There are many wonderful destinations to discover in Missouri wine country, including the Lake of the Ozarks, a popular recreation and resort area. Located in the scenic Ozark mountains, the region features one of the largest man-made lakes in the United States. You can stroll the shoreline without breaking the bank on costly coastal trips. Whether you are looking for a relaxing weekend or one filled with activities, the Lake of the Ozarks has something for everyone.

Photo courtesy: Lake of the Ozarks CVB

History 

Union Electric Company of St. Louis created the Lake of the Ozarks by constructing the Bagnell Dam in 1931. The dam was created to provide hydroelectric power for customers of Union Electric. The Lake of the Ozarks was the largest man-made lake in the United States and one of the largest in the world at the time of its construction. The lake is sometimes referred to as the “Magic Dragon” because its winding topography, from an aerial view, resembles the shape of a dragon. 

Wineries

The Lake of the Ozarks wine trail features several wineries, each with unique features and views. Golden Rock Winery features more than 30 different wines and a full restaurant menu based on a green kitchen platform. Seven Springs Winery and Vineyards sits on top 160 acres of rolling Missouri foothills between Camdenton and Osage Beach. You can enjoy a glass of wine on the covered porch and patio area while admiring the beautiful views. Relax in Shawnee Bluff Winery’s indoor tasting room and bistro or enjoy amazing views of the lake from the winery’s outdoor patio and decks. Shawnee Bluff Vineyard is nestled among 40 acres of beautiful views and grapevine and often hosts live music concerts.

Area Attractions

Photo courtesy: Lake of the Ozarks CVB

With more than 1,150 miles of shoreline, it’s no surprise that many visitors travel to the Lake of the Ozarks to enjoy water sports, but there are inland attractions that also appeal to visitors. Family favorites include Big Surf Water Park, Bridal Cave and Ha Ha Tonka State Park. Other attractions include go-karts, several golf locations – miniature and full golf courses, an indoor family fun center and history museums. You can also enjoy the surf and turf outdoor experience at the Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Missouri’s largest park located along the Grand Glaize Arm of the lake.

The Lake of the Ozarks hosts popular events throughout the year including the annual air show, Dogwood Festival, Magic Dragon Street Meet, Aquapalooza and the Midwest Wine and Brew Festival.

For those who don’t slow down when the sun dips below the horizon, the lake offers a nightlife that doesn’t disappoint. Cafes, lounges, bars or grills, there are a variety of venues that stay open late. Hit the strip and enjoy wonderful food and live music.

The Lake of the Ozarks can also be an oasis for those seeking a little rest and relaxation. There are several spa and wellness centers located in the area. After a day spent exploring the region, you can wind down in a cozy bed and breakfast or spend the evening at Shawnee Bluff Winery Lodging featuring rooms with unobstructed views of the lake.  

The next time you want to get away from it all, escape to the Lake of the Ozarks, a region that offers an abundance of activities and delicious Missouri wine.

There’s nothing better than a delicious glass of Missouri wine on a warm summer day… except maybe if you throw in great food and live music. It’s hard to beat a wine trail event or festival. There are so many wonderful opportunities to taste local wine at area events and festivals all summer long. Grab some friends and we’ll see you in Missouri wine country!

May

5 – Sip N Savor St. James

5&6 – Wild Bacon on the Hermann Wine Trail

18 – Downtown Wine Walk in Chilicothe

18-20 – 37th Annual Art Fair and Wine Walk in Washington

18-19 – Maifest in Hermann

June

16 – 12^th Annual Missouri Wine Festival in Excelsior Springs

July

7 – Bacchus and BBQ on the Missouri River Wine Trail

14 – Taste of Wine and Countries on the Mississippi River Hills Wine Trail

28&29 – Berries & BBQ on the Hermann Wine Trail

August

9-19 – Missouri State Fair (Don’t forget to stop by the MO Wine Tent!)

11 – 25^th Annual Midwest Wine and Brew Festival at the Lake of the Ozarks

18 – Taste of Missouri Wine Stroll in Moberly

18 – Hermann Wine and Jazz Festival

September

8 – 6^th Annual Independence Uncorked

15 – Historical Downtown Sikeston Winefest

Spring is a time of new life and growth. It makes sense that it’s a time when we think more about the Earth and our impact on it. Most Missouri wineries and vineyards make efforts to be sustainable and treat the land with respect, but one winery in particular has made “being green” a cornerstone of their business from the very beginning and continues to strive for sustainability as they grow, Jowler Creek Winery.

