Delicious Wine & Cheese Pairings!

There is nothing more surreal than finding the perfect wine and cheese combination. On it's own, wine has an amazing taste, scent and flavor, and the same can go for cheese. When combined, you find that they play off of each other in a beautiful, flavorful duet, that can't be compared to any other flavors around. Here are a few wine and cheese pairings to get your mouth watering!

Chardonel

Soft cheeses are great pairs for chardonel. Try brie, feta, goat, mascarpone, muenster and newfchatel.

Traminette

Hard mature-flavored cheeses pair nicely with fuller white wines and light reds, a nice match would be a sharp cheddar.

Vignoles

Blue Cheese pairs well with sweet white wines, full bodied reds and fortified wines.

Muscato Sparkling

Medium - Firm cheeses pair well with our muscato, look for sheep and cow's milk cheeses.

Pinot Noir

A goat cheese or brie would be a wonderful combination with our pinot noir.

Norton

The hard intense cheeses pair well with the more tannic red wines, you can't go wrong when you try Asiago, Gruyere, Parmesan, Reggiano with our delicious norton!

Sangria Rojo

You want something strong and flavorful to stand up to the rich flavor of the Sangria, so we would suggest a Pepper Jack.

Wine at the Lake of the Ozarks

All of these wines and more can be found on our wine menu, so just grab some cheese and you'll have all the fixings for a party! Or bring your friends here to taste our cheese platter and amazing wine menu. We offer wine tastings daily, where you can enjoy three for free, or try all of our wines for just $8. When you want to enjoy a glass of wine surrounded by nature, we are the place to enjoy it!

Our winery is quietly nested in the rolling hills of Missouri, with a quiet relaxing environment.  Our winery has been around for 7 years and we have established a repertoire in the community as the best winery at the Lake of the Ozarks. We would love to prove it to you! There are many fabulous events hosted at our beautiful winery; we have live music, and will also be hosting the first ever Missouri Wine Trail Competition! Whether you're stopping in to buy wine for your next party, or enjoying our venue for a whole evening, we can't wait to see you at our Lake of the Ozarks winery!

Come for the wine...Stay for the atmosphere...Remember the view! 

Seven Springs is the finest Winery at the Lake of the Ozarks with a full service facility perfect for outdoor weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, corporate events and parties.  Call us today to make reservations for your special event!

Seven Springs Winery

573.317.0100

846 Winery Hills Estates

Linn Creek, MO 65052

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24 Reasons to Drink Wine

It goes without saying that we love wine. We love it with our food, we love it with our weekend and we love it with our, well, everything else! We don't really need reasons to drink wine, but it's kind of fun to make excuses anyway. So here's to celebrating the average day of July 24th, with 24 reasons to drink wine!

1. You get to use a variety of really cool glasses!
2.  You need a serving of fruit everyday.
3.  Because people look at you funny when you sniff, swirl, and the slurp a glass of milk.
4.  It pairs well with...well, everything.
5. Red wine has the ability to reduce your risk of developing certain dementias.
6. The recipe only calls for 2 TB of white wine and you don't believe in wastefulness.
7. It's Monday night and it's going to be a long week.
8. Tuesdays need to be appreciated too...
9. Wednesday starts with the letter "W", and so does wine.

10. On Thursday there may be wine leftover from Wednesday, maybe...
11. Whether you have plans on a Friday night...or not, wine goes great with both!
12. On Saturday, you might as well.
13. Sunday night means it's almost Monday.
14. Because you can even get your wine in ice cream form.
15. Drink wine because the bottles have pretty labels.
16. Wine enhances the already lovely flavors of your favorite foods.
17. Wine drinking can contribute to the atmosphere of any book club.

18. Polyphenols in red wine can help prevent gum disease.
19. Evidence has proven that moderate drinking is better for your health than abstaining completely!
20. How else are you going to finish that wine-cork Pinterest craft?
21. It helps you sleep!
22. Because your dinner plate looked lonely.
23. It's the perfect companion for staying-in or going-out!
24. Studies show that people who drink wine daily have a lower body mass than those who don't.

