Agricultural News
Hobby Goes Commercial as New Winery Opens Near Geary
Thu, 10 May 2012 10:03:17 CDT
Just north of Geary overlooking grassy, rolling hills sits a little, one-room schoolhouse that has been transformed into one of Oklahoma's newest wineries - Base Vines and Cattle. Owned by Aaron and Jennifer Base, this hobby turned commercial with the renovation of the one-room schoolhouse they relocated to their farm.
The schoolhouse serves as the tasting room with a picturesque view of Syrah grapevines known for making powerful red wines. The Bases started making wine to sell to the public last year after finalizing the bonding process. According to Jennifer, "It took a full year of paperwork and appointments with health inspectors and the fire marshal but the process is finally complete."
Due to the success of their existing acre of vines, they will be adding five more varieties to the vineyard this year. At this stage, planting different grape varieties is an experiment to see which will grow best on their farm. According to Jennifer Base, "The only way to know how grapes will do on your ground is to plant them and see."
The schoolhouse tasting room is available to rent for special events. It is the perfect place to have a small wedding, family reunion or any kind of party. Included in the old school's new facelift are two decks, an outdoor patio, restrooms and a kitchenette.
Base Vines and Cattle is located one mile north of Geary, 3.5 miles west, and ¾ of a mile south just off American Horse Road. They are open on Fridays from 5-8 p.m. or by appointment. For more information call 405-884-1066 or visit their website by clicking here.
Base Vines and Cattle is one of many venues in the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry's Agritourism Program. It is the crossroads where agriculture and tourism meet. Farms, ranches and vineyards across Oklahoma are opening their gates, barn doors and fences, issuing a heartfelt invitation to sample the abundant bounty and natural beauty found in the state's growing adventure - agritourism.
With more than 500 events and destinations featured, there's plenty to fill a weekend getaway or weeklong vacation. In 2010, domestic travelers directly spent nearly $6.2 billion in Oklahoma. Agritourism contributes to rural economic development in communities across the state.
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