DAY TRIP by Vicki Wood, newsroom@lakesunline.com
Grand Lake Wine Trail Cross the boarder for a road trip to taste some unique and flavorful wines.
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rand Lake in Northeastern Oklahoma sits just about 30 miles past the Missouri/Oklahoma border. A spectacularly undeveloped waterway where commercial businesses and condominiums are less in presence than other lakes, Grand Lake is also home to some great wineries. Monkey Island Winery and Cottages stands out for its fruit wine from the bounty of their ranch. Also home to the Royal Horse Ranch established in 2010, Monkey Island Winery grows pears, peaches, and blackberries to produce fruity offerings. Their Grand Lake Vineyards were planted in 2004 with Cynthiana/Norton, Chardonel, and Cabernet Sauvignon vines. The owner is well educated in the art of wine production, as well as being an avid vintage collector. The new tasting room serves around 30 varieties, with unusual choices such as Pie Pumpkin, California Cherry, among many more not usually seen at wineries. The favorites like Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot all have clever names exclusive to the Monkey Island label adding to fun at the tasting room. Groups giggle at each other when they order “Drawing A Blanc” sauvignon blanc, or “Chard-N-Hay” their crafted chardonnay. In addition to wines, Monkey Island Winery hosts wine themed cottages with a working horse ranch, making the vineyard and winery a destination to go visit and stay awhile. Monkey Island is worth a visit in itself with a lot of interesting landmarks. The Shangri-La Resort on the island has a boat that belonged to John F. Kennedy on display in their lobby, the RESTOFUS. His prior boat was named TENOFUS. As the family grew, they purchased the bigger speedboat and aptly named it reflecting the expansion of the Kennedy clan. The Shangri-La Resort is the center of activity for food and fun on the island. A world class golf course, restaurants, and spa are included with lodging.
October 16- November 5, 2020
Also located on Monkey Island, The Shebang is a menagerie of eatery, shopping, and dancing, all in one funky brick complex accented with flamingo pink posts and doors. Steaks and seafood, along with all sorts of creatively named dishes with New Orleans flair are on the menu. The wine list is extensive, that’s why they are on my list. With 40 wines, and 5 champagnes, one can only dream of ordering the Dom Perignon that is offered.
VACATION NEWS 11
