What a great experience this past weekend at the third annual DrinkLocalWines.com conference, this year held in St. Louis, Missouri. We were treated to the insight of local vintners, authors, wholesalers, fellow bloggers, and well-known wine and food critics in morning sessions. Then after a fine lunch, we entered a large meeting room to find 21 Missouri wineries, each offering 2 of their best wines for sampling. It was our solemn duty to taste every one of them before voting for best red, best white, and the Media’s Choice award. After a short break, we were on to appetizers and more great conversation. What an amazing day! – great Missouri wines, wonderful conversation, and an especially unique camaraderie with others who shared our love of good wine.
Day 2 brought a narrated VIP tour to three local wineries. Sugar Creek Winery was our first stop where Ken, Becky, and Chris gave us a thoughtful tour while treating us to cheese, crackers, chocolate, and a yummy port. Following an engaging Q & A session, we were escorted to the cleverly decorated tasting room where we were “schooled” in Sugar Creek’s wines and history. After making our purchases we traveled on to Montelle Winery for tasty lunch, a gorgeous view of the valley, and an fascinating presentation by Tony (back from the wedding of his son the night before) – and several Montelle wines. Nice wines, good music, and a great gift shop! Lastly, we rolled into Augusta and to Mount Pleasant Winery. We were ushered through the gate, passed the old Water Tower, to a serving room where Chuck treated us to the story of Mt. Pleasant -- a glass of the historic Tawny Port. Nice! Next, we descended to the original cellars, used to age their ports and various other estate wines. We ultimately surfaced near the tasting room for several fine samples and for a few more purchases before we had to board the bus to return to St. Louis. All along the way Joe and Ann Pollack, famous food and wine critics, provided us bits of local history.
I am sure all attendees will raise their glasses and offer a toast to Jeff Siegel and Dave McIntyre for arranging a great conference! And to all panelists and vintners for sharing their stories, their wisdom, and their wines! I do have one complaint, however, it wasn’t long enough! ;-)
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