Royal Experience

Newly-opened Weston Wine Company aims to treat customers regally Weston has a “wonderriffic” new wine destination. It’s an apt word, used by owner Jason Gerke to describe the Weston Wine Company, which opened its storefront on Main Street in Weston in May. The brightly-painted interior of the shop features a velvet, tufted upholstery bar, gold tables and chairs, a photo booth and crowns. Yes, crowns. It’s part of what owner Colleen Gerke characterizes as a “royal” experience for guests, all the way to the golden throne in the restroom. “We wanted to provide guests with a fun and memorable wine tasting experience,” Colleen said. Wineries are often known for a traditional atmosphere, with Tuscan décor and dark wood and furnishings. “We wanted to do something more blingy, feminine and fun,” Jason said. “So we ended up with something pretty wonderriffic here.” It’s a departure for the Gerkes, who founded Jowler Creek Winery in 2006 near Camden Point and have seen success with that continuing venture. Colleen grew up in California wine country, where her father worked in the industry, and Jason is from a farm surrounded by wineries in central Missouri. The Gerkes made wines at home for years, moving to rural Platte County from Kansas City to plant their own grapes. Over the years, Jowler Creek has grown, and now the Weston Wine Company has allowed the Gerkes to again expand their repertoire. The seven wines offered are different from the Jowler Creek labeled wines and range from sweet to dry in red, white and rose. Jason said the first run of wines for Weston Wine Company were produced at Jowler Creek, but in the future they hope to produce their wine in the building. “As a winemaker, you enjoy trying new things,” Jason said. “But you can only do so many. For the customer, it’s good to have seven to nine wines to try out at a time.” The Gerkes also hope to produce special seasonal wines, starting with an apple wine in time for Weston Applefest in October. The winery also features a partnership with another area business – Sierra’s Cakes in Edgerton. Mini cupcakes in novel flavor combinations such as key lime, salted caramel and Reese’s peanut butter cup are paired with wines for tastings. Another tasting menu includes more traditional wine and cheese pairings. “From the vivid décor to the one-of-a-kind cupcake and wine pairings, our goal is to treat our guests like royalty and do our very best to ensure everyone leaves with a smile,” Colleen said. Jason said he felt the unique atmosphere fit in well with Weston’s quaint and eclectic reputation and the couple has enjoyed becoming part of the Weston community. “We loved Weston before we even dreamed of having a winery,” Jason said. Colleen agreed, saying the town’s charm attracted them. “When we lived in Kansas City the first year of our marriage, we’d love escaping to Weston on the weekends,” Colleen said. Now, they can escape to Weston to their second winery, which is joining Jowler Creek, Pirtle and Riverwood Winery on the Northwest Missouri Wine Trail, which joins together wineries in Platte, Clay and Clinton counties. “People don’t have to go to Hermann anymore to visit wineries,” Jason said. “They can follow the wine trail right through this part of the state and visit several really quality wineries.” Weston Wine Company is now open and features free tastings and a wine and book club. For more information, check westonwinecompany.com.