On Sunday, we decided to take a drive out to Sainte Genevieve which is a quaint little French town located approximately an hour south of St. Louis. We drive through the area often on our trips back and forth to Louisiana, but this was the first time to get off of the interstate for me. While I knew that that area was quite hilly, I wasn't expecting such a high elevation with such windy roads. I'm so glad that we decided to wait to do this once all of the greenery had returned! It was so gorgeous. Also, I can't even begin to imagine trying to travel those roads when snow and ice were on the ground. Tony has had experience, and doesn't recommend it! It was much more fun just to pretend that we were on a roller coaster with all of the dips and curves.
Cave Vineyard and Tasting Room
Nestled in the southeastern rolling hills of Ste. Genevieve, the name is derived from the large cave located in the valley of the property. The tasting room is actually located on top of the natural cave wine cellar used on the property. After purchasing the property, the current owners decided that it would be a great place to retire, so they began making plans to operate a winery on the property. They initially planted seven acres of grapes in 2001, and quickly expanded to fourteen acres the following year. Currently, four varieties of grapes are grown: Chardonel, Traminette, Cambourcin, and Cynthiana/Norton.
A groupon that included a picnic in cave brought us out to Cave Vineyard. I mean, you can't really pass up a chance to dine in a cave! On the way down there, I was teasing Tony that there wouldn't be any meat in the picnic. If you know Tony, you can imagine his reaction! Crisis was averted when he learned that he could purchase a package of summer sausage. Aside from a little water dripping on you, it was the perfect place for a picnic.
Our view while eating lunch
The cave is 200 yards from the tasting room down a steep, windy road. They offer a quick shuttle service to and from the cave. The cool temperatures inside the cave were a very welcome relief from the unseasonably warm temperatures that we have had lately.
Saltpeter Cave
Very little has been historically recorded about the cave other than the name Saltpeter comes from the time of the early French Settlers. It is believed that the cave was mined for saltpeter (like Meramac Cave).
This is a little farther back in the cave. We stayed towards the front where there weren't any others. One thing that is pretty nice is that they actually allow you to bring your own food into the cave as long as you purchase a bottle of wine. Bottles begin at $9, so it's definitely a great deal. Dogs are also allowed.
Right outside the entrance of the cave. You can tell that the water from inside the cave once ran down as a waterfall into this area.
View from the entrance
If you don't want to go down to the cave, there is also a nice pavilion right next to the tasting room.
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