The most important reason, however, is because it's an excuse to come visit the best winery at the Lake of the Ozarks! Our winery sits atop 160 acres of rolling Missouri foothills. We serve Missouri wines, sangrias, and a few micro-brews for those with an alternative pallet. We have 13 different, beautiful wines that would make the perfect addition to your weekend. We offer wine tastings at the Lake of the Ozarks and a light menu consisting of soups, sandwiches, cheese trays  and bread with various dipping oils. For $8 you can come in and taste any of the wines on our list and get a souvenir glass! Stop in a let us show you why we love to drink wine!

Come for the wine...Stay for the atmosphere...Remember the view! 

Seven Springs is the finest Winery at the Lake of the Ozarks with a full service facility perfect for outdoor weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, corporate events and parties.  Call us today to make reservations for your special event!

Seven Springs Winery

573.317.0100

846 Winery Hills Estates

Linn Creek, MO 65052

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Wine Basics for the Beginner

At Seven Springs Winery we live, breathe, work, and drink wine! After seven years in the industry, we've learned a thing or two about wine, and we would love to share our knowledge (and our wine) with you. We've learned a lot, worked a lot, and taste-tested a lot to get where we are today, and we are proud to be known as the best winery at the Lake of the Ozarks! Whether you are a budding Enologist, or an established wine connoisseur, here are a few basics that can benefit anyone.

Basic Types of Wine

Wine is not made from your typical table grapes from the grocery store. A wine grape is small and sweet with a thick skin and seeds. There are over 1,300 different wine grapes, but only a few of them are planted all over the world (most require specific climates to grow). Here is a list of the most common white and red wines:

Common White Wines:

• Riesling
• Pinot Gris
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Chardonnay

Common Red Wines:

• Pinot Noir
• Zinfandel
• Syrah
• Cabernet Sauvignon

How to Serve Wine

Your glassware will affect the flavor of the wine, so it's important  to have the proper glasses. You will also want to perfect the art of opening a bottle of wine. You can cut the foil either on the top lip or bottom lip (the difference is based off of personal preference.) You'll want the radial diameter of the worm (the curly-cue part of the wine opener) to be centered in the cork so it's less likely to tear. In order to do this you'll poke the cork slightly off center. As with coffee, soda and tea, you should also notice that the flavor changes when the temperature does.

• Red wine tastes better when served slightly below room temp, anywhere from 53-69° F. 
• White wine tastes amazing at 44-57° F, with your zesty whites on the cool side and your oak-aged whites on the warm side. 
• Sparkling wines taste great at 38-45° F. 

Developing Your Senses

The way you decide if a wine is a "good wine" is simple - it just depends on whether you like it or not. You take a sip, roll it around on your tongue and then say "yes" or "no". The reason a connoisseur develops his senses isn't just to find a good wine, but also to define the flavors and scents that are hidden in the wine. When you learn how to taste properly, you will be able to identify the main flavor and scent components in every wine you try. You will also learn the basic characteristics for all of the most important varietal grapes, as well as for the blended wines from the world's best wine-producing regions. What is the best way to develop your senses? Drink LOTS of wine!

Pairing Wine & Food

The goal behind pairing wine with food is to bring out the best characteristics of the wine you will be enjoying. Reds go well with red and white meats, cured meats and some rich fish. Whites pair well with vegetables, cheese and starches. A dessert wine obviously goes with dessert, but can sometimes be paired with some cured meats and soft cheeses. The idea is that the wine should always be sweeter than the food and have a higher acidity. The best way you'll learn is by trying, so come visit us, buy the best wine at the Lake of the Ozarks, and start pairing!

Don't let the complexity of wine scare you away from becoming a connoisseur! We hope these quick tips will introduce you to the amazing and detailed magnificence of wine. We have many delicious varieties of wine that you can try, so come down for a taste-testing and let us share our passion with you. We don't just specialize in wine, we also specialize in a good time by hosting many fun events at the Lake of the Ozarks! Join us this Saturday, July 18th for a wonderful fireworks display by Ed Libby. Reserved seating begins after 7:00 PM, and a delicious buffet will be available for $14 per person. Reserved seating is $10 per person, so call our office today to make your reservations!

Come for the wine...Stay for the atmosphere...Remember the view! 

