White Wind Farms - Emerald Prairie Nursery, Paola

Established: 1995
Handicap Accessible: No
Staff Size: 2–10 people
Parking: Parking lot
Reservations/Appointments: Optional
Most popular offering: Containerized trees
Pro Tip: Wear comfortable, toed shoes. There are gravel roads and grassy paths.
Good for Kids: Yes
Walk-ins Welcome: Yes

Q&A with Gilbert Hermes, Owner

What sets your business apart from your competition?
We are a farm anchored by our nursery, vineyard and winery.

What was the inspiration for starting this business?
A need to be connected to the earth is in every one of us. For me, great company and great wine in beautiful surroundings is as good as it gets.

Is there anything else you want to add that we didn't cover?
Along with picking out some great nursery stock, the winery tasting room is open for sampling. There are a number of fun events coming up this spring. Be prepared for live music, our sheep being shorn, or an art event when you come out for the weekend. ... We grow trees, shrubs, perennials, and grasses, but not annuals and vegetables. And, yes, you can call me Gilbert Grape.

What is the best reaction you’ve ever gotten from a customer?
It is so gratifying to see our products woven into the tapestry of people's lives. I have helped people pick out trees to celebrate new beginnings and also to remember those not with us. One day in the winery a couple came in celebrating their 30th anniversary. And they told me how their son had just proposed to their future daughter in law over a bottle of our wine. Love that.

What’s your favorite part about your job?
Walking through a beautiful nursery crop, or the vineyard before harvest, or opening the first bottle of a new vintage with customers in the tasting room is all equally fun. I also love seeing nursery stock we grew all over Kansas City.