When it comes time to pour a glass of wine, does it matter which vino vessel you choose? Yes and no. The glass and how you hold it can influence your wine tasting experience. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your favorite Missouri wines.

What is the proper way to hold a wine glass? A stemmed wine glass should be held towards the base of the stem between your thumb, forefinger and middle finger. Your middle finger should rest on the stem just above the base. Why? Holding the wine glass by the bowl transfers the heat from your hand to the glass and wine. Your wine will stay cooler longer if you hold the glass by the stem. 

Stem or stemless:  Stemless wine glasses have gained popularity over the years. Some wine consumers find this style easier to handle and less fragile. The trendy silicone wine glass, which tends to come without a stem, is virtually unbreakable. This popular glassware is flexible and perfect for wine enthusiasts who are on-the-go. However, whether glass or silicone, you are likely to transfer more of your body’s warmth to the wine if you use a stemless vessel.

Varietal Specific: Wine glasses come in many different styles and shapes and all serve a purpose: to bring out the best in the wines for which they were designed. A specially designed glass directs wine to key areas of the tongue and nose. Studies reveal that more than 70 percent of what we think of as taste actually comes from our sense of smell. If you can't properly smell the wine, you're missing out on a majority of the wine-tasting experience. A couple of trivia facts: Riedel, the famous glassware manufacturer, designed special glasses for Norton and Vignoles. 

Red wine glasses are usually a bit taller and have a larger bowl than white wine glasses. Bold red wines like Norton require a large bowl to allow all the aromas and flavors to emerge. This also gives you more room to smell the wine. 

White wine glasses have more of a U shaped bowl and are more upright than red wine glasses. The U shape allows the aromas from wines such as Vignoles to be released while maintaining a cooler temperature.

Sparkling wine is best served in a sparkling wine glass. The upright and narrow design retains the carbonation and captures the flavor in the beverage.

These wine glass tips will help you savor the delightful flavors in Missouri wines, but in the end, it comes down to personal preference. Stem or stemless, varietal specific or not, what truly matters is that you enjoy the experience. Cheers!

Let’s set the scene… there is a chill in the air, the leaves are changing, and fall is upon us. The change in seasons is not only breathtaking (hello fall colors!), but for many of us there seems to be an internal shift as well. We’re ready for warm and savory comfort foods, wrapping up in a sweater and slowing things down a little. Often this season also sees a shift in wine preference as well. More red wines and rich flavors. If you’re feeling the seasonal shift, here are some ways to make a smooth and delicious transition.

Red Wines and Rich Flavors

The deliciously light and crisp white and rosé wines that were perfect for spring and summer may not cut it as fall arrives. If you’re looking for richer flavors try Chardonel, Chambourcin and Norton. Chardonel is a white wine that is full of flavor and can be creamy and rich when aged on oak. Chambourcin is an earthy and often jammy red wine that is very food friendly and great for sipping this season. Norton, Missouri’s official state grape, makes big and bold dry red wines. If you’re looking for something slightly sweeter, try Concord or look for semi-sweet red wine blends at local wineries.

Fall Favorite Pairings

The light fare of summer gives way to more hearty, warming dishes such as butternut squash, mushrooms, roasted chicken and pork. The list goes on and on, but one thing most fall favorites have in common is a heartiness as the temperatures cool. Use this guide to find the perfect pair for delicious seasonal dishes.

Seasonal Sangrias and Such

Who says you can’t love apple cider and wine? This Apple Cider Sangria recipe is easy, delicious and perfect for your fall get-togethers. Other seasonal favorites to seek out… pumpkin, apple and cranberry wines. Several wineries around the state make festive seasonal wines that are almost always small batches with limited availability. Some of the wineries that have offered specialty fall wines in the past are: 7Cs Winery, Endless Summer Winery, Hemman Winery, Meramec Vineyards, Riverwood Winery, Ste. Genevieve Winery, St, James Winery, Wenwood Farm Winery, and Windy Wine Co, but wineries across the state are releasing new wines all the time. Head out to Missouri wine country on the hunt for your new fall favorites!

Cheers to the seasonal shift and the Missouri wines that pair no matter the time of year! 

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! You may or may not have heard the recent “breaking news” from Missouri Wines. Due to the popularity among its members, the Missouri Winery Visitors Program is being extended another full year! You now have until December 31, 2018 to earn points. Points can be redeemed for exciting rewards until March 1, 2019. There is an added bonus for current members, on January 1, 2018 the point value for all visits will count as a first time visit again. This means you’ll earn 500 points even if you’ve already collected a ticket from that winery. Point totals acquired before January 1, 2018, will not change or be reset with the extension of the program.

