Aubrey Vineyards in south Overland Park is transforming its tasting room this winter, creating a festive setting for holiday gatherings, seasonal sips and cozy afternoons with friends and family.
“As the season changes, so does the tasting room. The Aubrey Vineyards Tasting Room is transformed into Holly & Vine, a beautifully decorated space with custom holiday cocktails and bites that are perfect for family gatherings and holiday parties,” says Amiee Archuleta, Tasting Room Manager for Aubrey Vineyards.
The holiday transformation is just one way to experience the vineyard during the cooler months. Inside the tasting room, guests can explore more than 20 wines, from red and white to sweet, dry and sparkling varieties. Cocktails, local beer and a menu of shareable food offer plenty of options for those who want to linger over an afternoon or evening.
For Archuleta’s team, the experience begins with meeting guests where they are on their own wine journey.
“We pride ourselves on providing a tasting experience that meets each guest on their respective wine journey. This process starts in the vineyard, where grapes are tended to by hand, and continues through on-site winemaking, production, and bottling. Our tasting room team is trained to share all 20+ wines with guests based on their personal preferences.”
That connection to the vineyard is evident in the work that continues throughout the year, even after the final grapes have been harvested. Winter brings one of the vineyard's most important tasks: pruning. The process removes the year's growth and prepares the vines for the season ahead.
“Maintaining a vineyard and the grape vines is a year-round operation, with the most important task, pruning, taking place over the winter. Producing the wine is certainly a team effort between the vineyard and winemaking teams,” says Karine Hellwig, Winemaker for Aubrey Vineyards.
Growing grapes in the Midwest also requires a different approach than producing wine in warmer, Mediterranean climates. Many of the grapes grown in Kansas and Missouri are French-American hybrid varieties, which combine characteristics of northeastern French grapes with the ability to withstand the region's challenging winter temperatures, summer heat and humidity.
Visitors can experience the finished product through tastings and glasses of wine during events. Aubrey Vineyards hosts wine pairings, live music and music bingo throughout the year, while its tasting room, patios and tented pavilion provide settings for private celebrations.
For the holiday season, the vineyard is adding another option for larger gatherings with a second holiday experience in its pavilion tent. The expanded space gives groups another way to celebrate while taking in the vineyard atmosphere.
“Nothing beats a beautiful evening on the patio, sipping great wine and enjoying a cozy fire pit,” says Maddie Nugen, Marketing Specialist for Aubrey Vineyards.
Whether you're planning a holiday gathering, looking for a new wine to discover or simply want an inviting place to spend an evening, Aubrey Vineyards offers a chance to slow down and enjoy the season. For more information, visit aubreyvineyards.com.
Article by Allison Swan
Photography by Janie Jones
Originally published in Leawood City Lifestyle