Chandler Hill Vineyards

Specialties

Chandler Hill is unique in that the setting is truly spectacular. The dramatic tasting room is perched high above the Femme Osage Valley with breathtaking views of our lush vineyards, scenic lake, rolling hills and abundant wildlife.

We offer a broad selection of the very finest award-​winning Missouri and West Coast wines including varieties from vineyards on the sunny slopes of Napa Valley and Sonoma as well as from our viticultural partners in Oregon and Washington State. From dry to semi-​sweet, fruity or bold to complex, one taste and you’ll know why discriminating wine enthusiasts choose Chandler Hill time after time.

Equally enchanting are our magnificent dining offerings. Our daily menu includes a sumptuous variety of fresh soups, sandwiches, salads and desserts. For private parties, receptions, corporate events and weddings our comprehensive catering menu assures a tantalizing culinary experience for any size group or party!

History

Established in 2008.

In the early 1870’s, a freed slave traveled on the Mississippi and Missouri rivers from the Civil War-​torn south. By happenstance he settled near Defiance, Missouri.

The man worked odd jobs for people in the area and was befriended by a family who lived on local farm property. They took the man in and he worked on their farm for many years while teaching himself to read. When he married in 1881, the family deeded him 40 acres of their land as a gift for him and his new bride Ellen.

The man’s name was Joseph Chandler. On his newly acquired property he built a rustic cabin, outbuildings and a cistern where he and Ellen lived and had children. Joe Chandler died in 1952 at the amazing age of 103. Chandler Hill’s tasting room and winery stand on the site of Joseph Chandler’s original cabin.

During excavation, many century-​old artifacts were uncovered including a shotgun, rifle, tools, china and more. These relics of Joseph Chandler are on display at the winery.

Meet the Manager

Chuck G.

Manager

Chuck Gillentine, Manager & CEO, spent many years as a salesman but even more as a lover of fine wines. For decades prior to the opening of Chandler Hill in 2008, Chuck was a student and aficionado of wines from Missouri, the east and west coasts of the United States and from around the world. His love for and appreciation of truly fine wines is reflected in Chandler Hill’s caliber of vintages.

Chuck credits the attention to detail of his family and experienced staff for making the Chandler Hill customer experience so spectacular. More than 70 weddings and countless more corporate events at the winery annually is testimony to the quality experience customers have come to expect.