Seven Springs is the finest Winery at the Lake of the Ozarks with a full service facility perfect for outdoor weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, corporate events and parties.  Call us today to make reservations for your special event!

Seven Springs Winery

573.317.0100

846 Winery Hills Estates

Linn Creek, MO 65052

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7 Ways to Prepare For The Wine Trail

Ahhh summer...the time of year when the weather is warm, the lake life is hopping and the wine is flowing freely! We love when summer finally arrives, bringing fun events, outdoor concerts, and most importantly the First Annual Wine Trail Competition! All of the fun starts up at the best winery in the Lake of the Ozarks, where there will be great music, wines and food! Here are a few things you should keep in mind while preparing for a wine trail before you come spend your Saturday with us!

1. Get An Empty Box For Wine

You can get these at your local wine store, or even consider buying a Styrofoam wine carrier from your shipping store. Believe us when we say that you won't want all of your newly purchased wines banging, rolling, and crashing in the back of your car on your drive home! There are several other benefits to the Styrofoam box, but you'll have to keep reading!

2. Hire A Car Or Have A Designated Driver

You may not realize how much wine you will consume on your tours, so it's always a good idea to have a backup plan. Additionally, if you're not used to drinking wine early in the day it could catch up with you fast. A wine trail is about having fun and loving wine, don't end the event with un-safe driving.

3. Try New, Unfamiliar Things

Many different parts of the country grow native grapes, including our winery at the Lake of the Ozarks! With native grapes you will have different flavors, and if you stick to grapes you already know you could miss out on the regional specialties. Don't be afraid to try something new, branch out, and possibly find a new favorite!

4. "What kind of wine to you like?"

This is a pretty standard, go-to question that will be asked by tasting-room personnel. If you aren't totally comfortable with wine you may find this "ice-breaking" question intimidating, especially on the spot! In any event, don't be afraid to say something along the lines of "I enjoy all kinds of wine. Which would you recommend starting with?". Even if you know you like dry wines, you may enjoy a sweet wine or vice versa.

5. Don't Be Shy

Asking simple questions will show your interest, and the wineries will appreciate that. Sample questions to keep in your back pocket could be: "Does this look like it will be a good year?" or "What food would you recommend pairing with this wine?" You don't have to have fancy, complicated questions prepared, there's no need to show off. Unless you really do care about complicated answers such as malolactic fermentation...

6. Keep Wines Out Of The Hot Car

Even with all four windows cracked a bit, your car can reach 117 degrees in just 30 minutes! Wine and hot cars do not mix, and your wine will become flat in no time. Going back to point number one, getting a wine cooler that will keep it insulated will help with this a lot! Many wineries will ship their wines, so that might be a better option if you think it will be warm or if you car will be sitting for a long period of time.

7. Always Remember

The wines you buy will taste different at home than they did at the winery. A wine that has never traveled and is in pristine condition at the winery; paired with the wonderful sights, surrounding and smells of the occasion will mean that the wine will always taste better where it was created. Of course, when you live at the Lake, you can fix this problem by spending LOTS of fun times with us for the best wine at the Lake of the Ozarks!

First Annual Wine Trail Competition!

There you have it! Seven great things to remember when spending your weekend on the wine trail at Seven Springs Winery. Saturday, August 22, 2015 is the first, and only wine trail competition in the state of Missouri! From 2-6 PM multiple wineries from the Ozark Mountain Wine Trail and the Lake of the Ozarks Wine Trail will compete for a traveling trophy and all the bragging rights that go along with it. This is also a charity fundraiser for both wine trails. For $60.00 per person you will get to taste Red Wines, White Wines, Open Choice and a Dessert Wine. In addition you will taste amazing food & wine pairings, receive a souvenir logo glass, and get to hear some amazing music! Call Seven Springs Winery at 573.317.0100 to reserve your space.  This event is going to be SO much fun and we can't wait to spend a part of your weekend with you!

Come for the wine...Stay for the atmosphere...Remember the view! 

Seven Springs is the finest Winery at the Lake of the Ozarks with a full service facility perfect for outdoor weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, corporate events and parties.  Call us today to make reservations for your special event!

