This is another winery on our own wine trail.Not too hard to find. This is a busier winery as it also has brick oven pizza.that was extremely delicious.They have about 20+ red and white wines with a taste for everyone.Our group still prefers the sweeter wines but you get to sample 6 wines of your choice.There is no fee to do this .We seen that it said distillery but didn't know that we got to sample 3 of those too without a fee.You have your choices of Brandy,Rum,Whiskey,Rum ,Gin and flavores liqueurs.Bottles of wine and spirits are reasonably priced.They do have a bigger menu to chose food from too.
I came to the winery for my sister-in-law's bridal luncheon, and there could not have been a more perfect location for the quaint get together. The appetizers of bruschetta and different cheeses was wonderful. The wine(only for purchase by the bottle) was extremely well priced and very delicious. The food for lunch and dessert was also well flavored and beautifully presented. The back awning was very peaceful and a lovely backdrop to any occasion. If I'm ever back in the area, I'd love to go again!
Went to this winery for a seminar, their facilities are wonderful for receptions and large group outings. The scenery is breathe taking, even when it rains! The event was catered by the Solon Locker and was quite good. We purchased a bottle of wine and enjoyed that during the seminar. Afterward, we purchased some gift items in the gift shop. They not only sell wine, they have vodka, gin, bourbon, liquors (love the Mangocello). The staff is very friendly and accomodating.
The Sunday brunch is served buffet style overlooking the vineyards in the large building to the back of the winery. It's very tasty with a selection of fruits and pastries, egg and meat dishes, potatoes, prime rib, and pancakes. The prime rib was a little too rare for my taste, but the melt in my mouth pancakes and maple bourbon syrup were amazing! I would recommend this place for small or large groups. Remember to make a reservation!
I was in Cedar Rapids on business with coworkers and on the suggestion of 2 other coworkers we found ourselves at Cedar Ridge. The grounds are beautiful, the facility is great and the staff was amazing. Our group of 5 spent about 4 hours there, we started with the free tasting of wine and whiskey, then moved to a table with our wine and pizza. It was a perfect night for food and fun. I love that I can order my favorite wine from there online and ship it to my home in Indiana!
My wife and I stopped in, ordered drinks and a pizza. There was virtually no one else in the place. While we were sitting in plain view of the bartender who took our order but she never once inquired on us in nearly an hour's time. Meanwhile our pizza never came as we waited for almost an hour. Finally I got the attention of the cook. She was unaware of the order. We left and will never return.
We took some friends from Germany here for Sunday brunch. They had requested to do American things while here. This seems as Iowan and American as they come. There is a VERY large shed turned restaurant that has the advantage of the walls being able to be completely open or even if closed provides a glorious view of the trees starting to show fall colors and the vineyard around the property. They have a pretty setting. We were provided with a warm, sunny fall day and great food, spirits, wine, and even better conversation. What an enjoyable place to have a meal and not feel rushed or hurried. The brunch buffet was well tended and food refilled immediately. There is wine tasting and tastes from the distillery as well. A small gift shop is in front. Come, stay enjoy. I dont know what tours are, we didnt allow time. But it is a nice place, easy to find off of the interstate. A new little hidden treasure of Iowa has been discovered.
This winery offers free samples of wine AND spirits! You and your mate will love this place, offers amazing selection of all types of wine. Great flavors! Reasonable prices. Their homemade whiskey and other spirits are unique and superb. They have a small gift shop and a restaurant area. Small food selection but food was tasty. We didn't take the tour, only because we spent too much time tasting! Beautiful grounds, you really won't be disappointed!!
Live music, good wine, homemade liquor, service is usually pretty good, great view of the vineyard. Pizza is a nice touch to an evening of wine and sitting outdoors for the music.
First time to Cedar Ridge...its a little awkward. We spent a few minutes browsing, then went to the bar, where you do everything...order food, do a tasting, order bottles, etc. Crowded. The bartender was awesome. Didn't catch his name...blonde...wants to be a park ranger maybe? Anyway, he was great. The tasting is free (not explained to you, but bonus) and you get 6 wines and 3 spirits. We chose 4 whites, a blush, and a red. All very good. 2 whiskey samples and an apple brandy (not my favorite) and we took home quite a bit for the holidays. Ordered lunch to sit outside.This is where it gets awkward. I think food is an afterthought here. We ordered 2 seasonal salads (there is one seasonal option and a house salad but no one could tell us what it was) and split a pizza and 2 waters. They handed us the salads on two chipped plates on our way out the door while juggling our purchases, and we made our way outside. We pulled a table into some sunshine and set the pizza number on our table. A server came with the (cold but decent) pizza about 10 minutes later. Never did see the water. No plates for pizza. No forks. Just not completely thought out. It's not a waiter scenario, so you better have what you want...no one is coming by to see if you need anything.The vineyards are beautiful. If you didn't know you're in Iowa you might lose yourself in California. They're doing some construction or something as it's not completely pulled together on one side of the property, but progress takes time. I would go back but probably not for lunch. The wine is the star of the show!!