The first year saw many great milestones for the program; almost 32,000 winery visits by nearly 4,000 participants more than 100 participating wineries. We are proud to offer 25+ rewards in addition to the rotating quarterly sweepstakes opportunity. 

For those of you who are new to the program, there is no cost to participate. Simply collect your ticket at participating wineries and enter the codes at our website MissouriWineMVP.com. Once you start earning points you can redeem them for many exciting rewards and experiences in Missouri wine country. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to see which rewards go on special and learn about new sweepstakes offers as they are released. Stay tuned as we begin to plan the MVP Extravaganza event. More details will be available online soon.

Be sure to check our calendar for exciting harvest and Missouri Wine Month celebrations across the state!

September 27^th is Tourism Day, but we think every day is a good day to explore Missouri wine country. However, with more than 130 wineries and 12 wine trails scattered all over the state, how are you supposed to figure out where to go and when? We know it can be daunting, so we have several tools to make planning your next vino adventure easier.

Interactive Winery Maps

On the wineries section of our website, we have an interactive map search that can be used in two different ways, by distance or keyword. If you want to plan your trip based on location, select Distance. From there enter the zip code and how far away from that zip code you’re interested in going and Submit. The map will show you all of the wineries in that area. You can see details about the winery by clicking on the map dots or select Show List View if you prefer to evaluate the results in a list format. The keyword search works very similarly except that the map shows the wineries that match the keywords you entered. You can take your search even further by using the Refine by Amenities option. If you’d like wineries that offer tours or food or are pet friendly, you can narrow the results using this tool. If you prefer to use a physical map, we have that too and can send you one when you use the Request a Winery Guide form.

Wine Trails Map and Info

There are now 12 wine trails across the state, each offering a unique experience. You can see where they lie on the map, a description of what they’re all about, and a list of member wineries on the wine trail section of our site. You’ll also find links to the wine trails’ websites for specific event and promotion details.

Pre-planned Wine-tineraries

On the Travel section of our site, we have several downloadable trip ideas ranging from wineries and attractions along Route 66, to a triangle tour of Missouri’s metro areas and nearby wineries. These can be adjusted or used as a ready-to-go getaway guide. You’ll also find travel and tourism related blog posts on this page to help inspire your next Missouri wine adventure.

Go, Do Calendar

One of the best things about having such a varied group of wineries in the state are all the unique and exciting events they host. Check out this calendar for event listings at area wineries or where Missouri wines will be featured. You’ll find everything from DIY craft nights, to yoga in the vineyards, to wine festivals.

We hope these tools help you plan your next trip to explore Missouri wine country, and don’t forget you can earn rewards just for visiting participating wineries as an MVP. Click here for more info about the rewards program. 

Prior to Prohibition, Hermann alone was home to more than 60 wineries. While it took several decades to recover, Missouri wine country is back in full force and continues to grow and evolve. There are more than 130 wineries to discover across the Show Me state, six of which are new. One great way to explore Missouri wine country is through wine trails, a grouping of wineries that have come together to offer a unique and exciting local wine experience. There are now 12 wine trails in the state, two of which are brand new. Whether you’re new to the Missouri wine scene or a loyal Missouri wine enthusiast, there is always something new and interesting to discover at area wineries.

New Missouri Wineries

• Backyard Vine & Wine is located in the Northwest corner of Missouri just outside of Maryville and offers a variety of wines. Their varietal wines are produced from grapes grown on the property and range from sweet to dry. Guests may enjoy their wines outdoors with beautiful country views or in the tasting room built from wood sourced on the property.
• Dale Hollow Winery is a family-owned and operated winery located in Stover. The winery’s vision began with two brothers, Asher and Jesse. The 12 acres of vineyards overlooked by the winery include eight red and white varietals. They believe good wine starts with quality grapes, and their mission is to achieve this through hard work.
• Four Horses and a Dog Vineyard & Winery is a small winery in Excelsior Springs. They grow Chancellor, Chambourcin, Noiret, Crimson Cabernet and Vignoles grapes from which they produce award-winning wines ranging in sweetness and style. Their indoor tasting room opened in April, but they prefer to focus more on outdoor "with the vines" tastings. 
• Hummingbird Vineyard and Winery in Mexico is a small and self-proclaimed “just-finding-its-way” winery determined to grow and use only Missouri grapes. The winery is located in the country down a quiet gravel road where you can relax and enjoy nature while sitting in the shade or sun, enjoying a glass of local wine. 
• Lake Creek Winery is a beautiful place with picturesque views, patios, gardens and a fully restored farmhouse.  The winery offers Missouri wines with attention given to producing wines that stand the test of time and pay homage to the region and the owners’ German heritage.
• Lewsi Winery isn’t exactly new, but rather has been reimagined in a new location. Lewsi Winery moved across the state from southwest to southeast and is now a small mom and pop operation located in historic downtown Sainte Genevieve. Their wine is hand crafted in small batches to ensure the highest quality, satisfying pallets from dry to semi-sweet. The winery includes an adjoining store of upcycled items “for the love of wine” which is called Lewsi Re_Wined.