Seven Springs Winery

573.317.0100

846 Winery Hills Estates

Linn Creek, MO 65052

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5 Explosive Facts About Fireworks

This weekend is all about the fireworks! People will be gathering on the banks of the lake, in their boats, lawn chairs and inner tubes to watch the explosive celebration. To kick off the weekend, here are a few crazy facts about fireworks.

Photo Credit: FunLake.com

What is the Biggest Fourth of July Fireworks Show in the U.S.?

This topic tends to set off "sparks" among the many different large shows, but with a little deduction the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks in New York City is determined to be the largest. They draw over 2 million spectators, and feature over 40,000 shells with a broadcast in prime time on NBC.

Americans Lit About 175 million pounds Worth of Fireworks

Ironically, most of the fireworks purchased were from individuals! Only about 10 percent of that figure is for public shows. Everything else is done in backyards, streets, and lots. 90% of the fireworks sold worldwide come from China, which is fitting, since they invented them!

Fireworks Were Responsible for Over 17,000 Fires

In 2011, fireworks caused an estimated 17,800 reported fires, including 1,200 total structure fires, 400 vehicle fires. If the conditions are right it only takes one spark to create a big disaster. Be sure to prepare for your fireworks appropriately by only setting them off on solid surfaces. Keep them away from homes, vehicles and people. Also be sure to ALWAYS keep water on hand or even a fire extinguisher if you have one!

Photo Credit: FunLake.com

Firework Laws Are Becoming Less Confining

Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York are the only states who have banned ALL consumer fireworks. Illinois, Iowa, Ohio and Vermont only allow wire or wood stick sparklers and other novelty items. The rest of the 42 states (as of June 1, 2014) allow all or some types of consumer fireworks. This explains why there are more individual consumers purchasing than the large shows!

Almost 11,500 Americans Are Injured Each Year from Fireworks

In 2013 the National Fire Protection Association reported that 11,400 were injured from firework related injuries. Naturally these injuries are primarily children and teens. It's important to provide supervision to children when they are using these explosives. You should also keep a bucket of water handy for immediately extinguishing the flames.

While you're celebrating this weekend be sure to be safe and use caution with your explosives. Let us be apart of your weekend by coming down for a delicous glass of the best wine at the Lake of the Ozarks! To keep on celebrating for the whole month we'll be celebrating Fourth of July with a fireworks display on July 18th. You can call 573.317.0100 for more information and reservations! We can't wait to celebrate Independence day at the best winery an the Lake of the Ozarks!

Come for the wine...Stay for the atmosphere...Remember the view! 

Seven Springs is the finest Winery at the Lake of the Ozarks with a full service facility perfect for outdoor weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, corporate events and parties.  Call us today to make reservations for your special event!

Seven Springs Winery

573.317.0100

846 Winery Hills Estates

Linn Creek, MO 65052

Like us on Facebook 

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A Toast to Seven Years for Seven Springs Winery!

Seven years ago, Seven Springs Winery opened it's doors for the first time. We've had a wonderful seven years and we look forward to providing the best wine at the Lake of the Ozarks for many years to come! With great customers like you, we know the next seven will be just as amazing! Since there is nothing better than toasting to the best Lake of the Ozark's winery,  here are a few ideas for writing a fabulous toast for any event you may be toasting to!

1. Only Tell 1-2 Stories

Everyone loves a good story! Everyone loves a second good story, but after two you'll start to lose interest. Keep your stories down to one or two of the really great, extremely funny ones!

2. Don't Make it About You

When you're making a toast, you are generally congratulating a momentous occasion in someone else's life. Keep all of the focus on them, praise their wonderful accomplishment, and keep yourself out of it.

3. Keep it Short

I'm sure we've all sat through the toasts that just keep going. They were sweet to start with, and then just when you think they're finished, there is still more! Include the important information, the funny stories, the relationship between you and the person you're toasting, include your final statement, smile, and take a bow.

4. Write, Rehearse, and Rehearse Again

After you have composed the perfect toast, read it in front of the mirror, and in front of someone else! You'll become more comfortable with what you're reading when you've said it out loud to yourself. Reading it in front of another person also helps get the nerves out, but can also help if the wording sounds a bit off.

