Nestled on 43-acres of rolling hills in Missouri Wine Country, Defiance Ridge Vineyards overlooks the Missouri Bluffs. Recently remodeled, the winery features four tiers of gorgeous gardens leading to the bandstand where live music plays every weekend. Lush gardens also surround the peaceful lake where the resident swan, Heth, paddles around daily. Tucked into the rolling hills are five acres of vineyards growing Chambourcin and Vignoles grapes.
While the stylish furnishings and scenery are hard to beat, Defiance Ridge prides itself on the excellence of its award-winning wines produced by winemaker Tom Murphy. From the Defiance Ridge Pinot Rose to the Defiance Ridge Pinot Gris to the Defiance Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, the winery offers a variety of red, white and sparkling wine choices grown locally. In addition, Defiance Ridge has a long-term contract with a West Coast winery to offer California wines like Meadow Wood Sauvignon Blanc and Meadow Wood Chardonnay.
The winery offers a $5 tasting to help wine lovers choose their favorites in the state-of-the-art tasting room. And to accompany the full-bodied wines, they also operate a full-service restaurant offering a variety of mouth-watering cuisines. From the traditional hamburger or grilled cheese topped with bacon to fresh-from-the-garden salads to cheese and meat boards, the restaurant boasts a delectable menu for all taste buds.
Defiance Ridge Vineyards is also a popular venue for weddings. Chuck said they host about 60 weddings annually but hope to increase that number to 75 each year. There are several locations on the property for all sizes of weddings. An enclosed venue—with heating or air conditioning—can seat up to 400 guests comfortably while offering a spectacular view of the rolling hills and gardens. The bride and groom can also be married next to the lake—and resident swan. Or the bride can walk down the 'aisle’ through the tiers of gardens leading to the bandstand where the outdoor area can host several hundred guests.
Defiance Ridge is open year-round, and live music plays 1-4 p.m. on weekends. Have a large group or party? Call ahead; the venue takes weekend reservations. The winery also hosts an annual Wicked Wine Run, wine club dinners six times a year and once a month, about 40 dinner guests can enjoy a themed meal made from local food sources. For more information, reservations for the monthly dinner or wine and food menus, visit DefianceRidgeVineyards.com.