Santa Maria Vineyard & Winery began as a hobby in John and Rose Guinan’s Omaha kitchen, where John first experimented with winemaking in 1999. By 2005, he left the corporate world to pursue his passion full-time, and the couple relocated to Carroll, Iowa, near Rose’s hometown. They planted their vineyard on land next to St. Mary’s Church in Willey, where Rose grew up, and began producing wines out of a humble machine shed. From those early beginnings came beloved wines like Swan Lake White, which quickly earned a following and set the foundation for their growing dream.

In 2008, John and Rose transformed the historic Wittrock auto dealership building in Carroll into the beautiful winery that now welcomes guests from near and far. With the help of local builders and artisans, the renovated space became a warm and inviting destination where great wine and community come together. Today, Santa Maria Vineyard & Winery proudly carries on that tradition, offering handcrafted wines, delicious food, and a welcoming atmosphere. Visitors are always invited to stop in, enjoy a glass, and become part of the story that began with one family’s passion and has grown into a cherished Carroll landmark.