| COUNTS HOLLOW VINEYARD |
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| The vineyard idea soon blossomed into a winery. In 2006, we added an adjoining 80 acres to our retreat. It's on this new addition that we've broken ground for our winery building which will open next Spring (2008). It will be built with all local materials, as much salvaged as we can manage, and with as little disruption to the surrounding ecology as possible. We plan to take up residence at Counts Hollow full time when Denise's daughter completes high school. |
| My paternal grandfather Arno was an early and significant influence for me. He grew up on a farm, so when he moved to St. Louis City as an adult, he always kept a garden. Not only was he kind to every person he met, he was also the kind of man who had the squirrels eating right out of his hand. He taught me my love of growing and to respect all living things. In large part because of my grandpa, I started my own garden the minute I had my own yard. After college I began working as an accountant and auditor. And while I worked hard and succeeded, I did not feel fulfilled. Thus began a string of night classes on everything from Chemistry to Ecology. Looking back, it seems perfect preparation for Counts Hollow. But I guess that's what happens when you follow your heart. The joy my grandfather cultivated years ago has born wonderful fruit with the creation of Counts Hollow. So it is in tribute to him that our finest wines will bear the name of Château Arneaux. |
| This is my daughter Elena and I. I've always taught her to respect nature, conserve, recycle, etc. Pretty sure most of it goes in one ear and out the other, as shown by the above expression, but every once in a while she proves me wrong. All in all, I'm so proud of the person she has become. I'm grateful that we have such a close relationship, and that our little family business really is a family affair! |
| Hometown: St. Louis, MO Education: BS-Actg University of MO-StL Other Studies: VESTA - Enology U of KS - Architecture UMSL - Chemistry, SLCC - Horticulture, Ecology Career: Mother Accountant/Auditor Wine Maker Hobbies: Gardening Wine Making Roadie for Merv's Drum Kit |
| Merv's both the brains and the brawn of the building process, in addition to his role as Counts Hollow viticulturist. Using his extensive background in carpentry, building and fine art, Merv created the plans for the winery, which will be built using local materials. He runs our own saw mill located on-site at Counts Hollow. Most of the lumber used in our winery building will come from trees that have been cut to make way for the vineyards and winery. |
| OLD WORLD TRADITIONS IN A YOUNG VITICULTURALIST Growing up Mennonite is likely the basis for Merv's love of nature, respect for natural methods of tending land, and his wide array of artisan skills. Although he moved to the city about 20 years ago, he hasn't lost touch with the way he was taught to tend crops. Serving as Counts Hollow's viticulturist, Merv combines the best of old traditions and new technology for our vineyards. As with his carpentry and furniture, he is very hands on with the vines, watching them closely to evaluate their needs. |
| Hometown: Arthur, IL Trade: Finish Carpentry, Furniture Making Professional Musician: 15 yrs drumming (arguably one of the best in town) and singing with more bands than can be counted here. Merv currently performs with The Ransom Note & Peck of Dirt Other Studies: 2 YrsFine Arts @ Lakeland College |
| YOUR HOSTS DENISE LEBEGUE & MERV SCHROCK |
| ABOUT DENISE |
| OUR STORY |
| OUR PHILOSOPHY |
Our story begins in 1998 when we first met (at the old Way Out, for fellow St.
Louisans). However, the story doesn't get good until July 2001 when we fell in love (at
Modesto over a Caesar salad). It was our mutual love of good food & drink and the
outdoors that brought us together. That love of nature led to our purchase of 76
wooded acres in the Ozarks in 2002. We quickly came to realize we would not be
happy until we could call this gorgeous bit of Missouri home. With the land's dramatic,
rocky, south-facing slopes, both of us were intrigued and excited by the idea of
starting a vineyard and making our living doing something we love in the place we love.
Louisans). However, the story doesn't get good until July 2001 when we fell in love (at
Modesto over a Caesar salad). It was our mutual love of good food & drink and the
outdoors that brought us together. That love of nature led to our purchase of 76
wooded acres in the Ozarks in 2002. We quickly came to realize we would not be
happy until we could call this gorgeous bit of Missouri home. With the land's dramatic,
rocky, south-facing slopes, both of us were intrigued and excited by the idea of
starting a vineyard and making our living doing something we love in the place we love.
| | | | | | |
| Later he'll be hand-crafting the interiors and furniture for the winery and Bed & Breakfast cabins. And entertaining guests with easy conversation and maybe a song or two. |
Headboard
made by
Merv from
five different
native
hardwoods.
made by
Merv from
five different
native
hardwoods.
WINEMAKING
We believe that Missouri is capable of making world-class wines. In fact, several wineries in the state are already
doing so. Our goal is to join in that tradition using only the grapes that we have grown. We relish the idea of
every bottle of Counts Hollow wine reflecting the terroir we have so carefully chosen. Our passion is to make new
world wines that reflect the traditions of French winemaking. Like the French, we believe our wines should be
paired with great food and enjoyed every day.
We believe that Missouri is capable of making world-class wines. In fact, several wineries in the state are already
doing so. Our goal is to join in that tradition using only the grapes that we have grown. We relish the idea of
every bottle of Counts Hollow wine reflecting the terroir we have so carefully chosen. Our passion is to make new
world wines that reflect the traditions of French winemaking. Like the French, we believe our wines should be
paired with great food and enjoyed every day.
VINES AND OUR ENVIRONMENT
At Counts Hollow we strive to work with Mother Nature's natural rhythms. Our goal is to respect the land and
give back more than we take. As such, only natural compost teas and plant- and mineral-based sprays are used
on our land. Our commitment to nature extends beyond our farming techniques to our green building practices.
At Counts Hollow we strive to work with Mother Nature's natural rhythms. Our goal is to respect the land and
give back more than we take. As such, only natural compost teas and plant- and mineral-based sprays are used
on our land. Our commitment to nature extends beyond our farming techniques to our green building practices.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
To us, great wine is nothing if not enjoyed with great friends and great food. We'd like all of our customers and
staff to enjoy our place as much as we do and feel comfortable here. All questions are welcome and tours are
given upon request. Because we want the whole family to enjoy Counts Hollow, our own juices will be available
for the kids and everyone, as well as Mr. Maxx's food cubes for the family dog. Contact us anytime.
To us, great wine is nothing if not enjoyed with great friends and great food. We'd like all of our customers and
staff to enjoy our place as much as we do and feel comfortable here. All questions are welcome and tours are
given upon request. Because we want the whole family to enjoy Counts Hollow, our own juices will be available
for the kids and everyone, as well as Mr. Maxx's food cubes for the family dog. Contact us anytime.
© COUNTS HOLLOW VINEYARD LLC 2007. All Rights Reserved.
