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July, 2004
And the Newsletters begin again!!
We apologize it has been a while since
the Newsletter made it to your mailbox. We promise to get them out quarterly in
the future.
We are also pleased to
tell you that we will be doing monthly email updates. We look forward to the
ability of being able to let you know at the last minute of any special events
or entertainment coming to Bias. To join this group, just
click
here to subscribe. We’ll add you to the list, so you can be included in all
the last minute news.
We had our
Annual Bar-B-Q Cook-Off
in May.
The Grand Champion
was
Dean Quick (Dizzy Dean).
In the chicken category
it was The Village Idiots
(Chan Combs, Frank Carlile, Chris Carlile and Darren Silkey)
in first place. The
Blue Turtles (Tim & Crystal
Eggers, Debbie Bush, Susan Begemann, and Mark Kassebaum)
finished second. Third place went to
Keeling’s Outlaw Ranch
(Kevin Keeling & Bob Burnett).
For Pork,
Dizzy Dean took first,
The Village Idiots
were second and
Smoke House (Doug & Sherri
McKee) took third.
Beef was won by
Keeling’s Outlaw Ranch,
with Dizzy Dean
in second and
Las Locas Luna’s (Tony Luna Sr.
& Tony Luna Jr.) in third.
It was a tough decision for the judges, and we want to thank
Kathy Green, Ray Archer,
Walt Tarde, Matt Brez and Gene Brez
for all their time and effort. We
couldn’t have such a successful event without all the help we receive from our
valued customers and volunteers.
NOTES FROM THE WINEMAKER
2003 Chambourcin
Reserve…
produced from our own Chambourcin
grapes; this wine has great body, and was aged with a variety of oak chips. It’s
very pleasing to those looking for a deeper, richer flavor. We have a very
limited supply this year, but due to it’s popularity, we hope to increase our
supply next year.
De Chaunac…made
from DeChaunac grapes; this favorite combines the fruitiness of Beaujolais with
the body of a Merlot.
Victorian Red… We made a
delightful update to our recipe and we are pleased with the reception of
this year’s vintage. Made with Concord grapes and sweetened to bring out it’s
full flavor, this wine has pleased many patrons. You can rest assured it will be
on next year’s wine list.
A Note from Jim Bias…
As many of you know, a couple of years ago, I decided that it
was time for me to retire from the Winery business. Since it wasn’t feasible to
have the family take over the business, I made the difficult decision to sell.
Upon learning this, many of you expressed concern that the new Owners would
change the atmosphere at the Winery, and it wouldn’t be the same. Perhaps the
ones expressing their concern the loudest and most vehemently were Kirk and
Carol Grass.
Who could blame them? They have been loyal patrons enjoying the
Winery for years, have a boat named after one of our wines – “Jubilee Red”, own
the Belgian Draft horses that pull the wagon promoting Gruhlke’s Microbrewery in
parades, and have helped out at numerous events and festivals.
My children and I, along with the rest of the staff, are very
pleased to inform you that Kirk and Carol are the new Owners of Bias
Winery/Gruhlke’s Microbrewery. While you will notice some improvements, Kirk and
Carol are committed to retaining the feel of the place. I hope you will come
visit soon and join us in congratulating them on their business venture and help
them make it a great success.
A Note from Kirk & Carol
First and foremost, we want to assure everyone that Jim will be
around. A lot..
if we have anything to do with it! When we would come to Bias as customers, the
best part was a hug or a handshake from Jim or Norma, a big smile and a warm
welcome. And then there was the Staff, and of course, the wine!
Jim has taken on the task of
teaching Kirk the art of winemaking….Bias style. The wines will remain the same,
as he has been gracious enough to share all his recipes with us. The microbrews
will continue under the same tradition as well. Dennis Jay (Jim’s son-in-law)
has already made a trip here from Tennessee to re-familiarize Kirk with the
brewing.
Bonnie & Carol will be staying too! Whew, what a relief! You
couldn’t ask for better friendsor employees. They handle everything that comes
along with humor, empathy, tolerance and grace. What would we do without such
loyal and long-term employees?
Bias Winery has long stood as the place where Kirk & I would go
to relax and rid ourselves of stress. In the winter we’d head straight for the
round table in front of the fireplace. Instant relaxation, just what we needed.
In the summer it was under the grape arbor, or maybe down to the pond. And I
know we aren’t the only customers that feel this way. So rest assured our
biggest priority is to make sure the atmosphere doesn’t change.
