Covered Bridges Winery
Discover award-winning Iowa wines in a beautiful, tranquil setting. Enjoy scenic views, friendly service, and delicious pairings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Covered Bridges Winery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover award-winning Iowa wines in a beautiful, tranquil setting. Enjoy scenic views, friendly service, and delicious pairings.
"We were honestly not expecting much of wines from Iowa. We. Were. Wrong."
🎯 Don't Miss Rattlesnake Red
This wine is a standout surprise for many visitors, even those who prefer dry reds.
🧀 Share the Charcuterie
The charcuterie board is huge and delicious, perfect for sharing with a friend.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wine Tasting Flights
Tasting Room
Sample a variety of award-winning Iowa wines, from dry reds to sweet whites. Discover your new favorite!
Scenic Patio Views
Outdoor Patio
Relax and soak in the beautiful surroundings with a glass of wine. Perfect for a tranquil afternoon.
Live Music Events
Winery Grounds
Enjoy local musicians while sipping wine. Check their schedule for upcoming performances.
Charcuterie Board
Tasting Room
Indulge in a generous and delicious board of cheeses, meats, and accompaniments.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Embrace the Local Flavors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Don't Miss Rattlesnake Red
This wine is a standout surprise for many visitors, even those who prefer dry reds.
🧀 Share the Charcuterie
The charcuterie board is huge and delicious, perfect for sharing with a friend.
🎶 Check Live Music Schedule
Enjoy local bands on weekends for a lively atmosphere. 
🍷 Try Wine Slushes
Beat the heat with refreshing wine slushes, a unique treat.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Don't Miss Rattlesnake Red
This wine is a standout surprise for many visitors, even those who prefer dry reds.
🧀 Share the Charcuterie
The charcuterie board is huge and delicious, perfect for sharing with a friend.
🎶 Check Live Music Schedule
Enjoy local bands on weekends for a lively atmosphere.
🍷 Try Wine Slushes
Beat the heat with refreshing wine slushes, a unique treat.
🚗 Combine with Bridge Tour
Perfect stop after touring the famous Covered Bridges of Madison County.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Covered Bridges Winery for its surprisingly excellent Iowa wines, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and beautiful, relaxing atmosphere. The scenic patio and delicious charcuterie board are frequent highlights, making it a must-visit after touring the local covered bridges. Some minor dislikes include potential crowds during events.
"After a long day of touring Winterset and the Covered Bridges of Madison County, we came to Covered Bridges Winery at the recommendation of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce. We were very pleasantly surprised.
I'll lay it out: we're California wine snobs and have been through viticulture and enology courses. We know a thing or two about wines. We travel full-time now and try wines everywhere we go. With our experiences in nearby states, we were honestly not expecting much of wines from Iowa. We. Were. Wrong.
While our preference is always for dry red wines, we can appreciate any wine for what it is. Just about the entire list of tastings that my wife and I tried here were very good. Our favorites included Marquette, Roseman Bridge, and Rattlesnake Red. Their Edelweiss was an exceptional example of a sweet white wine. We definitely had a tough time picking which bottled wines to bring home.
The staff here is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. They were very helpful in helping us navigate which wines might be most to our liking.
The winery itself is beautiful. Whether you decide to enjoy your tastings inside the exquisite building with a large window view or sit outside on the patio, it will be a tranquil and relaxing experience."
Chris Mattingly
"Beautiful place, great wine tasting. Staff supper friendly. Will return for music on Sunday."
Lina Ca
"I went twice in the last month because I absolutely adore the location, the atmosphere and the wine.
My favorite (by far) is the rattlesnake, which absolutely surprised me the first time I tried it. If you prefer the whites, my personal suggestion is the Cedar Bridge. The charcuterie board (20 dollars) is full of cheese (4 types), prosciutto crudo, coppa, salami, almonds and dried cherries. Definitely a plate to share: delicious and huge. They also sell high quality chocolates (Stam) to match with your wine.
If you're around in the area, maybe visiting the Madison County bridges, you HAVE to stop here, even just to relax, enjoy the scenery and have a chat with the lovely staff."
PG P (thequeenmab)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Covered Bridges Winery is located in Winterset, Iowa, near the famous Madison County bridges. It's easily accessible by car. Many visitors combine a trip to the winery with a tour of the covered bridges.
