As Winter begrudgingly gives way to Spring in the midwest, wintertide often speaks its final words with bluster. So, on this gusty, chilly evening I drove down to the Stilwell Kansas area to a winery I had recently discovered – Audrey Vineyards. As I drove through the tightly-packed residential neighborhoods, I suddenly emerged into the countryside, and I felt the instant release of city tension. I was soon pulling up the long lazy drive of the vineyard farm. I was already relaxing as I arrived.
Inside the ambiance is warming and cozy. I ordered a light sweet wine and took a seat on their pillowed couch. I chatted with the staff, and as my conversations always turn toward history, I was intrigued to hear about the past of Aubry Township, for which the winery is named (with a slight spelling modification). Tiny Aubry was the first town across the state line when the Civil War broke out. Missouri was pro-slavery and Kansas supported the freedom for slaves. Aubry bore the brunt of the back and forth battles.
Quantrill’s confederate guerrillas raided Aubry repeatedly in the 1860’s. As if eking out a life on the wild prairie wasn’t bad enough for these sweet pioneer families, they then had to face Quantrill’s random bloodthirsty attacks and pillaging. In 1863, one dear old soul, Mr. Treble, overheard the raiders assembled on the periphery of his Aubry farm. They were organizing to go on a charge. He quickly notified the authorities, but was ignored. Quantrill went on to Lawrence Kansas and grossly slaughtered over 200 people. When they heard about Mr. Treble trying to warn the officials, they returned to Aubry and murdered this brave 80-year old gentleman.
As I sat sipping my wine, being grateful to employee Ben Luty for sharing such profound history with me, I began to hope that one day, the winery would name a bottle after the noble Mr. Treble.
I sank deeper into the pillows and the live music easily moved me into reflecting on the long-ago pioneers who did the hard work to settle this land on which I was enjoying such a comfortable evening. I smiled with gratitude.
The musician, Isaac Kenneth, was singing lulling tunes with his smooth voice. I looked around. Everyone looked happily content. He is now one of my new favorite musical artists in the region.
As the evening wound down, a staff member requested a song. Isaac didn’t immediately recognize it, so he asked Drew Starlin to sing his request. Drew casually launched into a brief rendition. I saw every eye widen and jaws drop in awe. Isaac knew what was happening, and gently encouraged Drew to join him in a duet. The two voices blended in astonishing harmony that was thrilling to witness. It ended with enthusiastic applause.
I so enjoyed this special evening at Aubrey Vineyard, and look forward to returning soon and often.