musicians ranging from classical rock to jazz. The best part is that every musician loves to play here. The sound of our event room is It’s a nice, cozy and comfortable place. There is a gratefully supportive crowd. “
Reservations are recommended, especially during the summer. Children and pets can also participate.
food: The kitchen is open on performance days and meals are always served once. The farm is always a bison, as it is home to about 60 herds that Benjamin has grown for 50 years.
“Diane changes the menu from burgers to steaks to many different meals in between,” said Scott Benjamin.
Couples also sell bison at gift shops.
“Some of the herds are usually visible,” said Scott Benjamin. “They are wonderful majestic animals and belong to our rolling hills.”
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Bed & Breakfast: More than 10 years ago, the couple expanded their business by moving a 65-foot-high grain elevator to the premises and converting it into a five-story building.
“Two floors are a tower room with a bed and breakfast room and a surrounding deck. We have added a deck outside the winery and also installed an elevator for outdoor seating. A two-bedroom suite above the tasting room. There are a total of 3 individual rentals available. ”B & B is the busiest in the summer, especially on weekends. Recall the available date.
While there: Just 20 minutes from the Okabozi area, you can stay in bed and breakfast, experience live music at the winery, and enjoy the ruins of the Great Lakes of Iowa. Visit Vacationokoboji.com to find out everything you need to do.