My brother flew in from Georgia today for a brief surprise visit for our mother's birthday.
It was such a magnificent day, with temperatures reaching well into the 60s, that we decided to take a drive up the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway (the River Road to us locals) to check out the new Grafton Winery.
It did not disappoint. The winery opened in early December and is attracting and delighting new customers daily.
The well-designed facility offers expansive decks overlooking the Mississippi River. Glass doors on garage-style openers can be raised to create an open-air atmosphere throughout the building.
We sampled a variety of wines at the tasting bar before settling on Harbor Red, a terrific blend of Syrah, Cabernet and Zinfandel that tasted of dark fruits and raisins as it opened up in the fresh air.
As a bonus, the wintering American Bald Eagles soared overhead around the bluffs and perched in trees, looking for fresh fish snacks from the river.
The winery is adding a Brewhaus later this year, so the beer drinkers in your group will be just as happy as the wine lovers. Learn more by visiting the Grafton Winery's web site.
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About the Author: Nancy Milton, GRI, is a REALTOR with the GoshenRealtyGroup at RE/MAX Preferred Partners in Edwardsville, Illinois. She and Kristina Pratt help their customers buy and sell homes and investment properties in St. Louis' Illinois suburbs with special emphasis on homes for sale in Madison County and the communities of Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Maryville, Collinsville, Troy, Bethalto and surrounding areas.
Goshen Realty Group takes its name from the earliest nickname for Madison County, Illinois -- the Land of Goshen -- coined when the region's first settlers compared their new home east of the Mississippi River to the biblical land of peace and plenty.
For more information, visit GoshenRealtyGroup.com or e-mail Nancy at Nancy@GoshenRealtyGroup.com. Text or call Nancy at 618-791-8007. REMAX Preferred Partners is located at One 157 Center, Edwardsville, IL 62025.
Please note that individual listings periodically mentioned in this blog are accurately described in terms of availability and price at the time of the posting. Because properties are constantly coming on and off the market, please contact Nancy for the latest information on those that are of particular interest to you.
I love taking a trip to Grafton... Although I am partial to the Piasa Winery, I intend to visit the Grafton Winery on my next visit. Sunny winter day... dinner at Elsah's Landing makes for a perfect trip. Curious - how are sales at the condo behind (up the hill) the Grafton Winery?
Hi, Ryan. Thanks for your comment. Five of the 32 Timber Ridge condos, located above the winery, are currently active with an average DOM of 66 days and average listing price of approximately $278K. A couple of those, however, had been listed previously and expired. Those that sold new in 2006 and early 2007 did so at prices about $60K, on average, under the asking price (approx $275K/$216K). You can't beat the view.
Nancy - Thanks for the thorough response. Keep us in mind if you have anyone locating to Lafayette Square or Downtown St. Louis.