Like many states, Kansas was a significant wine producer in the 19th Century along with neighboring Missouri, populated by German immigrants who brought the wine tradition with them.
However, it was also the home of Carrie Nation and the early temperance movement, and, in 1881, the first state to pass statewide prohibition. That didn’t totally stop grape growers, who either sold to wineries in MO or produced some bootleg bottles themselves.
Today’s KS wine industry was significantly stimulated by the 1985 Kansas Farm Winery Statute.
Echolands Winery is owned by two Kansans—Doug Frost, MW, MS, and Brad Bergman—who in 2018 opened an extraordinary winery in (wait for it…) Walla Walla, Washington. Doug, a longtime friend from wine judgings, had wanted to open a special winery in a special region to produce distinctive wines. “Like the creature of mythology known as Echo, we can only express what is given to us”, featured prominently on the website, explains the winery’s name. It is located in the highest elevation of Walla Walla Valley and practices sustainability in virtually every way possible. The Grenache Rose, Syrah, Rubrum, and Seven Hills Vineyard reflect the passion for Bordeaux and Rhone varietals and blends.
Rowe Ridge Vineyard and Winery is a relatively new and small operation of Marc and Pamela Rowe. They first planted vines in 2005, made their first wines in 2007, and opened their tasting room in 2012. They produce a nice variety of grape and fruit wines from their five-acre vineyard.
Wyldewood Cellars was inspired by Elderberries, which are still a major part of the business started by Dr. John Brewer, his wife Beth, and his sister Mary Bauman. John did 200 trials over eight years to find the ideal Elderberry, which is used not only for wines ranging from dry to sweet but also for Elderberry Concentrate that is Certified Kosher. Wyldewood now makes 40 different wines from fruit, berries, and grapes, and since opening in 1995 has won over 600 international awards. But perhaps the best part is that there are now four generations of the family involved in the business.
Great Grapes: Chambourin
Chambourcin has been featured here before because it does so well in many places, and is a versatile grape for making robust reds and elegant Roses. And it can be stunning, like the one that recently won Gold and 95 points at the Decanter World Wine Awards. That honor went to Mazza’s The Perfect Rose from Pennsylvania’s Lake Erie region, the first time for a PA wine as well as a French-American varietal—Chambourcin. Winemaker Mario Mazza, who also makes wine in Australia, created a masterpiece of brilliant color and bright acidity from a grape that grows well along Lake Erie. Congratulations to Mario, a member of WineAmerica’s Board of Directors.
