Beads, wine and Cajun food. It's Mardi Gras time.
A Mardi Gras weekend hosted by the wineries and vineyards of the Western Iowa Wine Trail is set for next Saturday and Sunday.
"It's a fun time for people to experience all the wineries in one day or one weekend," said Amy Faust, who owns Sugar Clay Winery & Vineyard in Thurman with her husband, Frank.
"The event gives a chance for people to see how each location is unique and different, but all work together."
Fare from the Bayou — including a jambalaya sandwich, crawfish and gumbo — is on the menu, paired with wines made in southwest Iowa.
Revelers also will receive beads and Mardi Gras masks. There will be free food, water and pop for designated drivers.
Locations on the wine trail: Sugar Clay, Whispering Hills in Carson, King's Crossing in Glenwood, Loess Hills in Crescent, Prairie Crossing in Treynor, Breezy Hills in Minden and Danish Countryside in Exira.
Faust said about 225 people attended last year and she expects 250 to 300 this year.
Wine trailblazers generally stay at each spot 20 to 30 minutes, she said.
"People come out because it's time to break the cabin fever," said Darrell Morse, who co-owns Breezy Hills with his wife, Roberta.
Though the winter has been unseasonably mild, any excuse to get outside is worthwhile. He added, "A tour is a great experience to get out and see the southwest Iowa countryside, see the Loess Hills."
A "passport" to all seven locations costs $20. For more information, go to www.westerniowawinetrail.com.
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