Missouri's Finest Wines Take the Spotlight at Spectacular Excelsior Springs Wine Festival
Wine lovers and enthusiasts gathered in Downtown Excelsior Springs for a spectacular event showcasing the finest wines and wineries Missouri has to offer. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Lover’s Lane in East Valley Park, this destination event brought together wine novices and aficionados alike to experience the rich flavors and history of Missouri wines.
The event offered an educational opportunity for wine novices to expand their knowledge and indulge in a wide range of wines, encompassing various varieties, styles, and price ranges. Attendees were able to sample over 85 wines from 14 different Missouri wineries, providing a comprehensive taste of the region’s winemaking prowess. Moreover, wine enthusiasts had the unique chance to engage with winemakers, ask detailed questions, and acquire Missouri’s renowned wine selections.
Beyond the wines, festival-goers were also treated to Missouri’s craft brews, with the opportunity to converse directly with brewery owners and brewmasters, like the Atlas Saloon and Dubious Claims Brewing Co. Local bands added to the vibrant ambiance, creating a lively atmosphere as attendees leisurely explored the wineries, breweries, food trucks, and vendors at the festival.
This year’s event featured multiple ticket options, allowing attendees to enhance their experience. Some opted for a four-course wine dinner at Willow Spring Mercantile, while others indulged in a Yoga and Brunch session at the Elms Hotel & Spa. Additionally, organizers introduced a new feature—an exclusive wine tote provided to each attendee, encouraging purchases from the wineries, breweries, and vendors.
Despite the weather forecast predicting storms, the festival largely remained dry, thanks to the continued good fortune of the Downtown Excelsior Partnership (DEP) Executive Director, Lyndsey Baxter. The event attracted over 500 attendees from five different states, who enjoyed the festivities while supporting the local community. Feedback from vendors was overwhelmingly positive, with the event raising approximately $22,000 that will be allocated to the DEP’s ongoing revitalization efforts.
DEP’s most recent project is the Lithia Landing initiative, which aims to transform the blighted area west of Willow Spring Mercantile into a vibrant and usable space within the downtown area. The proposed plan includes the creation of a spacious deck where visitors can relax, enjoy scenic views of the park, and engage in shopping or dining experiences in downtown Excelsior Springs.
The wine festival served not only as a celebration of Missouri’s winemaking heritage but also as a catalyst for community development and growth. Excelsior Springs continues to shine as a premier destination for wine enthusiasts and promises a bright future for the region’s wine industry.
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