Colleen and Jason Gerike opened Jowler Creek Winery in Platte City in 2006 with the desire and intention of creating a business that would thrive for generations to come. From the beginning, the Gerikes have taken sustainability seriously. Their business strategy involves continuous improvement and operating more efficiently each year, with the overarching goal of being carbon neutral.

“We’ve always felt blessed to have a piece of land to call our own, yet we recognize that we’re only caretakers for a little while,” says Colleen. “Our goal is to contribute to our community by being productive, while at the same time protecting our natural resources for future generations.”

The winery employs a long list of sustainable practices ranging from the use of solar power, to composting and recycling. On the property, you’ll find a whole team of nature’s helpers as well… sheep “mowing” in the vineyards, bat houses and free-range chickens to help control pests, a honey bee colony and even a native-plant butterfly garden. You may also spot Jowler Creek Winery eco-friendly vehicles out and about delivering wine to local retail shops and attending area events.

In 2017, Jowler Creek Winery was the first Missouri winery to receive ASAP certification. The Missouri Agricultural Stewardship Assurance Program (ASAP) is a verification program that champions Missouri farmers who are responsible stewards of the land. It’s meant to acknowledge and reward those who proactively protect the environment, employ sound management practices and use science-based technology to produce safe food, fuel and fiber for consumers. Since then, several other vineyards have also received the certification, including Augusta Winery and St. James Winery.

Wineries aren’t the only ones who can go green. Colleen has some great advice for wine-lovers who want to help out. “Being green is about making choices that have a positive impact on your environment and community,” she says. “From purchasing your wine from the local winery down the road to recycling your finished wine bottles and corks, there are lots of little decisions you can make each day to be green that will have a big impact over time.” 

Next time you’re in the Kansas City area, be sure to visit Jowler Creek Winery and learn even more about their green practices by taking a Self-Guided Eco Tour around the property.

Cheers to a sustainable Missouri wine country and lots of great, award-winning local wine for years to come! 

The Show-Me State has 125 incredible wineries to discover. With such a wide variety of wineries spanning the entire state, it’s no surprise there are several transportation options catering to groups that want to explore Missouri wine country. Here are six options to choose from for your next vino adventure.

Excelsior Springs Chamber Wine Trolley: Excelsior Springs is a charming town north of Kansas City. The Chamber of Commerce offers a series of Wine Trolley excursions on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month from April to November.

Hermann Trolley: The historic German town of Hermann is home to several wineries. Many can be visited while riding in style on the Hermann Trolley. The trolley station is conveniently located near the Amtrak station if you’re arriving to Hermann by train.

Barley Bus: On the Barley Bus you can book one of several different tours around the KC area, focusing on wineries or even breweries and distilleries. Travel in comfort on your next winery adventure in the KC area.

KATY Bike Rental and Shuttle: Looking to explore Missouri’s first wine country? KATY Bike Rental and Shuttle has several ways for you to travel around the wineries in the Augusta and Defiance areas. 

Ste. Genevieve Trolley: The French-Heritage town of Ste. Genevieve is beautiful and full of fascinating history. It's also home to several, award-winning wineries. The Ste. Genevieve Trolley will meet you at a designated pickup location and take you to different wineries to enjoy for the day.

Augusta Area Trolley: Friday through Sunday, enjoy a complimentary trolley service between Augusta Winery, Montelle Winery, Mount Pleasant Estates and Balducci Vineyards. Trolley service occurs approximately every 30 minutes and travels to and from each winery mentioned - no reservation needed!

Missouri wine country is calling. Will you answer? Any one of these trolleys or buses is a great way to explore. All aboard! 

Chardonel is delicious on its own, but try using it in this cocktail recipe for another satisfying sipper.

Stargazer Wine Cocktail Recipe

Yield: 1 cocktail 

Ingredients:

2 oz. – Missouri Chardonel (Dry, white wine)

1 oz. – Dark Rum

1 oz. – Pineapple Juice

½ oz. – Vanilla Simple Syrup

Lime wedge for garnish

Directions:

Combine all ingredients except lime over ice in a glass or cocktail shaker. Shake or stir and strain into a glass. Garnish with lime and enjoy!

Recipe courtesy of Les Bourgeois Vineyards and Rocheport Distillery.