There you have it! When you need to write a toast to commemorate a special occasion, these tips can help give you a starting point. Come celebrate our our 7 year anniversary at the best winery at the Lake of the Ozarks! All of the fun happens on Sunday, June 28th at 2:00 PM. We will feature a crappie fish fry with all the trimmings and Sax on the Beach will be performing! V.I.P holders are free, and non V.I.P members have a $10.00 cover. We can't wait to see you at this very toast-worthy occasion!

Come for the wine...Stay for the atmosphere...Remember the view! 

Seven Springs is the finest Winery at the Lake of the Ozarks with a full service facility perfect for outdoor weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, corporate events and parties.  Call us today to make reservations for your special event!

Seven Springs Winery

573.317.0100

846 Winery Hills Estates

Linn Creek, MO 65052

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5 Ideas For Your Outdoor Wedding Decor

Oh, they say when you marry in June, you're a bride all your life.

And the bridegroom who marries in June gets a sweetheart for a wife.

The old adage from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers insists that June is the month to marry, and what a pretty month for it! Beautiful flowers, sunshine and green leaves everywhere. No matter what month you marry, this is the season for outdoor weddings. Though the outdoors are fairly decorated without any help from us, there are always some fun little details you can add to make it your own! We would LOVE for you to spend your special day at the best wedding venue at the Lake of the Ozarks. Here are a few fun ideas for your upcoming outdoor wedding to get you inspired!

1. Include your Photos

By including photos in your wedding decor, you show people the journey that has led up to this special day! Don't be afraid to incorporate selfies, date nights, cheesy smiles, and fun memories! There are many fun ways to display the photos as well. You can wrap string around trees and clip your images on with little clothespins, hang them between trees, and use them in your centerpieces. Get creative with all the ways you can use your favorite memories!

2. Outdoor Lighting

There are many ways to incorporate a romantic ambiance to your wedding through lighting. Even though the sun doesn't set until later in the evening during the summer, you'll want something planned for the reception. You can string Christmas lights around the property for a fun twinkle. Another neat option is to put solar sidewalk lights inside a lampshade! They'll kick on when the evening strikes, and will add a fun maintenance free, fire free atmosphere. You can place table lamps on the reception tables, or make a fun photo booth area with a standing lamp!

3. Hanging Candles

Hanging jars with candles in them, whether battery or wax is always a fun way to add a warm glow and make a scene look full. You can hang them above your wedding arbor, place them down the aisle, or on tables. If you use wax candles, make sure to designate someone to light them ahead of time! You don't want to be in the middle of your vows and realize the candles aren't lit!

4. Flowers & Buckets

Filling a bucket with flowers can be an easy way to decorate your aisle, reception tables, or even your food tables. Buckets are easy to find at your local stores and can be quite economic. Fill them with beautiful wild flowers that are common during the summer! Don't forget to put a little water in the bottom to keep them fresh.

5. Sidewalk Chalk

If your wedding venue has sidewalks, a neat way to direct your guests to the ceremony or the reception is with sidewalk chalk! If you aren't artsy, you can used stencils to make it look perfect. Hearts scattered all the way down, arrows, initials, your wedding date, all the fun dates that mark your relationship or even "self portraits" are all ways to keep it fun and give your guests something to smile about as they walk to their destination!

At Seven Springs Winery we have a beautiful outdoor wedding venue at the Lake of the Ozarks and we would love to celebrate your special day with you! When you book your wedding with us we provide an event coordinator who will work closely with you to ensure your needs are met. Our facility holds up to 300 people inside and another 125 outside, and our pavilion provides seating for 200 people with electric for CD players, sound systems or live bands. At night our patio area lights up giving you and your guests and beautiful, intimate atmosphere. In addition our executive chef prepares a delicious banquet menu with items ranging from hors d'oeuvres to gourmet styled meals. Give us a call to book your dream vineyard wedding at the Lake of the Ozarks!

Come for the wine...Stay for the atmosphere...Remember the view! 

Seven Springs is the finest Winery at the Lake of the Ozarks with a full service facility perfect for outdoor weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, corporate events and parties.  Call us today to make reservations for your special event!

Seven Springs Winery

573.317.0100

846 Winery Hills Estates

Linn Creek, MO 65052

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