Place a large saute pan over medium heat and bacon to cook until crispy. Remove and set aside. To the hot pan with bacon grease, add the beef stew meat and sprinkle with garlic powder and salt. Brown on all sides, about 8 minutes or so, remove and set aside. Add sage, onion and garlic and let the onions sweat for about 5 minutes, until translucent.
Add the bacon, stew meat, and onion mixture to a crockpot along with all the other ingredients and mix to combine. Cover and cook for 8 hours on low. Remove herb bundle before serving!