Living in San Francisco for a time has given me a deep nostalgia for northern California’s wine country. While it can never be replicated, I’ve been surprised at how close Kansas City comes. The ambiance, the tasting options and the wine itself has left me pleasantly surprised and eager to experience more of the local wine scene. Here’s a look at three of my favorite wineries so far!
Stone Pillar Vineyard & Winery
Located about a mile from my house in Olathe, I stumbled upon this winery when driving along College Boulevard and thinking, whoa, are those grape vines? Indeed!
The vineyard is owned and operated by the Hoff family, which has farmed the land since before the Civil War. Inspired by a trip touring local wineries in Niagara Falls, George and Brandi Hoff followed a dream to become winemakers as a way to keep their small, 160-year-old farm productive as the city swallowed up nearby pastures and fields. Opened in 2010, Stone Pillar is built on a foundation of personality and charm with strong connections to the land and surrounding community.
Best For: Groups + Kiddos
This is a casual place with a wide open lawn perfect for your kids to run around on. There’s enough space to socially distance, so bring a chair or blanket, snacks, games, and friends and enjoy a relaxing picnic. If it’s rainy or cold, the heated pavilion is also a great option with farmhouse-style tables perfect for hanging out.
Must Try Bottle: Prairie Fire Blaze
A semi-sweet red wine that contains hints of cherry, vanilla and sweet spices. Perfect for sipping on during the day, with a bit more body and less sweetness than some white or rose options.
Bonus: Wine Slushies + Cider Bar
Wine slushies would be scoffed at in California, but they don’t know what they’re missing! In 2018 Stone Pillar also started producing hard cider. They start with the base—(which was my favorite—I’m a New England gal at heart and like my cider to taste like cider)—and add a variety of flavors such as cherry, lime, orange and pomegranate.
Photos: Stone Pillar Vineyard & Winery
Aubrey Vineyards Tasting Room
Tucked away in a record in downtown Overland Park, this tasting room is a fun surprise. Head to the very back of Vinyl Renaissance & Audio and some of their award-winning wines. A trip to Napa Valley inspired the owners to purchase around 200 acres of farmland just south of River Ride in Overland Park, taking advantage of the high elevation, gentle slopes and fertile, loamy soil to plant grapes. The vineyard is not yet open to the public but the retail location is going strong.
Best For: Date Night
Wine and music: a combination for a lovely evening with your love. Order a different flight each so you can share and sample most of the varieties. Then spend some time down memory lane together, thumbing through the records and CDs of your past, and reminiscing about old times. Walk to one of the nearby restaurants to continue the night with a romantic dinner.
Must Try Bottle: Tawny 2015
“The 2015 Tawny is a rich, voluptuous port wine aged in oak barrels. Plum, toffee, fig and rum raisin are center stage atop a backdrop of spice, walnuts, and wood. Cognac and black cherry notes rise in an inviting aroma that is perfect alongside dark cocoa desserts, or as a companion by the fireplace.”
Bonus: Custom labels
Make the bottle your own with a personalized label. Aubrey Vineyards has a selection of pre-designed labels for events such as the holiday season, special occasions like a graduation, wedding or anniversary (use your own photo), as well as options to print a design that you have created.
Photos: Aubrey Vineyards
Fence Stiles Vineyard & Winery
Set in the rolling hills of Excelsior Springs about 40 minutes from downtown Kansas City, this picturesque setting also boasts a wide variety of events, including free live music, fire pit Fridays, outdoor movie nights and old fashioned grape stomping. Sip your glass on a patio overlooking the vineyards, the Cellar Garden or the indoor tasting room. Order an appetizer if you’re hungry, and pick up a notecard, coaster, candle and other wares from their gift shop before you go.
Best For: Weekend Getaway
Close enough for a day trip, but there’s so much to see and do in Excelsior Springs that you may as well make it a weekend away. Treat yourself with a luxurious stay at The Elms Hotel and Spa, e you Book a massage and be sure to check out the grotto,
Must Try Bottle: Becca Blend
“This white blend has hints of green apple, pear and ripe melon with a floral nose, a light body and a crisp short finish.”
Bonus: Wine Cave Tour
Don’t miss a visit to their wine cave, where you can see the wine in wood barrels before it’s bottled. The experience includes a 90-minute tour of the property, vineyards and winery that finishes with a candlelit tasting in the finished cave — kept at a steady 57 degrees. Keep the tasting glass, and enjoy 10 percent of bottles of wine purchased after the tour. Reservations required.
Photos: Fence Stiles Vineyard & Winery