Founded in 2016 by African American sommelier Jennifer McDonald, Jenny Dawn Cellars has grown into the first metropolitan winery in downtown Wichita, KS.
McDonald’s latest vintages feature varietals and fruits grown in the heartland of Kansas. The labels are inspired by Wichita’s Lone Star train and station terminal, built in 1914. These wines are a nod to the tastes, cultures, history and terroir of this region, the company says.
Jenny Dawn Cellars Black Locomotive Crimson Cabernet 2019 is a dry red wine created with locally harvested crimson cabernet, the company explains, a newly discovered grape varietal that combines the colors and flavors of cabernet sauvignon with the hearty, more cold-resistant nature of the Norton grape, a native varietal to the mid-west region. The wine is a deep ruby red color with hints of purple, and fruits of black cherry and elderberry, as well as fig, basil and cedar spices.
Jenny Dawn Cellars Union Station Chardonnay 2019 is made from local Kansas Chardonnay grapes. This wine is dry, crisp, light bodied and straw yellow in color, the company reports. Fermented in stainless steel, aromas and flavors include lime peel, Asian pear, citrus blossom and limestone, as well as high minerality, similar to a cool climate French Chablis.
Jenny Dawn Cellars Red Caboose Rosé is made using the saignée method from Kansas crimson cabernet grapes. The wine is a light ruby red in color, dry in finish, fruity and savory, the company says. Aromas and flavors of cranberry, banana, roses and white flower blossom are present.
Jenny Dawn Cellars Rosé Wine does not come from grapes, but watermelons grown in Kansas. The wine is salmon pink color, with sweet-tart notes. Its aromas and flavors of honeydew, cantaloupe, watermelon, dandelion and green grass make it a pairing for desserts like cheesecake and white chocolate truffles, the company says.
The suggested retail price for all four wines is $19.99 each, per 750-ml. bottle.
