Via CityRoom Wine

Screenshots of the Champagne Day Mobile App (Apple Store)

There is no time that you are more on-the-go than when venturing into the Champagne region of Northern France—and with this one-of-a-kind app you can get to know this one-of-a-kind place more intimately.  Ditch the map, leave your computer behind, grab your smartphone and download « Champagne Day » prior to hitting the sparkling trails…

The « Champagne Day » app literally becomes your right-hand man by providing you with your own personal collection of contacts in the Champagne region, including small champagne producers, large international Champagne brands, where to eat, where to stay, what to do and who to see when you’re in Champagne.

Plan your trip in advance by browsing regional favorites and lesser known gems, or head out on the road and wing it with your new mobile Champagne Day map complete with directions, contact details and web addresses.  What makes this app like no other is that it is brought to you by experts living in the region—packed with videos featuring the impassioned people responsible for keeping the magic of Champagne alive and well—and they are eagerly awaiting your arrival so that they can share their passion with you… yes, you’ll actually have an opportunity to virtually “meet” them before you even get there!

So, before asking “What Shall we do in Champagne Today?” arm yourself with the knowledge that with « Champagne Day » in your pocket, you are going to have a great experience!

Click here to buy Champagne Day in the Apple Store.

Grand Tasting Room Entrance

By Steve Mirsky

I arrived early at the Mohegan Sun WineFest, right at the front door leading to the Grand Tasting Room before the first glass was even touched. I was on a mission.  This year, with event program in hand, I committed myself to roughing out a game plan for the day ahead. With approximately 50 tasting tables & pavilions each with multiple vintages to pick from, 10 chef demonstrations on the main stage, additional special events like the Elite Grand Cru Tasting along with food booths, various liquor & cocktail samples, and a wide array of beers upstairs, it’s easy to get distracted and overwhelmed. And did I mention the crowds vying for samples close behind and to either side of you?

It’s tempting to take the spontaneous route and not have a plan. Just let the experience unfold, wander to tables that seem appealing, and taste anything you can get your hands on. The only problem with this approach is you’ll quickly get frazzled navigating the crowds, and miss your favorite top chefs on stage. Your palate will also get mighty confused in a short time, unable to accurately discern each wine’s distinctive flavors. So there is a reason that the Sun WineFest spans 2 days…take your time…follow the less-is-more adage and develop your own daily itinerary. Here’s what worked for me:

Wine Tasting Strategy

Decide before you arrive in the Grand Tasting Ballroom what types of wines you simply can’t miss. Go ahead and give in to some comfortable old favorites but also be sure to pick some unfamiliar vintages that pique your interest as well. After all, this place is like speed dating for wines so play the field…with a purpose. Which leads to the next major rule of thumb…try to stick with whites first, then hit the reds. Upon reaching your limit, feel free to give into several full flight tastings which include both…you earned it!

Main Stage Chef Presentations

Bobby Flay at Sun Wine Fest

Here’s an unavoidable fact…there will be slightly lighter tasting table crowds during presentations. Unless you’re a Food Network junkie or in the food/hospitality business, it’s hard to determine which chefs out of the lineup will most effectively intrigue you. This is where a little pre-event research goes a long way. Sure the program has a brief bio for each chef but it helps to become a bit more acquainted by watching an episode on youtube to get an idea of focus and presentation style. Some sound interesting on the surface but perhaps Jacque Torres‘ finer techniques in making the perfect chocolate bon bon isn’t really going to captivate you for over an hour after all. While others are basking in the star power of Bobby Flay or deciding if they really want to stick it out, you stand a better chance getting up to the table of your choice and receiving a personal wine flight narration.

Beers and Liquors

Even though you’ll only get a modest swallow per glass, if you plan on tasting as many beers and specialty liquors as possible, it helps to keep in mind the old rule of thumb, “Liquor and beer, you’re in the clear…beer and liquor, couldn’t be sicker.” Most importantly, save these libations for after your wine tasting since they totally alter your palate’s sensitivity. It also helps to keep in mind that heading upstairs to the beer tables involves transitioning into a different environment…more of a party scene rather than a focused celebration of gastronomic delights.

Toasting Good Cheer at Sun WineFest

Take Breaks

I know it feels like you’re missing out on valuable tasting time but walking out of the ballroom onto the casino floor for about a half hour a couple times each day makes all the difference. You get a chance to clear your head, grab a seat along the way, and recharge your sensory perceptions. It may come as no surprise that being on your feet for hours sandwiched amongst fellow wine enthusiasts takes its toll. Excitement can only sustain you so long. Take a break…your body will thank you for it and you’ll enjoy your tasting time much more.  See you next year!

