Winemaker from the Amanas Named Winemaker of the Year

Congratulations are in order for an Eastern Iowa winemaker. Perhaps a toast?

Zach Bott, the winemaker at Fireside Winery in Marengo and at Ackerman Winery in the Amana Colonies, was recently named the 2024 Iowa Wine Growers Association Winemaker of the Year, according to the Corridor Business Journal. Bott was honored on January 8th at the 2024 Iowa Wine Awards, held at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny, Iowa.

The CBJ reports that Bott crafts a diverse range of wines for both Fireside Winery and Ackerman Winery, primarily using northern climate grapes grown on their property. His wines have won numerous awards and are also very popular with the public. His wines vary from dry wines to seasonal offerings, to sweet fruit wines.

According to the CBJ, other 2024 winners include;

• Victoria's Vineyard in Altoona was named the 2024 Vineyard of the Year.
• The Wijn House in Pella was named the 2024 Retail Partner of the Year.
• Brian Jones of Three Sons Vineyard in Columbus Junction was named the 2024 Outstanding Industry Partner.
• The Train Wreck Winery in Algona was named the 2024 recipient of the Jean Gerrath Award.

The Iowa Winer Growers Association was founded in 2000 and is dedicated to the growth of the Iowa grape and wine industry, according to the CBJ.

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