Our state is home to seven great wine trails, but with 121 wineries in the state, there are other wine regions worth putting on your radar. With summer among us, we're featuring a different winery itinerary every month. So, download the Missouri Wine app, grab some friends, and go!

Take in this gorgeous view at Summit Lake Winery. Photo courtesy of Summit Lake's Facebook page.

Central Region 

A road trip on Highway 50 will take you to a dozen Missouri wineries! Traveling from east to west, we suggest you start your wine journey just south of Highway 50 at Persimmon Ridge Winery in Barnhart where you can taste at the outdoor tasting bar. Take in some history at the nearby Bardenheier Wine Cellar in Richwoods. Here, the family name dates back to 1873. Just a few miles north on Highway 50 you can enjoy a glass of wine in the wine garden at St. Jordan Creek Winery in Beaufort. The next winery stop along Highway 50 is White Mule Winery in Owensville. Depending on where you are in your journey, you may want to take advantage of the B&B onsite. Also in Owensville is Phoenix Winery, which boasts German heritage and German style wine.

Nearby in the town of Bland awaits a dairy farm turned winery that you don't want to miss, Wenwood Farm Winery. Moving toward the capital city, Westphalia Winery sits on the site of an 1840's brewery in the town of Westphalia. Next, enjoy the view and the wine at Summit Lake Winery in Holts Summit. A few miles west on Highway 50 and then south is a boutique winery in Stover called Grey Bear Winery. Located in the original blacksmith shop of the historic German town, Cole Camp, is Eichenberg Winery.

Nearing Kansas City, there are two wineries left on the itinerary. Red Fox in Urich offers an outdoor pavilion and gazebo overlooking the vineyards and herb garden. Montserrat Vineyards in Knob Noster also offers a great view and a deck for sipping and both wineries are just a 40-50 minute drive from the Kansas City area.

Don't forget your Missouri Wines iPhone and Android app for easy navigation! And as always, call ahead to confirm winery hours and events. 

Welcome to the latest installment of the Winemaker Connection, featuring Cathy Bommarito of Bommarito Estate Almond Tree Winery.  

How long have you been making wine?

"I have been around the making wine process since 1995."

How and where did you learn to make wine?

"I learned by watching and assisting my Dad since 1998. But my formal education started with a Bachelors of Science degree from Missouri State University, completed a year at UC Davis in Enology, and I am currently in the VESTA program at MSU working on completing my Associates in Applied Science in Enology."

What did you do before becoming a winemaker?

"I worked in the hospitality industry in food and beverage; I became a flight attendant in 1992 for American Airlines and still hold that position."

Describe yourself in three words.  

"Courteous, creative, and conscientious."

What is your favorite wine to make?  

"Norton, of course!"

What is the toughest challenge about winemaking in Missouri? "Mother Nature, the weather in the Midwest is so unpredictable, so it becomes challenging, we grow our own grapes, so in my situation I get one chance a year to succeed."

Is winemaking an art or a science? Or both?

"I believe it's both. Winemaking is a science, but wine makers should use their scientific knowledge along with their artist's instincts, when attempting to produce a superior and balanced product."

What is your favorite food and wine pairing?

"I don't limit myself to one favorite when it comes to wine, but three that stand out for me is a dry sparkling white wine with slices of pear and brie, a Sauvignon Blanc paired with a grilled Boston Cod with steamed asparagus and a Hollandaise sauce, and of course our Norton Port with dark Belgium chocolate."