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Valley Trails Winery: Glass Half Full

Valley Trails Winery: Glass Half Full

July 23, 2025 | Member features

Tucked just five miles south of Westmoreland on Flush Road, a new family-owned winery is bringing a taste of Kansas agriculture to the heart of rural America. Owned by Dennis and Lou Ann Fike, both Kansas natives with deep farming roots, Valley Trails Winery recently opened its tasting room after two years in the 456 Wineries incubator program in Wamego. The Fikes focus on crafting six unique wines made entirely from Kansas-grown grapes, honoring the state’s little-known but rich tradition of grape growing and winemaking.

Dennis and Lou Ann’s journey is one of passion and perseverance. After spending the last years of their careers in New Mexico, they returned home to Kansas, planted their vineyard in spring 2020, and enhanced their knowledge through viticulture and enology courses at Highland Community College. They both share a love for agriculture and rural America, so this was their opportunity to do something that got them back to their roots and allowed them more time outside. Their love for agriculture and community shines through in every aspect of the winery, from the welcoming tasting room to the monthly live music and yoga events, as well as creative gatherings like “paint ‘n’ sip” nights.

Dennis explains that one of their driving forces of starting their venture was the inherit challenge of it. “One winery owner in New Mexico told us ‘Not to waste our money’ on a vineyard/winery in Kansas. That gave us the extra push to say, ’we can do this!’"

They thoroughly enjoy seeing the labor of the vineyard turn into a finished product and consider it to be one of the best parts of their business along with meeting all the people interested in their winery.

Both Kansas college alums, Lou Ann from Emporia State and Dennis from Kansas State, have lived in many places over the years but have always called Kansas their home.

Open every weekend, the winery invites guests to bring their own food, enjoy local wines, and soak in the friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere. The Fikes’ motto, “Our glass is always half full,” perfectly captures their positive spirit and commitment to creating memorable experiences for every visitor.

 

Written by Brody Zwiebel, From the Land of Kansas Intern

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