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456 Wineries sees growth
published March 4, 2021The Kansas Department of Agriculture profiled 456 Wineries in their publication-Trademark Connections. The Winery is operated by Scott Kohl, Director of Viticulture and Enology for Highland Community College and Candice Fitch-Dietz, Vineyard Manager/Viticulture Instructor for Highland Community College and is located in Wamego, Kansas.
Wine a little. Smile a lot.
Nothing but bright faces in Wamego, Kansas, where 456 Wineries brings smiles to those in the area by promoting local start-up wineries and bringing community members together over a glass of locally grown and produced deliciousness.
456 Wineries is the result of big dreams and dedicated work from those at Highland Vineyards and Winery, a division of Highland Community College. Originating from programs designed to educate students about grape growing and winemaking, Highland Vineyards and Winery has expanded beyond its own four vineyards and has purchased necessary equipment to assist fellow wineries in building their operations, clientele and inventory. This was accomplished through the construction of 456 Wineries, a business incubator and tasting room, which opened its doors in the late summer of 2019.
Since then, countless people have enjoyed a fun afternoon or evening of wine-tasting, and the local wineries have been able to flourish because of the resources made available to them. You will find five winemaking companies within 456 Wineries.
The first is Highland Vineyards and Winery’s own collection of wines. Highland Vineyards and Winery planted its first vines in 2009 and began selling wine in 2012 which it grows on its four vineyards in northeast Kansas.
The second is Bodine Wine Company. Owned by Bob Bodine and family, it is a medium-sized Osage County farm. Eight years ago, the Bodine family planted its first vineyard in the interest of diversifying their farm.
The third is Zydeco Meadery. Two students from the Highland viticulture and enology program, GW Clift and Eric Depradine, decided to team up in their wine production efforts, giving rise to Zydeco Meadery.
The fourth is Red Rock Hill Vineyards. Roy Garrett and family started Red Rock Hill Vineyards and joined the incubator just in time for the 2020 grape harvest. They reside near Westmoreland, Kansas.
The fifth and final winery is Hiatus Wine. They are from Lawrence, Kansas, and will join the production space this spring! Stay tuned for updates.
Come try all of the wines 456 Wineries has to offer with five samples for only $5. You get to keep the glass! You can find the complete list of wines here. Be sure to inquire about reservations for private parties.
Additionally, stay tuned for outdoor events as the weather warms up. 456 Wineries is planning to host these events from April to October during several Saturdays throughout each month. These events include live music from local musicians and good eats from local food trucks. Come hang out and enjoy the fire pit! Be sure to periodically check out the events page and 456 Wineries' Facebook and Instagram pages for upcoming events!
