Montana’s wineries begin to bloom

Cowboys and cowgirls don’t need to worry about sniffing the corks and extending their pinkie fingers when they visit Montana wineries. Tasting rooms in these parts are a little more laid back.

"You don’t have to be ashamed to admit that you know nothing," said Judy Chapman, co-owner of Lolo Peak Winery in Missoula. "At most wineries, the people pouring the wine know a lot about what they’re pouring."

"Don’t think just because it’s wine there’s this snob thing where you have to be sophisticated."

The Montana wine industry, though in its infancy, is producing award-winning wines made with locally grown and imported vinefera grapes as well as a rainbow of other Big Sky fruits.

Eight wineries are in production, with a ninth label — Trail Creek Winery out of Seeley Lake — planning to join the mix early next year. The vintners behind the labels create everything from organic wine to mead and are happy to invite folks in and hand out samples of their prided juices.

By STACY HASLEM
Tribune Staff Writer

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