The Scoop: Missouri winemaking fixture Mark Baehmann to open Wild Sun Winery this summer

After 33 years crushing grapes for Missouri wineries like Montelle and Mount Pleasant, Chaumette winemaker Mark Baehmann is ready to fulfill a lifelong dream of opening his own winery in August. Baehmann will open doors to a tasting room Wild Sun Winery, located at 4830 Pioneer Road, just outside of Hillsboro.

Wild Sun will not grow its own grapes, Baehmann said. Instead, he and business partner Ed Wagner will source grapes from Missouri growers to create a portfolio of Missouri standards, including a barrel-fermented chardonel, semi-dry and sweet reds and whites, a dry red blend, a Norton, a cabernet sauvignon and even a port to debut in two to three years.

Baehmann said the project took hold four years ago when he met Wagner, who was equally excited to get into the wine-making business. With the blessing of Chaumette owner Hank Johnson, Baehmann has spent the last two years making wine for the Wild Sun label at Chaumette. “I have nicely aged reds and whites. We’ve got great product when we open doors,” Baehmann said.

Initially, Wild Sun wines will only be available at the tasting room, which is situated in a 200-year-old home. While they uncork a bottle, guests can enjoy bites like cheese and sausage plates or pizzas. Guests can also bring their own nosh and spread a picnic blanket on the lawn or take a seat on a large deck or airy porch.

Baehmann has slowly transitioned from his post at Chaumette, where he gave his notice nearly a year ago. Winery spokesperson Jennifer Johnson said details are still being finalized for a new winemaker, and Chaumette’s management looked forward to Baehmann’s next step. “We are very proud of Mark’s six years of accomplishments at Chaumette, and we are wholeheartedly supportive of his new endeavor,” Johnson said. “We wish him the very best while we look forward to continuing our work together.”

This article appears in June 2015.