Chandler Hill Vineyards

On a nice fall day, several of us visited Chandler Hill's tasting room.  Chandler Hill Winery is in Defiance, Missouri, near Daniel Boone's Home and Heritage Center owned and operated by Lindenwood University. They are just a couple miles off Highway 94 just west of St. Louis.

We had lunch, enjoyed the live music and, of course, tasted the wines. I had the opportunity to meet Tom Murphy, Winemaker and Vineyard Manager, who was helping out at the tasting bar that Saturday. I had a nice conversation with Tom, a friendly and humble man, who has put together some great wines.  He has created a nicely balanced blend of Missouri reds named King Buck. The Chandler Hill Norton has a great array of fruit flavors (blackberry, cherry, etc.) and spice (cinnamon and nutmeg).  It is not easy to successfully corral the goodness of the Norton grape in a quality dry red wine. Chandler Hill has produced a very good expression of the Norton grape in their Savage Norton 2008. But should you not be in the mood for sampling Midwest wines, Chandler Hill also offers West Coast wines representing some of the best AVAs in Oregon, Washington, and California.

Everything was top-notch at Chandler Hill (see www.chandlerhillvineyards.com).  Whether you are just interested in tasting, or also looking for a tasty lunch and good music, Chandler Hill has an impressive venue with a great view and plenty of seating.

Wine & Ghosts?

Do you believe in Ghosts? This former hotel and Odd Fellows Hall is now Belvoir Winery in Liberty, MO (Just north of Kansas City). The owners have renovated the main floor, using some impressive antique pieces and paintings.  The tasting room boasts a beautiful wooden bar, stained-glass lamps, and assorted wall decorations. Shall I say, "tastefully" done? ;-)

Entering an impressive foyer, guests walk up the steps into the Tasting Room. I could feel the history (spirits?) of this imposing old building.  What a unique winery! There is an abandoned orphanage on the property -- I'm guessing that's a hot spot for ghosts. There is also a mini-museum in the main building where you will meet a skeleton named George.

We were greeted by Danny Wood, writer for the Midwest Wine Press, who mans the tasting bar.  We soon were joined by the winemaker, John, as we sampled his wines. Belvoir currently offers 6 wines: Chardonel, Plumeria (a blend of Seyval, Traminaette, and Vignoles grapes), Sorelle Dolci (a smooth sweet blend of Symphony and Cayuga grapes), Norton, Casanova Medium bodied red blend of Chambourcin, Syrah, and St. Vincent grapes), and Lucky Pierre (Concord, St. Vincent, and Chambourcin blend).

The wines are well made -- Very flavorful and balanced.  I broke my usual pattern and bought the two white blends, I was so impressed with their uniqueness and floral nose as well as the crisp fruitiness.  John, a retired doctor, has a definite talent for blending.

For those of you that have an interest in haunted buildings, Belvoir has periodic late-night Paranormal Investigations from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. -- if you last that long! Just keep that wine glass full -- so you can have spirits with the Spirits!

Next time you get to Kansas City, take a couple hours and travel up to Liberty, Missouri, to Belvoir.

Missouri Passport Reward - Food and Wine Pairing

We drove many miles for over a year to earn the Food and Wine pairing for 10 that we experienced at Montelle Winery yesterday. We were unsure of what to expect, but the manager and staff at Montelle were outstanding! From the moment we walked through the door, we felt welcomed.

Montelle used the Stone House for our event, with table set and candles lit when we entered.  The staff was extremely attentive and well-paced throughout our visit. The food was great and well-paired with the Montelle wines. The entire experience exceeded expectations for all present. 

Compliments to everyone, including the Missouri Wine and Grape Board, for this wonderful opportunity! The Passport program has encouraged us to visit wineries all over the State. The rewards have all been high quality throughout. Thank you, all!