Yes, ample parking is typically available for visitors.
Absolutely! The winery is a popular destination for day-trippers and those exploring the wider Iowa region.
A car is recommended for navigating between the various covered bridges and the winery.
Public transport options are limited in this rural area. Driving is the most practical way to reach the winery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the winery grounds and tasting room is generally free. Wine tastings and purchases are, of course, paid.
Opening hours can vary, especially seasonally and on event days. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information.
The cost of wine tastings can vary. It's advisable to inquire directly at the winery or check their website for current pricing.
While walk-ins are common, especially during off-peak hours, reservations might be recommended for larger groups or during busy event weekends.
As a winery, visitors must be of legal drinking age (21+) to consume alcohol. Minors are typically allowed on the premises but cannot partake in tastings or purchase alcohol.
🍽️ 🍷 Wine & Dining
They offer a diverse selection of Iowa wines, including dry reds like Marquette and Rattlesnake Red, and sweet whites like Edelweiss.
Yes, you can enjoy wine by the glass on-site or purchase bottles to take home.
The winery offers a delicious charcuterie board with cheeses, meats, and accompaniments, as well as high-quality chocolates.
While the focus is on wine, they may offer other beverages. It's best to inquire about non-alcoholic options upon arrival.
Typically, wineries prefer you purchase food from their offerings. It's best to check their policy on outside food.
📸 📸 Photography & Atmosphere
Absolutely! The winery boasts a beautiful building, scenic patio views, and is surrounded by picturesque Iowa landscapes, making it ideal for photos.
Visitors describe the atmosphere as tranquil, relaxing, friendly, and welcoming, with beautiful scenery.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) can offer beautiful lighting. Weekday afternoons are less crowded, allowing for unobstructed shots.
Yes, you can generally take photos inside the tasting room, but be mindful of other guests and staff.
The combination of wine, the rustic charm of the winery, and the proximity to the historic covered bridges offers unique photographic possibilities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during weekday afternoons to avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more laid-back experience. While the charcuterie board is a great shareable option, be mindful of the wine-centric nature of the establishment. It's a good spot for a brief, enjoyable stop as part of a larger family outing in the Madison County area.
🥂 Couples and Romantic Getaways
Consider visiting during a weekday afternoon for a more intimate experience, or check their schedule for live music events to add a touch of romance to your evening. The combination of good wine, a charming setting, and friendly service creates a perfect backdrop for a romantic outing.
🚗 Day-Trippers and Road Explorers
Plan your visit to coincide with a tasting and perhaps a charcuterie board. It's an easy addition to any itinerary focused on the bridges and the charming Winterset area, providing a taste of local culture and hospitality.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Wine Experience at Covered Bridges Winery
The tasting experience is designed to be informative and enjoyable. The staff are frequently praised for being incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, guiding guests through the selection to find wines that match their preferences. This personalized approach enhances the overall wine discovery journey, making it accessible and enjoyable for both novice and experienced wine drinkers.
Beyond the tasting room, the winery offers opportunities to purchase bottled wines to enjoy later. This allows visitors to take a piece of their Iowa wine experience home with them, a testament to the quality and appeal of the wines produced at Covered Bridges Winery.
Atmosphere and Ambiance
Many visitors highlight the friendly and welcoming staff as a key contributor to the winery's inviting atmosphere. This positive interaction, combined with the beautiful location, creates a memorable and relaxing experience. It's a place where guests feel comfortable lingering, enjoying the scenery, and engaging in conversation.
Covered Bridges Winery also frequently hosts live music, adding a vibrant yet relaxed element to the ambiance, especially on weekends. This makes it a perfect destination for a leisurely afternoon or a pleasant evening out, blending the enjoyment of wine with local entertainment.
+1Culinary Delights and Pairings
For those with a sweet tooth, the winery also offers high-quality chocolates that are specifically curated to pair well with their wines. This thoughtful pairing elevates the tasting experience, allowing guests to explore complementary flavor profiles.
In addition to these offerings, the winery has also been known to feature wine slushes, a refreshing treat perfect for warmer days. These creative concoctions, like the mixed red and white slush, offer a fun and unique way to enjoy wine.
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