With B&B, entertainment and dining, Little Swan Lake Winery is a northwest Iowa destination
Scott and Diane Benjamin from just outside the small town of Superior in northwest Iowa became interested in winemaking more than two decades ago.
“We visited a winery in New Mexico about the time the whole Iowa winery movement started and just jumped in,” said Scott Benjamin. “We planted cold-hardy grapes and started the licensing and building process. We remodeled our now 100-year-old barn into a tasting room, gift shop and wine production area.”
The Benjamins buy juice from New York and purchase grapes both locally as well as from California to produce more than 30 varieties of wines.
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“We have 15 different dry reds, from cabernet sauvignon to petit verdot, several medium-sweet and some sweet wines,” said Scott Benjamin. “Everyone has different tastes, so we try to cover all the bases. Our most popular wine is called Summer Peach, but it really depends on who walks in the door on any given day.”
The tasting room and gift shop is large and rustic, with big beams and plenty of wood.
“We keep the experience relaxed and casual, and people can come in and taste wines and look around any time we are open,” said Benjamin.
The Benjamins also added an event room, which allows them to host live music and accommodate larger crowds.
“Our winery is worth a trip on a tankful due to the combination of all the things that make us what we are,” said Scott Benjamin. “The scenery is beautiful, with Little Swan Lake right here. There is an active bald eagle’s nest just down the shore and buffaloes grazing on the hills. The barn is rustic and relaxing. Our musicians, food and wine are all top notch. This is a magical place and always has been."
Address: 1350 320th Ave., Estherville, Iowa
Phone: (712) 858-4592 or (712) 380-0001
Website: lslwinery.com
Distance from downtown Des Moines: 198 miles
Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday and Saturday, with musical performers.
Events: The winery offers host musical performances Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays on the summer and fall. Scott Benjamin said that because he and his wife both used to be music teachers, their standards for performers are pretty high.
“We are amazed at the quality of our large group of different musicians that play everything from classic rock to jazz," he said. "The best part is that all of our musicians love playing here. The acoustics of our event room are amazing and it is a welcoming and comfortable place to play. We have a great appreciative and supportive crowd.”
Reservations are recommended, especially during the summer, and kids and pets are welcome to join.
Food: The kitchen is open on performance days, and one meal is always offered. It's always bison, as the farm is home to a herd of about 60 that the Benjamins have raised for 50 years.
"Diane varies the menu from burgers to steaks and many different meals in between,” said Scott Benjamin.
The couple also sells bison in the gift shop.
“Some of the herd is usually in sight,” said Scott Benjamin. “They are great majestic animals and belong here on our rolling hills.”
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Bed & breakfast: Over a decade ago, the couple expanded their business, moving a 65-foot-tall grain elevator onto the property and converting it into a five-story building.
“Two of the floors are Bed & Breakfast rooms along with a tower room with a surrounding deck," Scott Benjamin said. "We also added a deck outside the winery and elevator for outdoor seating. There is also a 2-bedroom suite above the tasting room making a total of three separate rentals.” The B&B is busiest in the summer, especially on weekends. Call for available dates.
While you’re there: Only 20 minutes from the Okoboji area, you can stay at the bed and breakfast, experience live music in the winery and still take in the sites of the Iowa Great Lakes. Visit vacationokoboji.com to explore all the things to do.