Cheers to fall! Autumn is the perfect time to find new places to try locally crafted wine, beer, and spirits throughout the Kansas City region. From fall ciders to classic wines, the Midwest is a perfect place to sip new drinks with friends. We asked our local travel pros for their recommendations of great places to find local beer, wine and spirits – check out their favorites!
Bonner Springs, Kansas
Get your reservation in now for Kansas City’s best kept secret – The Maintenance Room! Located at the Olde Mill Properties (611 W 2nd Street) in Bonner Springs, the Maintenance Room delivers a tantalizing selection of high-end and allocated cocktails that will awaken your senses. The menu also features mouthwatering, shareable appetizers. Come visit us! Make a reservation today!
Gardner, Kansas
Gardner, KS is the perfect place to explore the craft beer scene, where Transport Brewery and ExBEERiment Brewing offer unique experiences for every beer lover. At Transport Brewery, tempt your palate with creative flavors and a rotating selection of small-batch brews. It’s the perfect spot for those eager to explore new tastes in a friendly atmosphere. Just down the road, ExBEERiment Brewing offers an innovative range of brews. As the name suggests, experiment with your taste buds and try the many different offerings while relaxing in their inviting taproom.
Kansas City, Kansas
KCK’s historic Strawberry Hill neighborhood is officially a part of the craft brew scene with the highly anticipated Strawberry Hill Brewing Company now open! Stop in the microbrewery located near the popular Slap’s BBQ for a Long Road Ahead American Oatmeal Nitro Stout.
Looking for a break from the city scene? Those seeking a wine country like escape in KCK need look no further than five minutes from the Village West area. Rowe Ridge Winery and Vineyard offers a variety of unique wines made from Kansas grapes, including the fall favorite, Apple Pear Wine.
Kansas City, Missouri
Take a step back in time with Kansas City distillery J. Rieger & Co. Before prohibition in 1920, J. Rieger was the largest mail-order whiskey house in the country, based right in KC’s West Bottoms. But after the federal ban of alcohol, the Rieger family was forced to shut down operations. It wasn’t until 2010, about 90 years later, that Kansas City bartender Ryan Maybee dreamed of bringing back the historic distillery. Over the next few years, Maybee worked with Rieger’s great-great-great-grandson Andy Rieger to create a business plan, purchase the original trademark and develop a new brand with original touches.
Maybee and Rieger officially relaunched J. Rieger & Co. in 2014, releasing its iconic Kansas City Whiskey. J. Rieger has since expanded to offer premium vodka, gin, bourbon and more, and its spirits are now sold in over 25 states, including Missouri and Kansas.
Take a trip to the distillery in the East Bottoms neighborhood where you can enjoy a guided tour and tasting, zip down the indoor slide or spend time with friends at one of Rieger’s four bars. The popular Electric Park Garden Bar features cozy patio seating, frozen cocktails and a food truck, or check out the Hey! Hey! Club, an underground bar with elevated cocktails and small bites.
Leavenworth, Kansas
Prost to fall and the return of Oktoberfest! Leavenworth’s Willcott Brewing Company & Taproom plans to celebrate the season on Oct. 12 with live music, games, authentic German foods and, of course, their signature hand-crafted brews, including their Four Sisters Double IPA. Also found on Cherokee Street, 11worth Station BrewHouse specializes in Kansas-made beers on tap or canned to go, including malty Oktoberfest offerings that pair well with the BrewHouse’s fresh German pretzels. If you’re not quite ready to embrace colder temperatures, you might want to consider a frozen drink from Z&M Twisted Vines Winery – coincidentally, also on Cherokee Street. Though their flavors are autumn-appropriate, including pumpkin and cranberry concoctions, there’s nothing like a “grown-up slushie” to toast the end of summer. Learn more at VisitLeavenworthKS.com.
Merriam, Kansas
Looking for a perfect pairing of sips and bites in Merriam? Head over to Strips Chicken & Brewing, where you can enjoy local brews on tap alongside their famous, freshly-made chicken strips. For something unique, try one of their infused cocktails, expertly crafted to complement your meal. Whether you're craving a refreshing local beer or a flavorful cocktail, Strips is the place to be, right in downtown Merriam (5831 Merriam Drive).
Olathe, Kansas
In Olathe, the perfect pour is just around the corner, whether you’re after the crisp notes of craft beer, the bold depth of locally-made wine, or a unique blend of both. Nestled among the rolling hills, KC Wine Co. offers a welcoming escape with its aromatic wines and seasonal events, while nearby, Stone Pillar Vineyard & Winery brings five generations of winemaking expertise, complete with sun-soaked patios and sweeping vineyard views. For beer lovers, Tall Trellis Brew Co. serves up refreshing craft brews alongside a beer garden made for lazy afternoons and spirited gatherings. And at Red Crow Brewing, the friendly atmosphere pairs effortlessly with their eclectic lineup of small-batch beers. Cheers to enjoying the best of Olathe, one locally crafted sip at a time!
Overland Park, Kansas
Away from city lights and sounds, the beautiful drive through Aubrey Vineyards feels like a secluded escape. The sprawling Napa-like landscape leads to a wine bar nestled beyond the vines. The spacious patio offers various seating options under the twinkling party lights. Stepping inside the tasting room, there is a rich blend of warm natural materials with an elegant contemporary interior design and views of the vineyard. Each day, Aubrey Vineyards offers a 3 or 5 sample tasting and over 15 wines to enjoy by the glass.
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