Other things that won’t change….the Case Club will still be
here, all discounts remain in effect. Carol, and her husband Mike (CJB
Enterprises) will continue to do all our catered dinners. The facility is still
available for Events. We will still have the Cook-offs, and all the prizes will
remain the same. Basically, it’s business as usual at Bias! Even the phone
numbers, web site and email address will remain the same. So if you have any
questions or concerns, feel free to contact us.
We would like to meet all of you personally, as well as give
you a chance to see Jim and wish him well in his retirement. So we are planning
a Retirement Party in Jim’s honor September 4th.
We’ll have entertainment and food, so please mark your calendar and come on out!
Carol & Mike Bradley will be doing their Luau feast!
Kirk & I asked Bonnie & Carol to take a few moments of their
time and jot down a few memories of the many years they spent with Jim & Norma
here at the Winery. Here’s what they had to say…
Bias Remembered….
In our minds, Jim & Norma
were a working team when it came to this Winery. It is hard to separate them.
The two made one complete entity. Their priorities were always to put family
first, employees and guests second, and the Winery third in their lives.
When Norma died, Jim wanted to keep “Norma’s” dream alive. He
was a kind employer, with a propensity for taking short naps and fixing things
with wire and twine. We have laughed and screeched at him many times through the
years. Because Jim’s management style has been relaxed, we have formed a strong
working team, enjoying each other’s company and helping each other whenever
possible.
Jim loves…to eat….old cars….and computers… in that order! We
often joke about his traveling by restaurants and eateries, not by roads.
We all have our own special coffee cups at the Winery. Jim has
his tiny TWA cup, Bonnie has her well admired “*itch” cup, and Carol has her “I
don’t give a Sh**” cup. We would fill our cups with coffee and retire to the
veranda to discuss Important
issues.
When Jim decided it was time to move on, he was careful to turn
the Winery over to people with similar goals. Kirk and Carol Grass are a working
unit and with our help, will be perfect for the task.
With love, Carol Bradley & Bonnie Horstmann.
I Remember Norma
By Carol Bradley
I remember Norma having coffee on the patio in the morning and
calling my name as I drove up the hill.
I remember Norma dancing with her fingers in the air after a
Festival.
I remember Norma sitting off to one side in the large room
working on her ledger. She loved to balance her numbers.
I remember Norma working with patience on a cash register after
one of the employees messed it up.
I remember Norma laughing her wonderful laugh.
I remember Norma driving the golf cart up in the Vineyard with
cold water and staying a while to pick.
I remember Norma listening intently to her children, or a patron
with a problem, and very quietly helping them.
I remember Norma’s WONDERFUL noodles. I ate plenty.
I remember Norma asking if it was 5:00 (wine time) yet, to which
we always answered “yes” and joined her.
I remember Norma calling my name when she fell after having had
radiation.
I remember the phone call early one morning… I will always
remember Norma as a kind and patient employer. And best of all…..as a wonderful
friend.
Want to buy Bias Wines locally?
If you would like to purchase Bias wines from your local
retailer, just ask them to call us and we’ll be happy to make arrangements for
them to carry your choice of wines. Or you can contact us with their name and
phone number, and we’ll be happy to call them for you.
We are working hard to expand our wholesale market, and are
currently working with stores in the Kansas City area, as well as Lake of the
Ozarks. We hope to have our wines near you very soon!
Planning a Party?
If you are looking for a unique and memorable experience, plan
your next party or reunion here at the Winery. Mike & Carol Bradley will prepare
the perfect meal for your group. Don’t forget us for a beautiful location for
wedding pictures, showers or family photo shoots. Call 573-834-5475 or
800-905-2427 for reservations.
Join the “Bias Winery Case Club”
Members of the “Bias Winery Case Club” enjoy a 10% discount on
the purchase price of their first case of wine, 15% discount on the second and
third cases, and a 20% discount on all subsequent case purchases. You can join
over the phone if you purchase a case for delivery as well.
Places to Purchase Bias Wine
Washington, MO
3-0-5 Liquor
Schnucks Supermarket
ZuZu’s Petals
New Haven, MO
Fas-Trip Convenience Store
Riverfront Mercantile
Sav-A-Lot
Hermann, MO
Loutre’s Market
Village Market
We will be updating this list in our next newsletter, as well as
through emails. We’ll also be including the types of wines sold at each
location. In the meantime, feel free to call us here at the Winery, and we’ll
gladly tell you where you can find your favorite Bias wine near you. |
