Distributor Central
Learn the benefits of carrying Ackerman wines for your business and how to get started.
Contact UsAbout Us
Ackerman Winery is proud to have the distinct honor of being the oldest operating winery in the state of Iowa. It all started in the basement of the South Amana home of Harry and Louisa Ackerman in 1956. They produced one hundred gallons each of Concord Grape and Rhubarb.
In 1974, their son Les Ackerman, along with his wife Linda, took over operations and carried on the wine-making tradition for over 40 years – producing 15,000+ gallons of wine annually and expanding the wine list from two to over twenty different styles of wine.
Our Story
How To Get Started
We realize how important it is for customers to experience wines first-hand before making a purchase. That is why we offer sampling opportunities for our retailers. Contact your wholesale representative to set up a tasting for your next special event.
Our friendly staff will be onsite to sample wines and answer questions for your guests. We pride ourselves on not only our quality wines but also the service that goes with delivery and caring for our customers.
Our staff will work with you to establish a service plan that keeps the wines fresh and up to date.
Wholesale Pricing
We offer our wholesale clients 20% off our retail prices. Wholesalers who purchase five or 10 cases per order are eligible for greater discounts.
Download Pricing ScaleTestimonials
They are very easy to work with and are very responsive to any issues or requests. Their bottles feature eye-catching labels that often sell themselves, but most importantly are filled with delicious wines for every palette.
Jeremy and Tara Kohlhaas, The Wijn House
The wines from them are some of the best sellers in our shop. The Glow and Rhubarb are our best sellers and have customers coming back for more. And they help boost all our holiday sales!
Eric Janssen, The Willow Tree Garden Center
We have not been disappointed with the service or the wine. Our customers love our selection and so do we.
Deb Kellogg-Rummerl, Delish at Decades
They are very easy to work with and are very responsive to any issues or requests. Their bottles feature eye-catching labels that often sell themselves, but most importantly are filled with delicious wines for every palette.
Jeremy and Tara Kohlhaas, The Wijn House
The wines from them are some of the best sellers in our shop. The Glow and Rhubarb are our best sellers and have customers coming back for more. And they help boost all our holiday sales!
Eric Janssen, The Willow Tree Garden Center
We have not been disappointed with the service or the wine. Our customers love our selection and so do we.
Deb Kellogg-Rummerl, Delish at Decades
Award-Winning Wines
Every year, our wines from Ackerman are entered into wine competitions around the nation. We are thrilled to have our wines awarded by wine professionals in well known wine regions such as California and New York.
Blackberry
2019 Florida State Fair
- Gold
2018 Florida State Fair
- Gold
2018 Finger Lakes International
- Gold
2018 Iowa State Fair
- Silver
2018 Pacific Rim International
- Bronze
Blueberry
2019 Indy International Wine Competition
- Bronze
Catawaba
2018 Finger Lakes International
- Bronze
Cherry
2019 Mid-American Wine Competition
- Silver
2019 Pacific Rim International
- Bronze
2018 Los Angeles International
- Best of Class
- Gold
- Bronze – Label Winner
2018 Finger Lakes International
- Silver
Wine Comparisons
License Requirements
Retailers must have an active alcohol license from the State of Iowa Alcoholic Beverage Division (ABD) to sell Iowa wine. If your store does not currently have a license and would like to sell Iowa wines, please contact the Iowa ABD to inquire about the license that is right for your establishment.
For more information, please visit the ABD website or call 866-IOWA-ABD (469-2223).
Selling tips
Sample often! Customers are more likely to purchase wine they have tasted and enjoyed. Ask your wholesale representative for details on our sample program and ambassador tasting events.
Host a pairing event. Pair Ackerman wines with foods or activities to encourage customers to sample the wine. Distributors in the past have had success with:
- Food pairings
- Ladies’ nights
- Arts and crafts
- Relaxation activities
Transparent pricing and descriptions. Display pricing and wine descriptions in a highly visible place so customers can easily find the information.
Contact Your Wholesale Representative
Have questions? Get in touch with your rep. We are here to make your selling experience simple and fun.
