Nestled in Farmington, Mo. among 25 acres of grape vines, you’ll discover a winery that is as warm and inviting as the family who proudly takes care of it.
Twin Oaks Vineyard and Winery is lovingly tended by the Hutson Family. In 1997, faced with an impending empty nest, Keith and Karen were looking for a new venture to keep their six children from seeking employment outside of their small beloved town. However, starting a winery was not on their radar…at least not initially.
“We had been checking out a new fish farm when it came to our attention that grapes were being grown in the preparation of a booming wine market,” says Karen Hutson. “The local growers had just started up and were very anxious to help build an important wine [trail].” The wine trail eventually formed and became known as the Route du Vin wine trail.
The family planted their first vines in April 2000, began bottling their wines in 2006 and were soon winning awards for their Missouri varietal and signature blended wines.
The winery’s beautiful grounds feature an all season glasshouse, a popular site for events, as well as a tasting room with Hollywood memorabilia, a wine education bar and a beautiful turn-of-the-century bar top. There is also a walking trail that winds around the winery’s small lake.
Named after two enormous oak trees that grow side-by-side in their vineyard, Twin Oaks Vineyard and Winery continues to evolve to fit the needs of their community. The family’s Grande Oaks Event Center opened in September 2017 and is a popular venue for weddings. The winery offers an event coordinator and on and off-site catering for assistance in creating the perfect gathering.
The winery has hosted many groups - small and large - that enjoy its amenities, including non-profit organizations. According to Karen, one of the greatest joys of owning a winery is the opportunity to give back to the community that has always supported them.
“We feel a great connection to the community,” she says, reflecting on the close-knit community that she was born and raised in. “Our biggest and most attended event is our Annual Charity Grape Stomp and Lucy Look-Alike Contest.” The entry fees are donated to a charity every year.
The next time you are ready to explore Missouri wine country, stop by Twin Oaks Vineyard and Winery, a scenic one-hour drive from St. Louis. Sit, relax and enjoy the beautiful views of their lush vineyards and rolling hillsides. You might even catch a glimpse of four generations of Hutsons, including grandchildren, working side-by-side like the two oaks that guard their vineyard, keeping themselves and the family firmly rooted to the beautiful land they call home.