Photos courtesy of Steve Mirsky and Mohegan Sun

Men of Phoenix Javelina Vineyard and Winery

Story and photos by Linda Kissam

It’s not often I get to see a wine region in the rock star process, but I think I may have hit it just right with the Valley Verde Wine Trail.  Just about 100 Miles North of Phoenix, Arizona, this wine region has been around for about 10 years sort of flying under the radar. About six years ago local growers and wineries began to dig in and make some significant investment and improvements to the region.  In 2009 the Verde Valley Wine Trail  Association came to be, promoting the area as a tourist destination.

There are four Arizona wineries and seven tasting rooms on the Valley Verde Wine Trail that offer a variety of wines to satisfy most any wine lover, and sights and sounds that soothe the mind and spirit.  Seriously the landscape is gorgeous.  As with most other wine regions each tasting room has its own unique story, personality, and wines to discover

Wine Barrel Old Town Cottonwood

I think this region has done things right so far.  They appear focused, yet flexible.  Not every wine is a winner yet, but what I was most interested and appreciative of was the emphasis on blends.  Blends are the perfect way for an emerging wine to go.  Offering a varietal specific wine like Chardonnay or Syrah comes with risk.  Young vines aren’t quite up to showcasing the best a region has to offer.  Blends on the other hand allow the winemaker to mix and match grapes producing a fusion of notable fame.

You’ll need two days to visit all the wineries and tasting rooms and still have time to visit the nearby town of Cottonwood for lunch or dinner and a shopping stroll and buy.  I visited six of the tasting rooms (reviewed below) and did lunch and some serious spending in Cottonwood.

Alcantara Vineyards: Located at the union of Verde River and Oak Creek this picturesque winery on 87 acres of sloping limestone has 19,000 vines showcasing 12 varietals.  Great place to have a picnic, take in the majestic views, and observe bald eagles flying leisurely over the vines. Red and white wines available.  Definitely taste the Confluence III ($ 36.95). Nice fruit, spice, earthy tones and a touch of floral characters.  Complex with notable balance and finesse; a smart cellar blend of Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Petite Sirah, Tempranillo.

Wine Cellar:   Billy and Sandra Baker opened the Wine Cellar tasting room July 1, 2011 on N. Main St. in Old Town Cottonwood.  I think you’ll enjoy the cozy intimate atmosphere they’ve created.  Comfy couches and chairs and a gorgeous wooden bar make this a great place to relax. Only a tasting room at this point, it features the wines of Dionysian Cellars (California grapes, but made in Arizona). The standout for me (and most of those with me) was the Maenad ($28). This is lovely fruit forward blend of Russian River grapes: 60% Muscat Canelli and 40% Chardonnay featuring dynamic notes of lime, melon, orange grove and peach.  Tasting hours: Mon – Sun:12:00 pm – 9:00 pm 928-649-0444

Specialty Pizza at Vineyard Bistro and Wine Bar

Vineyard Bistro and Wine Bar: Also located on Main Street in Cottonwood, this is the perfect place to grab some lunch and a glass of wine.  I had a yummy Jim’s Special consisting of fresh tomatoes, bell peppers, onion, garlic puree, basil, and Parmigianino ($10) and a glass of Granite Creek Chenin Blanc ($8.50).  I like that they purchase from local vendors Orion Bread Company, local farmers and wineries, and Verde Valley Olive Oil Traders. The menu is broad enough for everyone’s tastes, the service is great and the prices are affordable. A winner by any standard.

Javelina Leap Vineyard & Winery: Located in the beautiful valley of Paige springs, this 10 acre winery is a must do. Saturdays complimentary winery tours are led by the charming Dr. Russ Balda, North America’s leading ornithologist. Recognized internationally for his ground breaking research study on the Arizona Pinyon Jay, Dr Balda recently retired and traded in his wings for grapes. A four-wine tasting flight is $8.  In it you’ll be able to taste a 100% 2010 Arizona Zinfandel ($35). The blend of 4% Petite Sirah and 96% Zinfandel makes for a nicely rounded wine with raspberry and cherry flavors and a touch of  vanilla. The Petite Sirah gives the wine a bit of earthiness. $20.

