Iowa is Home to a Literal Floating Lounge and Events Center

If you are someone who loves experiencing new things, and enjoys a comfortable pace to sip cocktails in a unique environment, there's a spot nestled in Southwest Iowa that is bound to catch your eye immediately.

The place is Floating Vine, located off of Highway 148 in Corning, IA, it has become the premier destination for cocktails and wine in the area. Its draw is the fact that it's a lounge/events center that sits on a body of water, making it the only "floating lounge" in the entire state!

It's important to note that the Floating Vine is not a winery. They do not make their own wine. However, they are happy to serve you one or more of many variants they keep in stock:

• Cabernet
• Merlot
• Pinot Noir
• Point Grigio
• Savingon blanc
• Chardonnay
• Prosecco
• Roscato
• Riesling

Floating Vine claims to have the largest liquor selection in Southwest Iowa, with talented bartenders who have the proclivity to experiment with different cocktails. Below are a list of the more traditional drinks they offer and their many variants:

• Old Fashioned
  • Traditional, Chocolate
  • Smoked /Unsmoked
• Martinis  (double chilled)
  • Vodka or Gin
  • Clean or Dirty
  • Cosmopolitan or Manhattan
  • Lemon Pound Cake
  • Washington or Carmel Apple
  • Chocolate
  • Espresso
  • Pistachio (local)
  • Mulberry (local)
• Margaritas & Moscow Mules
  • Lime (traditional)
  • Strawberry
  • Raspberry
  • Peach
  • Prickly Pear

According to the website "Only in Your State," the Floating Vine was founded in winter 2023 (it's not even a year old!), and the venue replaced a previous vineyard that existed near the property:

This unique waterfront winery in Iowa is called The Floating Vine. A replacement for the old Corning Winery, it's quickly become a hot spot in this small town since its 2023 opening. There's a truly impressive selection of wine and spirits here, plus a surprisingly extensive food menu. It just might be the best place to spend a summer evening in Iowa, so read on to discover why this will be your next favorite spot! - per "Only in Your State"

If the cocktails were the only draw, Floating Vine would be worth checking out. However, they are also available for "lounge fare and casual dining." They are not a full-service restaurant due to them existing "on-the-water," but per their website, they make the most of their small kitchen and serve high-quality bites in a tranquil setting.

Floating Vine serves slow-smoked beef, pork, chicken, and lamb along with a variety of pizzas and hot dogs. Appetizers include:

• Battered Cheese Curds (1/2lb)
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites (x6)
• Giant Pretzel (1lb)
• Pretzel Bites
• Whole Smoked Wings (8-10)
• Pig Wings (x6)
• Seasoned Tots (1/2 lb.)
• Loaded Tots (~1 lb.)

Their menu also includes affordable $10 meal deals, such as a smash burger entrée and a chicken basket deal.

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Next time I'm anywhere near Des Moines, I might make it a point to check this place out. Any excuse to get out on the water is one I'll take. For more information on Floating Vine, visit their website and/or their Facebook page.