Cedar Lake Cellars I will have to critique in bullet form.
Pros:
*The setting is beautiful and unique. It's not on hilly land, so it doesn't have spectacular views like the other wineries in Augusta. However, there are a few ponds, plus a bridge over one of the ponds, a few trees, and an old barn that has been repurposed as an events area. If you get a chance to explore the barn, take it. The main building with the tasting hall is nice, too.
*Probably the closest winery to Highway 70.
*The selection of wine is good. Multiple drys, sweets, everything in between, a couple of sparklings and a chocolate port. If you like sweet, be sure to taste that chocolate port.
*Tastings are generous.
*Wine slushies.
*They sell food outside at a little building OR you can dine inside at the restaurant, and it's pretty good. Also, outside seating at the restaurant.
*Brunch is reasonably priced.
*Live music. This may be a pro for some of you, so that's where I'll list it, but I'm not into most live music. Give me some Rat Pack or something classical, or even just some classic rock, and I'm content. But country or pop? Not a fan.
*Nice winery staff.
*Has the latest hours of any winery I've yet encountered: Cedar Lake Cellars is open until 10 or 11 on the weekends, I believe. While I'm not a night owl, it's annoying that most wineries close at 5 when you want to stay until 6 or 7.
Cons:
*No minors allowed, so it's not good for family outings.
*They don't make their own wine. They have a vineyard, but their wine comes from Rocheport, MO (Les Bourgeois, I suppose). Finding this out is kind of like seeing a character at Disney Land remove his or her head. Sorry if I traumatized you.
*It gets very busy, especially in the summer and fall on the weekends -- so busy that it is difficult to walk inside or outside.
*The wine is somewhat more costly than wines at other wineries. Perhaps this is because it is marked up between Rocheport and Wright City.
*The tastings are paid and comparatively expensive, unless you want to try only one or two for free. You do get to keep the glass, and it is the most enormous wine glass I own, but I'd rather have a smaller glass for a $5 tasting, or none at all with less wine with each taste for free. But I believe you get to try six wines. So I'm torn here.
*They don't rinse out your glass after tastings. Most places do not, but it would be a good idea. No crackers at the tasting counter, either. Not to my recollection, anyway. I could be mistaken on that.
*The restrooms leave something to be desired. Those outside remind me of those at a park. The inside restroom is small and accommodates one person.
Anywho, Cedar Lake Cellars is a cool place that I recommend for a morning or afternoon out. I've been there more than four times, and everyone I've taken there has enjoyed it. read more