Starting in 2001 we have planted a combination of French and American hybrid grape varietals that thrive in Iowa's climate and produce quality wine. Our goal is to manage the vines to produce optimum quality not only to produce superior wine but to provide an example of best practices for other local growers who supply us with grapes. We have planted Marechal Foch and St. Croix for red wine production with plans of planting Marquette (a newly developed grape varietal) in 2008. We have LaCrosse and LaCrescent planted for white wine production. We also have experimental rows of Frontenac, Dechaunnac, Sabervaois, Brianna and Noiret planted to assess grape quality and adaptability to our climate. We truly feel these vines are an extension of the family with Jim the Vineyard Manager leading the effort to sculpt the vines into a thing of beauty for both the eyes and the palette.