by Corey Munson, Waukee Today

While a city grew up around it, 13 acres of land owned by Kurt Schade rested at the south end of Warrior Lane in Waukee, unused. This small tract will open next year as Schade Creek Vineyard, home to 1,800 grapevines, a reception hall and, of course, wine.

The inspiration for Schade Creek came from several places. Schade said that in 2000, when he decided to found the vineyard, his main motivation was to share the ethics and values of farming with his sons.

"I was born and raised on a farm in northwest Iowa," Schade said. "For most of high school, I was my dad's unpaid hand."

At 19, Schade left the farm behind and moved to Des Moines to work in real estate. Schade said that over the years, he has collected property in the area that he believed could be used for something.
"You can build buildings, but you can't make land," Schade said.

After founding the vineyard, Schade met the person who would become another source of inspiration for him: Jana Finnegan. Finnegan had left a career as a corporate event planner and was taking culinary arts classes at Des Moines Area Community College.

Schade and Finnegan are now engaged. They share a mutual love for wine and entertaining, and this has led them to a clear vision for what they want Schade Creek to be.

"We want this place to be a destination for the community," Finnegan said.

Schade is not licensed or bonded as a wine maker. He plans to be completely certified this winter. For the last few years, a majority of the grapes produced by Schade have been sold to other local wineries. If all goes as planned, Schade Creek will produce its first bottles of wine in 2009.

But it remains an effort of passion, and Schade said he doesn't see it turning a profit in the near future.

"This out here, this doesn't balance the checkbook," Schade said.

Schade and Finnegan also plan to build a house at the vineyard. They said they are looking forward to living and working on the land.

"You have to see the sunset out here, then you'll understand," Finnegan said.

For now the whole operation is under construction. Schade and his father have done much of the construction on the land so far. The main building will house a reception area, while the back will process the grapes all the way from harvest through the wine making and bottling process.

For Finnegan, the experience of working in the fields is a new one. She grew up in Story City, but never lived on a farm.

"I love it actually, I really enjoy the mowing," Finnegan said.

Schade and Finnegan said they hope to start hosting special events at the vineyard early next year. They would also like to rent out their facility for weddings and other special events. Both said they want the vineyard to be a resource for the community.

For now, the public is welcome Saturday, Oct. 4, to help with the harvest. To participate, please e-mail Schade and Finnegan at jana.finnegan@jqh.com.