Oak Creek Vineyards

Oak Creek Vineyards: This winery opened in 2002. It offers a large selection of wine-related merchandise alongside a smart selection of wines, cheeses, salami, and olives. I am afraid my visit didn’t meet the great things I had heard about this place. The server was perhaps having a bad day, but she was unable to answer many of our questions making the tasting a bit mechanical.  When I go back I’d like to give it another try. My guess is it will be worth the effort. Open daily, 10AM-6PM. Located at  1555 Page Springs Rd,  Cornville, Arizona.  (928) 649-0290

Page Springs Cellars:  Winner!  This new 400 square foot space features the traditional wine bar and an intimate, relaxing lounge atmosphere with soft leather couches, rich cork flooring, and a soft lit custom mural recessed in the ceiling. Somehow this winery has taken all the components that make a tasting room fun and memorable and gotten the experience just right. Just minutes from Javelina & Oak Creek don’t miss the solid line up of red and white wines and definitely purchase a nosh plate to go with your wine.   Try everything, buy everything, but if you’re short of time and have to be selective ask to taste the 2010 Vino de la Familia Blanca ($21). It’s a fragrant white wine with tropical notes. A very food friendly wine with origins in southeastern Turkey.  Complex and perfectly crafted.

As we travel on our active tours, be it biking, hiking, walking or skiing, my favorite wines to introduce to our guests are those they have never experienced before. Across the Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, there is a new wine region with its own traditional wines, remarkable terroir and distinctive winemaking style around every corner, and an amazing number of them are relatively, if not completely, undiscovered in the US.

Here are my favorites – my top 10 undiscovered wine varietals from Northeastern Italy. We’ll savor a Tai Rosso and Raboso on our upcoming Bike the Wine Roads of the Veneto trips this fall. Ski trips this winter will give us lots of opportunities to taste Teroldego and Lagrein wines, and visits next season to Friuli will include a few tastes of Friulano and Picolit.

1. Friulano (the wine formerly know as Tocai Friulano or Tocai Italico).

Tocai Friulano is the pride and joy of the Collio wine region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. So Friulians were not particularly happy when the EU dictated that the only wine that could use the Tocai name was the Hungarian dessert wine, Tokay. After much debate, a new name was decided upon – Friulano – and after 2006 winemakers in the region were no longer allowed to use the Tocai name. However, you will still hear the wine referred to as Tocai throughout the region (and Italy). Friulano is clean, delicate, refreshing white wine with a palate that varies according to the terroir. It appears as both a varietal and in blends.

2. Ribolla Gialla:

This grape, believed to have originated in the Colli Orientali di Friuli, produces a wonderful white that is almost unknown outside the region. The phylloxera epidemic of the 19th century destroyed many of the Ribolla plantings, which were replanted with imported grapes like Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc. By the 1990s less than 1% of all white Friuli DOC wines contained Ribolla. Most recently, renewed international interest in the wines of the Friuli has thankfully led to an increase in plantings of the grape. It is lively and flavorful, and pairs well with many dishes, from seafoods to fruit.

3. Vino Santo

The Trentino region is renowned for its Vino Santo, a sweet wine made from dried grapes. This is not to be confused with the Vin Santo produced in Tuscany – this is a uniquely traditional product of the region, incorporating the native Nosiola varietal, and a treat not to be missed on a visit to the region. Nosiola is the oldest white grape variety grown in Trentino, believed to have originated in the Pressano hills and Sarca valley.

4. Picolit

Also known as Piccolit and Piccolito, Picolit is a white Italian wine grape grown in the Colli Orientali del Friuli DOC zone of Friuli-Venezia Giulia.  The name comes from piccolo, or small, due to the fact that this grape has very low yields. which continue to challenge the growers to make it an economically viable product. The Picolit grapes are characterized by a nice balance of sugar and acidity, resulting in a well-balanced dessert wine with soft floral aromas and stone fruit flavors.

5. Teroldego

Teroldego is considered the king of Trentino wines. Legend has it that the name itself derives from Tiroler Gold, the gold from Tyrol. It flourishes only in the Piana Rotaliana area, and, in spite of many efforts to reproduce the vineyards, environment, and irrigation in other regions, no one has successfully replicated these high quality wines anywhere else. Teroldego wines are quite distinctive, with intense fruit, full body, and a strong, dry taste.

6. Marzemino

Originally produced in the Rovereto region of Trentino, Marzemino was introduced by the Venetians in the 16th century. In Mozarts’ opera, Don Giovanni, Giovanni himself makes his last request before his deliverance to hell – a glass of Marzemino. This is a delicate, mellow wine with intense fruit and floral elements. It is a lighter bodied wine, and is not aged for too long – two to three years is optimum.

