Laughter echoes in the rafters of the former German Lutheran church, now home to Pirtle Winery, as guests sample local wines as well as award-winning honey mead. The shop opened in the old church--built in 1876--in 1978, making it the first winery to find success in the Kansas City area. A production facility opened across the street in 2007. You'll find Chambourcins, premium ports and Weston Bend Red, which is produced entirely at the Pirtle vineyard. However, Pirtle is perhaps best known for its honey mead, an ancient libation made from water, honey and yeast, and available from fewer than 40 wineries in the United States. Just steps from the winery, the Vineyards restaurant offers lunch and dinner Wednesday through Sunday. Watch for monthly jazz events on the patio and elegant four-course meals and wine pairings by guests chefs from some of the region's top restaurants.