SOLDIER CREEK WINERY
Secor Family
Soldier Creek Winery, located in Fort Dodge, is a family-run winery that includes 10 acres of grape vineyards. The Secor family has been farming since the 1950’s and is now in the third generation of ownership. The winery, which was built in 2012, produced the first vintage wine and opened in 2013. Since then, the winery has partnered with 14 grape producers and an apple orchard to produce their wine. The operation has also grown from producing 2,500 cases in 2013 to producing 8,000 cases in 2021.
Soldier Creek Winery’s Choose Iowa grant project will expand its market and distribution of Iowa wines and food by purchasing storage and delivery vehicles. The winery will buy a repurposed Citroen HY truck for more efficient storage and delivery of wine, as well as a food truck to take its products directly to consumers at events such as farmers markets, vendor markets and pop-up shops.
The winery expects to increase wine sales to retailers, markets and at pop-up shop events, as well as overall sales and profits. Soldier Creek Winery anticipates a decrease in travel-related expenses. The Secor family values education and community service. This project will support the family’s continual efforts to serve its community and educate consumers about its products and Iowa agriculture.
