River Ridge Winery in Commerce Mo puts out some of the best wine I have ever tasted in the $20/bottle range. My mother got me hooked when she started working there, and when I visit I end up buying a mixed case to take home as my souvenier. Although they are too small to offer case discounts, they make up for it in taste and selection. All but one or two wines are made with grapes grown on site and you can walk the winery yourself and enjoy the scenery. A reasonable fee will buy you a prepacked picnic that you can enjoy with your wine out front in the shade of the old trees, don't forget that the cats love scraps and will beg shamelessly.

The shop stocks a wide assortment of food and gift items, including some vege and a few vegan items (I would suggest the imported stuffed grape leaves in oil. The great big can is the best buy, will last you all month). The picnic lunches have meat in them.

Jerry and Joannie are absolutely the best type of people, giving up a higher income, etc, to do what they love. Ask Jerry for the joke of the day when you call. Guaranteed corny. Joannie also runs a Christmas gift shop nestled int he woods that is jam packed with a huge amount of Christmas ornaments and gifts year round. No matter how tired and grumpy folks are when they get there, they always leave smiling and giggling.

If you meet my Mom, Brenda Douglas, tell her Soni (rhymes with Johnny) said "HI". You may have to remind her that that's her oldest daughter in NC. She's a little short on immediate recall, as all mothers get to be after the first 30 years of Motherhood! She's quite a card unless she's behaving for "company". If you're up to some real entertainment, talk her into a tasting with you. SHe has no head for wine, loves it anyway, and always ends up giggling maniacally.

Call 573-264-3712 or 573-264-2747, or write to PO Box 118, Ccommerce, Mo. 63742

PS the Cyntiana '98 is to die for if you like dry reds with toasted oak and caramel undertones.

-- Soni (thomkilroy@hotmail.com), September 08, 2000

Answers

My husband and I always make a stop at Stone Hill Winery when we go to Branson. The pink catawba is my favorite!

-- Mona (jascamp@ipa.net), September 08, 2000.