Popular Wine Tasting Locations in Des Moines

Are you looking for social activities where you can have fun and also learn a little something along the way? Wine tasting fits the bill perfectly! You get a fascinating look at how this popular beverage is made and educate your palate on the qualities that make a great wine. It's an activity that works equally well whether you're on an outing with friends or a romantic date. Here are some popular wine tasting locations around Des Moines to start you off on your journey.

Jasper Winery
2400 George Flagg Parkway

This beautiful estate-style winery is only minutes away from downtown but worlds away in ambiance. Free wine tastings are available at their tasting room for groups of eight or fewer during regular business hours. They also offer VIP tours as well as chocolate and cheese pairing events by reservation only. Live concerts are held every Thursday during summer.

WineStyles Tasting Gallery
5515 Mills Civic Parkway

WineStyles is a gourmet shop that carries fine wines and craft beers along with artisanal cheeses, handcrafted chocolates and other specialty foods. Wine tastings are held Thursday evenings with craft beer tastings on Friday evenings. Cost is $7.50 per person and each session features six different brands. WineStyles also schedules educational and pairing events.

Winefest
Various locations

This 13th annual festival celebrates food, wine and community in the Des Moines area. Winefest is a unique event offering a week's worth of daily activities including tastings, dinners and workshops centered around the best foods and wines. Past guests include culinary giants like Eric Ripert, Lidia Bastianich and Art Smith. This year's event takes place May 30 through June 6. Tickets start at $15 and proceeds benefit local charities and cultural organizations.

Ingersoll Wine & Spirits
3500 Ingersoll Avenue

Ingersoll Wine & Spirits is a Disneyland for wine lovers with more than 2,500 different varieties on hand at any given time. Free samplings of the week's featured wines are offered every Saturday afternoon. The store also sponsors special events such as winery showcases and tastings of whiskey and other spirits.

Two Saints Winery
15170 - 20th Avenue

A leisurely summer day is the perfect time to take the 30-minute ride to this scenic winery in St. Charles. As of March 1 their tasting room is open each afternoon seven days a week. Take in the picturesque grounds from a seat on the wrap-around deck. Two Saints also holds special events like their "Wine 101" courses and dinner theater.

With these wonderful facilities close by, you'll become a wine expert in no time. Have you attended any of this wine tastings? Share your review with us!