In an Associated Press story about wineries outside of the usual strongholds like California comes a reference to a Route 66 business:
Don Neal gets about 15,000 visitors a year at StableRidge Vineyards & Winery sandwiched between Oklahoma City and Tulsa on Route 66 in Stroud, Okla. Most come from urban areas or are international tourists driving the historic road. They are delighted when they learn his $12- to $35-per-bottle wines come entirely from local grapes, said Neal, 60.
“They say, ‘Why should I come in to your winery and buy California wine?'” he said. “They’re looking for Oklahoma. They’re looking for that unique taste.”
There are other wineries on 66, including at least two more in the Stroud area, one in Vinita, Okla., and several in central Missouri.
But don’t ask me about StableRidge wines — or any other wine, for that matter. I’m a beer man, so I don’t trust my judgment with fruits from the vine.