Branson Ridge Winery opening Branson Landing store

Branson Ridge Winery & Marketplace opens this month in the former Gloria Jean's Coffee shop at Branson Landing.

The store features a wine-tasting bar, gift shop and the Café diVine beneath a new covered patio in the Town Square section of the outdoor lifestyle center on Lake Taneycomo's waterfront.

Branson Ridge president Jacob Fleig said the location is a prime spot to watch the fountains and entertainment. The café seats about 40 and offers a European menu with artisan cheese, bruschetta, quiche, soup, salad and breads, with tartlets and chocolate treats for dessert, he said. The menu will change daily and offer seasonal cuisine, and the staff can suggest wine and food pairings.

Inside the 1,080-square-foot shop, guests can watch the wine-making process. There is a tasting bar for sampling Branson Ridge wines, currently custom-made by several wineries for the brand. The store also will sell kits for hosting wine-tasting parties and specialty foods, according to www.bransonridgewinery.com.

Springfield-based Fusion Consulting is performing the $200,000 remodel, which features Venetian plastering for Old World charm.

"We're really excited," said Tammy Scholten, Branson Landing's marketing director. "This is a unique business that offers customers yet another option."

Fleig said the family's winery project on the north side of Branson has been on hold due to the economic downturn, but "we're in the process of getting it going again," he said. The family has owned the 14 ridge-top acres since 1993. Last year, they planted vineyards. The Norton grapevines are growing well after the wet spring, he said.

In the meantime, people have become acquainted with Branson Ridge wines at many special events, including the recent grand opening of the Payne Stewart Golf Club.