The look: Jasper Winery, which moved to Des Moines from Newton last July, is tucked in a semi-industrial area just west of Gray's Lake. The building itself looks like an urban interpretation of a barn, with big windows along the front looking out onto a yard of grapevines. Inside, there's a main counter for tasting, where we were greeted by winemaker Mason Groben, who gave us a tour. We saw the production and bottling area, the cask-lined Barrel Room (a long table that seats 30) and the banquet room, which is full of big, circular white tables and seats 120. It definitely doesn't feel like a bar, and it's not. But you can taste, tour and buy wine by the glass - which felt a little bit like an after-work field trip.
The crowd: We swung by on a Wednesday at 5 p.m. and had the tasting area almost to ourselves. Another couple was seated by the fireplace, choosing the wine they will serve at their on-site wedding. The hours are a little strange for drinking wine during the week, but it's definitely feasible to drop in with some co-workers and have time for a glass.
The two drinks: Groben encouraged us to taste a few of the wines first. He explained a little bit about Midwestern varieties (the grapes from these wines come from vineyards in Iowa, where it's too cold to grow Chardonnay) and likened their options to the ones we're familiar with, like Pinot Grigio. My boyfriend ended up with a glass of Behind the Shed Red and I tried the JW Rosé, which Groben warned would be drier than I might expect.
Each glass was $6, and Groben doesn't accept tips, so we left without a huge tab.
The grub: I didn't think to ask about food until deep into my generously poured glass. Turns out you can get pretzels and purchase gourmet cheese to go with your wine. Groben also told us about a new dinner series at the winery, which will feature four-course menu pairings from area chefs once a month.
The verdict: Explore Jasper Winery for a taste of summer in an unexpected spot (where drinking local won't put you into debt).
