We are a family owned and operated vineyard in the heart of northern Iowa growing grapes that can handle harsh Iowa winters.
The story of 9 Pines Vineyard starts over 30 years ago. Julie and Dan, the owner/operators of Nine Pines were only dating when they decided that someday they would build a house together on a parcel of Julie's Dad's farmland. They planted 9 pine trees along the border of the property knowing that the in-work I-35 construction would soon be finished and a large row of trees would shelter their future home. A few years ago Dan and Julie, now married for 30+ years, built not only their home on a parcel of farmland but also planted an acre of grapes that they affectionately call the Nine Pines Vineyard.
Julie and Dan are both the children of Iowa farmers who chose careers outside of agriculture - Dan works for UPS and Julie is a Real Estate Agent - but not for lack of interest in farming. Julie even has a college degree in horticulture. Their backgrounds of childhoods on the farm, an interest in the next generation of agriculture, and straight-up Iowa work ethic led them to start a grape farm after their children left the nest. They are slowly learning everything there is to learn about grape farming and wine making; it turns out the world outside of Iowa has been spending quite a bit of time perfecting this industry! They have successfully eased themselves into the industry by accomplishing the most important detail - growing vines that produce wonderful fruit - but there is still much to learn.
