Tassel Ridge Winery Tour — Leighton, Iowa

Discover the Tassel Ridge Winery Tour in Iowa

Located in Leighton, Iowa, the Tassel Ridge Winery Tour offers visitors a behind-the-scenes look at one of Iowa’s pioneering wineries and vineyards. This guided Winery Tour explores how Tassel Ridge grows cold-climate grapes, produces award-winning wines, and blends Midwestern agriculture with modern winemaking techniques. Guests learn about vineyard management, fermentation, and aging before enjoying a guided wine tasting in the tasting room.
Why it’s special: Tassel Ridge is one of Iowa’s oldest wineries, known for proving that high-quality wine can be produced successfully in the Midwest’s challenging climate.

History & Story of Tassel Ridge Winery

Tassel Ridge Winery was founded in 1981, making it one of the earliest modern wineries in Iowa. From the start, the winery focused on adapting viticulture and winemaking practices to Iowa’s cold winters and variable growing seasons. Over the decades, Tassel Ridge has played a key role in shaping the state’s wine industry, earning national recognition while remaining family-owned and deeply connected to local agriculture.

What You’ll See & Do on the Tassel Ridge Winery Tour

• Learn how Iowa-grown grapes are cultivated and harvested

• Tour the winery production area and fermentation tanks

• Understand aging, bottling, and quality control processes

• Discover how cold-climate varietals shape flavor profiles

• Enjoy a guided tasting of Tassel Ridge wines

Hands-On Elements: Guided wine tasting with explanations of varietals and winemaking techniques.
Photo/Video Policy: Photography allowed in tasting room and public areas; restricted in some production spaces.
Souvenirs & Extras: Winery shop offering bottled wines, wine accessories, gift items, and seasonal releases.

Pricing of the Tassel Ridge Winery Tour

Adult price: $10 per adult
Includes guided winery tour and wine tasting. Participants must be 21+.

Visiting information

Duration: 45–60 minutes
Age limits: 21+ only
Accessibility: Tasting room accessible; limited accessibility in production areas
Working hours: Open Monday–Saturday 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; Sunday Closed. Guided tours available Saturday at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM.

Nearby

• Pella Historic Downtown (short drive)

• Lake Red Rock recreation area

• Vermeer Mill & Pella attractions

FAQs About Visiting the Tassel Ridge Winery Tour

Does Tassel Ridge use Iowa-grown grapes?
Yes. The winery specializes in cold-climate grape varieties grown in Iowa and nearby Midwest vineyards.

Do I need to book the tour in advance?
Advance booking is recommended, especially on Saturdays, as tour sizes are limited.

Are tastings included in the tour price?
Yes. Each tour includes a guided tasting of select Tassel Ridge wines.

Can I visit the tasting room without taking a tour?
Yes. The tasting room is open during regular hours, and tastings are available without a full tour.

Can I purchase wine to take home?
Yes. Bottles and gift items are available for purchase in the winery shop.