Grapes, Elderberries, Family and so much more...
Starting off right
We opened in 1995, and after more 25 years we began 2022 with over 600 International awards and titles to our credit. This Family owned business was started in 1995 as the way for the family team of Dr. John Brewer, his wife Beth, and his sister Merry Bauman to “make the family farm profitable”.
We have since gained our place on the World Stage of Wines with two Professional Wine Judges and Wine-Makers on staff, Dr. John Brewer himself and Merry’s son, Shawn. As a scientist, John had been making wines as a hobby for many years.
It all started with elderberries...
The nostalgia of Elderberry Wine, and the acres of elderberries on their mom’s ranch in Eastern Kansas, was the start of 8 years and over 200 trials to develop a world class wine made from elderberries.
Beginning with Elderberry Wines, we now have over 40 wines made from fruits, berries, and some incredible grape varieties. We definitely have fun with our wines, and proudly make wines that taste good! It is not just about the awards at Wyldewood Cellars, it is about making wines that people really enjoy.
The Winery was originally in a rented historical building in Mulvane, Kansas. On January 28, 1999 the call came in that the winery was on fire. Due to faulty wiring in another business in the same building, the winery and three other businesses were burned to the ground.
Building for the future
The new winery opened next to I-35 on Black Friday of 1999. The entire family worked together tirelessly to build and open the new facility, and have expanded it through the years to be a huge business with offices, our production area, our retail store, and two separate event venues. Today you will find up to four generations working at the winery, and Dr. John Brewer, Beth, and Merry still there every day.
Our Team
Dr. John Brewer
Dr. John Brewer received BS degree from Kansas State University, and his M.S. and Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Arkansas. He spent twenty years building high tech companies in integrated circuits, solar energy, and super conductivity with Mostech in TX, CO, OK, and PA. Dr. Brewer took his high tech education and experience and combined them into the wine industry. He founded Wyldewood Cellars Winery in 1995, with Merry and Beth, to make the family farm more profitable. Dr. Brewer was the first Professional International Wine Judge in Kansas. Today you can find Dr. John at the winery giving tasting classes and continuing to grow Wyldewood’s line of wines.
Beth Brewer
Beth Brewer is one of the co-founders of Wyldewood Cellars Winery along with her husband, Dr. John, and her sister-in-law, Merry. She is the mother of three as well as grandmother of three. Prior to Wyldewood, Beth taught elementary school in AR, CO, and PA. At Wyldewood Beth manages our retail outlets in Kansas, and makes sure they are stocked with more than just wine. Beth is also in charge of our banquet facilities; she schedules and schedules Weddings, Business Meetings, Parties, Private Tastings, and Wine Education Classes. Beth's favorite Wyldewood wines are our Traminette and Elderberry Dry Reserve.
Merry (Brewer) Bauman
Merry (Brewer) Bauman is Senior V.P. of Sales and co-founder of Wyldewood Cellars. The oldest of five children - including Dr. John Brewer - she grew up on their parents quarter horse and cattle ranch East of Leon, Kansas. A military wife for many years, she has spent most of her life in Kansas. Merry is the voice of our radio and television commercials, and in charge of our wholesale sales of non-alcoholic products. Prior to starting the winery, Merry was a buyer for Boeing. She is happily married; mother, grand and great-grand mother. Her hobbies include reading, cooking, and enjoying time with her family.
Sara
Sara is the Kansas State Sales Representative for Wyldewood Cellars Winery. She has been with Wyldewood for since 2015, and serves many of the liquor store tastings within the state of Kansas. Sara was previously a nurse, and is a wife, mother of 2 and grandmother.
Gene Cassese
Gene Cassese is our New York State Sales Representative, Finance, and Product Development. Gene is a happily married father of two, and a proud grandfather. He is athletic, and loves our Elderberry products. If you are in the NYC/NY State area please reach out to Gene via email at Gene@wyldewoodcellars.com, he will be able to help you get some of our amazing products.
Erin
Erin works at the Winery and runs NewMarket Square. She has been with us for more than 5 years and has helped inboth painting the Maple & Ridge store, and moving the entire store form Maple to NewMarket Square.
Tammy
Paxico Manager. Tammy has been with us for so long (she doesn't remember when she started). In her off time Tammy enjoys gardening and home decorating.
Brooke
Assistant Manager & Social Media. Brooke has been with the winery since June 2014. She enjoys reading, shopping, Harry Potter and The Office. Usually her kids are with her when she is working.