Watch this video for a step-by-step tutorial: 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXAxg2nbnaY&feature=youtu.

There is so much to see and do in Missouri wine country. Why limit your adventures to a day? Treat yourself to a relaxing stay. Map out your vino adventures with the Missouri Wines winery directory and then select a cozy bed and breakfast nestled in the area.

There are many specialized search engines that can help you narrow down your lodging options, including the Bed and Breakfast Inns of Missouri. Bed and breakfasts are similar to wineries in that each one is unique and has a personality all its own. Whether you are looking for an urban setting getaway or a country-style retreat, you will find a bed and breakfast that is perfect for you.

Augusta
Acorn Ridge Bed and Breakfast
Apple Gate Inn B&B
Augusta Wine Country Inn
Edelweiss Guest House & Luxury Suites
Femme Osage Haus
H.S. Clay House Bed & Breakfast
Halcyon Spa and Bed & Breakfast
Lindenhof Bed & Breakfast
Old Dutch Hotel & Tavern
Red Brick Inn of Augusta
Stoneridge Farms Bed and Breakfast
Swan Haven Inn
The Conservatory Guest House
The Reserve at Augusta
Weinstrasse Cabins

Bonnots Mill 
Dauphine Hotel Bed and Breakfast

Boonville
High Street Victorian Bed & Breakfast

Branson 
Anchor Inn on the Lake
Aunt Sadie’s Bed and Breakfast
Bear Creek Lodge
Bradford House Bed and Breakfast
Branson House Bed and Breakfast 
Crystal Cove Bed & Breakfast 
Emory Creek Victorian Bed and Breakfast
Lakeshore Bed & Breakfast
The Barnabas House Bed & Breakfast
The Keeter Center

Caledonia 
Old Caldeonian Bed & Breakfast

Camdenton
Cottage by the Castle

Carthage
Grand Avenue Bed & Breakfast
Shiloah Manor Bed and Breakfast

Defiance 
Inn at Defiance

Excelsior Springs
Belvoir Winery and Inn
Bishop’s House Bed & Breakfast
Inn on Crescent Lake
Orchard Hill Bed & Breakfast
Payne Jailhouse Bed and Breakfast
Stone-Yancey House Bed and Breakfast

Fulton
Gray Ghosts Trail Inn
Loganberry Inn Inc.

Hannibal 
Dubach Inn Bed and Breakfast
Garden House Bed and Breakfast
Garth Woodside Mansion B&B
Main Street Bed & Breakfast
Reagan’s Queen Anne B&B
Red Barn Inn
The Belvedere Inn
William Watson Hotel 

Hermann 
A Secret Vine Bed and Breakfast
Abigail’s Grape Leaf Bed & Breakfast
Adam Puchta Winery Homestead Guesthaus
Alpenhorn Gasthaus
Anchors Away Hermann
Cady Winterset Cottage 
Captain Wohlt Inn
Cat Nap Inn Hermann
Cobbler Room & Cottage B&B
Hermann Hill Vineyard Inn & Spa
Hermann House Inn
Herzog Mansion
Himmel Haus Bed & Breakfast
Historic Iron Horse Inn
Historic Reiff Haus Bed and Breakfast 
Inn at Hermannhof Bed & Breakfast 
Lucindas on the Hill Bed and Breakfast LLC
Murphy’s Bed & Breakfast
Stone Haus Bed and Breakfast
Stone Hill Overlook
Wohlt House

Hillsboro
The Russell House Restaurant & Inn

Independence
Albonée Country Inn 
Hawthorn, a Bed and Breakfast
Ophelias Restaurant & the Inn at Ophelias
Silver Heart Inn Bed and Breakfast 
Woodstock Inn Bed and Breakfast 

Ironton
Plain & Fancy Bed and Breakfast

Jefferson City
Cliff Manor Inn

Kansas City 
1812 Overture Bed and Breakfast
Heim Manor Bed and Breakfast
Inn at 425
Secret Place Bed & Breakfast
Southmoreland on the Plaza
The Bell Cottage

Lake Ozark
Bass and Baskets
The Garden House Bed & Breakfast 

Laurie 
Big Cedar Bed and Breakfast

Macon
Phillips Place

Morrison
Epple Haus B&B

New Haven 
Miller’s Landing Bed & Breakfast
Pinckney Bend Bed & Breakfast

Odessa
Sunset Acres Bed and Breakfast

Osage Beach
Inn at Harbour Ridge

Owensville
White Mule Winery Bed & Breakfast

Potosi 
Edg-Clif Farms & Vineyard Clover Cottage, Stone Cottage and The Vineyard Cottage  

