by Beth
(Missouri, U.S.A.)
I like to stroll through the grapevines and enjoy the sights and smells of a winery as much as anyone, but I know that I am not going to get to France or Napa Valley anytime soon. The hustle of family life and the tight finances of the recession have ensured that for now.
Most people do not know, however, that there is a thriving wine country here in Missouri. In small towns like Augusta and Hermann, you can find many wineries where you can taste and buy some really great Missouri wines. I love to spend a day at a winery with my girlfriends, leisurely catching up on the latest gossip and sipping a new wine.
One afternoon at the winery ended up being one of the most treasured memories of my life. It started like any other trip, meeting my girlfriends and starting to chat. Everyone seemed to be in a really good mood, like they were all in on some kind of joke. Finally, one of them said, “Someone’s here to see you!” I turned around to see my boyfriend come through the door. He had a large bouquet of flowers. I asked what he was doing, and he fell to his knee. He asked me to marry him. Of course, I said yes! I was so excited and was glad to share the moment with all my friends. We were married six months later among the grapes at the same winery. I’ll always remember my special day in wine country.