Check out these Wyatt-approved recommendations for local wineries in the Topeka area. Be sure to check back next month for a set of recommendations for wineries near Lawrence/KC.
Glaciers Edge Winery
Location: 1636 SE 85th St, Wakarusa
Reason to Visit: Relaxed, quaint winery tucked away in the countryside. Started by a former science teacher, the wine tasting is given in test tubes (and a glass) which make for a unique experience. The outdoor patio space is nice and comfortable, with a fireplace to keep you warm and cozy when temps go back down. Classy enough for a date spot, you could probably also show up riding a four-wheeler or ATV and be just fine. I think I saw the owner riding one back to his nearby house when I was on Tube 4 of my tasting. Perfect for these hot summer weekends we've been having, they also have refreshing wine slushes. They often feature musicians for First Fridays, so swing through Topeka for an Art Walk then head south to the winery to continue the festivities.
Tag: Most Unique Tasting Experience
Prairie Fire Winery
Location: 20250 Hudson Ranch Rd., Paxico
Reason to Visit: Located less than 30 minutes west of Topeka, this aptly named winery sits in the expansive rolling flint hills where prairie fires are farming tradition. The winery has a laid back, leave-your-worries-at-the-cattle-guard vibe, with free music on the weekends and loads of outdoor seating. You can walk all around the property, and even take a rest on strategically placed benches to take in the view. The winery uses Kansas grown grapes and has plenty of options from which to choose. For those looking to make dry and sweet drinkers happy, I recommend the 2016 Chamburcin Semi Dry. Keep things country-classy with their house-made summer sausage, some local cheese and crackers. Save a little extra time before leaving to check out their Prairie Fire Candles, and peruse their flint hills books, postcards and more.
Tag: Best Lazy Sunday Spot
Liquid Art Winery & Estate
Location: 1745 Wildcat Creek Rd., Manhattan
Reason to Visit: Simply put, this winery is beautiful. Located on a dirt road just outside of Manhattan, this winery is perfect for a romantic date. Order a pizza, grab a glass of your favorite (the Winemakers Red is a crowd favorite) and grab a patio seat to watch the sunset slowly recede into the wine covered flint hills. In addition to their artfully crafted wine, the born and bred Kansas couple behind the winery also makes Dave and Dani ciders. You can find your classic cider varieties, as well as "Test Taps" such as Cherry Chai and Berry Blooze. Among the other wineries in Kansas I've visited, Liquid Art has the most beautiful estate. If you, or a friend, are looking for a beautiful venue for a wedding, date night, or flint hills adventure this place is well worth the trip (even for you KU fans).
Tag: Best Date Night Spot
Crooked Post Winery
Location: 7397 K92 Hwy., Ozawkie
Reason to Visit: Their tag line is "New World Vines Make Old World Vines." Who knows what that means. But here's the deal, this little winery, which opened in 2014 after supplying grapes to Kansas Wineries for five years, will make for a delightful little trip away from the city. Located close to Lake Perry, this winery is "Italian inspired" in both its architecture and wines but feels more like a proper Kansas post-lake-day spot. If you can swing it, go for a Friday Night Date Night Special where you get a bottle of wine, a wood-fire brick oven pizza, and two slices of cheesecake for $32. They also have Norseman (of North Topeka pride) beers on tap. On the wine side, you'll find lots of options they've crafted from their Kansas grown grapes, including a sweet Vignoles made from one of our State grapes (the other is Chamburcin). This is the sort of place you go for a charity Bingo event (June 25th if you're interested), shoot the breeze with the friendly staff, and have a nice glass of wine while you're at it.
Tag: Best Lake Day Spot
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