KCTV 5Couple hopes to open winery in Overland Park

An Overland Park committee gave its blessing to a Leawood couple's hopes to open a winery.

The Planning Committee voted to send the rezoning issue to the full council, which will consider the matter at its March 5 meeting.

The couple wants to turn 200 acres near 167th Street and Kenneth Road in southern Johnson County into a vineyard.

Overland Park officials think it would be something new and exciting for the city and a good fit for the neighborhood.

"Nationally, wineries are being revived, and I think there is a great new future for Kansas wineries," said Wolfgang Trost, a spokesman for the couple.

Leslie Karr, manager of Overland Park Planning Commission, said the city needs to hear from residents about the rezoning issue.

"It's an opportunity if there are neighbors that have concerns or questions to come and learn about the application and let the commission know of their concerns," Karr said.

If the council approves the rezoning, the planting would begin in April and wines could be produced in four years.

If approved, this would be the first winery in Overland Park.

"Kansas has beautiful properties with potential for wineries for sure," Trost said. "If the property drains well, it can have some fabulous varieties grown on it."

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