Father's Day Weekend has it all in Historic Missouri Wine Country!

Come Join In The 2nd Annual Wine Country Fest!

Father's Day Weekend - June 16 - 18, 2017

Father's Day weekend in Defiance will have a little bit of something for everyone.  Why not come out and honor dad with one of these fun activities?

Dancing in Defiance
Friday night June 16th will have you listening to the amazing sounds of "HoneyVox" in the beauty of wine country.  Ticket price is $25 per person which includes music, a commemorative glass, and 2 drink tickets (redeemable for beer or wine).  Doors open at 6:30 pm, beverages available for purchase as well as gourmet picnic dinners created by Valenti's Catering ($20.95 each). 
Both event tickets and picnic dinners are available through the Festival's Online Store:  https://squareup.com/store/wine-country-fest  Go on the store and click on the icon/pics to order.  Tickets are limited to this rain or shine event (good thing they have a large, covered pavilion!)

Find out more information on the Fest's Facebook page at:  Facebook.com/WineCountryFest and look under the individual events.

The Rest of the Festival

Why not park for FREE at Wine Country Gardens and take the Wine Country Shuttle to the various event locations?  There will be the Wine Country Market next to the Post Office on both Saturday and Sunday, a BBQ competition on Saturday, and Car - Truck - Motorcycle shows on Sunday at various locations in town.

It's all happening in Defiance for Father's Day, so bring Dad out to enjoy the weekend!

Spring in Historic Missouri Wine Country

This spring promises to offer a lot to do in Historic Missouri Wine Country!

Here's what's happening around the region -- don't miss out!

APRIL 2017

Barrel Tasting and Wine Country Market at The Yellow Farmhouse Winery, Saturday April 8th, including the Rack & Clutch Fashion Truck, Food trucks, music and more!

The Wine Country Market has their season "Sneek Preview" at the Yellow Farmhouse Winery on Saturday, April 8th from noon to 5 pm.  Check out items from local artisans including food, jewelry, and more.

The Augusta Brewing Company Spring Thaw Fest on Saturday, April 22nd including a Chili Cookoff, some folks from the Brewer's Association with tasty beer, live music and lots more!

The Augusta Plein Air Art Festival runs April 19th to April 30th throughout Historic Missouri Wine Country.  There are so many things to watch and participate in!  Artists come from all over the country to paint the beauty of the region at various daily events, most which are open to the public.  Don't miss out - go to https://www.facebook.com/AugustaPleinAirArtEvent/
to see the event schedule.

MAY 2017

The Daniel Boone Home is hosting their first Brew Fest on Saturday, May 20th, noon to 5pm.  Tickets must be purchased in advance.
For more info go to:  https://www.facebook.com/events/1933974853490844

JUNE 2017

The Wine Country Fest will be celebrated in and around the Defiance area over Father's Day weekend, June 16, 17, and 18.  Friday night June 16th will be the "kick off" event, "Dancing In Defiance" at the Yellow Farmhouse Winery.  Saturday, June 17th will feature a BBQ competition at the Trail Smokehouse, and Sunday will feature a car show at Wine Country Gardens, along with a Truck Show and Motorcycle show in town.  In addition, there will be live music at the Wine Country Market that will be "Festival Central" and housed in the Mason's Park next to the Defiance Post Office.  For more information, keep checking at:  https://www.facebook.com/WineCountryFest/

The Next Chapter

Ready for Retirement "For Real" This Time...

When we told friends and family that we were going to buy a former bed & breakfast building, remodel it, open it, and run it as a small Boutique Bed & Breakfast, many of them (quite frankly) thought we were crazy (but at least they didn't all say it to our faces... ha)!

With Jeff getting ready for retirement from Anheuser-Busch after 27 years, we thought it would be fun to run a business together for 3 to 5 years (or at least until our friends began to retire).  Okay, read into this "Chris thought it would be fun for her and Jeff to run a business together for 3 to 5 years."  Jeff agreed, and our adventure as "Innkeepers" began.

