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Yep, this is... Kansas!

As in most Midwest States, grape growing in Kansas began with homesteaders planting a crop in family-run farms all during the 19th century.

Before the onset of Prohibition in 1920, Kansas and Missouri together produced 86 percent of all the wine consumed in the United States.

Today, there are slightly more than 140 acres of winery grapes planted in Kansas, compared to Missouri which has 870 acres. Since the 1990's, Kansas has grown from three to seven wineries while Missouri grew from 30 to 51 (and Nebraska from four to 14).

With anywhere to go but up, watch Kansas and the rest of the Midwest continue to grow its winemaking industry in the years ahead.

(Photo above right, the Smokey Hill Vineyards & Winery in Salina, Kansas.)

More information about Kansas wineries around the Web:

Wineries - Travel Kansas - The official state travel site offering a brief overview and directory listings of top wineries including descriptions, related maps and resources.

Kansas Viticulture and Farm Winery Association - Industry organization telling the tale of Kansas wine history with a guides to the Northeastern wine trail, related photos and maps.

Kansas Wineries - Kansas Wine - Excellent overview with information about grape varieties and fruit wines produced at top Kansas wineries including tasting notes.