Robller Vineyard Winery in New Haven, Missouri Delivers it All

Rocking blues, tasty home-grilled BBQ, jamming reggae, and authentic Jamaican food at a Missouri winery? It all happens every year at Robller Vineyard Winery in New Haven, Missouri. People mark their calendars, wait with anticipation, some drive from states away, to spend two summer weekends jamming at the vineyard.

There are many wineries along Highway 100 from Hermann to Washington, Missouri. None are like Robller Vineyard Winery in New Haven. Robert and Lois Mueller started sixteen years ago with a different vision for their little piece of the world.

Robert is the vintner and he takes great pride in his craft. He creates twelve different wines from Missouri grapes. Vidal and Seyval are dry whites. Traminette, the new wine in Missouri is an off dry. St. Vincent, Le Trompe Noir, and Norton the dry reds. Villa Rouge is a semi-dry red they call the non-threatening red wine. It is delicious chilled. Gabrielles Blush, Vignoles, and White Steuben fill the semi-sweet category. There are Kasselfest and Jeu Deau for the sweet palates. All deserve a taste, and all tastings are free.

The quaint building that houses the tasting room, large seating area with fireplace, and the cellars, sits on a low hill with a spectacular view of rows of vineyard and the rolling farmland of Missouri. A wide open space blanketed with thick green grass provides room to run, fly kites, toss Frisbees, or just stretch out on a blanket and gaze up at the deep blue sky. There is a family atmosphere about the place. Guests bring their kids to explore the vineyard and play in the grass, bring a picnic, and listen to the music. Oh yeah ? the music.

Every June they hold a BBQ and Blues Festival. They put together a weekend of rocking, danceable blues music played by some of the best local blues talent in Missouri. They offer brats, burgers, and hot dogs off the grill and slathered with Robller wine fortified BBQ sauce. Add all the fixings, crispy coleslaw and tangy baked beans for a scrumptious feed. For a lighter repast they serve a selection of fine cheeses, sausages, crackers, and crisp red apples. Or, you are welcome to bring your own picnic.

BBQ and Blues Fest is on June 23rd and 24th this year. On Saturday, the 23rd, Pennsylvania Slim Blues Band will entertain folks with traditional blues from Muddy Waters, to Little Walter, to Ray Charles and some original songs. Brian Melching (Pennsylvania Slim) and his tight band have been part of the St. Louis Blues scene for a long time. Wearing a suit and hat like his heroes wore Brian brings a touch of class to the Robller deck.

Alvin Jett and the Phat Noiz Blues Band play Sunday, the 24th. A regular band for BBQ and Blues they deliver a fiery brand of hard driving blues mixed with classic R&B and rock standards. Dancing is not a choice when Phat Noiz plays; it is inevitable.

Jamaica comes to the hills of Missouri in the third weekend of August with the Reggae Sunsplash Festival. Two of the finest local reggae bands will have everyone on their feet and Jammin' at the Vineyard. Nezzie cooks up a wide variety of Jamaican cuisine to choose from. Please your taste buds with some Jerk Chicken, Rice and Peas, Escoveitched Fish, and more.

Reggae Sunsplash is August 19th and 20th. On Saturday, the 19th, Dub Kitchen unleashes their fresh Dub Reggae sound on the vineyard. Island rhythms, JenÍs beautiful vocals, and a mix of classic dub and original reggae are sure to get folks dancing.

The irie sensation NonStop Reggae returns to Sunsplash on Sunday, the 20th. You will burn up the grass dancing to the classic roots and modern style reggae rock of one of the St. Louis areas premiere reggae bands. They put the jam in Jammin' at the Vineyard.

Each summer Robller Vineyard Winery in New Haven, Missouri welcomes friends, old and new to BBQ and Blues in June and Reggae Sunsplash in August.

The music doesnÍt stop there. A variety of local artists play every Saturday in September. The 22nd of September is Big Blues and Balloons featuring Rich McDonough and Rough Grooves. Robller celebrates Ocktoberfest every Saturday and Sunday in October. Performing this year are Bob Gleason, Dennis Schilligo, Mark Moebeck, The Bluehawk Duet, Gary Sluhan, and Rich Berry.

You can call Robller Vineyard Winery at 573-237-3986 or go to www.robllerwines.com for more information. Join them for a memorable day of wine, music, food, and friends. Come Jammin' at the Vineyard.