Building up the business from scratch, gutting and remodeling a large portion of the property, learning about zoning, wastewater treatment facilities, SEO, social media, reservation systems, etc., was a large learning curve, but one we found challenging (and we have always loved a good challenge).  We had worked together similarly early on in our marriage, when we started the St. Louis Chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation with a childhood friend in 1986.  That too, was fun and challenging.  We did some research and decided to become "Aspiring Innkeepers" with the state Bed & Breakfast association.  We met a great group of folks with Bed & Breakfast Inns of Missouri (BBIM), and they have been wonderful mentors along the way.  We opened the business, became certified and approved as a Missouri Bed & Breakfast, and away we went, serving travelers to our area.

All of that being said, we are now approaching our fourth season as Innkeepers.  We have had a blast hosting people from all over the world; providing some R&R to weary travelers; giving recommendations on activities, wineries, and restaurants, and meeting amazingly fun people.  In fact, many of our repeat guests are now considered treasured friends.  We've just received another consecutive year's "Certificate of Excellence" from Trip Advisor, thanks to the generous reviews by our guests.  That could not have been accomplished, however, without the culinary expertise of Chef John Richardson, who is like family to us.  He consistently brought unique, tasty, and farm-fresh menu items to our guests, while providing them with cooking tips along the way.  John stayed with us for almost three full seasons until he took a great position at Montelle Winery.  Jeff, who always was our weekday cook, picked up John's weekend Chef duties and finished up our third season in fabulous style.

So, we've decided as we begin year four that we've accomplished what we set out to do and we are now ready to find new owners who want to take the business to the next level.  With our oldest son getting engaged, both our children living out of town, an aging parent, and our friends now retiring, we're now ready to pass on to the next phase of our lives.  We are going to continue providing the best service possible until we find new owners who are ready for this to be the new adventure in their lives. 

Do you know someone who would make great new owners and Innkeepers?  If so, please pass this on to them.

In the meantime, we'll look forward to seeing our return guests and meeting new ones along the way!

To view the listing, click on the link below.  We are selling the business as a total "turn key" opportunity. 

http://www.mlsfinder.com/mo_maris/kw_886/index.cfm?action=listing_detail&property_id=16000228&searchkey=c74ca6ca-9904-b4d4-693e-7223d115e4cf

Winter in Wine Country

A lot of people often ask, "what is there to do in wine country in the winter?"

The answer is... A LOT!

Wineries --
The majority of the wineries in Historic Missouri Wine Country are open, with indoor seating, many with fireplaces and several with food.  You can also catch a "pop-up dinner" at Montelle Winery on select nights, special events at Noboleis, Mount Pleasant, and Chandler Hill, or just stop in for a glass of wine and bring your own food to Sugar Creek.  There is always something going on at these fine places.

Hiking --
A hike in the winter is often said to be the best time of year.  With the foliage gone, it is easy to see wildlife, landscape formations, and a beauty that isn't always visible.  You can find some great hikes off of Highway 94 at the Lewis & Clark Trail, Klondike Park, Lost Valley Trail, Matson Hill Park, or just walk the Katy Trail between Defiance and Weldon Spring to see some beauty.

Historic Sites --
Everyone knows the story of Daniel Boone, don't they?  If not, drive out to the historic Daniel Boone Home, now a St. Charles County Park.  There you can tour the home, visit Boonefield village, and learn about a piece of pioneer history.  History can be found a short drive away on beautiful Main Street in St. Charles, one of the sites of the Lewis & Clark adventure. 

Of course, there are also plenty of quaint B & B's in the area from Defiance to Augusta if you'd like to experience more than a day.  Don't let the winter keep you at home when there is so much to do just a short drive away from the city.  There's always plenty to do in Historic Missouri Wine Country!

The 2016 Holiday Season in Historic Missouri Wine Country

The Holiday Season is Approaching in Historic Missouri Wine Country!

Wanting something to do during November and December?  There's a lot to choose from in the beautiful rolling hills between Defiance and Augusta.

November:

Specialty Dinners --

Montelle Winery has private pairing dinners that are unique as well as delicious. Call to inquire.
Wine Country Gardens offers several seatings for a Thanksgiving Day feast. Reservations required.
The Silly Goose always has something different and unique on their menu. Eat Southern - yum.

Shopping --

Gallery Augusta regularly gets in unique furnishings as well as art work.
The Robin's Nest in Defiance has just decorated for the holidays and there are many gift items for everyone on your list.
Frisella's Nursery offers gifts that are for the house or garden.  Stop by to find some real gems.

