Let's Rally, Midwest Wine Lovers!

In my Sommelier training in California last month, we covered the globe discussing wines from countries that exist between the 30th and 50th latitude, both north and south of the equator. I tasted wines from France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Austria, Portugal,and South Africa.  I also tasted wines from Chile, Argentina, New Zealand, and Australia. When it came to the United States, however, the wines we tasted came from the more recognized states like Washington, Oregon, California, and New York.  Others States including Missouri and Virginia got a passing mention. Granted, we were short of time by then, and our instructors were aware that U. S. wines are readily accessible to those of us who live in this wonderful country.

Being from the Midwest, I find this unfortunate since Missouri is the home of the first AVA officially recognized in this country. The Augusta AVA was identified a full 9 months before Napa Valley. I made some noise about our wines and wine industry, but time did not permit much discussion as we were absorbing book after book of information for our exam.

All of this just renews my passion to discover exceptional Midwestern grown and produced wines. I want a ready list of exceptional Midwest wines in hand; wines that will stand along side of the California Cabernets, the Oregon Pinot Noirs, and the Washington Rieslings. If you are passionate about a stand-out wine from Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, etc., please let me know!