Peaceful Bend Vineyard was founded in 1972 by Axel Arneson, a retired doctor with a vision to create blended wines in an old-world style; naming each wine after the creeks and rivers that surround the area. In 1998, Clyde Gill & Katie Nott took over the winery after working as cellar master & vineyard manager respectively at other wineries. They drew inspiration in the founder’s vision for the winery and wanted to build on Arneson’s concept. Today, Peaceful Bend Vineyard’s wine blends – still named for the area’s waters – are a reflection of tradition, technique, and a love for sharing flavorful moments.
The original winery, built by Dr. Arneson in 1972, featured a beautiful arched doorway into the wine cellar, a tasting room above the cellar, and living quarters with a balcony view of the wine garden below.
Clyde Gill and Katie Nott met on the job while they both worked for Stone Hill Winery. Clyde was the cellar master for 5 years, while Katie worked as the vineyard manager. After a float trip date on the Meramec River, the couple discovered Peaceful Bend and wistfully commented how nice it would be to own their own winery one day. As it turned out, wistful comments turned into dreams-come-true in 1998 when the couple were able to lease the winery, purchasing it outright in 2000.
Tragedy struck in 2016 on Thanksgiving night when a fire took the entire building and it’s contents up in flames. Three years stock of wine, equipment, and their living quarters were gone by the morning. Fortunately, no one was in the building at the time, and no one was injured.
After regrouping, the couple built again in a new spot on their property with lovely views of the fields and Ozark hilltops. While the old architecture couldn’t be replicated, the couple brought in many touches to the new building that honored the vineyard’s past.
Today, Peaceful Bend is thriving again, not only offering wine, but also beer, an eatery, events, and beautiful scenery in a serene atmosphere. Each wine and beer is made in small batches and blended carefully to enhance all the flavors of the grapes. The eatery features local producers as much as possible, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients that complement the winery’s beverages.
Katie and Clyde have gotten a wee bit older now, but are still inspired to create flavorful moments in an atmosphere that anyone can savor. They invite you to visit Peaceful Bend for an afternoon that will not only linger on your tongue, but also in your heart.