Are you tired of the same old bar scene? Loud music, obnoxious televisions, even more obnoxious singles. Next time you want to relax with a glass of wine head down 291 to the Belvoir Winery. Located in what is known as The Odd Fellows Home, this place is like stepping into a different world. From the moment you turn down the long driveway to the looming campus of crumbling buildings you forget about 2013.
The main building, in which the bar is located, is the only building guests visit when they come to visit the winery. However if you're up for a little thrill, the winery also offers Ghost Tours that start at 8 PM in which you investigate the entire property. Walking through the double doors of The Odd Fellows home you are greeted by a turn of the century entry hall with beautiful tiling and stained glass windows. Up a short stairway sits the bar room with a gorgeous fireplace, a few small tables, and beautiful dark wood bar. You almost feel like the spirits of yesteryear could still be there enjoying the space. If it weren't for the small TV you might expect a couple from Miller's Crossing to walk in and sit down next to you.
The winery offers a full bar along with the six wines they produce which are Chardonel (their driest white), Plumeria (a semi-dry white blend), Sorelle Dolci (a sweet white blend), Norton (a dry red), Casanova (a semi-dry red blend) and Lucky Pierre ( a sweet red dessert wine). You can taste all of the wines for free and then order a glass, or a bottle or two. The winery only serves snacks like cheese cubes and wheat thins, or small pieces of fudge, so make sure not to come hungry, or you'll be eating everyone's cheese in the bar.
Though the bar is exquisite, and would be a perfect retreat for a dark rainy day, if the weather is nice, you need to take your wine onto the grounds. There is a covered patio that runs down the side of the home with wonderful views of the property. There are a few other seating areas out onto the grounds, or you could just stroll around and explore. If you have kids you can bring them as well and they could run a half a mile down the back field while you enjoy your wine and watch them. Just make sure they don't try to venture into one of the other buildings, which aren't necessarily secured well. There is a graveyard to explore, there are horses, and there is a beautiful fountain that runs in the summer. Even with the traffic zooming away on 291 you still feel as if they could be Model T's. And looking up at the 100's of windows of the buildings you almost expect to see someone staring back at you.
Starting in April the winery will have live music outside on Fridays and stay open until 11 PM. Right now their hours are Thursday-Saturday 11-8, Monday-Wednesday 11-4, and Sundays 12-6. You may want to call ahead (200-1811), as sometimes they need to close early if they are hosting a wedding.
The Belvoir is a hidden gem that is getting slowly discovered. The next time you need to get away, make the turn down the path The Belvoir and relax among the spirits of The Odd Fellows.
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