Our Team

Richard’s path to vineyard and winery ownership came through the love of a science that farmers everywhere find integral to their operations on a daily basis – Atmospheric Science. As a meteorologist, Richard spent his career first as a forecaster and later as Chief of Scientific Services for the Central Region of the National Weather Service. Upon retirement, he joined with his wife, Kathleen, and daughter Sarah to establish, nurture and grow Baltimore Bend Vineyard.

Kathleen spent her career as a Family Nurse Practitioner caring for individuals and families throughout the Mid-Missouri area. Her goal was to provide high-quality health care as well as educate individuals in an effort to promote wellness and healthy lifestyles. She retired from her nursing career in 2008, and began her second career at the winery. Kathleen is integral to the daily success of the winery and offers her wit, charm and level headiness when the team needs it most.

Sarah Schmidt
Manager

Sarah is an owner of Baltimore Bend Vineyard, a business she started with her parents, Richard and Kathleen Livingston, in 1997. Starting with 1.5 acres, their vineyard has grown to more than 7 acres today comprising 8 different varieties of wine grapes. The winery was started in 2003, and will celebrate its 20th anniversary in November 2023. As a small business, Sarah has been instrumental in all aspects of the vineyard and winery’s growth over the years, and moved into the head winemaking role 8 years ago. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and a certificate in enology from Washington State University.

Scott is one of the owners at Baltimore Bend Vineyard and joined the team full time in 2014. Scott has a breadth of knowledge about the wholesale arena – education he gleaned while working with one of the nation’s top Distributors as Operations Manager in Albuquerque, NM. Like the rest of the owners, Scott plays a vital role in all aspects of the operation from vineyard, to the cellar and tasting room, to wholesale. You’ll likely see Scott out and about doing wine tastings at our retailer partner locations throughout the state.

Crush

Crush came to us during our harvest season which is known as crush – thus his name! After 17 great years with us, Crush passed away summer. of 2021. He is missed terribly by all of us and many of our customers whom he friended on their visits.

Vino, also a stray cat that found us,  is a little more on the shy side. He warms up quickly though, and then watch out as he loves all over you!.