Concord Daiquiri

July 15, 2022

If you’re looking for a summer treat, look no further than this sweet and tart Daiquiri with a Missouri wine twist. This layered frozen drink is both fun to create and enjoy. Get creative with your own fruit combinations and make a recipe of your own.

Serves: 2-3

Time: 10 minutes

 

Layer 1

½ c (4 oz) white rum

1 c frozen cherries

1 - 2 c ice

2 tbsp simple syrup

Blend ingredients until smooth and pour into desired glasses. Tip: place the glasses in the freezer between layers to get a ‘layered’ look, if desired.

Layer 2

½ c (4 oz) tequila

¼ c lime juice

2 tbsp simple syrup

3 – 4 c ice

Blend ingredients until smooth and pour into desired glasses. Tip: place the glasses in the freezer between layers to get a ‘layered’ look, if desired.

Layer 3

½ c Concord wine

½ c frozen blueberries

1 – 2 c ice

1 tbsp simple syrup, optional to reach desired sweetness

Blend ingredients until smooth and pour into desired glasses. Garnish as desired with fruits, mint leaves, etc.

 

Enjoy this easy, three layered daiquiri this summer and tag us in the fun on social media @missouriwine and #MissouriWine.

Appreciating Appellation

July 13, 2022

There are many ways to find your perfect bottle of wine — such as choosing a favorite variety or reading tasting notes. You can also select wines by region, which is often indicative of the quality from the terroir found there. Around the world, wine enthusiasts have (legally labeled) specific regions where high-quality wine grapes are grown called appellations. While each country has its own set of names and laws for its appellations, in the U.S. these regions are referred to as American Viticultural Areas (AVA). These designated wine grape growing regions in the United States are distinguished by unique geographic features, such as soil, climate and overall terroir of the area, and their boundaries are defined by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). The very first AVA designated was not California’s Napa Valley, but Missouri’s own Augusta region.

Today, the Show Me State is home to five AVAs. Each region boasts unique history and geographic features which makes it ideal to grow wine grapes. Let’s take a deep dive into each Missouri AVA, and its road to appellation.

Augusta AVAPetitioned Oct. 12, 1978; Established June 20, 1980

Fifteen square miles of land near the Missouri River just west of St. Louis made history as the first officially designated AVA. The TTB recognized Augusta’s unique soil, climate and winescoupled with the area’s long history as one of the country’s oldest wine and grape districts in the state. Augusta’s wine history dates back to the mid-1800s when German immigrants settled the area. The petition to recognize Augusta as an AVA was filed by the proprietors of Mount Pleasant Estates and Montelle Winery on Oct. 12, 1978. Lucian Dressel, a young winemaker from Mount Pleasant, played a very important role in the process and helped prepare the petition. He dreamt of Missouri’s terroir being recognized by appellations identified similarly to other famous wine regions in the world (e.g. French Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée.) In the petition, the Augusta vineyards wrote about the loess and glacial till soils, which made the rolling hillsides ideal for wine grapes. The hills themselves were mentioned, as the “the irregular ridge of hills which rise approximately 250 feet above the fertile vineyards on which the grapes are presently planted,” kept certain areas within the proposed district “virtually free of spring frost.” When the news came that Augusta would be recognized as the first AVA several supporters wrote to the bureau asking to hold a public hearing, so that Augusta, Mo., residents could fully understand and support the appellation. One such letter penned by the Director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture Jack Runyan said, “I cannot stress the importance of your decision to Missouri agriculture and especially the vintners of our state.” Today, the number of wineries in the Augusta region have quadrupled. Yet, the Augusta AVA still delivers small town charm, stunning views of the Missouri River Valley and of course high-quality wine created by the region’s unique features and long history.