Defiance Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony - Saturday, November 26th at Vera Jacobsen Park (next to the Trail Smokehouse) at 4:30 pm.


December:

Friday December 2nd -
Augusta Christmas Walk
Stroll around historic Augusta, shop, and dine amid streets lined with luminaries
Daniel Boone Home Candlelight Christmas Walk
Enjoy a guided tour of the Boone Home and explore the Boonesfield Village complete with period characters all amid the glow of candlelight. The Daniel Boone Home is now one of St. Charles County's fabulous parks.

Saturday December 3rd -
Defiance Christmas Festival:
- Dashing Through Defiance 5k Run.  Get registered through Fleet Feet.
- Breakfast Buffet at The Defiance Roadhouse Restaurant.
- Annual Defiance Christmas & Pet Parade at noon.
- Wine Country Market with vendors in the Mason's Lot in Defiance.
- Fun happenings at Sugar Creek Winery and Frisella's Nursery
- Yellow Farmhouse Winery end-of-season chocolate, wine, salsa, beer & fun evening.
- Daniel Boone Home Candlelight Christmas Walk

Friday December 9th -
Augusta Christmas Walk
Stroll around historic Augusta, shop, and dine amid streets lined with luminaries
Daniel Boone Home Candlelight Christmas Walk
Enjoy a guided tour of the Boone Home and explore the Boonesfield Village complete with period characters all amid the glow of candlelight.

Saturday December 10th -
Daniel Boone Home Candlelight Christmas Walk

Don't miss out on all the fun!

Autumn in Wine Country

If you wonder why we haven't been on top of our blog lately, it's because Autumn in Historic Missouri Wine Country "busy season" actually begins for us around the first week of September. We've been busy sharing with our guests all there is to do in our beautiful region.

There is something very magical about driving down the winding roads in St. Charles County, especially Highway 94.  Dotted with quaint wineries, micro breweries, restaurants, antique stores, "pick-your-own farms", river outfitters, boutique shops, a distillery, the Katy Trail, and picturesque landscape amid the changing colors, it is an escape just a short drive outside of St. Louis County.

Scenic Drive by Augusta as seen from Montelle Winery

  

And after the trees change color, the scene below shows the Autumn beauty of the region

Trees changing behind the vineyards at Noboleis Winery

 

View through the vineyards

Whether you are able to take a road trip for a day or spend a little more time in Historic Missouri Wine Country, it's like you are a world away from the city.  A Wine Country Getaway is Closer Than You Think!

Wine Country Fest June 17-19 2016

Father's Day Weekend has it all in Defiance

The Defiance Merchants Association has put together a fun-filled weekend over Fathers Day that is sure to have something to please everyone!  For more details or to register for some events go to:
WineCountryFest.com 

The weekend kicks off with Dancing in Defiance at Sugar Creek Winery.
Advanced Tickets can be purchased online for this evening of music & dancing above the Missouri River Valley in Historic Missouri Wine Country.

On Saturday, two events will be happening both in town and along the Katy Trail.  The Wine Country Market will be held in Masons Park, and the bicycle Pedal Poker Run will provide a fun 6.5 mile leisure ride along the Katy Trail, beginning at Wine Country Gardens, stopping at select locations, and ending at the Trail Smokehouse.

Sunday, Father's Day, wraps up the Fest with a second Day of the Wine Country Market, as well as a BBQ Competition at Chandler Hill Winery.

Admission to the BBQ competition is free for spectators, but competitors need to register online at ChandlerHillVineyards.com


Come on out to Historic Missouri Wine Country to enjoy Father's Day weekend!


 

Farewell to our Intern Claire!

The end of the semester means "goodbye" for our Intern

All good things come to an end, and unfortunately the end of the semester has come for our Intern, Claire.  Claire is completing her degree at the University of Missouri-Columbia in Hospitality Management; and we were fortunate that she wanted to spend time learning about our small bed & breakfast operation here in Defiance.

While she was here, she assisted us with check-ins and check-outs, serving breakfast to our guests, taking reservations, housekeeping, property management, marketing, and social media.  For those of our weekend guests who met her, you'll agree she is a real "gem" and will be successful in her future endeavors.

