Take a trip to Casa De Loco

With its beautiful backdrop and quiet setting, Casa De Loco winery is the perfect place for events, weddings, an overnight stay, or just to spend a few hours relaxing. Owner Larry Owens opened the winery in the spring of 2007. It sits on a hilltop overlooking the Big Niangua River.
Owens had been a grower in California for several years when he decided to purchase the property a few miles from Camdenton. After extensive renovations, it was turned into a winery that offers a reception hall, food, tastings, lodging, and a store.
"While we sell wines from all over the world, we have our own line of wines that are definitely the most popular," Owens says. "We have the benefit of having vineyards in both California and Missouri, so you get the best of both wine areas."
Casa De Loco offers popular wines such as Rojo Loco, a sweet red table wine; and the port after-dinner wine that has a combination of Kona coffee and cocoa. They also have 11 blends that offer the full spectrum from white to red and sweet to dry.
Make sure to visit the blending room where guests that book the room can taste all 10 barrels of pure wines and come up with their own personalized label.
If you are hungary, the kitchen makes Italian Brick Oven Pizzas. Made with authentic Italian ingredients, the pizzas are all 12 inches in diameter and cost $12, no matter how many toppings you get. Guests are welcome to bring their own picnic. Several propane grills are located on site and are free to use.
Casa De Loco is also a popular wedding and reception location. The 7,000-square foot reception hall comes with tables and chairs for up to 300, an operating fireplace, sound system, projection screen, a stocked bar, a photo booth, dressing rooms for the wedding party and everything else you might need for the big day. A small-wedding package is available for those that want a more intimate ceremony.
There are five different overnight accommodations including several suites and a cottage equipped with a king-sized bed, jetted tub, a fireplace, full kitchen and screened-in porch. Prices are $80-$150 per night.
In the summer, take a canoe or kayak trip down the river to the winery. Ozark expedition Outfitters works exclusively through the winery. www.oe-outfitters.com

The history

Originally a private getaway built in the 1930, it had became known as "The Millionaire's Club" due to the out-of-town guests and close friends of the owners. The property changed hands several times over the years. It was a health care facility taking care of elderly and mentally ill patients until it closed in the late 1970s.

Where

Casa De Loco
442 Riverbird Lane, Camdenton