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St. Louis, Missouri: A Traveler’s Essential Guide to the City

May 6, 2023 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

Disclosure: Explore St. Louis hosted my visit. However, all opinions and photos are mine.

Are you ready to explore the top things to do in St. Louis?

Whether planning a first-time trip to St. Louis or returning for a visit, you will want to use this essential guide to the city to plan your vacation around the city’s must-see attractions and restaurants. In The Lou, its rave-worthy, award-winning destinations are not to be missed.

The Arch in St. Louis at springtime — The Gateway Arch is an iconic landmark of St. Louis designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen, which opened to the public on July 24, 1967.

WHERE TO STAY

St. Louis Union Station Hotel

If you’re going to plan an overnight stay in St. Louis, the only place to reserve accommodation is at Union Station Hotel (1820 Market St.), part of the Curio Collection by Hilton. The luxurious experience is beyond measure.

A train station designed by architect Theodore Link and opened in 1894; it served as the gateway to the West for passengers traveling by rail across the country. Beyond the opulent Grand Hall was a 75-room hotel for travelers or businessmen. On a typical day, 100,000 people stopped at the station, including celebrities like President Harry S. Truman, Joan Crawford, and Joe DiMaggio.

Union Station Hotel Lobby — The balcony view from the fourth floor of Union Station Hotel is awe-inspiring. Opened to the public in 1894, the Grand Hall has a 65-foot vaulted ceiling, the train station’s original waiting room.

I was wonderstruck by Union Station Hotel’s detailed finishes, which included mosaic tile, stained glass, archways, and wrought-iron railings. I traveled via a gold elevator to my room above the Grand Hall, where the elegant decor and plush furnishings welcomed me. Artwork depicting historic railroad photos hung on the wall.

The room exceeded my expectations, from the full-length leaded glass mirror to the rain shower head and bathroom amenities.

St. Louis Union Station Hotel Grand Hall Ceiling — Every evening at 5:00 pm, a 3D fire and light show set to music projects on the Grand Hall’s ceiling.

My room stay included access to self-serve complimentary full breakfast in the Executive Lounge. The on-site Starbucks, on-site restaurants, and free Wi-Fi were added bonuses. I found the front desk staff accommodating, especially after learning that I neglected to pack a few essentials.

Executive Suite — The Grand Hall Luxury 1 King’s Waldorf Astoria bed was the softest I’ve slept on during my travels thus far.

You’ll find your stay at St. Louis Union Station well worth the expense as it is within walking distance of popular downtown attractions and access the street for the city’s new soccer stadium, CITYPARK. If you visit St. Louis for the first time, you might as well do it in style and comfort. You look forward to returning to your room to relax after a fun-filled day exploring The Lou.

PRO TIP: Prepare to use valet service when arriving at the hotel with your car. Otherwise, schedule a Lyft and Uber to pick you up and drop you off at the main entrance.

wall — Intricate stained glass and tile work frames the bar area in the Grand Hall, where guests can enjoy cocktails at Happy Hour.

SIP & SAVOR

The Pitch Athletic Club & Tavern

One step inside The Pitch Athletic Club & Tavern (2 South 20th St.), and you’ll feel like you’ve entered a European pub made especially for soccer fans. The sports bar is an extended part of the Union Station Hotel and is directly across the street from CITYPARK. If you don’t have tickets to the game or want to celebrate the team’s win, The Pitch is the ideal place to gather with soccer enthusiasts.

The Pitch bar — You always have a good view of the game from any corner of The Pitch.

The food menu features pub fare raining from nachos to sandwiches, and if arriving for breakfast on the weekend, you can count on the Irish Slinger or Biscuits & Gravy to curb your cravings. The Pitch’s drink menu features local, regional, and imported beer and a long list of wines and hard ciders.

PRO TIP: If you want to watch the CITYPARK soccer game at The Pitch, arrive before game time, or you can count on a long line of people at the door to welcome you.

appetizers — I can’t recommend the Cheese Dip enough. Made with chorizo, white quest, corn, and roasted chilis, it was a popular appetizer at our table.

Budweiser Brewhouse at Ballpark Village

On a Cardinals game day at home, Budweiser Brewhouse (601 Clark Ave.) is the place to be. Since 2014, the multi-story complex has served ecstatic baseball fans St. Louis-style classic fare and classic beer. The brewhouse opens three hours before the first pitch on Monday and Tuesday home games.

