Backyard Vines Winery in Traer: A Journey from Backyard Experiments to Community-Focused Small-Batch Wine
Nestled on the peaceful countryside off 195th Street on the west side of Traer, Backyard Vines Winery is steadily becoming a favorite destination for wine enthusiasts in the region. Co-owners George and DeVonne Harford have transformed what began as a simple hobby into a thriving family-run business. Today, the winery not only sells bottles for off-site enjoyment but also offers an intimate tasting room, where visitors can experience firsthand the fruits of years of experimentation, dedication, and passion. George often raises a glass with a satisfied smile, a symbol of nearly two decades of persistence and discovery.
Twenty years ago, the Harfords were just ordinary wine lovers. A trip to Hermann, Missouri—a town often called the “Napa Valley of the Midwest”—sparked their passion for winemaking. Hermann is dotted with boutique wineries that attract thousands of visitors every year, each eager to taste its locally crafted wines. “We visited Hermann several times a year, renting a house for four or five days and exploring every winery we could find,” George recalls. “Honestly, we knew almost nothing about wine at the time, but something about it fascinated me.” That fascination wasn’t fleeting; it was the kind of enduring curiosity that eventually led them to consider turning a hobby into a full-fledged enterprise.
Back home, George began experimenting with winemaking in their backyard, starting with Concord grapes. The process was far from flawless. “Don’t get me wrong,” he says with a chuckle. “I’ve made some wines that were… questionable at best. But someone once told me, ‘If you haven’t made a bad wine, you haven’t really tried.’ That stuck with me, and I kept experimenting.” DeVonne supported him from the start, documenting recipes, monitoring fermentation, and slowly exploring how their passion could evolve into a more systematic pursuit. Over time, friends and family became the first tasting panel, attending casual backyard gatherings that doubled as small experimental trials. These moments gradually revealed that their hobby could grow into something much larger.
Initially, the Harfords planned to sell small batches of their homemade wine at a local downtown grocery store, mainly to recoup their costs. But they soon realized that this small-scale approach couldn’t accommodate growing interest. They converted part of their basement into a winemaking area and began the process of securing formal licensing. On January 31, 2024, Backyard Vines Winery received its official state winery license, marking the couple’s transition from enthusiastic hobbyists to licensed winemakers. By October of the same year, the winery opened its doors to the public for the first time. In May 2025, they secured additional permits to allow on-site wine tastings, giving visitors a chance to savor their wines in person and experience the full flavor and aroma profile of each carefully crafted batch.
George focuses on grape cultivation and winemaking, meticulously overseeing each step from selecting grape varieties to monitoring fermentation temperatures. He enjoys walking through the vineyard at dawn, watching dew glisten on leaves and observing the rhythm of natural growth. “Every vine has its own pace,” he explains. “You can’t rush it—you have to work with it and wait patiently for the grapes to ripen.” DeVonne manages the business side, handling label design, logistics, customer relations, and overall winery operations. Their close collaboration ensures that the winery maintains a handcrafted quality while operating efficiently and professionally.
Backyard Vines offers a diverse range of wines, including crowd favorites like Seyval, Concord, and the uniquely named “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Red.” Visitors can purchase wine by the bottle or by the glass, with tastings available on Fridays from noon to 6 p.m., and weekends from noon to 5 p.m. To reach more local residents, the winery also sells at the Traer Farmers Market and Hometown Foods, offering free delivery within Traer and Dysart. Customers can schedule deliveries, making it convenient for regular patrons or those hosting gatherings at home.
Community engagement is at the heart of Backyard Vines’ philosophy. George and DeVonne make it a priority to create a welcoming environment where neighbors, friends, and visitors can gather, taste wine, and connect. Holiday events and small gatherings often bring the community together, turning the winery into more than just a place to buy wine—it becomes a hub for social interaction. Their dedication to quality and connection has not gone unnoticed. Backyard Vines has participated in the Iowa State Fair, where in 2022, “Reliance” won a silver medal and “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Red” earned a bronze medal. “It feels validating,” George says. “It’s reassuring to know we’re on the right path.”
To make the tasting experience more engaging, DeVonne has introduced a variety of events, from frozen wine slushies to karaoke nights. While experimentation is part of their charm, they remain selective, ensuring that each activity aligns with the winery’s ethos and aesthetic. “We want our guests to have fun, enjoy a glass of wine, and feel at home here,” George adds. This authenticity shapes every decision they make, helping Backyard Vines earn a reputation as a genuine and inviting local establishment.
The couple is also focused on expanding the visitor experience. Plans are underway to add more seating, renovate additional structures, and introduce seasonal wines, reflecting their growth and the increasing interest in their offerings. Yet despite expansion, their core principles remain unchanged: community, craftsmanship, and sharing the joy of wine with others. George and DeVonne view winemaking not just as a craft, but as a lifestyle—a way to connect with people through creativity, effort, and passion.
Backyard Vines’ journey also highlights broader trends in the Midwest wine industry. As consumer interest in small-batch and boutique wines rises, many local wineries have sought to emphasize craftsmanship, authenticity, and unique flavor profiles. The Harfords’ experience offers valuable lessons: patience, attention to detail, navigating regulatory requirements, and maintaining strong community connections are crucial to sustaining a small winery.
Education and storytelling are integral to the Backyard Vines experience. Visitors can watch George explain the characteristics of different grape varieties in the vineyard or learn about fermentation processes, while DeVonne shares the stories behind the winery’s labels and creations. This educational approach enriches the tasting experience, offering guests more than just a sip of wine—it provides insight into the artistry, science, and passion behind each bottle. For many first-time visitors, this makes their visit more meaningful and memorable.
The evolution of Backyard Vines—from backyard experiments to a fully licensed, community-centered winery with a tasting room and loyal customer base—illustrates how curiosity, perseverance, and local support can transform a hobby into a successful enterprise. Every bottle produced, every event hosted, and every interaction with guests reflects years of dedication and hard work. Patrons not only taste finely crafted wines but also experience a sense of warmth, hospitality, and belonging that defines the winery’s spirit.
From the earliest backyard experiments to the present day, with official licensing, on-site tastings, and an expanding repertoire of wines, the story of Backyard Vines is one of exploration, trial and error, and steadfast commitment. George reflects, “We want to share our passion and joy with everyone who comes through the door.” Looking ahead, the winery will continue to center its operations around community, uphold the highest standards of craft, and offer memorable, hands-on experiences for all who visit. In doing so, Backyard Vines is not just producing wine—it is cultivating a unique story of small-town charm, artisanal skill, and the simple joy of sharing a glass with friends and neighbors.