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Discover the Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery Tour in Iowa

Located in Swisher, Iowa, the Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery Tour offers visitors a unique behind-the-scenes look at one of the Midwest’s most versatile craft producers, combining winemaking and distilling at a single location. This guided Winery & Distillery Tour explores how Cedar Ridge produces Iowa-grown wines and award-winning American whiskeys, including bourbon made from locally sourced corn. Guests tour production areas, learn about fermentation, aging, and bottling, and finish with a guided tasting.
Why it’s special: Cedar Ridge is one of the few destinations where visitors can experience both a winery and a distillery in one tour, showcasing Iowa agriculture across multiple craft beverages.

History & Story of Cedar Ridge

Cedar Ridge was founded in 2005 as Iowa’s first winery and distillery operating at the same site. Built on a strong farm-to-glass philosophy, Cedar Ridge emphasized local sourcing and small-batch production from the beginning. Over time, the distillery gained national recognition for its Iowa bourbon while continuing to produce wines that reflect the state’s cold-climate growing conditions. Today, Cedar Ridge stands as a flagship of Iowa’s craft beverage movement.

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

Tour the winery and learn how Iowa-grown grapes are fermented and bottled
Explore the distillery and see stills, fermentation tanks, and barrel storage
Learn how corn-based bourbon and other spirits are produced and aged
Understand how Cedar Ridge balances wine and spirits production
Enjoy a guided tasting of select wines and distilled spirits

Hands-On Elements: Guided tasting of wines and spirits with detailed production explanations.
Photo/Video Policy: Photography allowed in public areas; restricted in some production zones.
Souvenirs & Extras: On-site shop offering bottled wine, spirits, branded glassware, apparel, and gift items.

Pricing of the Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery Tour

Adult price: $15 per adult
Includes guided tour and tasting. Participants must be 21+.

Visiting information

Duration: 60–75 minutes
Age limits: 21+ only
Accessibility: Public areas accessible; limited access in production spaces
Working hours: Open Monday–Saturday 11:00 AM–7:00 PM; Sunday 11:00 AM–5:00 PM. Guided tours offered Saturday at 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM.

Nearby

Cedar Rapids Downtown (short drive)
Palisades-Kepler State Park
Amana Colonies (nearby attractions)

FAQs About Visiting the Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery Tour

Is Cedar Ridge primarily a winery or a distillery?
Cedar Ridge operates fully as both, producing wine and distilled spirits on-site with equal focus.

Are tastings of both wine and spirits included?
Yes. Tours typically include samples of select wines and spirits.

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

Can I visit the tasting room without taking a tour?
Yes. The tasting room and restaurant are open during regular hours without tour participation.

Is Cedar Ridge known for any specific products?
Cedar Ridge is especially well known for its Iowa bourbon, made from locally grown corn.