One thing nice about our midwestern area is that we can take some nice drives here and find ourselves in wine country!

If you know wine, you already know that Missouri  is giving California a run for their money! You might have heard but some of the award winning wines that are coming out of these winerys. Germany never seems too far away, when you take a trip out to Hermann . The rolling hills and spectacular views here will take you on a mini-vacation! Stop by the wineries at: Hermannhof, Stone Hill, St. James, or Mount Pleasant (located in nearby Augusta ). Blumenhof Winery is located in Dutzow, just off the Katy Trail. Some of the wineries charge a small fee on summer weekends, but tours during the week, there is no charge.

Out in Marthasville, you'll find the grape growers, Connie and Dan Burkhardt hard at work on their vineyards. Stop by for a tour at Bethlehem Valley. Did you know that grape growers and wine makers are usually 2 separate businesses? Dan sells his grapes to a winery and they make his own label with the state grape Norton (or Cynthiana) a robust red wine.

Now if you're planning a romantic weekend, you might want to check out the nearby Bed & Breakfasts that are in that area too. Don't delay in getting a date scheduled. If you like antique shops and river views, you're gonna love visiting here.

  Register NOW for the 2007 Midwest Grape and Wine Conference, Tan-Tar-A Resort, Osage Beach, Missouri taking place on February 3 - 5, 2007. Have a grape time!

For past award winning wine suggestions: