
Latest News

OCTOBER 24, 2016
Santa Maria Vineyard & Winery receives 2016 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
CARROLL, Iowa - Santa Maria Vineyard & Winery, a family owned and operated winery has been awarded the 2016 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. This designation is awarded to businesses that consistently maintain an overall TripAdvisor rating of at least 4 out of 5 over a period of one year. To qualify, in addition to the overall rating, a business must have a minimum number of reviews and been listed on TripAdvisor for at least 12 months.
Now in its sixth year, past winners of the Certificate of Excellence include: one-room B&Bs to 600-room hotels; hidden attractions to world-famous museums; local cafes and Michelin-starred restaurants. Via www.tripadvisor.com, TripAdvisor’s Vice President of Industry Marketing, Heather Leisman states, “This recognition helps travelers identify and book properties that regularly deliver great service.”
Located in the historic former Wittrock auto dealership on Highway 30, the Tuscan-inspired Santa Maria Winery has been serving up tantalizing wines and fresh fare since 2009. Their vast selection of award-winning wines are crafted from grapes grown by an assortment of growers, as well as from grapes grown at their own vineyards, less than 10 miles from the winery. Locally grown ingredients also make an appearance throughout the full menu offered in their tasting room. From the fresh herbs grown and harvested in the tranquil courtyard that greets you, to the use of fresh ingredients from area farms, the cuisine is nothing short of first-class.
In addition to the restaurant and tasting room, Santa Maria boasts an event center, whose old-world ambiance is classy, yet warm and inviting. With fireplaces, a Tuscan bridal balcony, and a hand-carved mural that transports you directly to the vineyards and olive groves of Italy, this pleasing space is perfect for wedding receptions, pre-nuptial dinners, family and corporate functions, class reunions, and any other small or large gathering.
Whether people come for the food, wine, conversation, or historic ambiance, owners John and Rose Guinan are proud to serve the people of Carroll and the surrounding areas. “We’re very pleased to have the opportunity to take a building that is historically significant to the people of Carroll, renovate it, and make it into something enjoyable for the community,” says John. And of receiving the 2016 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, Rose had this to say, “Thank you to all our patrons for your continued support. We’ll keep working hard to ensure you continue to have great experiences with us!”