Each venue has its own personality, its own vibe. But the one thing they all have in common is passion. The owners love what they do, and their enthusiasm comes through in their one-of-a-kind creations.

I’ve visited them all – multiple times – and, in doing so, realized that visiting these spots is a great way to connect with people in a relaxed environment in order to get a feel for our local culture. I’ve put together a tour of these microbreweries and vineyards so that visitors and locals alike can discover the flavors that make this area unique.

So, sip back (yes, you read that right) and relax as I take you along with me on Steins & Vines: A Tasty Tour Through Southwest Missouri.

Chaos Brewing Company

112 South Main Street, Joplin, (417) 553-4007

This urban craft brewery and taproom (the first one established in Joplin) is conveniently located within walking distance from downtown shops and restaurants.

The 7-barrel system here produces regular brews like Origin, a hoppy brown ale, and Kaos, a tasty tropical ale. Chaos Brewing Company uses coffee from local Bearded Lady Roasters in its Bearded Brewista, a smooth hazelnut coffee milk stout.

Vying for attention here are the craft cocktails created by Chaos’ resident expert mixologist, Daniel Valentine. Order off the cocktail menu or ask about Daniel’s latest concoction.

Indian Springs Brewing Company

109 East Main Street, Neosho, (417) 454-9498

Soak in the sights of the Ozark countryside as we meander 30 minutes south of Joplin to Neosho where we’ll visit Indian Springs Brewing Company (ISBC), located on the historic town square.

ISBC brews its beer south of town in the area that was once known as Indian Springs, a place that was purported to have healing waters, and serves it in its Neosho taproom. Try the Jinks Milk Stout, a cream stout with hints of chocolate and nuts, or the Peach Wheat, which tastes like peaches ‘n’ cream and goes down way too easily…

More than just a microbrewery, ISBC makes a strong effort to engage with the community through a variety of activities, from Trivia Night to Theology on Tap, a bi-monthly event where theological topics are discussed over pints.

Christine’s Vineyard

25695 Mulberry Road, Webb City, (417) 642-5288

From town to country, we’ll head north of Joplin to Christine’s Vineyard, where the beauty of its natural setting enhances the wine-tasting experience. Chambourcin and Norton grapes are grown here and produce dry, red wines with notes of berries and spice. The vineyard’s King High Straight wine, made from Chambourcin grapes and aged in French oak, earned a silver medal at the 2019 Missouri Wine Competition.

Christine’s Vineyard also has St. James Winery wines on tap for those who prefer white or sweeter wines.

Once you find one that suits you, find a seat by the tranquil pond, listen to the sounds of the birds in the trees, savor your Missouri vino, and feel your cares drift away.

Keltoi Winery

17705 County Road 260, Oronogo, (417) 642-6190

Just 10 minutes from Christine’s Vineyard, Keltoi Winery offers visitors a much different experience. Keltoi is an Irish winery with a lively atmosphere, due in large part to its gregarious Irish owner Erv Langan who proudly hosts an annual St. Paddy’s Day bash, complete with corned beef and cabbage and, of course, lots of wine.

Irish Raindrops, a semi-sweet white, is one of most popular wines at Keltoi, as are the pear and apple wines. For a semi-dry red option, try the Carleo, which is similar to a pinot noir.

With good wine and cheerful conversations, every day feels like a holiday at Keltoi.

Beard Engine Brewing Co.

208 Main Street, Alba, (417) 483-0709

The tiny town of Alba plays host to the next destination on this tour.

Winner of multiple awards, Beard Engine Brewing Co. is a friendly, funky, steampunk-themed microbrewery and beer garden specializing in European brews like the Balderdash, a 2022 Brewski platinum award-winning Northern English brown, and Bee Splendid, a German Keller bier with a touch of honey, as well as some American styles like The Clash, a vanilla cream ale.

Stop by on a Firkin Friday when the latest innovative firkin beer is released, like the German Chocolate Cake Oatmeal Stout. Once the firkin is tapped, it goes quickly, and you don’t want to miss out on those amazing flavors!

Flag City Brewing

618 West Fourth Street, Webb City, (417) 529-6632

Next, we’ll travel to Webb City, the “City of Flags,” to visit Flag City Brewing, a nanobrewery whose theme centers on local mining history. Sucker Flats Wheat, one of Flag City’s four flagship beers, is named after a nearby former mine.

The other three year-round beers are The Oronogo Circle IPA, Old #60 Brown Ale, and Turkey Creek Bitter.

Laid-back and friendly, the atmosphere at Flag City is one that invites patrons to come hang out. Bring your friends, bring your family – the more the merrier. Play board games inside, or bocce ball outside. Just come and have fun.

That’s it…for now. I’m sure I’ll be adding more to spots to this tour as more locals decide to share their passion for brewing beer or making wine with the community.

Until then, don’t leave your taste buds hanging! Visit one of the stops on this Steins & Vines tour and raise a glass to the many flavors that make our area unique.

Want someone else to do the driving? Here’s a list of local transportation options that can safely get you where you want to go.