Why miss a chance to experience a Cardinals game celebration, unlike any other place in the city? The kitchen serves sports bar fare 11 am-9 pm, and the drinks are always cold. Cheering on the Cardinals or celebrating a win is more fun from the Bud Deck Rooftop. I enjoyed the view of the Ballpark Village with access to a private bar and catered appetizers.

PRO TIP: If you’re hanging with a group of 8 or more people, reserve a table or lounge area. Otherwise, seating is first-come, first-served.

Budweiser Brewhouse — Post-game cocktails are a must after a St. Louis Cardinals game.

Food Hall at City Foundry

To dine at City Foundry’s Food Hall (3730 Foundry Way) is like dying and going to culinary heaven. Imagine 17 local-only restaurants under one roof. As they say, “Your stomach will thank you.”

taco shack — Award-winning Kalbi Taco Shack’s menu features meals made with house-made Asian marinades and fusion flavors.

The city’s first food hall is where you dine on authentic, local menus ranging from creole entreés and street-style tacos to cheesecake and popsicles. During my visit, I couldn’t resist trying “t-ravs,” aka toasted ravioli, a food staple for St. Louis residents. STL Toasted‘s buffalo chicken version with blue cheese dipping sauce lives up to the hype.

An order of eight toasted ravioli makes for single lunch or a shareable appetizer. 4 for $10

Don’t leave without enjoying a Berry Lemon Waffle at Press Waffle Company topped with a mountain of whipped cream. I also recommend a Key Lime Cheesecake popsicle at Poptimism STL. I promise you will want to make the Food Hall at City Foundry a stop on your visit to the city for its variety of original, thoughtfully-prepared food options.

PRO TIP: Go with friends – you’ll want to share one another’s lunch or dinner choices.

Olive + Oak

For restaurant-goers searching for an elevated dining experience where the wine and the food compete to be the star, Olive + Oak (216 W. Lockwood Ave.) in Webster Groves is the best choice. The James Beard award-winning restaurant serves sought-after favorites like baked clams, beef tenderloin, and goat ragu. High-end shareable plates like the 32 oz. Prime Cowboy Ribeye takes dining to another level.

wine glasses — Reservations are recommended, and food and wine events require them.

During our visit, we enjoyed a six-course meal with wine selected by Napa Valley winemaker Julien Fayard of Purlieu Wines. By far, the Dungeness Crab Rangoon paired with 2021 Le Pich Sauvignon Blanc was my favorite meal moment, plus Fayard’s personal visit to our table made it that much better.

PRO TIP: There are multiple seating areas, including a more casual atmosphere near the bar.

Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria

In the mood for artisan Italian food? The place to dine is Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria (2 Locations), a restaurant and bar operated by a husband and wife team. After living in Italy, chef and owner Katie Collier were inspired to open the award-winning restaurant’s first location, which earned “Best Pizza” and “Best Pasta” from Feast Magazine.

We dined on Roasted Chicken Pizza with arugula, an adequate size for two people to share at lunchtime.

PRO TIP: The patio was nearly full during the lunch hour at the Rock Hill location (9568 Manchester Rd.), so arrive at 11 am to grab a table outdoors.

Billy G’s Kirkwood

Gioia’s Deli

A mainstay on the St. Louis foodie scene since 1918, Gioia’s Deli (4 Locations) evolved from a market to a deli. The original restaurant is in The Hill, a St. Louis neighborhood known for its Italian markets, restaurants, and boutiques.

Gioia’s Deli is famous for its Homemade Hot Salami Sandwich made with fresh sausage and sliced fresh to order, which helped make them a James Beard award winner in 2017.

During our visit, I asked the employee behind the counter how she preferred to order it. I ordered the Hot Salami and Roast Beef sandwich on garlic cheese bread with melted provolone, mayonnaise, and pepperoncini peppers. I added Old Vienna Red Hot Riplets bbq flavored potato chips on the side to complete the local foodie experience. You will not regret eating at Gioia’s Deli.

PRO TIP: Remember their slogan, “We make our sandwiches your way.” Don’t hesitate to customize the sandwich; you should order it on garlic cheese bread.

Salami and Roast Beer Sandwich — For reference, the “small size” sandwich is plenty of food for one person.