Rocheport 
Amber House Bed and Breakfast
Katy Trail Bed & Breakfast 
Rivercene Mansion B&B
School House Bed & Breakfast
Yates House Bed & Breakfast

St. Charles
Boone’s Lick Trail Inn
Old Elm Tree 
Victorian Memories Bed and Breakfast

St. James
Painted Lady Bed and Breakfast

Ste. Genevieve 
Bruckerhoff Cabin at Charleville Vineyard
Dr. Hertich House B&B
Inn St. Gemme Beauvais
Main Street Inn B&B
Somewhere Inn Time B&B
The Southern Hotel
Villages at Chaumette
White Cliff Manor Bed & Breakfast and Gardens

Versailles
Hilty Inn B&B

Warrensburg
Gelbach Manor

Washington 
Brick Inn Bed & Breakfast
DeBourge Guesthouse
Femme Osage Haus
Glenrich Bed & Breakfast
Heaven on Earth Bed & Breakfast
Hoefel Haus B&B and Bike Hostel
Iris Elaine Cottage Bed and Breakfast
The Inn at Cinagro Farms 
The Little House

Weston
Benner House Bed and Breakfast
Hatchery House Bed & Breakfast
Laurel Brooke Bed & Breakfast
The Coal House Lodge
The Inn at Weston Landing
Weston Bed & Breakfast

Gather your gal pals, pick the destination for your next family reunion or surprise your mate with a beautiful stay in Missouri wine country.

April showers bring May flowers, right? Why not help them along with these great DIY ideas to make gardening easier? Whether you have an expansive outdoor garden or are looking to create a small herb garden in the window sill, these tips and ideas are perfect for bringing your garden to life.

Wine Bottle Garden Markers: Avoid a plant mix-up with these simple and handy plant markers.

More info at Home Talk.

Wine Cork Plant Markers: If container gardening is your thing, these cork plant markers are a better option than the bottle markers, and they couldn’t be easier!

More info at Shine Your Light Blog.

Twinkle Garden Lights: As the days get warmer, you may prefer to spend the evenings in your garden. These lights are a great way to lengthen the amount of time you can spend working in and enjoying your outdoor spaces.

More Info at More Organics.

Wine Bottle Watering Device: A little time upfront can mean worry-free watering with these wine bottle watering devices that are perfect for container gardening.

More info at Home Talk.

Self-Watering Planters: Transform your window sill into an herb garden with these beautiful and hassle-free self-watering planters.

More info at DIYprojects.com.

Bird Feeders: Who doesn’t love hearing the birds sing while they enjoy their garden? Make this simple wine bottle bird feeder to bring the birds to your yard.

More info at Elizabeth Joan Designs.

Hummingbird Feeder: Those hyper little lovelies will flock to your outdoor oasis with this wine bottle hummingbird feeder hanging in it.

More info at The Garden Roof Coop.

These DIY projects are the perfect way to upcycle the bottles and corks from your favorite Missouri wines while enjoying your garden. Cheers!  

Spring is such an exciting time in Missouri. Flowers are blooming, birds are chirping and warmer weather is finally on its way. It’s the perfect time to celebrate the season with Missouri Chardonel. Take some time this spring to discover this delicious white wine!

Chardonel is a hybrid grape; its parent grapes are Chardonnay and Seyval Blanc. It’s a relatively new varietal introduced in 1996. This cross was developed to be more cold hardy than its famous vinifera parent, making it a better fit for the challenging Missouri climate. There are 66 acres of Chardonel being grown across the state.

Many winemakers choose to age their Chardonel wines in Oak barrels, but there are several who prefer to use stainless steel. Depending on process used to make Chardonel, it can either be crisp and bright or smooth and rich. Chardonel is known to smell like lemon or the inside of a barrel and is most often a dry, white wine.

As the temperature warms up it’s a great time to start the seasonal shift back to white wine. Chardonel is Missouri’s classic white wine and has an amazing impact on a variety of foods, including smoked pork, grilled chicken, mushrooms, creamy white cheeses and sweets, like apples and vanilla pudding.

Head out to Missouri wine country this month and discover why Chardonel is the ideal wine to help you head into the spring season! 

