My parents live in Oakville, or as I like to call it, “The Wasteland of Beer.” So when I found out about Bon Vivant Wines last year, I could begin to express my joy. Only about a 10 minute drive from 255 and Telegraph in Columbia, Illinois, this short trip makes it an absolute stop for any beer drinker in the area.

Store: Bon Vivant Wines Address: 123 S. Main, Columbia, IL 62236 (Map it) Phone: 618-281-3464 Selection: Over 100 beers.

Proving that bigger isn’t necessarily better, owner Andrew Traughber has used his limited shelf space to put together one of the finest beer selections in all of St. Louis. As is common with our friends in Illinois, Andrew is able to stock many things that we can’t find here in Missouri. It wouldn’t be surprising to find Three Floyds, Dogfish Head, Founders and Dark Horse on any visit. As is also common with Illinois stores, Andrew also offers an extensive mix-a-six, allowing you to pick and choose from anything on the shelves.

If you’re looking for anything special that’s not on the shelves Andrew will try and do what he can to get it. From my own personal experience he’s gotten me a case of DFH 90 Minute and a 1/6th Barrel of Founder’s Red’s Rye, that’s what I call service. This may sound like a bit of hyperbole, but I honestly think Bon Vivant is the savior for all of those looking for a great beer in South County.

A few of the guys from the Forums have decided to get together and do what beer nerds do best, drink beer. So, if you’re itching for trying some interesting beer with some great guys, this is the event for you. Here’s just a sample of a few of the things that may be opened tomorrow:

• Cuvee De Castleton
• Kate The Great
• Beatification Batch 2
• BA Alesmiths (Wee Heavy, Numbskull and Speedway)
• Westy 12 or 8
• Unibroue 400th Anniv.
• Double Wide
• Sixth Glass
• Heavy-Weizen
• Creme Brulee
• Dark Lord 07 or 08
• Abyss
• Mikkeller Black Hole
• New Glarus Belgian Red
• New Glarus Raspberry Tart

Marc Nolan is hosting this even at his house, the address is 5534 Southfield Dr Apt M, Oakville, MO 63129. If you have any questions for Marc, his phone number is 314-471-7889. They’re shooting to start tasting some beer about 7PM. Also, as this is a beer tasting, you should  bring something to sample with the group as well. If you’ve been sitting on something for a special opportunity to break it out, here’s your chance!