danishcountrysidevinesandwines.com

What is Danish Countryside Vines & Wines?

Danish Countryside Vines & Wines is a family-owned winery in Exira, Iowa, housed in a restored century-old barn on the Petersen farm. It makes about 20 different wines and is run by Loren Christensen, the vintner who manages the vineyard and winemaking, and his wife Jennifer; they took over the business in 2016 from her parents, Allan and Carol Petersen. The story began in 2001 with a home winemaking kit, followed by 3.5 acres of vines planted in 2003 and the barn restoration completed in 2006.

For a visitor, the draw is a countryside tasting stop rather than a large commercial estate: a renovated barn setting, a broad range of wines to sample, and the option to book outside normal hours by appointment. Current posted hours are 12–5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday, and 12–4 p.m. Sunday, with winter-season opening noted as new.

As a next step, call ahead at (712) 764-2991 or email [email protected] to confirm hours and appointment availability before making the drive to 1398 280th St, Exira, IA 50076—especially in winter or for groups.

What wines can I taste at Danish Countryside Vines & Wines and how many varieties are available?

Danish Countryside Vines & Wines in Exira, Iowa, offers 20 different wines for tasting, according to the winery's own description. The wines are made on site by Loren Christensen, the vintner and co-owner, from grapes grown in the family's 3.5-acre vineyard. The site does not list individual wine names, styles (dry, sweet, fruit, etc.) or a tasting fee, so the exact lineup is best confirmed directly.

What to expect from a visit

The tasting room is in a restored 1913 barn on the Petersen family farm, which gives the visit a rural, farm-winery character rather than a polished commercial one. With 20 wines available, a tasting is likely to cover a broad range rather than a narrow specialty—useful if your group has mixed preferences.

Hours are unusually generous for a small Midwestern winery: Monday through Friday 12:00–5:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am–5:00 pm, and Sunday 12:00–4:00 pm, with visits also possible by appointment. Winter opening is noted as new this year, so a cold-weather stop is viable.

Practical next step

Before driving out, call (712) 764-2991 or email [email protected] to ask which wines are currently pouring and whether tastings are walk-in or scheduled. This matters most if you are traveling a distance, bringing a group, or hoping for specific styles.

For context on other Iowa wineries along a regional wine trail, see Travel Iowa.

What are the opening hours and season for visiting the winery in Exira, Iowa?

Danish Countryside Vines & Wines in Exira, Iowa, lists itself as open year-round, including a winter season. Current hours on the site are:

The page also notes visits "by appointment," so if you're making a special trip—especially on a weekday or in winter weather—call ahead at (712) 764-2991 to confirm someone will be there. The winery is at 1398 280th St, Exira, IA 50076, and the site says it pours about 20 different wines in a restored 1913 barn on the family farm, which suits travelers exploring the Elk Horn/Exira area who want a rural tasting stop rather than a large commercial estate.

Can I book a private event or group tasting at Danish Countryside Vines & Wines?

Yes, but arrange it in advance. Danish Countryside Vines & Wines lists "and by appointment" alongside its regular hours, so a private group visit or tasting is best set up directly rather than assumed from walk-in hours. The winery makes 20 different wines and is family-run, with Loren Christensen as vintner, which suits a hosted tasting where someone can talk through the range.

How to arrange it

• Email [email protected] or call (712) 764-2991 with your preferred date, group size and whether you want a tasting, a table reservation or a fuller private event.
• Ask what the appointment covers: a guided tasting, a reserved space in the renovated barn, or food and outside vendors.
• Confirm any minimum group size, deposit or cancellation terms before committing, since the site does not publish event packages or pricing.
• Check the season. Winter hours are listed as Monday–Friday 12:00–5:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am–5:00 pm and Sunday 12:00–4:00 pm; appointments may allow times outside these.

Who it fits

A small group of friends or family, a club outing, or a workplace group driving through western Iowa would find a by-appointment tasting practical, especially on a weekend when walk-in traffic is heavier. For a large formal event with catering and seating for dozens, ask pointed questions about capacity first; a renovated barn winery often works best for intimate groups.

Next step

Send one email with three date options and a headcount, and ask for a short outline of what a group tasting includes. That single message will tell you whether the visit fits your plan better than any general listing can. For broader Iowa wine-trip planning, Travel Iowa lists regional wineries and trails.

How do I get to Danish Countryside Vines & Wines and what is the address and contact information?

Danish Countryside Vines & Wines is at 1398 280th St, Exira, IA 50076. Phone: (712) 764-2991; email: [email protected]. The winery is on the Petersen farm in a restored 1913 barn, so plan on a rural drive rather than a town-center stop.

Hours

• Monday–Friday: 12:00pm–5:00pm
• Saturday: 10:00am–5:00pm
• Sunday: 12:00pm–4:00pm
• Also by appointment

The site notes winter-season opening, but holiday hours aren't listed. Call ahead for holiday weekends, group visits or a specific appointment.

Getting there

Use the street address in a maps app and allow extra time on the last stretch of country roads. If you're coming from out of town, confirm the route before setting out; a farm address can be less obvious after dark or in winter weather.

For a broader southwest Iowa outing, the winery pairs naturally with a stop in Elk Horn, a Danish-heritage town nearby: Elk Horn, Iowa. For regional trip planning, see Travel Iowa.

Practical next step

Before driving out, call (712) 764-2991 to confirm today's hours and whether a tasting is available for your group size. Mention if you want to book an appointment outside the posted times.

Who owns Danish Countryside Vines & Wines and what is the history behind the renovated barn winery?

Danish Countryside Vines & Wines is owned by Loren and Jennifer Christensen, who took over the business in January 2016. Loren is the son-in-law of the founding family and serves as vintner, managing the vineyard and making the 20 different wines; Jennifer is the founders' daughter.

How the winery and barn came about

The story starts on Christmas Day 2001, when Andy Petersen gave his father, Allan, a wine-making kit. Allan began making wine in his basement, and in 2003 the family planted the first vines—3.5 acres that reached fruit-bearing maturity about five years later. Also in 2003, work began restoring a 100-year-old barn on the Petersen farm that had been built in 1913; the restoration was finished in 2006, and Allan and his wife, Carol, had the winery operational that May. The business grew from there, and the Christensen generation now runs it with the same focus on vineyard management and wine production.

If you're planning a visit

The winery is at 1398 280th St, Exira, Iowa, and lists winter-season hours of 12–5 pm Monday through Friday, 10 am–5 pm Saturday, and 12–4 pm Sunday, plus appointments. A practical next step is to call (712) 764-2991 or email [email protected] before a trip, especially for groups or off-season visits, to confirm hours and appointment availability. For broader Iowa wine-touring context, see Travel Iowa.