Attractions: Wineries and Distilleries

Missouri has a rich, 150-year history of producing world-class wines, and wine-lovers visiting Branson should plan to have a tasting at one of the area's award-winning wineries. Branson is located within the Ozark Mountain viticultural region, the 6th-largest American Viticultural Area (AVA) in the United States.

Missouri winemakers in the region have received worldwide recognition for their wines made with the native Norton grape (Missouri's official state grape). Norton, sometimes also called Cynthiana, is typically bottled as a dry, full-bodied red wine with berry flavors and spicy overtones.

But Missouri winemakers have also earned renown for their red wines produced with other varietals that thrive in the region, including Catawba, Concord, St. Vincent and the hybrid Chambourcin. Popular white-wine varietals include Vignoles, Vidal Blanc, Seyval Blanc, Traminette, Cayuga and the hybrid Chardonel.

Of course, you shouldn't limit your wine experience to a formal tasting ... a number of restaurants in the area have extensive menus that feature a diverse selection of both local and international wines, and your server or chef will be happy to recommend pairings with your meals.

Unique Distillery

The Branson area is also home to one of America's most unique distilleries, the Copper Run Distillery. Nine miles north of Branson in Walnut Shade, artisan distiller Jim Blansit makes traditional moonshine and ages it into bourbon. The distillery also makes rum from blackstrap molasses aged in cherry casks. The distillery offers free tours and samples and sells bottled spirits as well as two-gallon barrels and starter kits.

NOTE: Locations are approximate and all businesses may not be mapped.
Please contact businesses directly for exact directions.