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!

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!