Lindwedel Winery

Lindwedel Winery’s Highway 265 location in Branson, Missouri, pairs wines made on site with views across the Ozark hills, the western end of the Highway 76 Strip, and Shepherd of the Hills Inspiration Tower. The Strip’s lights become part of the view at night. Founders Kim and Stephen Lindwedel’s winery dates to November 2007, on a 15-acre property west of Branson. Stephen’s chemistry background helps explain the winemaking interest; the emphasis here is on sharing wine with family and friends rather than vineyard pageantry.

The wines give Missouri grapes plenty of attention. Norton spends 18 months in American oak, while Rojavé blends Chambourcin and Syrah into a dry red. The dry Vidal uses grapes from the Ozark Mountain American Viticultural Area. Sweet Table Rock Red and Table Rock White offer alternatives to the dry wines, and Ron’s Harbor takes Norton and Chambourcin in a richer direction: an oak-aged, port-style dessert wine with 20% alcohol.

Flights cost $11 for five wines or $19 for ten. Pretzel sticks with beer cheese and charcuterie provide something to eat when available, but the Highway 265 location also allows visitors to bring their own snacks. Reservations are not accepted, and seasonal hours and weather affect opening plans.