{"id":94,"date":"2015-09-28T11:15:55","date_gmt":"2015-09-28T16:15:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/?p=94"},"modified":"2016-04-03T22:03:06","modified_gmt":"2016-04-04T03:03:06","slug":"first-taste-of-missouri","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thecorkscrewconcierge.com\/2015\/09\/first-taste-of-missouri\/","title":{"rendered":"First Taste of Missouri Wine"},"content":{"rendered":"
So, did you know that September is Missouri Wine Month? OK, it’s also California (like they really need a month), Illinois, and North Carolina wine month too. But I’m focusing on Missouri. The state celebrates with harvest events, festivals, and special tastings. So how lucky that I’d had a recent Missouri wine experience to share.<\/p>\n
I found myself in Knob Noster, Missouri for a family event. Where is that you ask? Knob Noster is about an hour east of Kansas City, which is where I flew into. Best known for its air force base, Knob Noster is a small, quiet town that also has a really nice, tranquil state park. If you\u2019re in the area, do yourself a favor and take a relaxing stroll through Knob Noster State Park with its series of hiking trails and its winding creek. It’ll be a nice change of pace.<\/p>\n
Doing my usual research, I found that Missouri has a bit of a thriving wine industry. Who knew?! Well now we both know. German Settlers first planted grapes in Missouri in the 1800s. In fact, the state has over 100 wineries represented by several different wine regions. Flying into Kansas City, I found myself driving through the Western Region.<\/p>\n
Montserrat Vineyards<\/i><\/p>\n
My first stop was to Montserrat Vineyards<\/a>, just right off Highway 50. When I first drove up, it didn\u2019t seem like much of a place. In fact my companions gave me a hard time because I had to practically beat down the door and open up the place. I exaggerate just a bit. All good though as persistence pays off. Before going inside (and while looking for someone to open up the place) I decided to walk around a bit outside to the back of the building. Definitely glad I decided to poke around! From there you get fantastic panoramic views of lush green fields and lots and lots of vineyards. The winery is situated up on Bristle Ridge and is the highest point in the area so the views really are great.<\/p>\n