Route du Vin Finale

Gracie

Elk at Crown Valley

Crown Valley

Fully half of our second busy day was spent at Crown Valley. This enormous 8,000 acre property is home to vineyards, Black Angus cattle, elk, long horn steer, watusi, and blackberries. The enterprise also includes a brewery, distillery, and various hospitality properties.  An unexpected feature is the family’s not for profit Tiger Sanctuary that is dedicated to rescuing abused, neglected, or unwanted big cats. Our afternoon activity selections were the sanctuary or visiting the Crown Valley Distillery and it was an easy choice for me – tigers!

Later in the afternoon, our group climbed aboard a tractor-pulled wagon for a wonderful ride through the vineyards and ranch.  It was so relaxing being out in the fresh air, taking in animal sightings and the lovely scenery. Returning to the main building, we toured the impressive variety of event venues and then were ushered onto a porch overlooking the property where the table was set for dinner. Each course was paired with both a wine and a beer, making it a unique dining experience.  We feasted on butternut squash soup, salad, and Crown Farms ribeye steaks with Norton sauce. Dessert, a decadent cheesecake, was paired with their Blackberry Port and Corncob Bourbon. The visit was topped off with a stop at the tasting bar, but at that point, most of us were ready to call it a day.

Henry with Shumate Blanc

Bright and early the next morning we were back at the Chaumette tasting room where Henry Johnson, the wine maker, took us through the remainder of their portfolio. While impressed with all of the dry wines, I particularly liked Henry’s Shumate Blanc and Shumate Rouge (the Chaumettes had changed their surname to Shumate after arriving in the New World, so this wine is a nod to that namesake). The Shumate Blanc is 100% Chardonel, but hot fermented, which is typically how red wine is made. The result is a more full-bodied white wine that will pair successfully with more flavorful foods.  The Shumate Rouge is a blend of Norton, Chambourcin, and Chardonel.  The wine’s color is beautiful, a clear, deep red, with dark cherry and cocoa on the nose.  It is full bodied and silky smooth with a long finish. Red wine braised short ribs would be a perfect pairing dish.

Charleville Tasting Room

Once again, it was time to move on to our next and last winery, Charleville. This 200 acre property was purchased in 1996 and literally nothing was on it except for native trees and shrubs.  The Russell’s decided to try planting some vines, beginning with Chardonel, and opened their winery in 2003.  They, too, are in the brewery business and also own a lovely bed and breakfast that contains two one-bedroom units.  The quality of the wines being produced in this area continued to impress us.  My favorites at Charleville were their 2014 Estate Norton with its notes of black cherry and spice and their Chauvin – 100% Chardonel, stainless steel fermented – that was bright and crisp with nicely balanced acidity.

Levee High Apple Pie

Although we had reached the end of the vineyard tour, there was more to come.  We stopped in adorable Kimmswick, a Mississippi River town that dates to the late 1800’s. We were welcomed for lunch by Mary Hostetter, owner of the famous Blue Owl Bakery, whose signature dessert is the Levee High Apple Pie.  We wandered about for a little shopping in town and then moved on to St. Louis for a visit to the Gateway Arch National Park. This was not my first visit to the Arch, but it still impressed me.

The finale for our day was dinner at Annie Gunn’s.  The five courses included a seafood sampler, charcuterie board, pork belly, lamb chop, and an elegant poached pear dessert, each perfectly paired with Missouri wines.

I encourage all of you to consider a long weekend trip to Missouri.  Choose one of the wine trails and include a day or two in St. Louis to take in the sights and the history.  The Missouri Wine Board staff will be delighted to help you plan your itinerary and you are virtually guaranteed to enjoy the beautiful countryside, high quality wines, locally sourced foods, and wonderful people.

Cheers to the great state of Missouri!

Gateway Arch in St. Louis

Charcuterie at Annie Gunn’s