Oz Winery Blog

A Taste of Kansas

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 15:39:55 GMT

A Taste of Kansas

Exploring the Ad Astra Wine Trail

Samantha Weishaar, Oz Winery Marketing & Communications

A growing wine industry across the state of Kansas is offering visitors a new way to experience the Sunflower State. The Ad Astra Wine Trail is a group of four local wineries right here in northeast Kansas and more will be added to this elite group soon!

Each winery is unique, offering different ways to enjoy your wine tasting experience. Liquid Art Winery and Estate, Valley Trails Winery, Divine Vineyard and Venue and Oz Winery welcome you to the Ad Astra Wine Trail. Come along to learn more about each winery and discover A Taste of Kansas along the way.

Liquid Art Winery & Estate, Manhattan

Liquid Art Winery and Estate is a family-owned winery operated by Dave and Dani Tegtmeier. Since opening in 2016, the winery has grown into a destination for wine lovers. They offer a rotating selection of approximately 10–15 wines, along with ciders, growlers, and a food menu. Guests can also enjoy the winery’s event center, making Liquid Art a fun spot for everything from casual visits to formal gatherings.

Liquid Art takes pride in crafting and bottling all wines in-house, with some varieties receiving additional character through barrel aging. The Tegtmeiers have also put significant effort into the property itself, including extensive cedar tree removal and restoration. The outdoor area is complete with an amphitheater for live music, games and a picturesque view in a beautiful Kansas setting.

Valley Trails Winery, Westmoreland

Valley Trails Winery is owned by Dennis and Lou Ann Fike. Valley Trails is a family-owned winery rooted in their Kansas agricultural heritage. Both Dennis and Lou Ann grew up on diversified farms in Kansas, and their love of agriculture and interest in winemaking have come together at Valley Trails. They began making wine at 456 Winery and took classes through Highland Community College to learn more about the winemaking process. Their tasting room officially opened over Memorial Day weekend in 2025.

Valley Trails offers nine wines available for sampling, along with a special batch each year that gives them an opportunity to try something unique. This year’s special wine is an oaked dry red wine, which will be available in November. Dennis and Lou Ann hope to host more educational events, reflecting the experiences and values that have shaped their journey from Kansas farm life to winemaking.

Divine Vineyard & Venue, St. George

Just two miles down the road you will find Divine Vineyard and Venue. It is a family-owned winery and venue operated by Steve and Debbie Swoyer along with their son and daughter-in-law. After purchasing the property in 2022, the Swoyers opened the tasting room in April 2026, creating a welcoming atmosphere in a relaxed setting. The winery typically offers around 10 wines available for sampling, with six of their grandchildren honored through the names of the wines. This personal touch reflects the family’s connection to the business.

Steve and Debbie are friends with Dennis and Lou Ann and also started their wine-making journey through 456 Winery and Highland Community College. Divine Vineyard takes pride in allowing certain wines to develop with time. They have wine that has aged at least six months in an American Oak Bourbon Barrell. With its focus on family and quality wine, Divine offers a unique addition to the local wine scene, including their spectacular wedding and event venue.

Oz Winery, Wamego

Oz Winery first opened in 2007 and was recently purchased by Kristen and Alec Philip in 2026. Kristen brings fresh energy as the new owner, focused on community, creativity, and connection. She continues the legacy at Oz Winery, which is inspired by L. Frank Baum’s literary classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The vision for Oz Winery is centered on becoming a go-to destination for both locals and Oz fans all over the world. The winery offers around 8-10 different wines at any given time, rotating their Oz themed wines throughout the year. The label gallery is quite impressive, featuring fun names and characters from the land of Oz.

Kristen first started working at Oz Winery in 2013, so she is very familiar with the job and what it takes to be a small business owner. Oz Winery is a spot for relaxing and engaging with people, while adding a touch of magic with the ties to Oz. The tasting room was remodeled earlier this year to create a brighter, more comfortable environment, complete with new seating and a few personal touches by the owner that are Oz or Kansas themed. Additional enhancements are coming soon, including the introduction of small-plate options.

Plan a Visit

The wineries along the trail each have their own story, style, and connection to the land. There is something for everyone along the Ad Astra Wine Trail.

