During our annual summer roadtrip back to Kansas and Missouri, we spent one July afternoon checking out a brand new local winery near Baldwin City, Kansas — Haven Pointe Winery — that offers red and white varietals as well as mead and apple wine. Run by Senator Tom Holland, it’s a great way to meet your local representative if you live in Kansas’s 3rd district.
We’re of the opinion that more politicians should talk one-on-one with their constituents — and in this political climate, a little alcohol makes discussing politics that much more bearable.
But we didn’t talk politics…we talked WINE (and mead!) Here’s how we rated the tastings:
* Liked It
** Loved It
*** Bought It
All of the wines asterisked got purchased by at least one person in our group, so you can see we were happy tasters!
Chambourcin* | Fruit-forward, light oak, easy drinking — good local red to have stocked in your cellar.
Lover’s Embrace** | Norton/Cynthiana blend with a dash of Chambourcin. A little spicy kick! I’m a Norton fan (and,
you know, I’m a spicy fan) so this was my kind of red.
Rollicking Red | Blend of unoaked Chambourcin and Steuben. Beautiful bright red “rollicking” color, but too tart for our preference.
Steuben | Striking salmon color with a bit of cherry that could pair well with chicken.
Chambourcin Rosé** | This rosé was a popular purchase in our group, and it’s definitely one of the only rosés I’ve ever wanted to compliment (and Kretch liked it, too!) We’ve decided this is the all-time summer porch-sitting wine.
Apple Wine*** | This is my kind of apple wine — surprisingly dry, unlike other fruit wines. We discussed a lot of pairing options: pork roast, ribs, and fish tacos with fresh salsa. Saving this one to celebrate the first day of fall…!
Mead* | Another not-too-sweet surprise, this mead has only 1.5% residual sugar and a bit of a zing!
Raspberry Mead*** | Delightful, crisp, floral — perfectly refreshing for a picnic. Saving this one for August to celebrate the first harvest holiday and our final salute to summer as the school year begins.
The
Traminette was not available the day we tasted, but you can
find Haven Pointe wines in Baldwin City, Lawrence (6 locations), Basehor, Leavenworth, Overland Park, Shawnee, and Topeka, Kansas. Plus, Haven Pointe Winery will be introducing 3 new wines in the fall for the sweeter palate.
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