Our Story
Ackerman Winery is the oldest operating winery in the state of Iowa with an award-winning selection of fruit wines.
How It All Started
Ackerman Winery began in the basement of the South Amana home of Harry and Louisa Ackerman in 1956. The couple produced over 100 gallons each of concord grape and rhubarb fruit wines. In 1974, the couple’s son Les Ackerman and his wife, Linda, took over operations.
For over 40 years, Les and Linda produced more than 15,000 gallons of wine annually at Ackerman Winery. The wine list grew from just concord grape and rhubarb to over 20 different styles. In 2001, the winery moved from South Amana to main Amana.
A New Generation
In 2015, the Ackerman’s passed their family’s legacy onto another Iowa wine family, the Wyants. Bill and Rona Wyant had been producing wine at Fireside Winery in Marengo, Iowa, since 2007 with their daughter, Cassie, and son-in-law Zach.
The Wyants now proudly continue Iowa winemaking traditions at both Ackerman Winery and Fireside Winery.
Our Promise
At Ackerman Winery, we are dedicated to an overall exceptional experience that includes:
- Delicious and unique wines like dandelion, mango, mead, rhubarb, red raspberry, and blackberry.
- The perfect stop along your tour of the historical Amana Colonies.
- A spacious retail space offering unique wine accessories, home décor, and gifts.
- Fun events from craft activities like wine glass painting to food and wine pairings.
Timeline
1956
Harry and Louisa Ackerman start making concord grape and rhubarb wine in the basement of their South Amana home.
1974
Harry and Louisa’s son and daughter-in-law, Les and Linda Ackerman, take over operations. The business grows to produce over 15,000 gallons of wine annually and the wine list expands to over 20 styles of wine.
2001
The Ackerman’s move operations from their South Amana home to a location in main Amana.
2015
After over 60 years in operation, Les and Linda pass the Ackerman winemaking business to another family, the Wyants. The Wyants continue to carry on Iowa wine traditions for Ackerman Winery.
1956
Harry and Louisa Ackerman start making concord grape and rhubarb wine in the basement of their South Amana home.
1974
Harry and Louisa’s son and daughter-in-law, Les and Linda Ackerman, take over operations. The business grows to produce over 15,000 gallons of wine annually and the wine list expands to over 20 styles of wine.
2001
The Ackerman’s move operations from their South Amana home to a location in main Amana.
2015
After over 60 years in operation, Les and Linda pass the Ackerman winemaking business to another family, the Wyants. The Wyants continue to carry on Iowa wine traditions for Ackerman Winery.
Tour Our Facilities
For a behind-the-scenes look at our winery operations, we offer complimentary tours of our production facilities. Tours are offered the second Saturday of the month.
To organize a private tour outside of the weekly events, follow the link below.
Schedule a Private Tour