Shaw’s Coffee

Also located in The Hill, Shaw’s Coffee (5147 Shaw Ave.) is a corner café specializing in sourced coffee from the Americas, Africa, and the Pacific Rim. The dark-roasted beans are uniquely strong in flavor. Although I love coffee, I craved hot tea on a rainy day.

My London Fog, made with Earl Grey Tea, was perfectly prepared with just the right amount of frothy foam. If you prefer a mid-day non-coffee drink like me, consider ordering an Italian Soda, Granita, or a fresh fruit smoothie.

PRO TIP: Save room for a pastry made by a local bakery, Breadsmith.

coffee shop windows — Outside, pedestrian walkways are painted the colors of the Italian flag.

4 Hands Brewery Co.

If given a chance to try craft beers at a new brewery, I always say, “Yes!”4 Hands Brewery Co. (1220 S. 8th St.) has a welcoming taproom, event space, and production facility on one site. The brewery, founded in 2011, has expertly mastered craft beer and a line of spirits. They are methodical about how they’ve grown over the years and recently announced they are opening a taproom in a St. Louis suburb, Kirkwood, and a brewpub in Chesterfield.

I was fortunate to sit in on a group tasting and tour led by brewery president and co-owner Kevin Lemp. I suggest reserving a similar experience.

We were ushered upstairs to an event space featuring a massive bar flanked by retro arcade games. Our group learned about the flagship, limited-release, and seasonal beers. We toasted one another with sample glasses of gin, vodka, and infused spirits from their line of crafts spirits.

1220 Spirits — If you add tonic to the Blue Morpho gin, it turns a purple hue.

Afterward, we toured the 20,000-foot production space and listened to Lemp’s business story while employees operated the canning line. We learned that 4 Hands Brewing Co. also produces a non-alcoholic beverage, Hallogram Blonde Ale.

I’ve toured several breweries, but 4 Hands Brewing Co. exceeded my expectations for what a team can produce at the highest quality.

StilL 630

I promise you’ve never experienced a distillery like StilL 630 (1000 S. 4th St.). The distillery and tasting room is in a renovated Hardee’s fast-food restaurant. Although the space is modest, owner/founder Dave Weglarz’s produces best-in-class whiskey, bourbon, fin, and rum from grain to glass. Each one starts with a handcrafted recipe that is distilled, bottled, and packaged by hand.

Take a moment during your tasting experience to familiarize yourself with the distilleries awards wall.

One-hour Grain to Glass Distillery Tours is scheduled on Saturdays, offering visitors a chance to sample spirits of their choice. I appreciated a whiskey/rum hybrid sample. Aside from the production, you’ll be impressed with the Botanical Library, consisting of over 400 distilled samples of individual ingredients.

PRO TIP: Stop by for classic cocktails specials starting at $10/glass every Friday 5 pm – 9 pm.

At StilL 630’s distillery and tasting room, visitors can every variation of spirits produced by founder Dave Weglarz.

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard

For decades, St. Louis residents have happily stood in lines at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard (6726 Chippewa St.) to enjoy thick, creamy “concrete” custard with flavor mix-ins for over 80 years. It’s customary to order at the window and then wait for it to be called by name. On any typical day, the parking lot is filled with people sitting in their cars eating frozen custard.

I ordered the iconic must-have dessert savoring it down to the last bite. My micro cup of Twisted Caramel was plenty of custard for one person.

PRO TIP: Don’t worry. The line moves quickly. Preview the menu before getting in line, and look for seasonal specials posted near the window.

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard — Ted Drewes frozen custard is a popular dessert and a St. Louis tradition for residents and visitors. The “concrete” is a must-have treat because it’s so thick it can be served upside down.

SPORTING EVENTS

St. Louis Blues

Sports are king in The Lou. St. Louis Blues takes to the ice from October through March to defend its hometown pride. The team competes against other NHL teams in a race for the Stanley Cup, an honor they won in 2019.

The atmosphere on game day was electric when we entered Enterprise Arena. A brass band welcomed fans as they entered the arena. We danced in place before navigating upstairs to suits to watch the game. Arena fans went bonkers as each player took to the ice. Lights strobed, cheerleaders danced, and the place was abuzz with energy.

PRO TIP: If you don’t watch a game from a suite, consider reserving sections 101-106, 113-119, and 126 for the best game views, according to RateYourSeats.com.

