After 5: St. Louis natives open Lindwedel Wine Garden overlooking Ozarks hills

Unfortunately, those two little issues of time and money reared their heads, and the Lindwedels decided that they weren’t in a position to take the winery plunge. It would have been the end of the story, except that the wine bug bites deep sometimes, and they weren’t quite willing to let it go that easily.

On April 19, their dream came to partial fruition as they unveiled the Lindwedel Wine Garden, where the Lindwedels want to provide “a relaxed atmosphere in which to enjoy some of God’s most precious gifts, for any occasion, or none at all.”

With outdoor decks and picnic areas, indoor sitting rooms, and an event hall in the works, the wine garden offers a beautiful location for weddings, parties, reunions and other social gatherings. The views are spectacular, and the staff understands hospitality and making people feel comfortable and welcome.

For anyone who has ever been disappointed by Missouri wines, or the lack of atmosphere or service at a winery, you won’t find those shortcomings at Lindwedel Wine Garden. This is agritourism done right.

Although the Lindwedels don’t currently have their own wine to sell, they wanted to stay with Missouri wines.

Several past visits to Missouri wine country influenced their decision, and they have chosen wines from Le Bourgeois and Chaumette to feature in their tasting room.

The wines range from sweet to dry, and cover the full spectrum from soft, fruity whites on up to medium-body reds. The quality of the wine is unmistakable, and there really is something for everyone.

Riverboat White is a sweet, dessert-type wine that can be sipped at any time, but it is particularly ideal for warm days out on the patio. Chardonel and Traminette whites are dry, food-friendly wines that accompany lighter dishes such as seafood, poultry and ham.

On the red side, Juenette Rouge may be the perfect wine for those who don’t like the harshness of many dry reds. Soft and supple, this blend of Cabernet Franc and Chambourcin is equally at home with or without food.

Lindwedel Wine Garden also pours a very good Norton, a pink blush, and several other dry and sweet offerings. Because it is a family operation, nonalcoholic Grape Goose sparkling grape juice is available for nondrinkers and those younger than 21.

It offers a variety of sausages, cheeses, chocolates and freshly baked bread to complement the wines. Although no outside beverages are allowed, guests are welcome to bring their own picnic basket to the wine garden. As Kim says, “It’s a place where friends and family come together.”

Grand Opening

Name: Lindwedel Wine Garden

Address: 3158 State Highway 265, Branson

Hours: 11 a.m.–dusk daily

Phone: (417) 338-0256

Web: www.lindwedelwinegarden.com

Mission Statement: “Supply and/or produce wines for the delight of God’s people.”

When not working on his small organic farm near Republic, Brian Goodell writes The Wine Guy, a weekly column syndicated by Morris News Service.