National Ag Week is the perfect time to reflect on the deep roots and rich harvests that have gotten us to where we are today. Missouri Agriculture represents and showcases many types of people. An industry that knows no quits. The Missouri Wines Team might be biased but our favorite agriculturists are the ones who work with their crop from start to finish. 

Missouri wineries embody the essence of teamwork. Winemakers, grape growers, vineyard and winery staff along with local businesses and consumers all unite to cultivate a thriving industry. Each bottle of Missouri wine represents a shared commitment to quality and innovation. 

This National Ag Week, lets slow down, thank a farmer and raise a glass to the collaborative spirit that makes Missouri wines special. Together, we’re not just growing grapes and making wine; we are cultivating community, tradition, and a taste of Missouri that’s uniquely our own. Cheers to growing together! 

Owners Denise and Mike Riley’s vision is for guests to come in, try their wines, enjoy the views, the camaraderie, and stay for the afternoon sharing stories and making memories along the way. Shamrock Hills Vineyard and Winery is situated on a 323 Acre farm rising up out of the Missouri River Valley made up of sedimentary rock layers along with Bethany falls limestone. Shamrock Hills opened its doors to the public on April 1st, 2023.  

The Vineyard was planted in the Spring of 2023 with 3,000 vines of 4 different varietals across 11 acres with an additional 2 varietals and 600 vines planted in 2024. In their first year they bottled 11 wines for their inaugural vintage. They received 2 bronze medals and 1 silver medal in the 2024 Missouri Governor’s Cup Wine Competition.

This is where the story of dedication, hard work and cooperation comes in. Mike and Denise wanted to improve the quality and taste of their wines. Their dedication is to not only provide customers with the best experience, but to help elevate the Missouri Wine industry as a whole.

After the 2024 competition, they immediately got to work again. They reached out to other winery owners, winemakers, and University of Missouri Grape and Wine Institute for advice. Then, submitting their wines to the Missouri W.I.S.E. Choice program, to ensure their wines were free of faults.

Additionally, Mike was selected to serve on the Missouri Wine and Grape Board Technical Committee, Missouri Vintners Association Board and is involved in other programs.  Denise focused on marketing efforts by getting heavily engaged with the Missouri Wine and Grape Board to support Missouri wine across the state.

Working with others, taking in advice, and with a mission to improve their wines, they entered their wines into the 2025 Missouri Governor’s Cup Wine Competition. Their hard work paid off. At the competition they took home Best of Class Award for best semi-dry red with their 2024 Sweet Hadley Jo, Best Varietal for their 2024 Chardonel, 5 gold, 4 silver and 3 bronze medals. As an added bonus, they also received the People’s Choice Label Award.

What Mike and Denise have enjoyed most about this journey into winemaking is the strong sense of community they have found among wineries across Missouri. It speaks volumes about an industry where wineries support one another and work together to elevate the experience of Missouri Wine—no matter which part of the state visitors explore.

Mike and Denise embody the spirit of Missouri Wine Country. Their dedication to their customers, the industry and wine, is shown every day. We look forward to their continuous success. Be sure to visit Shamrock Hills Vineyard & Winery in Excelsior Springs, to try fabulous wine and meet Mike and Denise!