St. Louis Blues NHL hockey — Within minutes into the game, the St. Louis Blues scored against the Dallas Stars.

St. Louis Cardinals

You can’t come to St. Louis without attending a Cardinals baseball game at Busch Stadium (700 Clark Ave.). Recognized as 11-time World Champions, fans converge on the ballpark to cheer on the hometown team with chants and roars of applause.

Fortunate to watch the Cardinals take on the Pittsburgh Pirates from a suite, the panoramic view was breathtaking. The energy from the crowd was off the charts between announcements of the game. Want to tour the stadium? One-hour guided tour tickets are available to purchase at Gate 3 – you’ll also want to the public art.

PRO TIP: View the current game schedule, and don’t forget to review the purse/clear bag rule policy.

Busch Stadium St. Louis Cardinals Game — A panoramic view from a private suite at Busch Stadium offers guests a remarkable perspective of the downtown skyline.

St. Louis CITY

Soccer fans will feel at home watching St. Louis CITY take on MLS rivals inside CITYPARK (35 Hunter Ave. St). Fans jump to their feet from 22,500 seats inside the newly built stadium, where every seat in the house gets you closer to the action. The open-air stadium hosts about 20 MLS season games yearly, collegiate sporting events, and summer camps.

Pre-game and post-game parties are the norms outside the stadium’s gates, where a DJ or live band is known to play. Grab a bite from one of the multiple local food vendors or purchase grab-n-go bites at CityScan. James Beard award-winning Chef Craft designed the food experience.

PRO TIP: The Pitch Club provides a VIP experience, and attendees meet players as they enter and exit the stadium. Twenty-eight premium suites and 32 pitch boxes offer an elevated experience.

CITYPark soccer stadium — The stadium’s turf consists of Bermuda with rye for deep roots shipped from the Carolinas. Mobile grow lights keep it green on no-sun days.

TAKE A TOUR

St. Louis Aquarium

Saltwater fish. Sharks. Turtles. Stingrays. The St. Louis Aquarium (201 S. 18th St.), within walking distance of the Union Station Hotel, is home to over 13,000 sea creatures. Hands-on activity areas teach visitors of all ages about the native habitats of the animals. The rope bridge over Shark Canyon and Stingray Touch Tank are must-experience features, and the animal encounters led by aquarium ambassadors are worth the visit.

I recommend experiencing the interactive train raid that departs every 15 minutes. The virtual experience is like taking a Union Station train under the sea!

PRO TIP: Purchase aquarium tickets in advance or be disappointed when they sell out. Other family-friendly attractions nearby include a carousel, mini golf park, outdoor Ferris wheel, and ropes course.

aquarium in St. Louis — Opened in 2019, the aquarium’s Animal Care Team teaches about animals ten times daily.

Riverboats at the Gateway Arch

If touring the famous Gateway Arch, the most entertaining way to get there is by boat. The Riverboats at the Gateway Arch offer one-hour daily cruises to the monument and back on the Mississippi River. Since the days of the Gateway Arch’s construction, onlookers have enjoyed the leisurely ride to admire the skyline and monument for photo-worthy views.

After a catered lunch in the dining room, our group climbed the stairs to the upper deck for the best view. The waters were calm, and the boat crew’s hospitality was top-notch.

PRO TIP: Check the website for thematic river cruise excursions like PJs, Pancakes, Skyline Dinner Cruise, or the Blues Cruise.

St. Louis Gateway Arch — Cruises on the river are available March-November.

Gateway Arch Museum & The St. Louis Arch

You can’t visit The Lou without a trip to the Gateway Arch Museum and a ride on the tram to the top of The Arch, America’s tallest monument spanning an awe-inspiring 630 feet. It’s a National Park (the smallest!) with 91 acres completed in 1965, which Thomas Jefferson envisioned as the Gateway to the West.

Take it from me, someone who is incredibly afraid of heights and small spaces, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll regret not doing at least once. Plus, the 30-mile east and west view from the top of The Arch is worth the effort.

St. Louis Arch — The ride in the tram pod seats five people (snug!) and is well-lit throughout the four-minute ride up. The decent takes a bit less time.

Opened in 2018, the Gateway Arch Museum features highly interactive and engaging displays that explain how the city was founded, the people who settled there, and how it evolved into a city noted for its innovative spirit.

PRO TIP: Buy your tickets online in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, as tickets can sell out quickly.

