19 wineries in 2.5 days- Day 1 Winery #3

Leaving Westphalia, we headed S. on highway 63 towards St. James. About a 50 minute drive through some gorgeous scenery and winding roads. Along the way, we decided it would be a good time for a snack, and thanks to my little idea, I had brainstormed a travelling charcuterie "bag". We had a variety of olives, cubed cheese, some meats and well... grapes! We munched as we headed to our next stop.

Meramec Vineyard and Winery was our 3rd stop for the day. Located just off of highway 44, the winery was reestablished in 2018 after being put up for sale by the previous owners. A beautiful building just a stone's throw away from St. James winery offers tastings pioneered virtually by owners, Joe and Michelle. You just scan the QR code provided and they will walk you through each wine and there you learn little tidbits along the way. Unfortunately, at the time they were out of their Missouri Norton (red) and Missouri Chardonel (white) and in exchanged, offered us two of their seasonal sangrias to try.

In that case: We started off with their Missouri Chambourcin (red), a rare vintage 2015. We got a little more of the cherry notes rather than the peppery as known with Chambourcin. Silvio's Red (red) is the handed-down recipe from the original owners of Meramec Vineyards. Its fruity-ness was a little dry for our taste. Route 66 (red) was a combination of Concord, Chambourcin, Catawaba and St. Vincent grapes. It didn't really peak our interest much, possibly from too much going on at once. Romance Red (red), was a sweet and seductive Concord wine. It was really good. Sweet Cat (rose'), a blush style wine with Catawba grapes was delicious as well. a $1 from each bottle purchased benefits rescue, foster and adoption of local pets! Missouri Vignoles (white), was definitely on the drier side (although semi-dry), we got more acidity than tropical flavors that the description gives. Celebration Cove (white). made with Niagra grapes (native to the New York region), Joe and Michelle described it as sweet and "sunshine in a bottle". I was not a fan at all and Aaron thought it was ok. It could just very well be that we're not very familiar with Niagra grapes.

The summer sangrias though, were on a whole new level! We have to give the owners props for that! We had 4 to choose from and we chose Mermaid on the Cove and Blackberry Basil (the other two were Mango Mai Tai and Cucumber Mint). Mermaid on the Cove tasted exactly what you imagine a clear, blue sandy beach. Light and refreshing with a hint of coconut. Blackberry Basil was the perfect mix of Blackberry wine with a basil leaf (we're just guessing as descriptions were not given).

We only spent about 15 minutes here as we didn't get the usual one-on-one with any particular person for the tasting. We would love to give them another try once COVID has lessen its grip. Each Friday they host a Pups N Pint night and very so often live music is featured on Saturdays. Check their website at meramecvineyards.com for more information!