Chaumette Vineyards and Winery

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Jul 07, 2012

Chaumette's management and service are incredibly poor, bordering on offensive and rude! I should have known not to have my wedding here after I hosted a small group there for my 30th birthday and left after getting told to move here or go over there and getting no service after 45 minutes. Don't let the view fool you or the fact that they have rooms, reception space, chapel, etc. all in one place - dealing with the management is NOT worth it. They couldn't have gotten it more wrong! From our food at our reception being ready over an hour before multiple emails stated that the wedding party would even be entering the venue, to them forgetting to provide ushers for our guests, to the grooms surprise cake not coming out after the DJ announced it (giving it away) multiple times - we have horrible memories of Chaumette's coordination of our wedding day. The lady that runs the salon works hours away and double booked our day and provided expensive quotes for what they offer. She was incredibly offensive in closing the deal, assuming we were going to basically trash the place while we were getting ready. We are adults. We cancelled everything when they we couldn't come to an agreement on prices and times a WEEK before the wedding after everything had been set for months. The rooms were great and the guests enjoyed that space and the pool. The food was ok, but after being hounded the entire time we were taking wedding photos to come down since the food was ready, nothing tasted good. SO many things we had agreed on months prior fell through the cracks and when we approached her at the wedding she screamed at me. When my family met with the management afterwards her response to being presented with all of the emails with everything that we had agreed upon was "So I guess we ruined your wedding - sue us!" Are you serious? We are going to start our happy lives and not look back, but to write reviews so others know what they are dealing with here. They were great during the initial weeks of planning as long as we were writing the checks (a LOT of checks) but on the day-of they were nowhere to be found. This would have been a great setting to return to for multiple anniversaries, but myself and my family and friends will never set foot on their property again. That is how strongly we feel about their ability to coordinate these types of events, how we were treated, and our experience at this venue under this management. Do not patronize this establishment!

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Aug 23, 2011

What a neat dream owner Hank Johnson is building. We arrived too late to try their wines but we were fortunate to enjoy a very nice, relaxing sunset dinner. What a difference fresh ingredients make. I hated to see the meal end. We had a three wine blend red named Assemblage. Like other wines in the Ste. Genevieve area, it had a slight mineral tone to it (could it be the terroir?) but very nice with the perfectly cooked sirloin tips of our main entrée. I would buy more of this wine but I don’t think it would be something to drink outside of a meal. Upon arriving we were met by the owner who immediately offered us a guided tour of the tasting room. We very much appreciate his taking the time to make us feel very welcome and special. I just loved everything about the facilities. My understanding is that everything is new construction make to look old and mimic the French Colonial history of the area. Inside the old touch is there but with class and a sense of elegance at the same time. The grounds and vineyards are all recipients of obvious care yet leave the impression of relaxed informality. I am not usually much into the gift shops on our winery visits. But I found Chaumette’s gift shop offerings quite extensive and interesting. We will find a way to someday get back to stay in the villas, partake in the offering of the spa and once again savor the fine food here. I hope that day comes sooner rather than later.

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Oct 13, 2010

Norton Wine Review: After wiggling through the crowd at the tasting bar, we arrived ready to do our thing. Oh, we didn’t realize we had to go back to the cash register at the door and get our $5 tasting tokens for a six wine limit (this fee did not include the glass or applied to wine purchases). My wife held my spot where tip jars were placed every few feet. We tried the award winning 2009 Dry Chardonel first which had nice fruity aromas, but an uncomfortable edge to the wine that neither of us appreciated. We enjoyed more the unrewarded 2009 Reserve Chardonel (naturally, it cost $2 more). Mellow fruit tastes which made for a smoother Chardonel to remember. There was yet another “Spontaneous” Chardonel which we both felt was just plain “wild”. On to Chaumette’s red Governor’s Cup Winner, their 2009 Chambourcin. No strong aromas, but an initial grapey taste which plays out quickly into a subtle, ever so slight peppery winner. Too subtle for me, but my wife who has a better feel for delicate wine tastes made sure that we came away with several of these bottles. Though the 2007 Norton was clearly listed on the tasting sheet, unsuspecting patrons would not have picked up readily that a non-vintage reserve was being poured. Seemingly the 2007 was in limited supply and only available for club members. Bummer. The Norton we tasted came from fairly mature vines being 15-to-18 years old with a nice hint of cherry, but sour on the back of the tongue with a quick decay. Upon recommendations, we had come for Chaumette's Norton wine and left disappointed. We did venture into Chaumette’s semi-dry offerings with their Traminette and Mosaic. The Traminette was a light yellow, drink alone delicate white wine. If you are a Pinot Grigio fan, you’ll enjoy what Chaumette has done with this contrasting wine. As for the four grape (of which my wife was sure included Norton) Mosaic, there was nothing “semi” about this wine since it was an ever so sweet punch. Chaumette Vineyards is located in beautiful rolling hills and offers over night stays in their nearby chalets. The vines along the entrance were clearly marked with the grown varietals names which added to the enjoyment of viewing the grape vineyard. Ambiance graded down because of difficulty trying to park between the crowd's cars, four large buses, and three stretch limousines.

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Sep 29, 2010

The place is great, perfect for weddings and for relaxation. It was a nice experience for me and my wife.

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Sep 26, 2010

Favorite Wine: Mosaic

Set in a beautiful part of Missouri. Has villas, spa, wedding chapel, restaurant, and small gift store. Guy at the wine tasting counter really knows his stuff!

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: May 03, 2010

Favorite Wine: 07 Norton

Outstanding food, though we had to wait a while for our lunches. The French influence inside with the Provencal touches and grapevine tree are classy. The pourers are dedicated and extremely knowledgeable. The 07 Norton is ready to drink now, but should only get better with aging. The Traminette is crisp, much like a Granny Smith. The Chambourcin has the feel of a bright pinot noir. Excellent food, good wine, an all around nice place.

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Nov 12, 2009

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Jun 22, 2009

The wine pourers are the most knowledgeable around. The view from the porch is breathtaking. Very friendly staff.

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Oct 06, 2008

Our server stopped by once to take our order. Never stopped by again. Food was served an hour and a half after sitting! Owner and manager were not concerned with patrons. The staff is generally more concerned with the wedding next door or the 30+ tasting bus that just pulled in. Not worth the money or your time!

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Oct 06, 2008

Our server stopped by once to take our order. Never stopped by again. Food was served an hour and a half after sitting! Owner and manager were not concerned with patrons. The staff is generally more concerned with the wedding next door or the 30+ tasting bus that just pulled in. Not worth the money or your time!

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Aug 26, 2008

nice place. The staff was knowledgable and friendly. I wasn't impressed with the wines. They seemed a little young and very acidic to be tasting without a meal. Guess we should have planned to have lunch at the beautiful outdoor cafe.

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Apr 26, 2007

Favorite Wine: Huguenot Red