Business Details
8 Years
experience
Visit Iowa's First Winery in Knoxville | Nearwood Winery
Established in 2018, Nearwood Winery is a family-owned and operated business rooted in Knoxville, Iowa. Our passion for viticulture and community drives every bottle we produce, using cold-hardy grapes sourced from our vineyard and local growers. We specialize in crafting a diverse selection of wines, from dry reds like our Storybook Norton to sweet whites such as Speedway Sweet, each reflecting the unique terroir of the Midwest. Beyond wine, we offer immersive experiences including tastings, vineyard tours, and a cozy Book Corner featuring publications from our indie press, Back Roads Literary Review.Our venue hosts creative events, from art displays to writing workshops, and provides RV camping for visitors attending local attractions like Lake Red Rock. With a combined background in medicine and the arts, owners Mike and Joann bring a distinctive blend of precision and creativity to winemaking. We prioritize personalized service, sustainable practices, and fostering connections through shared experiences, ensuring every guest feels part of our story.
Services
Wine Tastings
Vineyard Tours
Event Hosting
RV Camping
Book Sales
Details
- Year established: 2018
Highlights and features
- Family-owned winery with hands-on owners Mike and Joann
- Specialty wines from Midwest-grown Norton and Edelweiss grapes
- Unique combination of wine tasting and literary experiences
- Hosts creative events and workshops for local artists and writers
- RV camping available near Lake Red Rock and racetrack
Services
Wine Tastings
Experience our curated selection of Midwest-grown wines, including dry reds like Storybook Norton and sweet whites such as Speedway Sweet. Our owners personally guide tastings, sharing insights into the winemaking process and pairing suggestions. Ideal for both casual sippers and connoisseurs seeking authentic regional flavors.
Vineyard Tours
Explore our seven-acre vineyard with guided tours detailing grape cultivation and sustainable farming practices. Learn how cold-hardy Norton and Edelweiss grapes become award-winning wines. Tours include access to our working winery and bottling area upon request.
Event Hosting
Host weddings, reunions, or corporate retreats in our 2,000 sq. ft. space featuring a stage, flexible seating, and kitchen facilities. We accommodate groups from 10-50 people with customizable packages starting at $5 per person, including access to our vineyard views.
RV Camping
Enjoy two designated RV camping spots with electric hookups, fire pits, and shower access. Located near Lake Red Rock and Knoxville's racetrack, reservations through Harvest Hosts or Airbnb ensure convenient stays with direct vineyard access during operating hours.
Literary Programs
Discover our indie publishing arm featuring Back Roads Literary Review anthologies and local authors' works. The Book Corner offers themed collections like the Spring 2025 'Love in All Forms' edition, with author events and writing workshops held weekly.
People
Mike Van Natta
Owner & Winemaker
A former physician turned vintner, Mike began winemaking in 1979 after winning the Iowa State Fair amateur contest. He expanded Nearwood's vineyard in 2010 and co-founded the winery with Joann in 2018, combining medical precision with agricultural passion.
Joann
Co-Owner
An artist inspired by the vineyard's landscapes, Joann co-founded Nearwood after a 2015 epiphany connecting her artwork to the property's natural beauty. She manages creative programming and venue operations, blending visual arts with winemaking traditions.
Questions
What are your tasting room hours?
Open Wednesday-Sunday, noon-5:30pm. Reservations recommended for groups of 10+.
Do you offer vineyard tours?
Yes, guided tours available during operating hours with access to our bottling area.
Can I host an event at the winery?
We host weddings, reunions, and retreats for 10-50 guests with customizable packages.
Are pets allowed on the property?
Leashed pets are welcome on our patio and outdoor areas.
Do you sell gift cards?
Digital gift cards available for purchase online through our secure platform.
Is RV camping available?
Two RV spots with electric hookups available via Harvest Hosts or Airbnb reservations.
Reviews (6)
Jeff Madden
Sep 30, 2021
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Not the experience we expected. We traveled to Iowa for a weekend with friends. Ordered two bottles of different whites. Both had a strong vinegar taste. We each took a sip and left both bottles with another couple who just arrived. Usually Ill finish a glass no matter what I get, but couldnt.
Stephen Brayton
Jun 18, 2021
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Great place to relax, try some wine, buy books from local authors. Not a wide variety of wine (or books. Lol) but enough for everyone to find something. Entertainment every so often. Writers group every Thursday evening. Friendly staff.
Conrad Law Scanner
Jan 05, 2021
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This place is a hidden gem. Fish and chips fresh, hot and right out of the kitchen. A glass of fine wine. A pleasant southern breeze. Great service and hospitality. All served at the Zen Garden on Savary Sunday at Nearwood Winery. Priceless.
Becky Lind
Sep 18, 2020
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Stayed here as part of Harvest Hosts. Very nice location & our hosts were very gracious!! Did the tasting & ended up buying 4 bottles of wine.
Marty Hogan
Jul 27, 2020
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What a gem. We sat with the owner, Joann Van Natta and listened to the story of their place, their vision of how it came to be, and some other casual conversation. This would be n excellent venue for family get together, a work gathering, or as we did a relaxing stop along the rod that day. With COVID protocol, the events are limited at this time so keep them in mind for any wine needs and when the world returns to normal. The Raceway Red 2019 is (correction- was) excellent. Support your local places like this to make sure they are hear after....
Tom Coakley
Jul 27, 2019
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A newer winery with a lovely couple running it. Great tasting room. Tend toward dry wines. Set up for live music.