The trees were lovely in southern Missouri last weekend.  We were on a quest to visit a few State of Missouri wineries we had not explored. during the 12-hour trek, we found some delightfully hospitable tasting rooms. 

We met Jim and Lea Anne Casteel at Hunter Valley Winery.  Lovely setting geographically; warm tasting room area, nice lunch offerings.  Very friendly place and the owners take their wine-making seriously.

We also had a nice experience at Rothbrick winery that includes cabins and a riding stable. The gentleman behind the tasting bar knew wines and wine-making very well.  It was a great conversation and enjoyed tasting the wines. Wish I had had time to ride one of the horses -- best to ride before you taste, however!

Another fun stop was River Ridge Winery near Commerce, MO. Jerry Smith greeted us in the parking lot, showed us the processing area, and led us to the tasting room. [He also has a few jokes to share.] Guests will find a small restaurant and grill on the grounds if they lose track of the time and end up there at mealtime. Live music is provided on occasion as well.  His wife Joannie runs a Christmas shop nearby.  Thanks for the hospitality to Jerry and his staff!

So we made several new friends, had a wonderful day, and collected even more Missouri winery stamps in our passports as we are closing in on 60 stamps for the romantic dinner for two.

Congratulations, Montelle Winery!

The October 15, 2012, edition of Wine Spectator contains a feature article by Kim Marcus that lists 200 American value wines under $20. There are no wines included below 85 points. Some wine enthusiasts are quick to insist that wines that achieve 85 points are very good wines and, in fact, personal opinion gets involved with scores above that. You can pretty much be assured that if you have purchased a wine rated 85 or more, you have a very nice wine.

The article "Great American Values" (p. 81) is divided first by reds or whites, and then rolls out by state and by score. After California, Oregon, and Washington is the category "Other U. S." In that section, we read "Montelle  Vignoles Missouri Dry 2010" with 86 points. A Brief mention that speaks volumes! What an honor to be listed among great wines from California, Washington, Oregon, and New York! Congratulations to Tony Kooyumjian, family, and staff! Thanks for putting Missouri in the national spotlight!

I am on my way with several friends to enjoy Montelle winery in a couple weeks. (Although, I didn't need Wine Spectator to tell me Tony and his crew make great wines.) The Missouri leaves are turning a myriad of fall colors and Montelle has one of the best views of the Augusta Valley from that hilltop location. This is a great time to head just west of St. Louis to the Augusta AVA to enjoy the fall colors and some top quality midwestern wines! Way to Go, Tony!

It's Port Wine Weather!

Ah, the cool, crisp air of Fall! Thoughts turn to warm fires and a great glass of Port, Sherry, or Madeira dessert wine. I have been waiting for the leaves to turn and the temperatures to drop so I can enjoy some of those great, hearty wines in my collection.  Winter doesn't seem so cruel when a person can cuddle up to a crackling fire with a nice glass of quality port.

Are you ready for those tastes of fall? Within an hour of St. Louis, MO, we have access to several wineries that make very nice port wines. Check out the port wines at some of my favorite stops: Adam Puchta Winery (Hermann), Augusta Winery (Augusta), Chaumette Winery (Ste. Gen), and Sugar Creek Winery (Defiance).  Also, Crown Valley Winery actually boasts its own Port House near Hannibal, MO. So, get away for a few hours, sip a good port or two, and welcome Fall!

Which ever way you go, take time to enjoy the fall colors -- and tell them The Wine Girl sent you! Cheers!