Downtown St. Louis — View from the top of The Arch overlooking downtown St. Louis.

City Museum

How do you describe a place that defies one’s imagination? City Museum (750 N 16th St.) describes itself as “weirdly wonderful,” but I’d call the multi-story building/outdoor attraction Whoville meets Willy Wonka meets a surrealist dream on steroids.

People of all ages love exploring its tunnels, slides, and thematic rooms. The entire complex includes adventure spaces except for a bar, gift shop, restaurant, and art gallery. Is it right for you and your kiddos? Review the website’s information page before purchasing tickets and paying for nearby parking.

PRO TIP: Visit on a cool day or dress in lightweight clothing with comfortable shoes. The museum heats up during summer due to a lack of air conditioning and indoor/outdoor tunnels.

City Museum St. Louis — One look at City’s Museum’s entrance and you know you’ve never seen anything like it.

OUTDOOR RECREATION

Forest Park

When I learned that Forest Park is twice the size of New York’s Central Park, my mouth dropped open in shock. After a tour of part of it, it is worth experiencing first-hand. Consisting of 1,300 acres, every kind of outdoor activity you can imagine exists, from paddle boating and canoeing to court sports and cycling.

Several historic buildings, including the Jewel Box (pictured below) and the Saint Louis Art Museum, are in the park. A trip to the park is not complete without a picnic on scenic Art Hill adjacent to the art museum with views of the basin.

PRO TIP: Plan to spend at least a few hours exploring the park to maximize the experience. View an interactive map.

Great Rivers Greenway

St. Louis is a community that appreciates its people and wants them to stay healthy and get outdoors. Great Rivers Greenway connects communities with 120-plus miles of paved trails for walking, cycling, and green recreational spaces. Designed with each community in mind, each trail offers views you wouldn’t see from a car.

The greenways allow people to traverse adjacent to water via forested city areas and stop at locally-owned businesses. The Brickline Greenway will connect The Foundry and The Amory (see below), making it possible for users to stop at each one for a bite to eat, to view a concert, or to do a little shopping.

Fresh Thyme grocery store is located at The Foundry, a portion of the Brickline Greenway.

INDOOR RECREATION

Armory at STL

Imagine an indoor playground designed for adults. Armory at STL is the biggest bar in the city, with endless entertainment opportunities, from playing games to watching a live concert. The 250,000-square-foot complex features interactive games, a two-story slide, TVs to watch the games, over 92 taps behind the bar, and VIP spaces.

The Armory — Bring a large group – there’s plenty of room to play!

At Happy Hour, our group enjoyed a nacho bar with cocktails and beer before playing immersive foosball, mega ping pong, and arcade games. We jumped at the chance to ride an adult-sized tricycle and paired up to teeter-totter.

PRO TIP: Watch the website for upcoming news and event details. The owner plans on adding a second-story outdoor bar space as well.

A foosball table made for large groups is unlike any table you’ve played before, making it a fun challenge even for four people.

Puttshack

Another new addition, Puttshack (3730 Foundry Way), is a must-stop during your St. Louis vacation for its high-tech 18-hole mini golf course.

The indoor course tracks your score for you while you play. Unlike a typical mini golf course, Puttshack’s holes are designed with a Carnival-like aesthetic. Depending on the hole’s design, your ball may need to travel through moving parts, bounce down a trail of snare drums, or pass through spiral paths.

It’s also a place that would be ideal for hosting a party. The restaurant serves globally-inspired dishes, and you can expect sophisticated cocktails as the main attraction at the bar. Remember, it’s best to reserve your gameplay online before arriving, especially on the weekends.

PRO TIP: Keep track of your assigned player number. It corresponds to your score on the TV monitors.

Putt Shack’s bar is approachable from all four sides and divides each 9-hole mini golf course.

BONUS PLACES TO EXPERIENCE

Football fans can root for the St. Louis Battlehawks at the Dome at America’s Center. The home of NASCAR, IndyCar, and NHRA, World Wide Technology Raceway is an adrenaline rush.

Art from six continents fills the Saint Louis Art Museum, while artifacts from days gone by makeup displays at the Missouri History Museum.

Exploring nature within the city limits with the family? Missouri Botanical Garden and the Saint Louis Zoo are essential stops.

Cardinals Nation — Ballpark Village is where all Cardinals fans hang out before and after the game.

