Home is where the wine is. At least that’s the case for St. Louis natives Steve, Dennis and Steve Jr. Kreps, father and son team, and owners of Napa Valley based wine and import company Quintessential Wines. The Kreps recently acquired three legendary brands, Geyser Peak, Atlas Peak and XYZin and look forward to bringing home a taste of wine country to their Missouri neighbors.

    If you often like to indulge in a good glass of wine, you’ve surely heard of one of these brands. Geyser Peak spans back to the 1880s and was actually California’s 29th bonded winery. Over the course of the last several years, the small, once family-owned winery and its sister brands, Atlas Peak Winery and XYZin, fell into the hands of the corporate wine system. The Kreps saw an opportunity to purchase and revive these legendary brands and once again have them bear a family-owned name.

    “We are so excited to add these wines to our portfolio and to be able to bring them to our favorite restaurants right here in our hometown of St. Louis,” Steve Kreps says.

    Geyser Peak specializes in Alexander Valley Cabernet and Sonoma County Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio. These wines truly embody the essence of Sonoma and pair well with most cuisines and are quite the treat just by themselves, with good company of course. Atlas Peak specializes in Napa Valley Cabernet—the perfect fall wine. Yum! And XYZin specializes in California Zinfandel, which is a delightful pairing with barbecue. Anyone else getting thirsty?

    Ah, to be in wine country right now with the vineyards changing colors, the cool breeze running through your hair and a glass of Cab in your hand. Well, while you may not be able to make it to wine country this very moment, you can certainly bring it to you as Geyser Peak, Atlas Peak and XYZin will soon be featured in some of our favorite St. Louis restaurants. Look for it on the by-the-glass menu at the Walnut Grill, Three Kings, Frank Papa’s Ristorante and Charlie Gitto’s or ask your favorite retailer to stock Geyser Peak for you.

    And no judgement if you just want to grab a bottle and wine taste on your couch; that works too. With a little imagination and a full glass of wine, anything is possible. I think the Kreps would agree!     See stlouishomesmag.com for resources.