With so much in store, from vineyard games, an outdoor market, live music, and tours of the grounds, the day is sure to pack in loads of fun for wine lovers and those who just love to have a good time. In a state full of corn and soybeans, Soldier Creek Winery is an oasis that harkens back to the days when vineyards were much more common in this prairie state.

“As we have in the past, we will have vineyard tours on the hayrack,” said Megan Secor, marketing coordinator for Soldier Creek Winery. “This is a great time to hear from us about the vineyard, ask us questions, or just admire the vineyard in its autumn glory.”

Hayrack tours are scheduled at; 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., and 6 p.m. Drinks are not allowed on the hayrack.

Full day of fun

Festivities kick off at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23, with the ‘Winding Vine Market,’ featuring local crafts and vendors in an open-air format perfect for the start of the fall season. Be there early to grab one of 50 swag bags for the first 50 guests. The market will be open through 6 p.m.

“Shoppers can expect a unique shopping experience from local vendors and makers,” Secor said. “This is a great time to get some holiday shopping done and support small, local businesses.”

Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy a variety of live, local music, the outdoor beer garden and wine tent will also be open. A variety of food trucks are sure to suit any taste, and compliment all those liquid refreshments.

Grown-ups can be kids again with the Grape Relays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Teams of two will compete in a series of carnival-style games including ring toss, balloon popping, and the ever-popular, ‘Fill the Pitcher.’ With wine as prizes, these are grown-up games with grown-up prizes!

“Last year was our first year doing this competition and it was a big hit,” Secor said. “We are excited to bring it back again this year.”

Ronley King Blues Band wraps up the day

Live music will fill the grounds throughout the day, with Neil Anders from 2-4 and capping it all off will be a performance from the Ronley King Blues Band from 5 to 8 p.m.

“We are very excited that our headlining act is the Ronley King Blues Band” Secor said. ” You won’t want to miss the irresistible charm of the Ronley King Blues Band. Hailing as Central Iowa Blues Challenge victors of 2022 and esteemed Quarterfinalists at the International Blues Challenge 2023, their talent is undeniable. Seamlessly blending the raw essence of red dirt country with the soulful nostalgia of honky tonk blues, their music is a captivating journey through heartache and jubilation. With each note, they paint stories that linger, inviting you to dance to the rhythm of their local mastery and embrace the universal allure of the blues.”

New facility opens for tours

New to the Harvest Festival this year will be scheduled tours of the wine production facility.

“We are currently in the process of completing this addition to our winery,” Secor explained. “So, all of the winemaking things you’re used to seeing in the tasting room will be moved into that new space. We have desperately needed this space for a few years, so we are very excited to get moved in.”

The improved space will create additional room for weekly music events, bingo, craft nights, private parties, as well as business and corporate events, according to Secor.

Tours of the new facilities are scheduled for; 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.

For those familiar with Soldier Creek Winery, Harvest Festival has become a can’t miss celebration to kick off the relaxed feel of the fall season. For those who have yet to check it Soldier Creek Winery, Harvest Festival is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the growing popularity of Iowa wines and this local gem up close and person as it welcomes the community to explore and enjoy all it has to offer.