If relaxing with a glass of wine or a locally brewed beer after an enjoyable drive through the countryside sounds like a great way to spend the day, head to Morgan County where a drive down a few roads less traveled leads to a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the atmosphere and culture of wine and beer making. Located between Stover and Laurie, a trip down Route T can be a taste-tempting experience at Grey Bear Vineyards and their recently opened brewery and restaurant called Black Canyon Ale House. Grey Bear Vineyards, owned and operated by David Fansler and his wife, Marschall, is about 5 miles off State Route 135 on Route T on the west side of the lake. Dave and Marschall are doing what they love – growing grapes and making wine.
While it may be the wine and beer that draw visitors to Grey Bear, it’s the laid-back and welcoming atmosphere of the owners and the staff that make it popular with visitors and locals alike. The circular building is eco-friendly and more energy efficient than a square or rectangular design. Originally, the couple was planning on turning the upstairs level into their home. Instead, they decided to remain in the small house on the property and turn the upstairs into a brewery and restaurant which has been open since mid-December of 2008.
They are brewing a selection of four hand-crafted beers for beer lovers to sample. Black Canyon Ale House is making a honey wheat, a pale ale for those who prefer a lighter taste and, depending on what grains are available, a stout and an “experimental or seasonal” on tap. Wines and beers are offered as pairings with various menu items. Fansler says the brewery was a natural progression for the vineyard.
Grey Bear wines are made from grapes grown on-site on as well as grapes from a couple of small vineyards down the road and from Colorado. Among the most popular of Grey Bear’s 15+ varieties, are Chicks & Tiggers, a soft sweet blush; Pride of Osage, a chocolate cherry Cabernet; Trail of Tears, a semi-sweet Concord Norton; and Black Dahlia, a hearty robust dry Cabernet Sauvignon. “Our wines have won four gold medals, two silvers and three bronzes,” all before 2004, Fansler says. “We’ve done pretty well.”
The winery operations are housed in the lower level of the unusual Deltec building, consisting of 20 eight-foot panels, 13 foot height and designed to withstand hurricane force winds. The winery’s hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday's. Sunday’s hours are from Noon to 4:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday's are by appointment only. On the first floor over the winery, the cozy Black Canyon Ale House and Brewery is open on Friday and Saturday evenings from 4:00 p.m. to midnight. Reservations are appreciated for parties of 6 or more. On all other weekdays the Ale House can be booked for parties, meetings, wedding receptions, corporate retreats and the like from 10 to 100.
Visitors can enjoy a gift shop, tasting room, fire pit, picnic tables, and an outdoor covered patio with a view of the vineyards that wrap around the road. The winery can accommodate small parties and catered events, special barrel tastings, and will even custom-create labels for their customers. For more information, call the winery at (573)377-4313 or the restaurant at (573)377-4269. Hope to see you soon!
