Small Business Showcase - Crooked Post Winery - Ozawkie, KS

We’ve slowed down with our Small Business Showcases because we are now in our busy time of year but we’re still doing a few here and there. We’ll get back to them once we slow down but this is one specifically I’m very excited about and so happy to share. We had the best time with these guys! They were so happy and in such a good mood, we couldn’t help but get the best smiles! They probably look forward to showing up to work every day! Also, their interview is great! Answered by Sami Sargent, niece to the new owners, Jennifer and Vance Kutch.

T.H. Peterson: Can you tell me a little bit about the winery and how you guys

got involved?

Sami: The winery first opened Memorial Day weekend of 2014. As of this year,

the winery has new owners, my Aunt and Uncle, Jennifer and Vance. For the

past 20 years they lived in Colorado. They had been talking about retiring for a

while but wanted a hobby when the time came. Last year they started making

their own wines in their basement. My husband and I were in Colorado this last

New Year’s and as we were visiting, drinking their wine and talking about their

upcoming retirement I mentioned to them that the winery near our home was

for sale. We laughed, drank some more and eventually went to bed. The next

morning my Aunt Jennifer said my Uncle Vance is seriously thinking about the

winery. 2 months later they made their first visit to meet the previous owners.

And here we are!

 

T.H. P.: What has been one of the most exciting things about owning a winery?

Sami: Seeing the regulars. It is so fun to catch up with them each week they come in. 

T.H. P.: Can you tell me about your wines?

Sami: We grow Hybrid Wine Grapes that are bred to grow well in the Kansas Midwest Region and survive the extreme heat and cold to make high quality wine. Most of these grapes are grown on our property or the former owner's property. 

T.H. P.: What else do you offer at your business?

Sami: Our woodfire pizzas are super popular. We have run out of dough several times. Dough reservations are highly recommended. There are other menu items available - a cheese tray, bread basket, appetizers and cheesecake. Currently we have 2 beers on tap from KC Bier Co. On selected days we have live music, a date night special every Friday Night, a gift shop, craft and vendor events, football watch parties and holiday parties. We are pet and family friendly.

T.H. P.: What are your most popular wines?

Sami: The Perry Sunset, a sweet blush, is our number 1 seller. It features a picture of Lake Perry on the bottle. The Cabernet Franc is our second best seller. It’s a semi-sweet red. 

T.H. P.: Can you give us a fun fact about wine making? 

Sami: During harvest, some people will ask to taste the grapes. Wine grapes are edible but they're really not meant to be eaten like grapes from the store. Wine grapes have seeds and thicker skins, and they tend to be sweeter because the sugars will be turned into alcohol during fermentation.

T.H. P.: How can people find you online? Where are you located? How can people reach you?
Sami: Our website is www.crookedpostwinery.com We also have Facebook - Crooked Post Winery. We are located in Ozawkie, KS. 7397 K-92 HWY. Our number is 785-876-9990. You can also send us a Facebook message. Our hours are Friday and Saturday 12-8, Sunday 12-6

T.H. P.: What would you like the public to know about Crooked Post Vineyard and Winery?

Sami: We are open for business! Come try out our wines with a tasting, meet the new owners, plan an event for your family like a bridal shower, anniversary, or birthday party. We have an outdoor patio and indoor seating for 50 people. Follow our Facebook page for upcoming events. 

T.H. P.: We had a great time with you guys, a VERY fun group. Are you guys always laughing that much? Tell me a little bit about your crew!

Sami: Yes! It’s seriously the best job. Where else can you work and enjoy wine? We have the BEST employees and helpers who go above and beyond to make sure we are all taken care of. Their husbands also help us out a lot. We’ve become one big family and there’s never a dull moment.

T.H. P.: What are your plans for the future? Sami: We hope to add more unique events, a gazebo for weddings, fire pits and even more menu items. All while serving the wines our guests have come to love.

   Do you have a small business? Would you like to be featured on our blog? Send us a message on our facebook page or reach out to us by email! We'd love to work with you!