What Are the Best Wineries, Distilleries & Breweries in Branson, MO?
The city of Branson may be best known for country music, but there are plenty of other ways to pass the time here. If you are coming to Branson for the first time, you may be surprised at just how cosmopolitan and exciting the region can be. If you are already a Branson fan, you already know that the area boasts far more than the best in live theater and country music.
Chief among the charm of Branson are its many wineries, distilleries, and breweries. Whether you fancy a microbrew beer, a handcrafted whiskey, or an exceptional glass of wine, you can find it all here. No matter what your tastes, indulge them with some adult beverages, all within sight of the neon lights and bustling nightlife that have made Branson so famous.
In some ways, identifying the best wineries, breweries, and distilleries in the Branson area is an academic exercise. Everyone has their tastes and preferences, and which sites you choose to visit will depend on what you are looking for. Here, in no particular order, are our choices for the best wineries, distilleries, and breweries in and around the Branson area.
Saint James Winery and Restaurant
If you are a history fan as well as a wine lover, you will want to start your exploration at the Saint James Winery and restaurant. This exceptional winery looks like something out of medieval fantasy, with its life-sized chessboard, the cozy fire pit, and its stunning waterfall.
Saint James Winery and Restaurant is also the first winery and restaurant to open in the Branson area, giving it a unique place in the history of the region. Located in the Meramec Highlands region, Saint James is a delight.
When you visit, enjoy complimentary wine tastings, as well as tastings of handcrafted hard cider and selected beers. For the designated driver and nondrinkers in your party, there are also juice tastings.
Saint James Winery and Restaurant is also home to live music and festivals throughout the year, so relax and unwind as you explore the grounds. Be sure to visit the famous Fermentation Campus, to learn about the art of winemaking and take home a few bottles. The campus is pet-friendly so that you can bring your four-legged friends along for the ride.
Curling Vine Winery
Curling Vine Winery is another local favorite, and an excellent choice for both first-time visitors and repeat tourists. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, with juice options for non-drinkers, and designated drivers.
Visitors can also attend bottling demonstrations, to see how those wines end up on the shelf. Be sure to make time for a tour, including a fascinating old still display.
Curling Vine Winery is located a scant two blocks from the Branson main drag so that you can grab a glass and hoof it back to town.
Mount Pleasant Winery
The Mount Pleasant Winery is always a local favorite, with lots of eye-catching things to see and engaging things to do. This local winery is perfect for visiting families and large groups, and they are proud to offer group tours of their spectacular grounds. 
The Mount Pleasant Winery is also the perfect place to learn about the art and craft of winemaking. The winery offers its well-attended Wine 101 classes to all interested parties, so you can learn about wine while tasting some of your favorite vintages.
If you are looking for a great holiday gift or the perfect souvenir of your Branson getaway, be sure to ask about custom bottling. Mount Pleasant Winery allows visitors to bottle their own dessert wines, so they can choose the exact taste they want.
Looking for something a bit more romantic? Ask about their private tastings. These wine tastings are perfect for everything from first dates to special anniversaries.
If you do not have time to visit Mount Pleasant Winery, you can order your favorite bottles online. The winery does provide online shopping but be sure to check their list of available ship-to states, as state laws vary throughout the country.
Unlike some other wineries on our list, Mount Pleasant Winery does allow well-behaved children on the grounds. Keep the little ones entertained with the juice tastings or take them on a tour of the grounds. You can even bring your four-legged friend —Mount Pleasant Winery is a dog-friendly establishment. Be sure Fluffy or Fido is on a leash and well-behaved.
Mount Pleasant Winery is home to some of the best wines in the area, with many industry awards to their credit. These accolades include some gold medals at the World Wine Championships, so you can be sure the wines you are tasting are among the best around.
By CJ Henderson TravRewards