7. Raboso

Raboso is an ancient wine, grown in the Piave River valley of the Veneto region before the time of the Roman Empire. At one point, this grape was perhaps the most important variety of eastern Veneto, but, as with many indigenous grapes, saw native planting replace by international varietals in the 20th century.  At full maturity, Raboso is one of the great Italian reds, dry and full-flavored with an intense ruby red color and its typical bouquet of spicy cherries.

8. Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso

Refosco is a family of dark-skinned varietals native to the northern Italian areas of Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Trentino. The grape is also known as Terlan or Terlano. The origins of this varietal are not clear, but DNA analysis has shown that it is related to Marzemino.

Refosco produces deeply colored wines that age well, with very intense and concentrated flavors, and a slightly bitter finish.

9. Lagrein

Lagrein is a red grape native to the Lagarina valley in Trentino-Alto Adige. Along with Marzemino and Refosco, it is a descendant of Teroldego, and related to Syrah, Pinot Noir and Dureza.  It is rarely seen outside of the region. Lagrein grapes produce wines that exhibit a high acidity, and even the free run juice is tannic.  Lagrein produces a very deep yet intense red color in wine, with flavors of dark berry and cherry, and notes of tobacco and mushrooms.  A rose version is also produced.

10. Tocai or Tai Rosso:

Tai Rosso, an indigenous varietal cultivated in the Colli Berici of the Veneto region, where it arrived from Hungary. In spite of its alleged origins, is not related to the Hungarian Tokay; most experts believe that it is more likely related to the Sardinian Cannonau or Granache. Before 2007, it was called Tocai Rosso, but since the regulations restricted the use of the Tocai name, it has been changed to Tai Rosso. This is a lighter red wine, clear and brilliant, with a bright red color, and a balanced, harmonious taste with a hint of cherries.

Courtesy of Kathy Bechtel | Italiaoutdoors

Afternoon Wine Tasting

Our “Bike the Wine Roads of the Veneto” tour provides the wine devotee with a wonderful opportunity to explore the amazing wine regions of the Veneto, home to the largest number of quality DOC wines in Italy. Daily bike routes wind through the picturesque vineyards of Valpolicella, Bardolino, Soave, Gambellara, Prosecco, and Lison-Pramaggiore. Later in the day we enjoy the fruits of the vineyards we passed, and refuel on the best of the local cuisine and seasonal specialties. Our daily biking routes are designed to be fun and invigorating, not overwhelming – you bike and enjoy your lovely surroundings at your own pace.

Biker in Vineyards

ItaliaOutdoors is an owner-operated private guide service, creating and guiding active culinary tours in Northeastern Italy. Unique in their ability to combine active adventures with world-class culinary programs, including tours with James Beard award-winning chefs, ItaliaOutdoors customizes vacations for groups of 4 to 12. With more than 15 years of recreational programming experience in the region, plus formal culinary and wine training, ItaliaOutdoors specializes in offering biking, hiking, walking or skiing in the Italian countryside; plus cooking classes, wine tastings, and restaurant dining which explore the best in local regional cuisines and undiscovered wines. Itineraries are rounded out with city visits, shopping, cultural excursions or just relaxing poolside. The owners — experts in fitness, food, and the region — personally lead each tour.

Kathy Demos Prepares Squash Blossoms

Bike the Wine Roads of the Veneto: October 15-22, 2011

Read about out 2010 trips with Master Chef Jody Adams on her blog, www.inthehandsofachef.com.

Want to bike the countryside with “Chef’s On Bikes”?  << Click Here for Full Story >>

Have a group of 4-12 travelers who would like a custom active culinary adventure? Email us to learn more about our affordable custom programs!

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www.italiaoutdoorsfoodandwine.com
Email: kathybechtel@comcast.net
Food and wine blog: www.chefbikeski.com
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We’ve been waiting for the past year to let Thornton Winery’s new winemaker David Vergari settle in, find his groove and show us what he can do with Temecula grapes.  Let me tell you, it was worth the wait.

Experience counts for a lot.  Thoughtful appreciation for land stewardship, a focused mindset to mentor grape quality, and a “do what it takes” attitude to bring about a quality finished wine is definitely in residence at Thornton Winery. We’re lucky to have a man who has worked on four continents.  According to Vergari, his diverse experiences working abroad, “…has taught me to appreciate what makes a piece of land ideal for grapes and how to take it from there. After a while you can just look at some land and sense that it has what it takes, but it took a lot of travel and experience for this to sink in.”  Yup, I get it, and am very glad he’s bringing all that and more to the Temecula Valley wine scene.