So, farewell to Claire -- we wish you all the best in the future!

Brian Spurgeon's Regional Art

The Gallery at Defiance open house with photographic artist Brian Spurgeon well received

The Gallery at Defiance hosted their holiday open house on Saturday, December 5th featuring a show by Brian Spurgeon.  Brian, a local photographic artist and member of the Defiance Merchant Association, showcased regional pieces representing the St. Louis Cardinals, Busch Stadium, Forest Park, Chandler Hill Winery's Fluesmeier House, the Augusta Bottoms area, as well as local wildlife and flora.  Many of Brian's pieces were framed in barnwood collected from the Historic Missouri Wine Country area.

 

Brian's work can be viewed by appointment at the Gallery or by contacting the artist directly through Take It Design.

6th Annual Defiance Christmas Festival - Saturday December 5th

Festival & Pet Parade in Historic Missouri Wine Country

 

Don't miss a small-town Christmas Tradition! Kick-off at noon, Wine Country Gardens, Hwy. 94 in Defiance, MO - parade route goes right on Defiance Road to St. Paul's U.C.C.

There's something about the smell of pine in the air, the jingling of sleigh bells, and watching a parade come down the street in small-town America.  The 6th Annual Defiance Christmas Festival will have something for everyone!  We're happy to announce our Grand Marshall -- Monica Adams of KTVI Channel 2 and (of course) Santa Claus!

Want details on how to get in on the fun?  Look at details below...

 Photos below are from 2014 Parade:
  

Sugar Creek Winery - Best Float Winner 2014

Chandler Hill Winery

Monica Adams with Santa

Pets on Parade

Tom Shaw Jr.

Pets (and People) on Parade

Just about harvest time in Historic Missouri Wine Country

Today we rode our bikes on the Katy Trail to Augusta from Defiance (as we often do), and surprisingly the smell of autumn seemed to be in the air.  It was an unseasonably cool August morning, and it was beautiful.  We saw several farmers in their fields harvesting, and now the vineyards are beginning to be ready for harvest as well.

It's really a lot of fun to watch the vineyards and wineries harvest their grapes.  The hard thing though, is to pinpoint exactly when they will be doing it.  So much depends upon the weather and the ripening of the grapes.

There's something beautifully peaceful about getting to one of the vineyards early in the morning and beginning the task of harvesting grapes or watching someone harvest grapes.  Keep a lookout on the winery websites for when they're harvesting their grapes and make a point of going to watch (or simply sample some of the finished product).

Next time you take a sip of a really good wine, think about what all went into the making of it, and be sure to thank the person who grew the grapes -- they're sort of performing a public service!

Hello summer - goodbye rain!

After weeks (and weekends) of non-stop torrential rain, the sun came out today as if to say "WELCOME SUMMER!"

Our garden is a little puny from too much water, but all of the plants welcomed the sunshine today.

We also put up the flag bunting, a sure sign of summer and our memories of summer fun - bike riding, winery visiting, picnics, etc. (Well, actually, Jeff put up the bunting and I supervised... Ha!)

While I'm on the deck writing this, I can smell freshly mowed grass and the birds are happily singing. All signs of the flash flooding we experienced the past few days are gone, and we all couldn't be happier! Thanks for showing up, summer!

Fall in Historic Missouri Wine Country

We've joined as a member of Historic Missouri Wine Country!

Historic Missouri Wine Region

Mention going to a winery or a wine region to the majority of people, and the first thing they seem to think of is Napa.  But what most people aren't aware of is that Missouri was the first federally-approved American Viticultural Area in the country (AVA).  This happened a full eight months before Napa became the second approved viticultural area.

So what's so special about Missouri's wine region?  Plenty.  The new Historic Missouri Wine Country organization exists to tell what's special and let people know what they've been missing.  Defiance, Missouri is at the gateway to Missouri's Historic Wine Region. 

Businesses who are part of this association are recognizable by special signs posted outside their business like ours below.

 

For more information on Historic Missouri Wine Country, go to their site:
Historic Missouri Wine Country

To read more about our local Defiance Wineries, visit:
The Inn at Defiance - Wineries