
Latest News
September 25, 2017
Local Iowa Winery Recognized for
Award-Winning Wines
Santa Maria Vineyard & Winery has more than a dozen years of winemaking experience and a stated commitment to using only the highest quality grapes and the best processing and cellar practices. As a result, Santa Maria Vineyard & Winery has been repeatedly recognized by the Iowa-wine industry as a producer of high-quality, award-winning wines.
The Iowa-based business that John and Rose Guinan started in a machine shed has blossomed into a national contender on the wine judging circuit. Santa Maria’s six-acre vineyard, located in Willey, Iowa produces four varieties of grapes, while additional high-quality grapes are acquired from growers in the Carroll, Iowa, area.
Since 2005, Santa Maria wines have won 42 awards in competitions across the United States. At this year’s Iowa State Fair, Santa Maria’s wine competed against 178 wines entered by 32 Iowa wineries. Over 128 wines were given awards. Santa Maria’s very own, “Cabernet Sauvignon,” a dry, red wine was awarded the Bronze Medal.
Other impressive awards include: “Peach Be With You,” a fruit wine, that was named the Double Gold Medal Winner at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition in 2011. Santa Maria’s dry red wines have also been awarded a pair of silver medals. During the Mid-American Food/Wine Pairing Competition in 2012, “Red Twilight” received a Silver Medal; in 2014, Santa Maria’s “Petite Sarah” took home the Silver Medal at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.
In addition, “Barbera,” a light to medium-bodied garnet red wine, was the silver medal winner at the Mid-American Wine Competition in 2012. “Plum Di De Dee,” a plum-flavored fruit wine, won the silver medal at the 2012 Iowa State Fair and at the 2009 Mid-American Wine Competition. Santa Maria’s “Lincoln Highway,” a semi-sweet cherry, raspberry and wild plum wine, took the silver medal at the 2012 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.
Customer demand for Santa Maria’s award-winning wines has been steadily increasing. Santa Maria currently produces more than 30 varieties of wine, which are available at the company’s winery, located at 218 W 6th Street in Carroll, Iowa, along historic Highway 30.
For more information about Santa Maria Vineyard & Winery, please visit the official website at www.santamariawinery.com or engage with the company on Facebook.