Fahrmeier Winery - Wellington, MO

Another 10 minutes down the gravel lane from LaBella Winery [see previous entry] through some beautiful countryside is the family owned and operated Fahrmeier Winery.  Brandon Fahrmeier tells me the winery has been open for 4 years, but he has been making wine for 15 years.  His experience is evident particularly in two of his white wines : an impressive dry Moscato and a locally popular Vidal Blanc. I know the Wine Girls will enjoy this one!

The tasting room was fashioned with a nice tasting bar, included table seating, and sported an impressive picture window that showcased their vineyard outside.There was a little shop area as well.  Brandon enjoys telling about his wines as he pours his latest vintages.  It was a worthwhile stop on my way to KC.  I wish I had had more time to stay and enjoy the winery. It took no more than 15 minutes to get back to the Interstate [and I didn't have to return via the gravel road!].

LaBella Vineyards

A recent road trip to Kansas City, Missouri, gave me the occasion to stop by a few western Missouri wineries I had never visited.Once I left the concrete serpent that is Interstate 70 and drove north of Odessa, Missouri, the pace slowed down through winding country roads. Ultimately, I meandered down a gravel lane to LaBella Winery. Bought a couple years ago, the fledging winery is adding a wine or two each year to its offerings. I was greeted by one of the owners, an friendly employee, and Bella, the winery dog.  I tasted the semi-sweet white wine they currently produce.  I found it delightfully crisp, very fruit flavorful, and not overly sweet. This wine, interestingly named Sunday Drive, was sipped at the tasting bar by yours truly on a sunny, pleasant Sunday afternoon. Although LaBella offers a sweet red, I did not take the time to taste it. [I was driving and was pacing myself as I had planned more stops before arriving safely in Kansas City.]

The tasting room is an attractive building situated on a small lake with both indoor and outdoor seating. Although they are just beginning, LaBella Vineyards shows great promise for the future.  Even now, it was worth the 5-mile trek off the highway to experience this winery near Wellington, MO.