New Vines Sprout

Branson is the new wine destination of the Midwest. Within the next two years, the town will have at least three wineries competing. “Competition is always a good thing,” says Patty Held-Uthlaut, of Stone Hill Winery. “It offers more awareness for Missouri wines and draws more people to the area.” But these venues are not just for tourists. “There’s a developing wine culture in Branson,” says Stewart Langer of Palate Fine Wine & Provisions, a boutique store with high-end, limited-production wines.

 

 

Mt. Pleasant Winery opened a Branson venue in April with Missouri chardonnay and cabernet varieties as well as sweeter wines. There are special areas for sampling port and aged wines. Plans are underway to expand for on-site events, live entertainment and activities. The Lindwedel Wine Garden, opened in November, offers 13 varieties of privately labeled wines including dry red and white, sweet red and white, Norton and Traminette. The converted house has large, café-style rooms, or guests can picnic on the oversized deck while enjoying fantastic views. Branson Ridge Winery, opening in spring 2009, plans to have a 5-acre vineyard and will grow, crush and bottle. There will be a marketplace dedicated to locally grown produce and epicurean delights. Stay tuned to see if Branson becomes the next mini Napa Valley.

 

Resource Guide

Stone Hill Winery: 601 State Highway 165, Branson, 417-334-1897, stonehillwinery.com

Palate Fine Wine and Provisions: 110 E. Main Street, Branson, 417-335-2675, palateonline.com

Mt. Pleasant Winery: 3125 Green Mountain Dr., Branson, 417-336-9463, mountpleasant.com

Linwedel Wine Garden: 3158 State Hwy 265, Branson, 417-338-0256, lindwedelwinegarden.com

Branson Ridge Winery: 648 Sunrise Dr., Branson, 417-334-0338, bransonridgewinery.com