BY MICAH REINKE
Big Creek Crossing hosted “A Night in Wine Wonderland” a wine sampling and tasting event on Saturday evening. Four venues from across the state of Kansas presented their wine to the Hays community and surrounding areas. The event featured dozens of wine samples from each winery on display for people to try.
Dr. John Brewer, the president of Wyldewood Cellars in Mulvane, Kansas described his appreciation for the recent law change in Kansas, which lead to the event being possible.
“Because of the laws in Kansas, we could not do this 8 years ago, but now we are able to display our wines and give out samples to the public, this is our 3rd year coming to Hays for this event,” said Brewer.
Some of his wines include Sand Plum, Wylde Valley Red, Elderberry, and Chisholm Trail.
The other 3 wineries present include, Rosewood Winery from Pawnee Rock, Kansas featuring their wines Daisy Duke, Sweet Bonita Dee, Angel with a Gun, Rooster Jaguar, and others. Grace Hill Winery from Whitewater, Kansas featuring Cottonwood, Peckerhead Red, Prairie Pink, Leaning Shed Red and more. As well as Resurrection Vineyard from Hays featuring Sweet Legacy, Risen Red, Coastal Red, Blueberry Pinot Noir, amongst others.
Brewer also discussed his appreciation for the growth in the wine industry.
“2,000 gallons of wine used to be produced every year, but now we can produce over 2,000 gallons of just Elderberry wine every 3 weeks,” he said.
The event was very popular as much of the Hays community and surrounding communities were able to come and enjoy different flavors and varieties of great wines.