Rinse and drain sauerkraut in a collander. Rinse well with cold water. Squeeze excess water out with hands. Place in crockpot. Add 2 tb. flour and the half c wine or dry vermouth. Mix with fork. Put the ribs on top of the sauerkraut. Season with pepper. Cook on low setting 6-12 hours, or less on high setting.
Variation Add sliced peeled apples to the saurkraut. Also can substitute pork chops for ribs. May wish to brown first, if fatty.