What our overland travels has taught me is to be open to surprises. Hence finding wineries in the most interesting places has always impressed me. La Vida Loca Winery, Indianola was a pleasant surprise for us, during springtime I-80 travels east to Maine to begin our US 2 adventure. Indianola, city in and county seat of Warren County, is located 19 miles (31 km) south of downtown Des Moines, Iowa. Given Iowa is home to over 100 wineries we were excited to visit one along our route. We chose La Vida Loca Winery because it was a Harvest Host site. Before starting our cross country travels we had signed up for Harvest Host membership to try it out during our overland adventure.
La Vida Loca Winery, Indianola, Iowa
Our May visit to La Vida Loca Winery was perfect timing given the grape vines were already budding.
Indianola was the first winery stop during our travels to Maine. Our goal was to reach Maine where we would begin our adventure along the Great Northern, known as U.S. Route 2 or U.S. Highway 2 (US 2). The original plan was to leave the west coast journey east on U.S. Highway 2 (US 2), criss-crossing the US and Canada border as needed; and return across Canada, from the east to west coast, and then head back into the western US. Back in 2021 when we realized that this plan was not possible, we quickly crossed the U.S. on I-80 to Maine on the east coast, and then return as much as possible on US 2. We stayed on the US side of Highway 2 because of the Canadian travel restrictions during 2021.
Just in case you are wondering US 2 is an east–west United States Numbered Highway, covering 2,571 miles (4,138 km) across northern continental United States. US 2 consists of two segments on the US side of the Canadian border.
Off to Indianola Winery © Spaswinefood
After exiting I-80 it was not long before we arrived at the winery.
After a number days driving along I-80, at a somewhat fast pace, we were happy to arrive at a winery.
Upon arrival off to the tasting room we went!
We were immediately welcomed upon arrival at the winery. We were also given a list of wines to choose from.
Indeed, we were excited to taste our first Iowa wines. Here are some of the wines we tried:
La Vida Loca, Viva La Vignoles
La Vida Loca White
After the wine tasting we selected a few to buy. We bought some wine mugs. To this day when we are camping we use these mugs. It was a great decision!
That springtime evening in May I enjoyed exploring the vines
May Vines, La Vida Loca Winery © Spaswinefood
Besides the grape vines there we other berries growing at the winery. Yes, during the tasting we tried a few wines made with different berries.
Berries on Vine, La Vida Loca Winery © Spaswinefood
At days end we explore a little more before relaxing for the evening.
Late Evening, La Vida Loca Winery © Spaswinefood
Of course it was a perfect place to camp. We were so happy to have discovered this harvest host site.
We left the next morning with great memories. In fact, years later, as I write this post I have fond memories of our visit to La Vida Loca Winery.
Next morning we headed back out to I-80 and continued onwards east. In research for this post I discovered this:
After 21 years of doing the winery thing, we have decided to RETIRE. As of August 31, 2023, La Vida Loca Winery will close its doors. This is bittersweet as we have nurtured this business from its infancy and have grown with it. We have met many people and many of you have become long-time friends. But "all good things must come to an end". We will finish out the dinners and events planned thru August.
I am glad we visited the winery back in 2021, and wish them the very best in retirement.
Off to the Great Northern Route
From Indianola's La Vida Loca Winery we continued our journey along I-80. We we anxious to begin our Great Northern Road Trip on US 2. It was an overland adventure that we will never forget. While some start in the state of Washington and follow the US 2 for the majority of the journey until ending in Maine, we drove the route in reverse. Along the way both I-80 east and US 2 west, we discovered beautiful cities, passed over mountains, passed by numerous lakes, and through many valleys. Our travels took us through the badlands, natural marvels, historical sites, and at times we traveled along the border with Canada. The best time of year for the Great Northern Road Trip (US 2) is spring, summer, or fall. I invite you to join me in my the sharing of these overland travels, and adventures elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood on Bluesky and Facebook.
Sharon
Remembering our 2021 Adventures and I-80 and US 2
