Rich Irish Heritage

Driven by the Irish Potato Famine, the Furlongs immigrate to the United States from Clonmore, County Carlow, Ireland, and settle in southeastern Iowa near Ardon.

Three generations of Furlongs steward the land around the modern-day winery site by raising traditional row crops (corn, soybeans, and wheat) and livestock (cattle, pigs, chickens, and sheep).

With an eye toward evolving their farm operations and diversifying from traditional cash crops, Leo Furlong (Chad’s grandfather) signs a contract to grow cucumbers and tomatoes for The H.J. Heinz Company, located 12 miles away in Muscatine, IA.

Challenging times for farmers in the 1980s sparked bankruptcy and consolidation for many Midwest family farms. Fortunately, the Leo and Frances Furlong family was able to retain their farmland and pivot to a model of cash-renting to extended family and neighbors. This transition prompted many immediate Furlong family members to gravitate toward professional careers, given the declining farming opportunities.

Ardon Creek founders, Mike and Diane Furlong, plant their first grape vine … then several more vines, in a bold move to convert over four acres of Iowa farmland into a premiere Midwest vineyard, touting an impressive lineup of cold-climate varietals.

The Ardon Creek Winery and Tasting Room open, and the first shipment of Ardon Creek wine hits the shelves in and around Muscatine at grocery and retail outlets.

Mike and Diane build their business with tenacity as they create a brand with a relentless schedule of grassroots tastings and retailer door-to-door selling.

Josh Glasson is hired as our full-time winemaker. Receiving a Master’s in Plant Science with an emphasis in enology from the Missouri State University, he took enology/viticulture classes through VESTA (the Viticulture, Enology, Science, and Technology Alliance) followed by an internship as a cellar worker for St. James Winery in St. James, Missouri.

Commission Man Red awarded Best Dry Red at the Mid-American Wine Competition.

Nouveau awarded the Governor’s Cup at the Iowa State Fair.

The founder and soul of Ardon Creek, Mike Furlong, succumbs to lung cancer and the business is transitioned to Mike’s son, Chad Furlong.

Chad has a vision to leverage the successful “local formula” and take Ardon Creek’s craft product to a broader Midwest audience who appreciates quality, well-crafted wines. Ardon Creek enters new markets featuring marquee venues, such as Xtream Arena, Kinnick Stadium, Carver-Hawkeye Arena, and 2022 Field of Dreams in Dyersville, IA.