CUISINE
Judy Schloeman
and Bolko
Nawrocki toasting
an evening of
wine and food at
Balaban's.
Winter Wine Escapes
By Suzanne Corbett
E
scaping the winter doldrums doesn’t always translate to
finding a beach. Beaches are nice, but there’s a lot to be
said for nearby destinations where fireplaces blaze, and
hot mulled wine is the house specialty.
Wine destinations warm my soul when winter winds
blow, so it’s no surprise I embrace cozying up on a cold winter’s day
with good wine and creative cuisine served in great locations. I enjoy
easy wintertime escapes to a well-appointed dining room set for a
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winemaker’s dinner, or perhaps an overnighter at a nearby winery.
Wine aficionados know winery visits in the off-season are among the
best. Less crowded tasting rooms provide leisurely sipping and a chance
to chat with winemakers, who are too busy to hang out at peak times.
January is an excellent month to visit Missouri wineries because
it’s Norton Month. What is Norton? That’s Missouri’s official state
grape. Winemakers excel in transforming Missouri’s signature grape
into spicy, sexy, full-bodied reds. Most people who enjoy a glass of