Great Northwest Winefest Oct. 11

Missouri’s Great Northwest Winefest will be held at Griffith Park in Mound City, Missouri, Saturday, October 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Now in its 16th year, the Winefest will welcome over 1,500 visitors who come to sip, shop, and celebrate Northwest Missouri’s finest offerings.

This year’s Winefest will feature wineries, breweries, and distilleries from across the region, including: Backyard Vine & Wine, Baltimore Bend Vineyard, DeLaney Winery, Fence Stile Vineyard & Winery, Jowler Creek Vineyard, Luna Umbra Winery, Levi Garrison & Sons Brewing CO., Long Line Distillery, The Windy Wine Company, R/Farm Distillery, Saint James Winery, Walnut Creek, Prairie Barn Winery, and The Wine Slushie Co. Guests 21+ can enjoy unlimited samples and purchase their favorite bottles to take home.

Prairie Barn Winery is owned by Shannon and Brian Tharp, former Rock Port residents. For the Tharps, this event is more than just a showcase, it’s a continuation of their love story and shared passion for creating wines made from Missouri grown grapes. Shannon remarked, “Making wine and joining the wine making community in the St. James area and the Meramec River Wine Trail has been amazing. I’m excited to be at the festival this year and to share wines that I’ve poured my heart into.” From red to white and dry to sweet, Prairie Barn Winery has wine for everyone. “Every wine we make has a story,” Shannon added. “We hope to share those stories – and a few laughs – at the festival!”

In addition to tastings, guests can relax and enjoy live performances throughout the day from The Curtis Wayne Stroud Band, Angie Kelim, Josie Watkins, and Ben Johnson (Elvis impersonator). The festival also offers an onsite cash bar by Toad Hollar Bar & Grill, shopping from approximately 60 vendors, and an exciting lineup of food trucks including Enchilada Lady, Groovy’s Grub, CR BBQ & Catering, Charcuterie Chief, Baker & Sons (European kebabs), Oh My Gooey KC, Cozy Cup Coffee, Sweet Stop Ice Cream, and Momma Lee’s Bakery.

Tickets can be purchased online at nwmef.org/winefest or at the door: adults 21 years and older, $30 (includes wineglass and unlimited samples of wines); designated driver (purchased at the gate only), $15; children 12 & under (purchased at the gate only), $5; and children 5 & under are free. No pets are allowed.

Winefest is a fundraiser for Northwest Missouri Enterprise Facilitation (NWMEF). NWMEF is a nonprofit organization which offers free and confidential business coaching in Andrew, Atchison, Gentry, Holt, Nodaway and Worth Counties. For more information, contact Amanda Griffin at 1-660-572-0267, email gnwwinefest@gmail.com, or visit the website at nwmef.org.