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.