Terre Beau Vineyards

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Sep 15, 2016

Norton Wine Review: (Please refer to allisonjv's 2011 comments which, as usual, are spot on). Open only weekends eight months out of the year in a completely restored 1858 Presbyterian church (Catholic 1904-2003). Your visit will encounter John who now is, in his words, owner, vintner, host, bottlewasher and maintainer of four acres of Norton, Catawba, Niagra and Vignoles vines. John readily admits that working with the Norton grape is a tough endeavor with his 'no chemicals' Norton wine having been exceptionally good only two out of thirteen years. We were pleased to have met John who opened his doors to us on a not designated trade day and obtaining a courtesy purchase of his 2012 Norton ($18). Terre Beau Winery has lots of character with its large covered patio, banquet hall (former sanctuary), gift shop and winery room.

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Oct 30, 2012

Favorite Wine: K. C. (Norton / Chambourcin Blend

We gave this winery 2 stars meaning that we could take it or leave it. Didn't really stand out to us. However, that is not to say it is bad. Just didn't stand out. There Norton is dry but lighter bodied than I would really prefer. The Chambourcin was light as well but seemed to have a hint of a fortified brandy feel to it. I am sure that is not the case but it was sweeter albeit dry than other Chambourcins we've tried. The Vintner's Choice was a steel, non-oaked version of Norton which isn't my thing. I probably liked the KC best which was a fairly decent representation of a Norton/Chambourcin Blend. Nice people. I was just looking for fuller-bodied wines. August 2012 edit: opened a bottle of a Catawba at home that was semi-sweet and quite pleasant. Not syrupy like some other versions of this varietal. This white even had a hint of tartness. Not usually a fan of Catawba but instantly this one is my favorite. Upgrading my wine star rating to three stars.

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Nov 27, 2011

Favorite Wine: 07 Norton

In my tour of Lafayette County wineries, Terre Beau was my favorite stop. John, the winemaker, was an engaging host who treated us all like close friends who were joining him at his home for a meal. If you like Norton, try his--his 07 Norton is lighter bodied than most others in Missouri, and made with stems and skins, giving the wine a very distinctive character. He blends Norton with all kinds of grapes including Cabernet, Chambourcin, and even Concord to make supple, rich wines that pair well with food or stand alone as a sipping wine. John is passionate about his craft, engaging all of us with his trials and tribulations, his successes, his own preference for his cellared wines (which include an 05 Norton that he won't sell because he plans to drink it). Unlike a lot of other winemakers in the area, John actually drinks wine, not beer. This part of Missouri harbors a different feel of wineries where wine is a part of hunting culture where it shares the table with beer. Not so at Terre Beau. John's Italian heritage shines through with every expression, from describing his grandparents picking up crates of grapes from the trucks from California, to his love of big, bold wine that he drinks in Kansas City steakhouses. Nice environment, the building is an old church that John has maintained quite well. A great way to spend a rainy afternoon in November. His 07 and 08 Nortons and Chambourcins are drinkable now.

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Jul 20, 2011

Favorite Wine: American Woman

If you love conversation and consuming copious amounts of wine, pull up a stool and be prepared to stay a while! John, the owner is an exceptional compendium of stories and orator - I really enjoy him and the winery. The winery isn't especially exceptional, though the church its located in is old and beautiful. The wine assortment tops 14 at last check, and it becomes a little difficult to differentiate between them, but they're all delicious and worth a try.