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.

Shimmery White Struts it Stuff!

Some great things are happening at Illinois River Winery located in the Illinois River Valley near Utica in north central Illinois.  Their wines have very unique labels designed by artists, many participating in the Artist is residency program they offer.

We had the opportunity to try their Riesling, a semi-sweet white wine in the German wine style.   Illinois River Winery calls it, “our most versatile white for food paring.”  It was crisp with a complexity of fruit flavors, yet subtle in its sweetness. We found it quite yummy and refreshing to experience.  At around $16.00 a bottle, it is a good buy for a nice Midwest Riesling.

Chaumette Winery - Quality Place (Wine Trip - part 3)

Chaumette Winery (www.chaumette.com) is graced with a great view, a classy tasting room, and highly rated restaurant. Behind the bar is a creative man named Dick.  He knows his wines and gives his guests a great wine-tasting experience. He may give the customer an extra taste now and then and an exceptional bit of wine history, but his flare sells lots of wine for Chaumette.We love you, Dick!

Hank Johnson, the owner, tells me that he wants Chaumette to be a destination, not just a passing visit. With lodging and a spa to offer along with a rack of quality reds and whites, he is creating just that. If you get to Ste. Gen, make sure you take time to investigate the fine wines at Chaumette.  Chances are you will stay longer than you plan, but it is well worth lingering at this wonderful winery.

Don't leave without tasting the Port!