Local Wines, Artisan Beer, Chocolates
in Springfield, MO and Branson, MO
Vacation is the perfect time to enjoy the flavorful vintages of local wineries, as well as the beverages from local microbreweries. Local chocolatiers create some astounding sweets.
Springfield Area Wineries
OOVVDA Winery Free wine tastings of wines made from mostly local fruit. You are invited to bring a picnic and enjoy it on the grounds. 448 N. Berry Ln. 417-833-4896
7C's Winery & Vineyard Tucked away in the countryside, this vineyard samples American wine and mead in the tasting room. Picnic or grill on the grounds. 502 E. 560th Rd, Walnut Grove. 417-788-2263
LeCave Vineyards This family-owned small winery offers tours and tastings by appointment. South of Springfield in Billings. 6696 Jasmine Rd. 417-744-4122
Williams Creek Winery Missouri-grown grapes become lively wines here. Open Thurs, Fri and Sat. afternoons or by appt. 310 Hickory St. Mt. Vernon. 417-466-4076
Springfield Area Microbreweries
Springfield Brewing Company Located downtown in the heart of the art and dining district, this beloved local brewery is known for first rate craft beers, good food, live entertainment, billiards. 301 S. Market Ave. 417-832-8277
Mother's Brewing Company A terrific craft brewery with a Tasting Room, where you can sample the product while chatting up some of the "Mother's Family" staff members. Sat. afternoon brewery tour. 215 S. Grant. 417- 862-0423
Springfield Area Chocolate Makers
Askinosie Chocolate They press their own cocoa and make their own natural cocoa powder. Factory tours Tues. 3 p.m; small fee and no kids under 5 or those whose bodies can't handle strong magnets. Open every day but Sun. The premium prices reflect the financial commitment of the company to their cocoa bean farmers and to local education. 514 E. Commercial St. 417-862-9900.
Candy House Gourmet Chocolates Hand-dipped chocolates since 1970. They carry many other favorites, with sugar-free selections available. 3857 S. Campbell Ave. 417-883-3900
Elle's Patisserie What can beat a handmade chocolate truffle for indulgent delight? Elle's truffles and her other treats will compete for your vote. 1454 E. Cherry St. 417-832-2171
Branson Area Wineries
Here's something fun: the first legal distillery in the Ozarks since Prohibition ended is now open in Walnut Grove, a 15-minute drive from Branson. Missouri's wine country is considerably farther away, but two Branson area wineries and two wine companies present a very deep selection of the best vintages of the state.
Copper Run Distillery Free tours of the distillery, free tastes of the pure spirits the company handcrafts in small batches. Live music, bar food, cocktails and beer in the Copper Run Lounge. Open seven days a week. 1901 Day Rd., Walnut Shade. 417-587-3456
Bear Creek Wine Company Sells MO wines from a number of local producers,including several traditional sweet and fruity MO blackberry wines. Wine tasting packages, with paired wines and foods, offered at the Bear Creek Lodge. 1320 Kiethley Rd, Walnut Shade. 417-443-0036
Linwedel Wine Garden Missouri wines. Seasonal lunch service available, and the views from the property are gorgeous. Free tastings, sometimes free music. 3158 St. Hwy. 265, Branson. 417-338-0256
Mount Pleasant Winery Founded in 1859 in Augusta, MO. Taste their award-winning wines and bottle your own from a 600-gallon French oak barrel. 3125 Green Mountain Dr, Branson. 417-336-WINE
Stone Hill Winery Wine and juice are produced in Hermann, MO, and you can sample the vintages here. Juice and medal-winning wines for sale. 601 St. Hwy 165, Branson. 417-334-1897
