Wineries in Kansas are a beautiful sight, offering plenty of open skies to paint above the vines. However, when you think of a winery in Kansas, you probably don't think about castles. Today we're headed to Topeka, where an enchanting castle sits, full of history (and wine).
Just look at the open skies and endless views! All the wine sold at this castle is Davenport wine, which is made in Eudora, where this photo was taken.
The castle itself has a red brick exterior, and is partially hidden by trees. It was built in the 1880s by Seraphin P. Matrot, but is still pretty mysterious in its origins.
Matrot himself was born in Paris, and lived as a wealthy and well-known architect. It's said that during the Franco-Prussian war, he and his family fled Paris due to his underground revolutionary activities.
It was here that he chose to build a castle to please his wife, and he chose a location this far inland because he feared his enemies would pursue him. The castle in Topeka is a duplicate of the one built in France, except with thicker walls, holes for aiming weapons outside, and a false keyhole to deter thieves.
However, underground, he built a wine cellar, and planted acres of grape vines he later tended to make wine. Matrot died in 1898 on the second floor, and had to be lowered in a casket out the window, because he wouldn't fit through the narrow doorway. The castle has since been handed off numerous times, and restored in the 70's, adding new features and repairing old ones.
Today, you can schedule tours of the castle as well as visit for a wine tasting. The attached Dinosaur Garden is a treat, but one you wouldn't expect next to such a stoic castle.
Either way you prefer your wine, it's much more fun to drink in a castle than anywhere else, I'd say!
You'll find them at 6424 SW Huntoon, Topeka, Kansas. Or, just navigate using the map below!
After checking out this amazing castle-turned-winery, you should definitely check out this amazing castle in Kansas that most of us forget about.
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