Behind the counter with a glass of wine, co-owner George Harford celebrates Backyard Vines Winery in rural Traer offering on-site consumption and selling. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

TRAER – Tucked along 195th Street just west of Traer, Backyard Vines Winery is what happens when a hobby turns into a full-fledged, family-run business. For George and DeVonne Harford, what began nearly two decades ago as a curious pastime has evolved into one of Tama County’s most charming wine destinations — and a celebration of doing things their own way.

The Harfords took their first step into winemaking after visiting Hermann, Mo., a region sometimes called the “Napa Valley of the Midwest.”

“We’d go down there a couple times a year, rent a house for four or five days, and just bounce around all the wineries,” George said. “We didn’t know anything about wine… but I was kind of hooked.”

That spark eventually led to 18 years of experimentation. George began with Concord grapes and trial batches in the backyard. “Don’t get me wrong, I made some bad stuff. Pina colada? Don’t do that,” he laughed. “But somebody told me, ‘If you’re not making bad wine, you’re not trying.’ So I kept trying.”

Over time, encouragement from friends and family pushed the Harfords to move beyond hobby production.

With many varieties and offerings, Backyard Vines Winery has established itself as a worthy winery. PHOTO BY JONATHAN MEYER

“Our first thought was just to make the wine and sell it at the grocery store downtown, just local – just to reimburse us for some of the money we put into it,” George said. That vision grew quickly. The couple moved operations out of the basement, converted part of their home into a production area, and pursued formal licensing.

Backyard Vines Winery received its official state winery license on January 31, 2024 and opened to the public in October of that year. In May 2025, they secured additional licensing to allow on-site tastings and began welcoming guests to try their wines in person.

“There’s a lot of hoops you have to jump through anytime you’re dealing with alcohol,” DeVonne explained. “Labels, licensing, insurance – there’s a whole different set of requirements. It was just a lot of learning.”

Backyard Vines Winery operates out of the Harfords’ home, with a licensed winery and tasting room in a converted section of their attached garage. Expansion is already underway, with the couple planning to renovate another on-site building in the near future to accommodate growing demand and production.

While George focuses on the winemaking itself – from grape growing to fermentation – DeVonne handles labels, logistics, and operations. Together, they handle everything from bottling and branding to events and customer engagement.

“It’s really been a learning curve,” George said. “But we’ve figured it out by doing, and we’ve enjoyed the process.”

The winery produces small-batch wines in a range of styles, including customer favorites like “Seyval,” “Concord,” and “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Red.” These and others are available by the glass or bottle, with tastings offered during regular open hours on Fridays from noon to 6 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.

Backyard Vines also sells wine at the Traer Farmers Market and Hometown Foods. Free local delivery is available in Traer and Dysart, and customers can arrange shipping by request.

The Harfords have entered their wines in the Iowa State Fair previously. In 2022, their “Reliance” wine won a silver medal, while “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Red” earned a bronze. “It was just kind of validating,” George said. “To know we’re on the right track.”

In terms of marketing – which has been largely grassroots including word of mouth, Facebook, and face-to-face connections – they’ve experimented with everything from frozen wine slushies to karaoke, which DeVonne hopes will become a more regular event. “We’re open to trying fun things, but it has to feel like us.”

That sense of authenticity has shaped every decision they make. Rather than chasing every business opportunity that comes along, the Harfords prioritize what feels natural for their space, their values, and their customer base. “We’re just trying to stay true to what we like and what works here,” George said. “We want people to enjoy themselves, have a good glass of wine, and feel welcome.”

As their reach grows, the couple continues to balance their creative freedom with the rules and red tape of running a licensed alcohol business. They’ve navigated licensing, regulation, and inspections with patience and persistence. “That part has definitely been a learning experience,” George said with a laugh.

Looking ahead, the Harfords hope to expand their production capacity and enhance the visitor experience with new seating, additional buildings, and more seasonal offerings. But the heart of Backyard Vines will remain what it’s always been: a small, local winery rooted in community, craft, and the joy of sharing a good bottle of wine with others.

“We want people to come here and feel at home,” DeVonne said.

For more information, hours, and wine availability, visit https://www.backyardvineswinery.com/.