You’ll have a blast in St. Louis, and I hope this comprehensive city guide provides helpful resources to plan your vacation to St. Louis. As they say, there is always something new in The Lou.

Keep the road trip going! If you’re in the Kansas City area, I suggest checking out my blog post, 7 Ways to Explore Culture in Kansas City, for more urban adventures.

Pillars of the Valley — Outside of CITYPARK soccer stadium, an area memorializes the former Mill Creek Valley neighborhood demolished in the 1950s for an urban renewal project.

Kansas Wineries and Tasting Rooms Worth Experiencing

January 31, 2022 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

Updated May 23, 2023

Calling all wine enthusiasts! I have a treat for you.

After traveling extensively across the Sunflower State, I realized I had explored several Kansas wineries. I’ve compiled a guide for your reference if you’re searching for the perfect tasting merlot or flavorful fruit wine.

WINERIES & TASTING ROOMS

SHILOH VINEYARD & WINERY: WaKeeney, KS

Drive west from WaKeeney on KS I-70 to Exit 120 to M Road to get to Shiloh Vineyard & Winery (17079 M Rd.). I was told it was a popular stop for visitors searching for a relaxing place to sip wine and enjoy the gorgeous scenery. A family-owned winery founded in 2008 by the Johnstons, it features a tasting room and event space and is an official Harvest Host for overnight RV guests.

A popular venue for hosting weddings, receptions, and private parties, the barn below is available for rental. A nearby patio attached to the tasting room provides outdoor seating.

The winery and event spaces stay consistently busy, but they always welcome wine lovers who show up to sample wine.

Visit the tasting room to enjoy the winery’s long list of varieties, order a wine flight or ask about the Wine of the Week. I would highly recommend asking for a guided tour to fully appreciate the winery. Visitors can schedule an informative tour by appointment.

EMPTY NESTER’S WINERY: Lecompton, KS

Aside from hosting history seekers, Lecompton is home to several businesses, including Empty Nester’s Winery (338 Elmore St.). Owned and operated by a husband and wife team, they serve a variety of fruit wines. Surprisingly, the wines didn’t taste as sweet as I expected.

Opened in January 2021, visitors can choose from four dry wines and 12 semi-sweet wines for a tasting flight. Ask for a wine slushy!

When the owners are not busy making wine or socializing with customers, they also make preserves, jams, and jellies available for sale in the tasting room.

Empty Nester’s Winery focuses on quality wine and excellent customer service. They host game night on Thursdays and invite a food truck to park out front on occasion.

Z&M TWISTED WINERY & TASTING ROOM: Leavenworth, KS

Everywhere you turn in Leavenworth, a business or group proudly supports the military. Z&M Twisted Vineyard & Tasting Room (620 Cherokee St.) is no different. They partner with Homegrown by Heroes and Farmer Veteran Coalition Kansas to produce locally sourced wine.

The veteran-owned and operated winery’s tasting room is centrally located downtown across from Hay Market Square. They are open for wine tastings and retail shopping. I chose a seat at the tasting room counter and ordered the Tasting of the Month, a flight of five selections.

A flight lets you discover a wine you will appreciate the most – take home a bottle for your personal collection. They also sell jarred jellies and gifts for all of the wine lovers in your life.

Plan a visit to the tasting room by viewing their hours here. Call ahead to book group visits and reserve space for events.

PAISLEY PEAR WINE BAR, BISTRO and MARKET: Hays, KS

Another delightful space to relax and unwind after exploring downtown Hays is Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market (1100 Main St). Established in 2017, the wine bar has been serving beverage flights and wine slushies since 2017.

I chose a $12 wine flight of dry varieties during my visit from a long list of options. My favorite selection was a cabernet sauvignon from Skyfall Vineyards. Thankfully, my server was kind enough to provide me with cheese samples from Alma Creamery, which paired well with all of my choices.

ROWE RIDGE VINEYARD & WINERY: Kansas City, KS

As a Kansan, I’m still amazed that the state produces incredible wine considering the extreme weather we often experience in the Midwest. I was impressed with Rowe Ridge Vineyard & Winery (11255 Leavenworth Rd), a five-minute drive from my lunch stop. The tasting room offers vino enthusiasts a chance to sample flights of a large selection of wines (6 wines + logo glass $8).

