By Jill Draper
A former greenhouse and retail plant space at Rosehill Gardens in Martin City is now a botanical-themed nightspot for drinking wine and listening to live music on the weekends.
Rosehill Winery opened in mid-September and expects to remain open through December, maybe taking a winter break after the holidays or maybe not. There are plans to install a fireplace in the corner, and perhaps add game nights for activities like horseshoes and bean bag toss.
The concept is still evolving, says Jeff Menefee, Rosehill marketing and events director. But after a soft opening, he’s pleased with comments from the first round of customers.
“People said it’s a magical place and the vibe is great,” says Menefee. “It’s a very unique setting. There’s all kinds of places to hang out here.”
The indoor heated greenhouse features a live edge wood bar and 12 high top tables that seat about 60 people. A wide breezeway connects to the nursery’s outdoor courtyard with patio seating for another 60 people, and in the opposite direction, an adjacent greenhouse offers tables for an overflow crowd or for customers who want a quieter place to gather and talk. The space holds two TVs, but those will only be turned on if there’s a big game. “We’re not a sports bar,” Menefee says.
During warm weather, various one and two-person bands will play in the shady courtyard. “The music comes through the breezeway really nice,” according to Menefee, who has a background in hospitality. In colder temperatures, the musician(s) will move into a corner of the greenhouse.
Wine starts at $6 a glass and goes up to $20; bottles also can be purchased. Chad Powell, Rosehill’s winemaker, says eventually there will be several custom blends of wine under Rosehill’s own label. For now, however, he offers a selection that includes local, national and international wines. Plus, there is hard cider, beer from Martin City and Boulevard brands, and spirits. Ice water and cans of soda are available for non-drinkers.
Before returning to the Midwest where he has family, Powell recently operated a winery outside Yosemite National Park in California’s Sierra foothills. Already he’s busy sourcing grapes, some locally and some from California, and planning a wine club that he hopes to launch next spring. The club will meet on Thursday nights for educational tastings of wines from different countries, perhaps with occasional food pairings. Club members also will receive discounts on various plants and landscape services.
The venue has a casual ambience with a crushed gravel floor and brick walkways. Potted succulents decorate the tables and vines trail across the ceiling. There will be more greenery to come, as well as a wine slushie machine next summer, notes Menefee, who says the space can be booked for private events like showers, weddings, book clubs, paint and sip classes and such.
Right now there is popcorn for snacking and a food truck that’s usually scheduled for Friday and Saturday evenings. Check the website, which also lists a rotating lineup of musicians. Because there’s no entertainment or food trucks on Thursdays, it’s okay to bring food on that day from surrounding businesses like Martin City Pizza, Dos de Oros, Jack Stack, RC’s, Jess & Jim’s, Rockin’ Wok Thai and others.
It’s also okay to smoke. Cigar aficionados have their own area off to the side, with a wide range of cigars that can be purchased, and well-behaved dogs are welcome to accompany their owners.
Rosehill Winery is located at 311 E 135th St. in Kansas City. Hours are 5-9 pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Currently there is no cover charge; eventually customers will pay $10 and receive half off their first drink purchase. Reservations are not needed, but are requested for large groups of 10 or more. See details at rosehillgardens.com/winery.
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