Most college alcohol experiences don’t involve a high level of sophistication. Prairie Moon Winery and Vineyards hopes to change that landscape.

Located north of Ames at 3801 W. 190th St., Prairie Moon sidesteps the West Coast and European locales to bring the mystique of a vineyard to the Cyclone State.

“Wine is an industry where nearly everyone is interested in the process,” said Steven Nissen, owner of Prairie Moon and professor of animal science.

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When a plot of land opened across from Nissen’s home six years ago, he scooped it up and Ames’ first winery was born.

“A lot of things just happened at once – after the land became available, so did the building site,” Nissen said. “Although our family has never been really big into wine with the cellars and rare collections, we certainly love it, so it just seemed natural to get involved.”

Since then, Prairie Moon has become a family business and even released its first wine less than four weeks ago.

“At first we had to actually figure out how to grow the grapes and which ones to use,” Nissen said. “But now, six years later, it’s all about finding the balance of managing all the different aspects of the process.”

In the past 10 years, wineries in Iowa have exploded in growth but have had to use different grapes from those of the main wine growing regions of the world.

“Because of the harsh winters in Iowa it is difficult to produce some of the more common varieties that most everyone is familiar with,” Nissen said.

But as one of more than 50 wineries in the state, Prairie Moon has had to carve a niche for itself.

“We try to be unique, which is why we are one of the only vineyards in the state to successfully create a cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc wine,” Nissen said.

Apart from the cabernet grape, Prairie Moon makes the rest of its wine from highly sweet Concord grapes as well as a hybrid created from French and Minnesotan grapes called Marechal Foch.

“The variety we have is really great,” Nissen said, “from the less expensive red and whites that are great for novices to our reserve wine, there really is something for everyone.”

Currently offered for red wine is the 2004 Marachel Foch Reserve for $23, a Half Moon Red for $14 and a Honeymoon for $10. The white selection includes a Bluestem Fume’ for $14, Prairie Sauterne for $11 and a Moonbeam White for $10.

ISU students who visit have expressed satisfaction.

“They had a great selection and it seems like a great place to go and socialize,” said Nick Jensen, junior in pre-business.

For those looking to truly “wine and dine,” many have found it a romantic escape.

“The whole place was great, the tasting along with the tour would make a great date for anyone,” said Larry Hook, sophomore in pre-business.

Prairie Moon only distributes to Ames liquor stores and focuses on the surrounding 70-mile radius.

“We don’t plan on nationally marketing our wine,” Nissen said.

To couple with the local feel, the winery’s tasting room showcases artists and hosts free concerts every Sunday on a one-of-a-kind grain cellar stage. Prairie Moon also provides tastings and tours for individuals and small- to medium-sized groups.