Many in the mid-Missouri area know Les Bourgeois Vineyards for their great wine and terrific views of the Missouri River, especially while spending days sipping and basking in the summer sun. While we move into cooler months, there's just as much to love about the winery as we warm up with our favorite award-winning wines and greet the new season full of thanks.
“We love the holidays on The Blufftop. We spend days decorating for the season with trees and lights at the Tasting Room, The Bistro, and the guest houses,” says Rachel Holman, co-owner of Les Bourgeois with her husband, Jacob.
Additionally, they will host a holiday open house on Nov. 8-10 at The Tasting Room to kick off the holiday season. They also will be in the Christmas parade in downtown Columbia on Nov. 24. In December, they plan to host a holiday brunch at The Bistro.
After taking over the business in 2019, the Holmans made the decision to keep expanding the experiences Les Bourgeois offers guests. They expanded the Tasting Room, added guest housing, and are planning to launch a distillery in the near future. In May, the Holmans decided to make the Bistro an events-only space, allowing for more flexibility in scheduling for events. This also allows them to host different dinners, pop-ups, and farm-to-table events in the space.
With their expanded guest housing, one of three options is sure to fit family members and friends visiting for the holidays. They include The 1912, Founder’s Point, and Trailside Suites. Depending on how many people plan on staying and what activities they want to enjoy, they can choose to be closer to the Katy Trail or the winery, a pool with an area for wood-fired pizza, beautiful gardens, or a view from the blufftop.
With five years of quick growth and eyes set on the future of the business, the Holmans also juggle their time as parents to three daughters and pet parents of two donkeys, Tom and Jerry, who make the occasional guest appearance at Les Bourgeois events. Learning where and when to prioritize has been a pivotal lesson.
“Learning where on the scale of importance things are to ourselves, each other, and our colleagues helps us prioritize when we are juggling all the things,” Holman says. “Knowing the difference between the big stuff and the small things can make expectation management so much easier to achieve.”
Especially when juggling busy schedules and needs around the holidays, the Holmans understand the importance of self-care and spending time with loved ones. With never enough hours in a day while running a business and making time for everything else, they make sure to “work hard and love hard” with the hours in a day they are given.
“Find joy in the small moments. Life is busy. The holidays are busier. Take time to enjoy your family and friends. Make your own traditions and build your own family. Be present instead of giving presents.”
Not only during the holidays but throughout the year, the Holmans and Les Bourgeois help support organizations and share what they have with the community, as Rachel says, “We will always find a way to build a longer table.” Likewise, they feel the love and support of their community as well.
“We are incredibly lucky to have a huge group of supporters, mentors, and friends in the Midwest wine industry and the local business community," Holman says. "And most importantly our guests, who have supported us for years, allowing us to share in their special moments, big and small. We wouldn't be here without them.”
We will always find a way to build a longer table.