TASTING ROOM HOURS

MADISON COUNTY WINERY is a native Iowa winery with the vineyard located in Madison County approximately three miles west of the town of St. Charles on Hwy G50 (also known as St. Charles Rd).  (Exit 52 off I-35).

 

Madison County Winery is owned and operated by Doug and Cheryl Bakker, with some help from their children - Brittany, Andrew and Julia.  The property was purchased in 2000 and the next year was spent developing the land in preparation for planting the vineyard.  With the help of countless family members and friends the vines were all planted by 2001. The vineyard took four years to mature to the point of being able to produce enough grapes for a commercial harvest.  

 

During those fours years Doug continued to hone his winemaking skills and in 2005 Madison County Winery began selling it's wine commercially at Farmer's Markets and some independent stores around central Iowa. 

​

Over time the number of outlets began to grow and included Hy-Vee and other stores across the state, as well as permanent residency in Calypso 968 in Jordan Creek Town Center.  In 2007 our production facility was built on the vineyard property at St. Charles.  

 

2010 was an exciting year as the tasting room and warehouse were added so guests could purchase wines on-site, as well as consume wine and craft beer. 2010 also began a partnership with Twisted Vine Brewery as they began brewing beer on-site. 

 

Over the years, the development of the tasting room came to include a large patio surrounded by amphitheater terraces for special events, weddings, and class reunions.  

 

In 2016, Twisted Vine moved on to open their own tasting room. Their smaller system went on to Big Rack Brew Haus just west of the winery. Madison County Winery continues to serve beers from both Twisted Vine and Big Rack Brew Haus as a perfect pairing to the beautiful vineyard and delicious wines on site.

 

The property now includes a tent pad area large enough to accommodate up to 150 guests for private events.