The Beginning

    The family purchased a 21-acre plot in the heart of Missouri Wine Country along the Hermann Wine Route back in 1994. Mr. (Nick) Bommarito and his daughter collaborated to establish a winery known as "Bommarito Estate Almond Tree Winery", which operated for 25 years.

  In 2006, Cathleen Bommarito-Manley assumed the role of winemaker for the family's winery. She worked alongside her father to produce exceptional Missouri wines, earning her the distinction of being one of the most highly awarded female winemakers in the state. 

  Despite the challenges each year brought, Cathleen embraced the opportunity to create exceptional wines from the vineyard's harvest, which were influenced by Missouri's climate and external factors, resulting in unique expressions for each grape variety. 

  Her academic journey began at Missouri State University in 1984, where she earned a bachelor's degree in marketing and management. She furthered her education at UC Davis, California, obtaining a certification in Enology and Viticulture. Additionally, she completed the Vesta Extension program at Missouri State University. Throughout her career in travel, Cathleen also gained hands-on experience through internships in the vineyard and cellar, working closely with her father since 1996. 

 In 2015, she achieved Sommelier Certification with the International Wine Guild. Her father restructured the winery in 2015 and eventually closed it in 2017. 

 In 2018, Cathleen established Bommarito Cellars Inc. as the owner, with her nephew Kyle Dussold assisting as the estate manager and assistant Cellar Master, overseeing the revitalization of the Norton Vineyard. This marks a new chapter in the family's winemaking journey, filled with fresh ideas and exciting adventures.

Bommarito Cellars has begun producing a Brandy-based Lemon Liqueur, meticulously refined over the years by Owner and Winemaker Cathleen Bommarito-Manley. This exquisite blend combines the zest of fresh lemons with the sweetness of a dessert infusion, perfect for soothing the stomach after an evening of indulging in food and wine.