Little Swan Lake Winery

Little Swan Lake Winery

Estherville, IA

Reviewed September 10th, 2006

This place is somewhere in the middle of nowhere. A beautiful farm with gently rolling hills, pine trees and baby bison adorn one of the newest wineries in northwest Iowa. Live music, wine, cheese, bison meat and gifts can be obtained in a barn converted for these purposes. On rainy days its cozy. In the basement you may find the gray bearded master connoisseur amid his corks, bottles, grapes, barrels and polished steel vats. He'll tell that starting a winery is a labor of love, especially when you keep your day job. He will tell you how some of the critters ate the macaroni and cheese from his live traps while others did not, how the birds ate half the grapes, how even the wine that does not turn out cannot be allowed to go to waste. Faced with the tasks of distribution and publicity, I offered my services as a door-to-door wine salesperson. Sadly, my offer was rejected. That job is being reserved for family only. Well, they could've adopted me!

After downing some free sample Vignoles, tomato basil gouda, and signature Buffalo Blush (so named because it can even make a buffalo blush, its so good) you may need to retire to the unisex restroom just to the left of the front door as you enter. There you will find thematically appropriate bison horns in the corner, tastefully decorated with a plant. In addition, a bison outline carving stands solemn guard over the toilet paper dispenser and a purple grape (inedible) soap dispenser awaits your filthy, sensitive hands. The restroom, like the rest of the place was restful, welcoming and folksy.

- Justin Teerlinck

RESTROOM RATING: 8
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