New Missouri Wine Trails:

• The WineStein Trail is located in the northwest part of Missouri. Along the trail you will enjoy the beautiful scenery of small-town Missouri between each of the locations. Whether you’re following the trail on your own or attending an event, you’re sure to have a good time.
  • Wineries on the trail:
    • Backyard Vine & Wine
    • Black Silo Winery 
    • Grindstone Valley Winery 
    • Tipple Hill Winery 
• The Meramec River Wine Trail is nestled between the beauty of the Ozark Highlands and the picturesque waterways of the Meramec River. Visit the trail to sample the varying styles and history each area has cultivated.  
  • Wineries on the trail:
    • Belmont Vineyards & Winery
    • Eagles' Landing
    • Heinrichshaus Vineyard & Winery
    • Meramec Vineyards 
    • Peaceful Bend Vineyards (Reopening in an interim tasting room on September 30^th while rebuilding from a fire last fall.)
    • Red Moose Vineyard
    • St. James Winery
    • Three Squirrels Winery 

The history of Missouri wine country gives the local wine industry a strong and fascinating foundation, but our future is motivated by the passionate and hardworking wineries in the state. Head out to wine country and discover why Missouri wine is worth the work. 

Harvest is a crucial time for winemakers in Missouri. The grapes they hand pick or machine harvest are the result of a year's worth of hard work and have the potential to make amazing wine. In this video, three Missouri winemakers share with us the excitement and challenges they experience during harvest time.

Sangria is thought to have gotten its name originally from the Spanish word sangre meaning blood because of its color.  The most traditional recipes call for red wine, fruit, juice and brandy, but Sangria has become one of the most versatile and varied beverages out there. The customization is pretty much limitless and it’s hard to come up with a combo that doesn’t work for someone’s tastes. Despite all of the potential variations, we have some tips and tricks to make delicious sangria every time.

Red Wine Based Sangria

Whether you’re making sangria with Norton, Chambourcin, Concord or an award-winning Missouri red wine blend, here are some tips to keep in mind.

• Sweetness: You’re looking for balance here. If the wine you’re using is sweet on its own, you won’t want to add a lot of additional sweetness. Consider adding more tart or neutral flavors. If your base wine is dry, you may want to add some sweetness.Add sweetness: fruit juice, lemon-lime soda, sweet liqueurs, etc.
  • Maintain or lessen sweetness: club soda, tart juice (cherry, pomegranate), dry sodas
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• Fruit: Fruit is a great addition to any sangria, and you can even read the wine label for a little help selecting your fruits. Many wines have tasting notes and if there are fruit flavors listed such as berry, cherry or the like, those are great ideas for your sangria. Apples and citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons are a great go-to as well.
• Fortification: Many sangrias are fortified with a liqueur of some kind. When red wine is your base, brandy is a great choice for this. It’s traditional for a reason.

White Wine Based Sangria

Sangrias made with a base of white wine tend to have a more delicate flavor profile. Because of this they are able to allow for really fun and unique combinations. Some examples: Sweet Tea Sangria, Apple Cider Sangria, Tropical Sangria

• Sweetness: This is similar to red wine in that you decide how much sweetness to add in consideration to how sweet the base wine is to start with.
  • Add sweetness: Juice or nectars, apple cider, ginger beer, clear or fruity sodas
  • Maintain or lessen sweetness: seltzer, tonic water, dry sodas, fruit flavored waters
• Fruit: Whatever works best with the flavors of the wine or the most prominently flavored addition (cider, etc.) is the fruit you should use. Could be anything from tropical fruit, to peaches, to apples and in between.
• Fortification: This is quite flexible. Fruity brandies still work well, but flavored vodkas and rums work as well.

