If relaxing with a glass of wine 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 making.  Located between Stover and Laurie, a trip down Route T can be a taste-tempting experience at Grey Bear Vineyards.  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 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 restaurant for private parties. 

            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.

             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 private 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 Larnie, the Special Events Manager, at (573)377-4269.  Hope to see you soon!