This past weekend, a couple of friends and I attended a wonderful Focaccia Making Class at Somerset Ridge Vineyard and Winery in Paola, Kansas. Located just 35 minutes from my home, the winery was a delightful discovery. As we arrived, I was immediately struck by the beauty of the lush vineyard and the warm hospitality of its owners.
Dennis and Cindy Reynolds, the husband-and-wife team behind Somerset Ridge, began planting their vineyard in 1998 and officially opened the winery in 2001. Today, the property boasts more than 9,000 grapevines and produces over 5,000 cases of wine annually. Somerset Ridge holds a unique place in local history as the first winery established in Miami County since Kansas enacted statewide prohibition in 1881.
In addition to its award-winning wines and hard ciders, the winery offers a wine club, seasonal events, and even opportunities for visitors to participate in grape harvesting.
A Creative Afternoon of Bread and Wine
On this particular Sunday afternoon, Somerset Ridge hosted a Focaccia Making Class in its private event space. The three-hour experience was led by Cindy Reynolds and local baker Michael Crane, who guided a group of about a dozen participants through the art of making and decorating focaccia bread.
Michael arrived with freshly baked samples, detailed instruction booklets, and plenty of inspiration. He demonstrated the bread-making process step by step and showed us how to transform simple dough into edible works of art using fresh herbs and colorful vegetables. The event felt like a perfect blend of baking class and art workshop.
Farm-to-Table Flavors
Adding to the experience were beautiful charcuterie platters provided by local farm-to-table favorite Kurzweil’s Country Meats. The artisanal boards featured a selection of handcrafted meats, flavorful cheeses, dips, and accompaniments that paired wonderfully with the wines. Everything was thoughtfully prepared and absolutely delicious.
After watching Michael’s demonstrations, it was our turn to get creative. Each participant decorated their own Focaccia masterpiece to take home and bake later. It was a fun, hands-on activity that sparked plenty of conversation and laughter.
Tasting Award-Winning Wines
Of course, no visit to Somerset Ridge would be complete without sampling their wines. During the class, we enjoyed tastings of several varieties, including their Pinot Noir, Aphrodite, which was named Best Local Wine by The Pitch in 2012. We also sampled their Chardonel, a rich white wine with notes of pear and green apple. Additional tastings included several semi-sweet and dessert wines, offering something for every palate.
Exploring the Winery
After the class concluded, we wandered over to the tasting area. Outside, charming red-canopied tables provided a welcoming place to relax and enjoy the vineyard views. A stage nearby hosts local musicians throughout the summer, creating a lively atmosphere for visitors.
Inside the tasting room, guests can browse a selection of Somerset Ridge wines along with gourmet food items and specialty products available for purchase.
A Perfect Escape Close to Home
Whether you’re attending one of Somerset Ridge’s special events, enjoying a wine tasting with friends, or spending an afternoon listening to live music, the winery offers a refreshing escape from city life. With its beautiful setting, exceptional hospitality, and unique experiences, Somerset Ridge Vineyard and Winery is a hidden gem that deserves a spot on any Kansas City-area weekend itinerary.
Owners Cindy and Dennis Reynolds.