Rosé Wine Based Sangria

Rosé wine is often light and refreshing and that’s what works best with the sangrias made from them.

• Sweetness: Many rosés are sweet, but there is a growing number of dry rosé wines around Missouri wine country. Again, you’re looking for balance.
  • Add sweetness: light soda, lemonade, light juices
  • Maintain or lessen sweetness: sparkling water, dry soda, tonic water
• Fruit: Think light and refreshing- Strawberries, raspberries, lemons, etc.
• Fortification: Rosé based sangria’s may not need any added fortification if you’re wanting to keep them nice and light.

Additional tips:

• Fruit wines are a delicious addition to most sangria recipes.
• Bubbles are your best friend. Carbonation in either the form of sparkling wine, soda, seltzer, etc. can be a great addition to most sangria recipes.
• Patience is a virtue. Excluding the bubbly ingredients, most sangrias will benefit from mixing the ingredients ahead of time and allowing them time to meld for at least a couple of hours.

Cheers to your next sangria adventure with your favorite Missouri wines!  

Camping is a fantastic way to unplug and get back in touch with nature. Add a little Missouri wine into the mix, and you’re looking at some truly great rest and relaxation. As the weather cools and fall colors emerge, heading out to a calm and quiet retreat sounds more and more appealing. We want to help you get the most out of your next camping trip, so here are some tips and helpful information about camping in Show Me state wine country.

Wineries where you can camp onsite or nearby:

• 7C’s Winery is off the beaten path in Walnut Grove and offers onsite camping and RV parking. They do not have hook-ups, but can offer grills and other amenities along with several wines and meads to taste.
• Cave Hollow West Winery is located within the Mark Twain Cave Complex which has a full-service campground that’s open year-round.
• Baltimore Bend Vineyards is located directly across from the Baltimore Bend Conservation area which accommodates dry/primitive camping.
• Montserrat Vineyards is just a few miles from Knob Noster State Park where you can reserve basic, electric or family camping accommodations.
• Hermann City Park Campgrounds is a great location if you’d like to explore the town and many wineries of Hermann. It is not open year-round, however, so be sure to check for availability.
• Augusta is home to several wineries and the nearby Klondike Park. The park offers camp sites and is a favorite among travelers along the Katy Trail. 
• Hawn State Park is located in Ste. Genevieve County along with several wineries and offers a variety of campsites to choose from.  

Resources for more information and inspiration…

• Camping tips for wine lovers
• Glamping (AKA glamorous camping) sites and tips
• List of camping and RV sites across Missouri

Creating a comprehensive list of every campsite near every winery may not be possible, but we hope this helps you get started with planning your camping in Missouri wine country adventure!

Grape growing and winemaking is not easy, especially not in Missouri. And yet, despite its difficulty, there are 130+ wineries and 425 grape growers spread across the Show Me state. Ever wonder why? The answer is relatively simple. It’s because Missouri winemakers and grape-growers know that some things are worth the work.

Missouri has a long and storied history of winemaking, and in all those years, it’s never been an easy feat. Getting the local wine industry back on its feet after being decimated by Prohibition was no small task either, but through dedication, hard work and perseverance the Missouri wine industry began to thrive. Those early wineries that reopened after prohibition blazed a trail that has been followed by many others who are passionate about making quality wine and undeterred by a challenge.

Growing grapes is an arduous task in most climates, but Missouri’s hot, humid summers and frigid winters increase the difficulty. Local grape growers have discovered many ways to combat these challenges such as cultivating hybrid and native American varietals that are more cold-hardy and can withstand some of the pressures Missouri’s climate raises. Technology and working with researchers in the area also help area vintners produce high quality grapes year after year. There are 1,700 acres of grapes grown throughout Missouri wine country, because without quality grapes, you can’t make award-winning wines.

The hard work doesn’t stop after the grapes are harvested. Winemakers have a bevy of challenges to ensure they make the best wine possible. Missouri winemakers bring home awards from national and international competitions on a regular basis, and it’s not by accident. From state of the art machinery to hours of hard labor, winemakers put in the time to craft delicious wine. Each stage of the process is handled with care from crushing and fermenting to aging and filtering. Winemaking is a marriage of art and science that takes both passion and patience.

In the month of September, we celebrate all of the hard work and dedication of the Missouri wine industry. Raise a glass of locally crafted, nationally awarded wine for Missouri Wine Month, and you’ll know with the first sip why some things are worth the work!