A Wine Getaway in Manhattan

Bart here. My wife and I were invited to Manhattan, Kansas for a weekend getaway with close friends.  It is during the busiest of times that you truly enjoy respite. From Wichita, we traveled through the beautiful, currently green and vibrant Flint Hills. This gave us time to unwind, relax and reset.  

We headed west out of town to visit Liquid Art Winery and Estate. It consists of a 16-acre estate vineyard, tasting Room, full-production winery, Event Center, and Barrel Room. This gem is poised in a picturesque setting in the Flint Hills. This is no little operation. The primary grapes planted are the commonly known grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Unbeknownst to most folks, prior to prohibition, Kansas was the largest grape-growing region in the United States. Liquid Art is on a mission to help rebuild this history. Wednesday through Sunday year-round, they offer charcuteries, artisan pizzas and flatbreads, cider, and of course their own wine.

I must admit, the estate is visually breathtaking, but what about the wines? I know Kansas wines in general are not felt to be on the same tier as West Coast offerings. In this setting this afternoon, if I had not made the drive myself, I would have thought we were in northern California or Oregon. But could the wines hold up their end? Admittedly skeptical, we tried several offerings. Our favorite white was the Reserve Chardonnay with a delicate nose of ripe yellow apples and just ripe pears.  There was a touch of warm toast to suggest oak aging and balance out this offering.  We were all pleasantly surprised, a true Chardonnay grown here in Kansas!

From the tasting room, we moved out on the patio to take in the view.  In the late afternoon breeze, the Single Barrel # 3’s nose was light, with red and black fruit notes with delicate white pepper.

 It was very well balanced with soft silky tannins and a lingering finish. We all were surprisingly quiet as we first met this newcomer to our expanding wine world.  Terroir is a French term referencing the place grapes are grown that we may need to expand upon at a later date, but this place truly has it. The hills, slope, drainage, aspect, breeze, setting sun, the company, and the EtOH left quiet, gentle smiles on all of us. This Kansas winery will be going places and should not be missed!