NW Iowa winery blossoms despite down economy

 SUPERIOR, Iowa (KTIV) - As many businesses have struggled to make payroll and ends meet because of the down economy, those at one Iowa winery says their business is booming.

At Little Swan Lake Winery in Superior Iowa they do more than meets the eye. Billie James says, "Our wholesale business is booming and the recession doesn't seem to affect us at all. It's just been wonderful."

Of course there's wine... But James says one of their keys to success is to provide a wholesome experience for their customers. Billie James says, "And they leave richer for the knowledge of the wine and probably more healthy."

But the wine doesn't make it to the shelves by itself. Billie James says, "We produce six thousand gallons a year." And most has to do with this guy. The winemaker. Scott Benjamin says, "Everything comes in the door gets crushed, de-stemmed, and fermented in these stainless tanks."

Benjamin who's been in the business over a half dozen years has the process down to a science, all of it takes place downstairs. He says one of the most important keys to his business though, is his customers. Scott Benjamin says, "People who come to wineries come to be entertained."

And Benjamin says that's another key that's helped his business get through the recession, on a positive note. Scott Benjamin says, "So I think they're spending more money buying things to take home and enjoy there."

The winery is one of seventy five in Iowa. They're located near Superior, and often times hold a grape stomping fun day. That's where you can actually go take off your shoes and put your feet in grapes to help them make wine.