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 guys from Rate Beer and Beer Advocate are looking to increase their beer tasting club and looking for people to join them tonight. Here are just a few of the beers they may be tasting tonight:

• Midnight Sun Lust
• Midnight Sun Cohoho Imperial IPA
• Midnight Sun Gluttony
• Midnight Sun La Mâitresse du Moine
• 1999 Lou Pepe Pure Kriek
• 2000 Fullers Vintage Ale
• 1998 Fullers Vintage Ale

If you’re interested in joining them tonight call Dr. Matt at 618-207-9046 or drop him a Beer Mail at Rate Beer. His Rate Beer name is drmatt. They’re be meeting at Dr. Matt’s house off of Telegraph. If you can’t make it tonight (like me) they plan on doing this pretty regularly, so don’t feel bad they’re be another tasting soon.