From a Family Farm to the World Stage of Wine
Founded in 1995, Wyldewood Cellars began as a heartfelt mission to make the family farm profitable — and evolved into an internationally recognized winery with over 600 international awards and titles to our name by 2022.
This family-owned venture was started by Dr. John Brewer, his wife Beth, and his sister Merry Bauman. What began as a passion project rooted in science, agriculture, and nostalgia has grown into one of the Midwest’s most awarded wineries.
It all started with elderberries...
Our journey began with the wild elderberries that grew abundantly on our mother’s ranch in Eastern Kansas. Inspired by European elderberry products and driven by curiosity and dedication, we spent eight years and over 200 trials perfecting a world-class Elderberry Wine.
The success of those early experiments launched a full-scale winery — and eventually a legacy. Today, we proudly produce over 40 varieties of wine, crafted from fruits, berries, and exceptional grape varietals. From rich and bold to light and playful, our wines are made to be enjoyed — not just judged.
Science Meets Craft
With two professional wine judges and winemakers on staff — Dr. John Brewer and his nephew Shawn Ramos — we blend scientific precision with creative flair. John's background in science and winemaking laid the foundation for quality, consistency, and innovation in every bottle.
A Taste of Wyldewood
The best part of visiting our winery? Free wine tastings — every day during regular business hours.
No appointment needed, just come in and sip! With over 40 wines to choose from, you’re guaranteed to find something that suits your palate, whether you love sweet, dry, fruity, or bold.
Leading the Elderberry Movement
In 1988, even before the winery opened its doors, we began cultivating elderberries commercially. What some called a “noxious weed,” we saw as a goldmine of potential. In collaboration with Kansas State University, University of Missouri, and local farmers, we pioneered elderberry farming as a sustainable, alternative cash crop.
Our efforts culminated in hosting the first International Symposium on Elderberries in 2013, and the development of four new elderberry varieties — including Marge, the first successful cross between European and American plants. Hardy, productive, and suitable for machine harvesting, Marge is paving the way for large-scale elderberry production in the U.S.
Wyldewood Cellars — From the Farm to You
From our family roots to your glass, every bottle tells a story of passion, perseverance, and purpose. Whether you’re here for the nostalgia, the novelty, or just a really great glass of wine — welcome to Wyldewood.
Elderberries - A Family Legacy
Margaret, was the mom of John, grandmother to Tracie, Brenton and Ashley. She passed in November, 2021. She loved horticulture and created three types of Elderberries: Wyldewood 1, Wyldewood 2, and Marge; in which The ‘Marge’ genotype was selected in 2004 as showing exceptional vigor and producing very large berries. Propagules were provided to the University of Missouri and Missouri State University for evaluation in 2006. You can find more infomation about her plants at this link: ‘Marge’: a European Elderberry for North American Producers
From Ashes to Award-Winning
Wyldewood Cellars was originally located in a rented historical building in the heart of Mulvane, Kansas. That dream nearly came to an end on January 28, 1999, when a devastating fire — caused by faulty wiring in a neighboring business — destroyed the winery along with three other businesses. Everything was lost.
But our story didn’t end there.
Building for the Future
With unwavering determination and a lot of heart, the family came together to rebuild — not just a winery, but a legacy. Later that same year, on Black Friday of 1999, the brand-new Wyldewood Cellars opened its doors just off I-35, where it still stands today.
The new facility became more than just a winery — it grew into a thriving hub for wine lovers, eventgoers, and families alike. Over the years, we’ve expanded to include offices, a large production area, a retail store, and two beautiful event venues.
A Family Legacy
What started as a small family business is now powered by up to four generations working side by side. You’ll still find Dr. John Brewer, Beth, and Merry here every day — pouring their passion into every bottle and every visitor experience.
Our history is one of perseverance, family, and growth — and we're just getting started.
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 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 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.
Marketing & Social Media Director
As the youngest daughter of the owner, Ashley brings both heart and creativity to everything she does at Wyldewood Cellars. She leads our marketing and social media efforts, sharing our story and wines with the world in a way that's fun, engaging, and true to who we are.
Ashley has a passion for design and loves using her creative eye to craft graphics, labels, and promotional content that showcase the unique personality of each wine we create. Her favorite? Lady Pearl — our Strawberry Moscato, a sweet and vibrant wine that’s as fun and flavorful as summer itself.
Whether online or behind the scenes, Ashley helps keep the Wyldewood brand fresh, authentic, and always evolving — just like the winery itself..
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 works at the Winery and runs New Market 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.
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.
Assistant Manager & Social Media for our Paxico location. 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.
I have always cooked at home, but really started playing in the kitchen when we realized that my husband has food allergies. I love playing with ingredients to create new meals. Feeding people is my love language.
I love working with people to create the perfect menu and sweet creations to help complete the event you dream of.
(Pictured)Beth B., Sydney A., and Kim Y.
(Not Pictured)Stephanie and Angie
Mike W., Shawn R., and Mike D.
Sherry & Sara
Sydney & Stephanie