Last week, I sat down to taste 14 of David’s new releases.  A person can get a very good idea of a winemaker’s style after going through 16 of his wines.  These are David’s wines from grape to glass, and rings in a new era of style and grace to the Thornton lineup. What comes to mind overall are stylish well balanced wines with cultured structure, varietal fruit expression, soft tannins, and elegance.  I love that each wine has its own voice, but does not need to shout to get your attention.  My guess is a whole new level of sophistication has arrived in Temecula.  Drink these wines now, or lie them down for a few years.

The 2010 Line Up

Barbera – $28. French and American cooperage help frame the raspberry and blueberry aromas .  Vibrant fruit character.

Chardonnay – $19.  Fruit driven stainless steel beauty with notes of green apple, lemon, citrus and spice.

Cabernet Franc – $24.  Nose has hints of pepper, as well as violets, raspberry and cedar.

Cabernet Merlot – $22.  A gorgeous blend presenting cherry, blackberry, currant and blueberry nose with a fruit driven entry that is complemented by oak cooperage from France, Eastern Europe and North America.

Cabernet Sauvignon – $29.  Classic blueberry and red currant aromas along with some barrel spices. Small quantities of Cab Franc and Petit Verdot bring complexity and nuance.

Estate Syrah- $28. Berry and plum aromas aged in limited new oak by design brings a subtlety    that will surprise and delight you.

Estate Petite Sirah – $22.  Grapes for this wine were grown on the gently sloping rows of the Thornton Estate’s east block. Lively fruit with aromas of pepper and berries.

Merlot – $22.  Aromas of blackberry and plums along with soft tannins make it ready to drink right now.

Mourvedre – $22.  Complemented by red fruit aromas, this wine has a gamey, earthy quality to it.

Muscat Canelli – $22.  A refreshing aperitif with aromatic and floral aromas of orange blossoms, pear and ginger spice. The right pairing for spicy Asian foods or a fruit salad.

Nebbiolo – $22. Great example of this Italian –style  varietal with California influences.  Expect finesse and nuance.

Tempranillo – $25.  Enjoy the aromas of strawberries, cherries, tobacco, and some soft earthy notes.

Thorny’s Coat Red – $17.  A food-friendly blend of Zin, Syrah, Tempranillo, Petite Sirah and Barbera makes a wine that has a lot of fruit as well as soft tannins as a counterpoint.

Zinfandel Huis Vineyard $29.  Pronounced red raspberry aromas with some spicy notes in the background.  Ideal complement to game, red meats and aged cheese.

- Learn More at ThorntonWine.com

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Thornton Winery Tasting Room and Gift Shop.

* Hours:  Daily 10:00 am – 5:00 pm | Saturday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

* Cost:  Tastings range from $10-$17

Note: The tasting room offers sits down service and appetizers may be ordered as well. (No Tours are offered on a holiday, or Champagne Jazz Concert day.)

Public Winery Tours:

* Hours: Weekends only 11:00 am, 12:30 pm, 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm

* Cost: Free of charge

Thornton Winery Private Tour and Tasting

Join us for a private tour and tasting at Thornton Winery. Available for groups of 15 or more. $15 per person

Your private tour and tasting includes:

• Private tour of the winery

• 3 wines

• 1 champagne

Contact: Michel or Mel (951)699-0099 x 3112

Location: Thornton Winery | 32575 Rancho California Rd  Temecula, CA 92589  |  (951) 699-0099

How to Get There: From Interstate 15, exit at Rancho California Rd. and go east for 4 miles. The winery is on the right hand side of Rancho California road. You can see the winery located on top of the hill.

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- Editors, WorldwideToursDirectory.com

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You’ll spend your first night in Florence, home to Michelangelo, the Medici and some of the most beautiful architecture in the world. Dine at Cibreo, Florence’s hottest restaurants for Foodies. From Florence, you’ll travel through the scenic wine country of Chianti Classico, quintessential Tuscany. Cypress lined narrow roads and medieval hill topped wine villages are the classic images of Chianti, very photogenic. You’ll visit top producers such as Badia a Coltibuono (whose winery is one of the most beautiful in Italy).

