The Combined Wine Writers decided to write about January is for trying wines from a new to you region (or one from which you have never had a wine), a winery you’ve been wanting to try, or a grape(s) you’ve never had. Bonus if your wine is all three! My choice was a winery near Branson, Missouri, where we visit nearly every Christmas. Our host this month is Lynn from Savor the Harvest. Thank you, Lynn!
Here are our other friends and delightful posts they are sharing this month!
- Camilla at Culinary Cam is sharing "Armenia: A Wine Story Spanning Six Thousand Years."
- David from Cooking Chat shares "Something New: Visiting Wineries in Five States You Might Not Expect."
- Susannah at Avvinare shares "Friuli Venezia Giulia: Rosazzo Discoveries"
- Cathie at Side Hustle Wino talks about "The Mystery of Korean Ginseng Wine Explored."
- Deanna from Wineivore shares "The Slovakian Princess Grape: Pesecká Leánka"
- Lynn at Savor the Harvest talks about "Wine Explorations 2026: regions, wineries and varieties, featuring negrette and Applegate Valley AVA"
- Jeff of Food Wine Click invites us to "Explore the Wilds of Spain in Priorat."
- Jennifer of Vino Travels explores "Where Italy's Largest Lake Meets the Vineyards: Discovering Garda DOC."
Missouri wine continues to surprise me, and one of my favorite discoveries lately comes from a part of the state that feels quietly confident rather than widely known. If you enjoy finding places that feel a little off the beaten path, this region and winery deserve a spot on your wine-loving radar.
Discovering the Ozark Highlands
The Ozark Highlands AVA stretches across southern Missouri and into northern Arkansas, shaped by rolling hills, rocky soils, and a climate that rewards patience and thoughtful winemaking. This is not a flashy wine region, and that is part of its charm.
The Ozark Highlands is known for its elevated terrain and well-drained soil, which helps vines thrive even during humid summers. Winemakers here often work with grapes that perform beautifully in Missouri conditions, resulting in wines that feel balanced, expressive, and very much rooted in place.
For readers who may be familiar with more well-known Missouri wine areas, the Ozark Highlands feels like a quieter conversation. Less crowds. More time to sip. More room to connect with the land and the people behind the wine.
A First Visit to Bear Creek Wine Company
Nestled near Walnut Shade, Bear Creek Wine Company was a new name to both me and many of our readers, and it instantly left an impression. This is the kind of winery that invites you to slow down the moment you arrive.
The setting is relaxed and welcoming, surrounded by the natural beauty that defines the Ozark Highlands. Nothing feels rushed here. Tastings feel conversational, and there is a genuine pride in sharing wines that reflect both craftsmanship and care.
Bear Creek Wine Company focuses on wines that suit the region rather than on forcing a style that belongs elsewhere. That philosophy shows in the glass. The wines feel honest and approachable, with character that invites another sip.
What makes this winery stand out
What I loved most about Bear Creek was the sense of discovery. This is not a place you stumble upon accidentally. You come here because you are curious, and curiosity is always rewarded.
The wines pair beautifully with the experience itself. Sitting outdoors, taking in the scenery, and letting conversation unfold naturally made the tasting feel more like a shared moment than a formal event.
This is the kind of winery that reminds you why local wine matters. It reflects its surroundings, supports its community, and offers something you simply cannot replicate elsewhere.
Why this region belongs on your list
If you enjoy exploring wine as part of a larger experience, the Ozark Highlands delivers. The drive alone sets the tone, moving you from everyday routines into a slower rhythm. Pair a winery visit with hiking, small town dining, or a quiet weekend getaway, and you have the makings of a memorable trip.
For Missouri wine lovers, this region offers a fresh perspective. For visitors new to Missouri wine, it offers an authentic introduction that feels grounded and sincere.
A gentle invitation to explore
One of the joys of wine is discovery, and Missouri continues to offer more than many people expect. The Ozark Highlands and Bear Creek Wine Company are wonderful reminders that some of the most meaningful experiences happen when we follow curiosity instead of familiarity.
If you find yourself craving a wine adventure that feels personal, unhurried, and distinctly Missouri, consider heading south and letting this region surprise you the way it surprised me.
Sometimes the best finds are the ones you did not even know you were looking for.
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