Stone Pillar Vineyard & Winery, Johnson County’s original farm winery, is located 20 minutes southwest of Kansas City in Olathe, Kansas and is owned and operated by the Hoff Family who has farmed this land since before the Civil War.  George and Brandi Hoff were inspired to begin a vineyard and winery of their own while on vacation in 2004. The luscious grain fields that surrounded the beautiful family owned vineyards and wineries that they saw while on a winery tour at Niagara on the Lake reminded them of the family farm in Kansas and the seed was planted.

Once home, George convinced farm owners Tom Sr. and his wife Marcie that a winery would be a wonderful way to keep the small acreage farm productive as the city swallowed up nearby pastures and fields.  The first vines were planted in 2007 and the winery opened for sales May 1, 2010.  The family works closely with their own vines and their local growers to ensure a high quality hand-picked Kansas wine.  The Hoff’s welcome you to visit during regular hours and to attend some of their many after-hours unique events.  Cheers!

In summer of 2004 George & Brandi took a vacation to Canada to see Niagara Falls. Following a disappointing rain out from a flight over the falls they set out on a charmingly chauffeured tour of a few local wineries. The clouds gave way to sun drenched fields of grain nestled alongside numerous vineyards. The real turning point beyond just a trip to a wine region for George was the real people in the winery, and the farming related aspects. From the first family winery to the last, the people were amazingly connected to each other, the land, community, and the winery; the large corporate entities had good wine yet lacked person ability and charm. George followed the dream to be a winemaker, growing grapes on the family’s 160-year-old farm. After years of perseverance and family support George has brought a great local wine experience to his hometown.