Read More and Get Pricing

Herman Hill Inn

After a long drive, on May 19, 2011, Maralyn and I reached our central Missouri destination of Hermann. At our B&B, Hermann Hill Vineyard and Inn, when we entered our room and looked out, we were stunned by the scenic world below us. Even though we were two stories below the main floor of the Inn, we were still on top of a mountain sloping through vineyards to the valley.

Our view of the Missouri River below us was incredibly majestic. I thought of several folksongs that included in their lyrics, “Across the Wide Missouri.” Although river levels were high at this time of year, the water seemed peaceful and nowhere near the flood stages that were plaguing other rivers and parts of the state and country.

In the 1830s and other times, Hermann was settled by German immigrants. One can imagine how these sites, by the river and hills above it, must have reminded them of their recent German Rhineland homes. When they tested the soil, many saw that it was also conducive to growing wine, just as in Europe.

These immigrants put their wine-growing expertise to good use. Production of grapes grew steadily each decade. By the 20^th century, right at the start of Prohibition, Missouri had become the second largest producer of U.S. wine. Storytellers say the streets appeared to flow like blood, as the barrels of wine were slit. This temporary end for the wine industry was a serious blow to the economy of central Missouri. Some cellars of wineries, out of desperation, grew mushrooms, which hardly served as a financial equivalent.

View From Our Room

Today, even though California is by far the country’s top wine producer, Missouri has resumed a respectable place among our wine-growing states.

Our room at the Herman Hill Inn was well appointed, one of eight on the premises. We made good use of our Jacuzzi tub, which was quite large and inviting. Waking up in the morning and gazing over vines that produce the grapes for Stone Hill Winery’s port was stunning. A member of “Select Registry,” the Inn more than measured up to the standards we expected.

Breakfasts at the B&B were delicious, with generous portions. The Inn provides six delicious selections. I enjoyed the signature French toast with a pecan caramel topping, and Maralyn savored the cheese strata with mushrooms. On the second day, we made use of an early serving of a continental breakfast with a parfait and fresh fruit, to aid in an early drive.

Each night, the B&B staff brought an excellent dessert to our rooms, composed of homemade cookies and ice cream with its own raspberry chocolate topping.

The Inn has a three-mile walking trail map or directions to walk to several vineyards. In-room massages are also available. Herman Hill has a large repeat business and it is easy to understand the draw.

Town of Hermann

The town of Hermann is close to the Inn and right on the Missouri River. Many buildings have been restored, so that the inner town has a charming, quaint atmosphere. We visited award winning Ricky’s Chocolate Box and I enjoyed a truffle, while Maralyn opted for what she says was the best pecan turtle she ever tasted. It was difficult to choose our chocolate indulgences. Later, we toured an old hotel, which was in process of being restored. Hermann has extensive antique shopping, housed in traditional old buildings.

Hermann Hill also has twelve Riverbluff Cottages, similar to condos, on the edge of town and the river. They are fully equipped and work exceptionally well for corporate retreats, as they have a conference facility next door. Breakfasts and evening snacks are stored in each unit’s refrigerator.

In keeping with the close-by river atmosphere, we both had catfish sandwiches for lunch in a local hangout, Simon’s on the Waterfront.

On our second evening, we visited the nearby Vintage Restaurant, located at the Stone Hill Winery. This winery is the oldest in the state, founded in 1847 and one of the largest, shipping 1.25 million gallons of wine annually by 1900. When touring the winery, it becomes obvious how old world techniques are combined with new technology. During Prohibition of the 1920s, its extensive arched underground cellars, known to be the largest in America, provided some of the mushrooms mentioned above.

In 1965, Stone Hill Winery was purchased by Jim and Betty Held, who undertook its restoration. Since 1993, the winemaking team of David Johnson, Shaun Tumbull, and Travis Harris has received more than 3,600 awards and international acclaim.

Stone Hill Winery

The Vintage Restaurant itself provides a charming old German ambiance. My choice was Sauerbraten and Maralyn’s was German-style schnitzel, along with some Stone Hill Dry Vignoles (veen-yoole), a full-bodied white wine. Even with a hint of sweetness, its acidity provided a dry palate effect.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Hermann Hill and our tour of the Hermann, Missouri area. Although Maralyn and I are both originally from the Midwest, our eyes were opened by how much central Missouri has to offer. We could easily spend three nights in Hermann on a return visit.

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Freelance travel writer Norman E. Hill, is a member of the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association. Norm focuses on travel, history, culture, and an appreciation of food.

Website & Email: NoraLyn, IFWTWA Profile, NHill@NoraLyn.com

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