Fifty thousand points. Let that sink in… fifty thousand! That is a lot of points and it’s exactly how many were needed to reserve a seat for yourself and a guest at the 2018 MVP Extravaganza, which took place on Saturday, March 24 in Columbia, Mo. Twenty-one dedicated MVPs redeemed this top-tier reward as part of the Missouri Winery Visitors Program.

Esteemed guests were greeted with a specialty wine cocktail upon their arrival and welcomed into a reception featuring a spread of gourmet appetizers, all paired with award-winning Missouri wines from across the state. During the reception, MVPs had the opportunity to mix and mingle with winemakers and industry leaders, take advantage of the photo booth for a fun snap, and enjoy the live pianist tickling the keys.

After the reception, guests were ushered to a gourmet four course dinner perfectly paired with (you guessed it) award-winning Missouri wines. After a delicious meal, each MVP was honored with a commemorative gift, a specially etched decanter, and a fun gift they chose at random from a collection of great products and experiences donated by organizations across the state. Everyone joined in a celebratory toast recognizing the dedication and loyalty of the MVPs.

 

After dinner, guests enjoyed a decadent dessert reception where sweet treats were matched up with delicious Missouri wines or coffee. When it was time to say goodnight, each MVP received a swag bag full of goodies to take home with them.

 

It was truly a night to remember and we want to thank all of the sponsors who helped us make this a wonderful experience for the MVPs. If this sounds like an event you would have loved to attend, keep an eye out for the next top-tier reward on the Missouri Winery Visitors Program. Start earning and saving those points!

 

Thank you to our sponsors: 

Dinner Sponsors- 

• Missouri Pork Association
• Missouri Beef Industry Council 

Winery Sponsors- 

• Adam Puchta Winery 
• Augusta Winery 
• Balducci Vineyards 
• Baltimore Bend Vineyards 
• Edg-Clif Winery & Brewery 
• KC Wineworks 
• Ladoga Ridge Winery 
• Les Bourgeois Vineyards (and Rocheport Distilling Company) 
• Montelle Winery 
• Noboleis Vineyards 
• St. James WInery 
• Stone Hill Winery 
• Vox Vineyards
• Windy Wine Co. 

Special Gift and Swag Sponsors- 

• Adam Puchta Winery
• Annie Gunns
• Augusta Winegrowers Association
• Barley Bus
• Bed & Breakfast Inns of Missouri 
• Candy Factory
• Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate
• Clinton Chamber of Commerce
• Columbia Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Feast Magazine
• Hermann Wine Trail
• KC Wineworks
• Ladoga Ridge Winery 
• Mississippi River Hills Wine Trail
• Missouri Beef Industry Council
• Missouri Cattlemen’s 
• Missouri Division of Tourism & Worlds/Oceans of Fun
• Missouri Farm Bureau
• Missouri Grown
• Missouri Pork Association
• Missouri Restaurant Association
• Missouri State Fair
• Missouri State Fair Foundation 
• MO Corn
• Ozark Mountain Wine Trail 
• Route Du Vin Wine Trail
• Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau
• St. Louis Science Center
• Stone Hill Winery
• Tan-Tar-A
• The Rotary Club of Eastern Independence
• Visit Cape
• Visit KC
• Vox Vineyards 
• Washington Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Willow Spring Mercantile
• WineStein Trail

What is on the table brings us together, and a brand-new event this spring celebrates that idea. Join us along the Hermann Wine Trail on Saturday, April 7, 2018 for an opportunity to enjoy delicious food and wine pairings and the unique opportunity to meet the farm men and women behind the food.

Along the trail you will find delicious dishes showcasing corn, beef, pork, chicken, lamb, dairy and vegetables, each paired perfectly with a Missouri wine. Every winery along the trail will feature a different wine and food pairing, while offering you the chance to visit with area farmers and learn where your food comes from and how it’s grown.

The Farmers’ Table Wine Trail runs from 10a.m. to 5p.m. on April 7. Tickets for the event are $30 and include wine and food pairings, a souvenir wine glass and the chance to win a drawing for a Missouri gift basket and a one-night stay in Hermann. Tickets are available online here.

This event is made possible through a partnership between Missouri Commonground, a group of volunteer farm women passionate about agriculture and sharing their experiences raising food, and the Hermann Wine trail with support from the Missouri Wine and Grape Board.

See you there!