Nature is Out of Control

Growing grapes is farming. Subject to all the same issues when dealing with Mother Nature. Columnist Doug Frost takes you on a journey where nature is in control and winemakers are right in the thick of things.


The Whole Story at Barred Owl Butcher and Table

The Barred Owl Butcher and Table takes the nose-to-tail philosophy to the next level. The items on the menu are influenced by Italian and Spanish traditions and are as beautiful as they are tasty and locally sourced.


Chocolate Extravaganza

Sweet Tooth Alert: This festival in a charming, historic river town will treat you to 20 vendors sharing chocolates. Free give-aways, prize drawings, and music round out this paradise for chocolate lovers. Get your passport to chocoholic bliss.


Cheers to the Brew Fest!

Raise a glass and toast this Ozark town that is hosting a Brew Fest as a fundraiser to support the arts. Expect half-a-dozen independent breweries and a couple of big distributors representing another dozen breweries, both classics to trendy.


Missouri Life Columnist Doug Frost Asks, How Natural is Wine?

Wine and Master Sommelier, Doug Frost, ponders what makes wine natural. Or is wine in itself natural? The term “natural” is more of a marketing concept than a truth in the wine making process. Doug sorts through the misinformation for us.


Find Perfect Pairings on the Hermann Wine Trail

The Farmers’ Table Wine Trail pairs local female farmers with six Hermann wineries, and that’s just the start. Plan your calendar around all the Hermann Wine Trail events. This year’s tantalizing themes are sure to make your mouth water.


The Order is a Restaurant for All Four Seasons.

The historic Vandivort Hotel in Springfield is home to The Order which features locally sourced American cuisine. Chef Calvin Davis, a 2019 James Beard award nominee, and his staff create exquisite and delicious dishes. All you foodies out there, make the trip to The Order. You will be glad you did.


Find Dining: Sybill’s Saint James

First an old farmhouse was converted into a gift shop in 2003, then Sybill’s Saint James was built on the property in 2006. The fine-dining restaurant and accompanying gift shop are owned by Tom and Janet Scheffer and their daughter Sybill Scheffer.


The Truth About Bubbles

Missouri Life columnist, Doug Frost knows something about adding a sparkling Missouri wine to your holiday table. Read how “sparklers” came to be and why Missouri has some really good sparkling wine for you to serve at your next celebration.


The Statewide Holiday Cookie Exchange

Exchanging holiday treats is a time-honored tradition and what is better than a batch of fresh-baked goodies from a friend or family member. Missouri Life reached out and got cookies, their stories, and recipes from all across the state. Try one of these recipes for your own cookie exchange.