Ring in the New Year with local wine, beer and spirits

By Christine Hill

Toast the New Year with holiday spirits from local breweries, wineries and distilleries. The Kansas City metro area is one of the best places in the Midwest for an assortment of vineyards, breweries and wineries that offer tours and tastings during the holiday season.

For a warm cottage style atmosphere, visit Albonee Country Inn and Vineyards in Independence, MO. Make your stay at this family winery a memorable one with a hearty breakfast and wine sampling at the winery. For an eco-friendly experience, visit Jowler Creek Vineyard located 30 minutes north of downtown Kansas City. Jowler Creek is Missouri’s first green vineyard and winery. Owners Colleen and Jason Gerke utilize solar panels to power their winery, and a method of rotational grazing of Olde English Babydoll sheep to control weed and grass growth.. Enjoy nine award-winning wines at the on-site tasting room open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays.

Boulevard Brewing Company is one of the largest specialty brewers in the Midwest. Located on Southwest Boulevard in Kansas City, MO, the brewery offers free public tours throughout the year. Indulge in the tastes of the holiday season with one of Boulevard’s holiday beers, Nutcracker Ale, a winter specialty that features a rich amber color and caramel toffee malt flavor with a mix of spicy Chinook hops.

No matter what type holiday spirits you wish to sip, the metro area is a great place to fill your mug or glass.

Breweries

Boulevard Brewing Company 2501 Southwest Blvd., Kansas City, MO

Double Shift Brewing 412 East 18th St., Kansas City, MO

Free State Brewing Company 636 Massachusetts St., Lawrence, KS

Kansas City Bier Company 310 W. 79th St., Kansas City, MO

The Big Rip Brewing Company 216 E. 9th Ave., North Kansas City, MO

Distilleries

Dark Horse Distillery 11740 W 86th Terr., Lenexa, KS

S.D. Strong Distilling 8500 N.W. River Park Dr., Parkville, MO

Wineries

Albonee Country Inn and Vineyards 2200 S. Crenshaw Rd., Independence, MO

Amigoni Urban Winery 1505 Genessee St., #100, Kansas City, MO

Arcadian Moon Vineyards and Winery 19203 Old U.S. 40, Higginsville, MO

Baltimore Bend Vineyard 27150 U.S. 24, Waverly, MO

Black Silo Winery 4030 E. 10^th St., Trenton, MO

Bushwhacker Bend Winery 515 First St., Glasgow, MO

Fahrmeier Family Vineyards and Winery 9300 Mitchell Trail, Lexington, MO

Jowler Creek Vineyard and Winery 16905 Jowler Creek Rd., Platte City, MO

LaBela Vineyards and Winery 11644 Flournoy School Rd., Wellington, MO

Ladoga Ridge Winery 100 E. Pope Ln., Smithville, MO

Mallinson Vineyard and Hall 3029 N. River Blvd., Sugar Creek, MO

Middlecreek Winery at Graue Vineyards 4353 W. 351st St., Louisburg, KS

Nighthawk Winery 16381 W. 343rd St., Paola, KS

Pirtle Winery 502 Spring St., Weston, MO

Riverwood Winery 22200 State Road 45 N., Rushville, MO

Stonehaus Farms Winery 24607 NE Colbern Rd., Lee’s Summit, MO

75^th Street Brewery 520 W. 75th St., Kansas City, MO

Somerset Ridge Vineyard-Winery 29725 Somerset Rd., Paola, KS

Wine Barn Winery 2850 N. 119th St., Kansas City, KS