Huffington Magazine Issue 50 | Page 107

BEST SUMMER EVER HUFFINGTON 05.26.13 LEWIS AND CLARK STATE PARK L ROAD TRIP 1 LIFESTYLE FOOD 2 3 SMITHVILLE Missouri Wine Trail 29 When you think of American wine, you think of the Napa Valley — not Missouri. But believe it or not, there’s some fine wine to be had in the Midwest. We’ve got a one-day trail that’ll introduce you to the reds, whites and booze of Missouri. 1. Riverwood Winery riverwoodwinery.com 22200 Highway 45 North Rushville, MO 64484 (816) 579-9797 MISSOURI DIVISION OF TOURISM/FLICKR There’s a lot more to do here than just drink wine. Check out Riverwood’s calendar of events for live music and performances or themed wine tastings. They even recommend nearby locations for hiking and birding. 2. Jowler Creek nwmissouriwine.com 16905 Jowler Creek Rd. Platte City, Missouri 64079 (816) 858-5528 Missouri’s first green vineyard and winery is just 30 minutes north of downtown Kansas City. It’s worth the visit just to see the grazing sheep 4 KANSAS S CITY and chickens that keep the land up to par, but Jowler also boasts nine award-winning wines. We know that’s why you’re really there. 3. Ladoga Ridge Winery ladogaridgewinery.com 100 E. Pope Ln. Smithville, Missouri 64089 (816) 866-4077 If you like your wine fruity, this is the LIBERTY place for you. Ladoga Ridge won six medals in the 2013 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, and check out four of the flavors that won: Chococherry Kiss, Strawberry Rhubarb, Blackberry and Peach. 4. Belvoir Winery belvoirwinery.com 1325 Odd Fellows Rd. Liberty, MO 64068 (816) 200-1811 Open seven days a week, Belvoir has one of the most gorgeous settings of the bunch. Take a stroll around the historic property, which includes Belvoir’s own vineyards on site. Make sure you get a taste of all six varieties: three reds and three whites.