FOR THE VINO CHALLENGED
At the next formal dinner, you'll know what you're drinking
Misty Kucginski
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When you think of wine, do images of Napa Valley, French vineyards with morning mist lingering gracefully around plump grapes and pretentious, expensive restaurants immediately pop into your head?
Missouri has a long history of wine culture, thanks to the thousands of German, Italian and French immigrants who recognized Missouri's soil potential for wine. Not only is it a long history, but a shining moment of heroism. In 1867 French vineyards were on the edge of ruin, until the French government invited Charles V. Riley, Missouri's first entomologist to nip the problem. With a suggestion here, opinion there, Riley discovered saved the struggling European vineyards. So the next time, or the first time, you raise your glass to toast, give a little thanks to Missouri founding wine vintners.
Before the days of prohibition Missouri produced in upwards of 40 percent of the nations wine, but with the 18th amendment wine production came to a halt and many of the vineyards were burned, cellars abandoned and equipment destroyed. In the 1980s, Missouri vintners and the state government began restoring vineyards and wineries to their past glory. Missouri is now peppered with 74 wineries and more to come in the next two years.
Free up a weekend for a five hour drive well-worth your gas money to St. James, Mo. and Maramec Spring Park, central location of more than five wineries. Home of the St. James Winery, St. James is a town filled with descendants of Italian and German immigrants who broke ground for nearly all of the vineyards and wineries in the area. They love and celebrate wine here, so feel free to ask questions.
St. James Winery is a giant among Missouri wineries, producing 130,000 cases of wine each year. Its popularity draws new and returning visitors to its tasting room and cellar tours. Although it lacks the intimacy and personality of the smaller, neighboring wineries, it retaliates with an extensive collection and variety of wines and sparkling juices. The average price of wine is $6-$8 per bottle. Although St. James Winery can be considered the master mind, the smaller wineries in the area don't go unnoticed.
"I enjoy sitting outdoors, with friends and family, in a natural setting, meeting natural people and drinking a natural beverage," David Jackson of Dixon, Mo said. "You don't have to fly to California, France or Italy to find good wine. It's right here in Missouri, many people just don't realize it."
Peaceful Bend Vineyards, Winery & Guest Cottage offers that down to earth family feel in a peaceful environment. The scenic drive to Peaceful Bend only helps to increase your appreciation of Katie & Clyde Gill's wine. Because they are small winery, they are able to interact intimately with the customers and are open to discussing how the wine is made and the proper technique of tasting. Every Saturday afternoon in October there is live music from 1 to 4 on the patio below the gift shop, a perfect opportunity to settle in with for awhile with friends a bottle of Huzzah Valley or Harvest White.
Still craving more? On the way out the door of Peaceful Bend, ask Katie for her advice to new wine-o's.
"Try and go to tastings and samples, trying a bunch at once and asking questions," Katie said. "For $20-$30 many wine stores offer a tasting consisting of a variety of wines to sample. It takes time to find your own taste."
For more information on wine, try Missouri Wine Country by Brett Dufur
For regional winery information, visit www.missouriwine.org.
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