Located on 10 acres, the tasting room is open Thursday-Sunday from 12 pm-5 pm or by appointment. Marc and Pame Rowe have operated the vineyard since 2005 and depend on volunteers to help them harvest grapes from over 3,000 vines.

The first vineyard in Wyandotte County produces 9 varieties of hybrid and American native grapes.

I recommend bringing someone with you to the tasting room, and each purchases a different flight so you can sample all of the wines. When in doubt, choose the dry to semi-sweet flight. Bottles range from $17-$18, and fruit wine bottles are $16. View the current list of wines available here.

GRACE HILL WINERY: Whitewater, KS

There’s no better time to enjoy Grace Hill Winery in Whitewater, Kansas (6310 S. Grace Hill Rd) than during fall. The weather is delightful for an impromptu charcuterie and tasting experience from the top deck.

We enjoyed Chloe’s Cuvée, a semi-sweet white, and then sipped in Beach Day Rosé. We brought snacks since it was my birthday, but they do sell goodies to nibble on. When inside the tasting room, use a map pin to mark your hometown, and don’t forget to say hi to the winery’s cute cat.

An indoor tasting room also serves about a dozen wine drinkers at a time. Bottles of wine are available for purchase. I recommend arriving when they open on the weekend to avoid waiting to be served, or you can book a tasting here. View their food and wine menu here.

There is always a fun event planned at the winery. Check this link to see what upcoming events are open to the public.

WANDERING VINE AT THE CASTLE: Shawnee, KS

What could feel more magical than drinking fine wine inside a castle? Visit Wandering Vine at the Castle (12401 Johnson Dr.) to enjoy a delicious chef-prepared meal and a wine flight. Open Wednesday-Saturday for lunch and dinner, the castle welcomes locals and tourists seeking a sophisticated dining experience.

The building has been several businesses over the years but has always remained a memorable landmark on the edge of downtown Shawnee.

It’s owned by Kansas City residents who have enlisted the expertise of an executive chef and sommelier to celebrate food and drink. One step inside the castle, and you are transported to an exceptionally beautiful setting.

Reservations are highly recommended; however, I stopped by the castle for a wine flight during the late afternoon between meal times and was served swiftly in the bar area. I chose Reds of the World, a flight that included three pours from Portugal, Washington, and Spain ($16). Premium wine flights are $26. I loved them all.

KC WINE CO.: Olathe, Kansas

KC Wine Co. (13875 S. Gardner Rd.) is not just a tasting room next to a vineyard. It’s a winery destination located on five acres with a multitude of things for visitors to enjoy. You’ll love the famous wine slashes, traditional wines, and hard ciders.

The owners wanted guests to use all of the senses while visiting. Whether you’re noting the smell of fresh cedar inside the red barn or sitting on a swing and enjoying the view with a wine glass, you’ll get the full experience.

STONE PILLAR VINEYARD & WINERY: Olathe, Kansas

Stone Pillar Vineyard & Winery (11000 S. Woodland St.) is nestled in the heart of Olathe. Well, technically, Olathe built itself up around the vineyard. It seems more like Olathe built itself around the vineyard, given that the property’s deed from 1865 hangs framed on the wall. The five-generations, family-owned vineyard, and winery produced wine, hard ciders, and wine slushies.

ROSEWOOD CELLAR: Great Bend, Kansas

Rosewood Wine Cellar (1901 Lakin Ave.) is a shop devoted to vino enthusiasts. Of course, you’ll find a wine-tasting bar (free samples!) and rows of handcrafted wine bottles for sale, but the store is much more than another retail store.

Rosewood Wine Cellar’s products are made or harvested by client-employees with disabilities. Each time you purchase at the shop, you sustain employment for them.

The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about the award-winning wines. They carry two dozen wine varieties grown a short drive west of town.

WINE TRAILS

Die-hard wine enthusiasts will appreciate that a mapped wine trail is made especially for them. The Kaw Valley Wine Trail includes 16 Kansas wineries located in the northeastern part of the state. You should also check the Kansas Wineries map by KC Wine Road.

To get a glimpse of all of the wineries in the state, use Kansas Tourism’s interactive map to plot your course.

Can’t make it to a winery? Tune into the KNSS 98.7FM radio show, “The Good Life” with Guy Bower on Saturdays from 12 pm-1 pm, a Wichita-based wine expert who chats with guests about food and wine.

Enjoy the adventure and cheers!