Chandler Hill Vineyards

Open: Year-round

In the early 1870s, a former slave traveled north from the Civil War-torn south and settled near Defiance, Missouri. Befriended by a family who lived on property next to that belonging to the family of Daniel Boone the freed man worked on their farm for many years and was married in the 1880s. Eventually, the family deeded him 40 acres of their land including a hill overlooking the beautiful Femme Osage Valley.

The man's name was Joseph Chandler who died in 1952 at the age of 103. Chandler Hill Vineyards operates on the same property he once owned. The tasting room and winery stands on the site of Joseph Chandler's modest cabin.

During excavation for the winery building many century-old artifacts were uncovered including a shotgun, rifle, stove remnants, buttons and china. These storied relics of Joseph Chandler are on display at the winery. The stones from the original cabin foundation were also carefully removed and are being used as a feature at the winery.