If you’d like to explore each winery, it can be done in one day. We have provided a suggested itinerary for a Saturday, carefully selecting times each winery is open, but anything is possible. Create your own itinerary or spread it out over an entire weekend. There are many options for food and lodging in the Manhattan and Wamego area.

11:00 a.m. – Oz Winery and lunch in downtown Wamego

1:00 p.m. – Valley Trails Winery, Flush Road, Westmoreland

3:00 p.m. – Divine Vineyard & Venue, Loux Road, St. George

5:00 p.m. – Liquid Art Winery and dinner at the winery or explore the Manhattan night life

Visit www.adastrawinetrail.com for more information, directions and a full map of the trail.

Things to do in Wamego, Kansas

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 20:12:42 GMT

Things to do in Wamego Kansas

A Perfect Day for Families and Travelers

By: Samantha Weishaar, Oz Winery Marketing and Communications

Looking for a fun day trip in Kansas? Wamego, Kansas, is a charming small town packed with family-friendly activities, unique history, outdoor fun, and a little bit of magic.

Located in the heart of the Flint Hills just off I-70 between Topeka and Manhattan, Wamego has something for everyone. Here’s how to spend the perfect day in Wamego.

The Land of Oz

A visit to Wamego isn’t complete without stopping at the OZ Museum , one of the most popular tourist attractions in Wamego, KS. The museum is home to the world's largest collection of Wizard of Oz artifacts and memorabilia. You will love exploring the exhibits inspired by L. Frank Baum’s stories.

Speaking of places inspired by L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, you need to stop at the recently remodeled Oz Winery just down the street from the museum. This charming winery is a bright and cheery hang out spot full of Oz inspired wine and labels, along with merchandise you can take home. The winery offers flights, wine by the glass, bottles and small plate menu items.

Don’t miss the Yellow Brick Road ! It leads to a fun, colorful spot for photos in front of murals and giant Toto statues. The Friendship House restaurant is along the Yellow Brick Road that also leads to the Wamego City Park . A playful way to explore Wamego attractions.

Outdoor Activities for Adults and Kids

Inside the expansive Wamego City Park you will find the Emerald City Playground , picnic areas, walking trails, and a fishing pond. The historic Dutch Mill is also located in the park. It is a beautifully restored stone windmill that loves being photographed. It was originally built in the late 1800s. Explore Prairie Town Village and the Wamego Historical Museum to learn about the area’s pioneer history.

During summer months, families can visit the Wamego Aquatic Center , one of the top things to do in Wamego with kids. Visitors seeking a unique outdoor experience should explore the Flint Hills landscape just outside of Wamego.

Adults can enjoy local wineries and tasting rooms in and around Wamego, sampling beer and wine in a relaxing atmosphere. Check out the Ad Astra Wine Trail for more options.

Attend a seasonal festival like OZtoberFest, the Tulip Festival, and Fourth of July celebrations to experience Wamego’s community spirit.

Historic Downtown Wamego

Downtown Wamego is rich in history with small town charm. Visit the Columbian Theatre , a restored historic building inspired by the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. The theatre hosts performances, exhibits, and community events, making it a popular attraction in Wamego.

While exploring downtown, look for more of the “ Totos Around Town ” sculptures.

Don’t miss all of the local shops and boutiques in downtown!

Dining and Local Flavors

Wamego’s downtown offers several local restaurants and cafés.

The Donut Palace offers a wide variety of glazed and cream filled donuts, cake donuts, coffee, tea, and fresh squeezed lemonade.

Barleycorn’s Deli is a relaxed and cozy eatery for cold and hot sandwiches, plus beer and cocktails.

Walk a block west to find 4 ^th and Elm , a delicious pub. Good luck choosing from the expanded menu. Enjoy the cozy dining area, bar or covered outdoor patio.

If you are looking for barbeque food, check out Smokin Willie’s , owned by a local family that loves to make BBQ!

Where to Stay in Wamego

If you plan to stay, Wamego has several hotels and lodging options. The Wamego Inn & Suites offers comfortable rooms close to downtown attractions. Visitors seeking a more unique experience can also find nearby bed-and-breakfast options and camping opportunities in the surrounding area.

Wamego, Kansas, is the perfect destination for day trips, weekend getaways, and family travel in Kansas because of it’s small-town charm, variety of attractions and a little bit of Kansas magic.