Fox Ridge Winery. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

RURAL TRAER – Join Tama County Women, Land & Legacy for its 50th event, “Fox Ridge Winery Tour & Social.” The event will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 20 at 1465 L Avenue in rural Traer and begin promptly at 6 p.m. Since this is an outdoor event, a raindate is scheduled for Aug. 22 at the same time and location. Sturdy footwear is recommended for uneven terrain.

To find Fox Ridge from US 63, travel 5 miles west from its intersection with Co Rd D-65 to L Avenue, then about 1.7 miles south on L Avenue (gravel) to the winery. This event is free and open to the general public, both women and men. An RSVP is preferred by Aug. 19 by phoning 641-484-2702, ext. 3, or by emailing melody.bro@ia.nacdnet.net.

Fox Ridge Winery was a vision of its owners, Gwen and Mike Seda, when they planted their first acre of grapevines in the rolling hills of northern Tama County in 2004. Since its inception, the venture has been family-oriented with every generation helping with all aspects of the operation, from planting and growing, to picking and processing. Gwen and Mike have combined their joy of winemaking with their tradition of surrounding themselves with family, ensuring that every drop in every bottle has been a true labor of love.

The Sedas have learned throughout this journey and now specialize in two white and two red wine grape varieties. All of their wines are made onsite, producing truly local wines. They vary from whites to reds, blush to fruity. The Fox Ridge retail shop will be open following the tour, and 5-wine tastings will be available for $5.

Tama County Women, Land & Legacy began in 2007 as part of a statewide USDA outreach project. This is the local group’s 50th event. Almost 500 individuals from in and around Tama County have attended at least one of the group’s events. Women, Land & Legacy is currently active in 45 Iowa counties and brings together Iowans interested in agriculture, local food and natural resources to converse, listen and become empowered for involvement on their landscape and in their communities.

Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations to participate in this event should contact Stacie Buhr, 641-484-2702, ext. 3, at least 48 hours before the event or dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunication relay services. USDA is an equal opportunity employer, provider, and lender. USDA and Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex or disability.