Hermann AVAPetitioned July 22, 1982; Established Aug. 17, 1983

German immigrants first settled along the Missouri River Valley area in the 1830s. They soon planted vineyards, and today Hermann is one of the most historic wine regions in the state. The official AVA includes 51,200 acres surrounding the town of Hermann, located between St. Louis and Jefferson City. The petition submitted by Stone Hill Winery and Bias Winery touted the regions well-suited geography for high-quality grapes. Dr. ArthurE. Gaus, University of Missouri’s professor of horticulture and state fruit and vegetable specialist, wrote that the Hermann area has several temperate factors crucial to the success of a vineyard, including “adequate number of growing degree days, optimum summer temperatures and elevation with respect to the surrounding areas.” The latter, Dr. Gaus said was the “most critical in the survival of the wine (during winter cold).” Other parts of the petition emphasized Hermann’s extensive history of grape growing and wine production, citing that by 1865 the Hermann winery business had become lucrative that local vintners excavated massive caves to store and age their wines. Many wines from that region had already garnered prizes at wine competitions around the world by the time they submitted their proposal to TTB. Missouri State Senator Ralph Uthlaut, Jr., joined many state influencers in penning his support for the Hermann AVA saying, “Having lived in this area all of my life I am well aware of the wine making and grape growing history of this region. The early settlers of this area were aware of the favorable environment for these industries and established several wine making businesses and vineyards on the hills surrounding the town of Hermann.” In 1982, the Hermann wine industry was well-established with Van Moore, Bias, Hermannhof and Stone Hill wineries. Today, there are three times as many wineries to enjoy in the region and many unique Hermann Wine Trail events that set this AVA in a class of its own.

Ozark Mountain AVAPetitioned Dec. 30, 1983; Established July 1, 1986

The Ozark Mountain AVA is the largest appellation in the state. It covers as vast 3.5 million acres from southern Missouri stretching into northwest Arkansas and northeast Oklahoma. The Ozark Mountain AVA actually contains several smaller AVAs within its borders, including Augusta, Hermann and Ozark Highlands. During the official petition process, the proposed borders of the Ozark Mountain AVA were amended a few times. However, supporters stressed the unique geography of the Ozark region carved out by the receding glaciers and the areas deep roots, regional culture and climate. “With four different climatic regions pressing against them, the Ozarks serve as a sanctuary for a selection of plants and animals from all sides …,” penned viticulturalist Keith Striegler in support of the petition. Today, you can enjoy wines from the sixth largest AVA in the country at many of the state’s southern wineries.

Ozark Highlands AVAPetitioned March 15, 1985; Established Aug. 30, 1987

The Ozark Highlands AVA encompasses more than 1 million acres in south-central Missouri. It covers portions of 11 counties and includes St. James, Mo. The original petition for the appellation was prepared by seven bonded wineries in the area: Carver 

Wine Cellar, Ferrigno Vineyards and Winery, Heinrichshaus Vineyard and Winery, Peaceful Bend Vineyard, Rosati Winery, Reis Winery and St. James Winery. According to the petition, the Ozark Highlands AVA region was synonymous with grape growing for quite some time with the abundance of roadside stands, the history of Welch’s Foods Concord grape production in the region and a booming commercial wine market established in the early 20th century. Commissioner Mario A. Pertici writer for the IlPensiero, an Italian-American newspaper, wrote his enthusiastic support for the Ozark Highlands AVA. “I have been visiting Rosati (originally Knobview, Mo.) since 1926 and have enjoyed all my associations with these fine people for years. Needless to say, their Concord, Catawba, Delaware and Cynthiana wines have done well through the years. Their harvest time in September is especially a wonderful time to visit this great area, only 90 miles from St. Louis.,” he wrote. Today, he Ozark Highlands AVA is still a great place to taste Missouri wines. For a quick trip and some great sips down I-44, visit the St. James area.

Loess Hills District AVAPetitioned Oct. 25, 2013;  Established March 2, 2016

A narrow region along the Western banks of the Missouri and Big Sioux Rivers in western Iowa and northwestern Missouri is the newest AVA. It includes nearly 13,000 square miles. The “Steeply Rolling Loess Prairies,” as the petition describes the region, is unique because the loose, crumbly loess soil is as much as 300 feet in places, which makes it the thickest loess deposit in the U.S. The deep soil has enabled grape vine roots to reach deep into the soil while draining quickly, and wine grapes have grown in this region for more than 150 years.

We encourage you to explore Missouri’s AVAs and the unique wines they each have to offer. Check out this interactive AVA map from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau and starting exploring Missouri wines.

Vote for your favorite wine label to win People's Choice Award

July 11, 2022

Hundreds of wines from across the Show-Me State will vie to be recognized for their quality during the upcoming 2022 Missouri Wine Competition. Each wine is blindly swirled, sniffed and sampled by a panel of expert judges over the course of two days. Wines will go head-to-head for medals and Best of Class distinctions, with the top wine receiving the coveted Governor’s Cup award. The best Norton in Missouri will be bestowed the C.V. Riley award.

Held in conjunction with the 2022 Missouri Wine Competition, the Missouri Wine Label Competition has been extended for a second year. Wineries have entered their best label designs to be evaluated by industry experts in the following categories:

  • Best Traditional Label
  • Best Contemporary Label
  • Best Alternative Packaging
  • Best Wine Series
  • People’s Choice Award – decided by online voting

We need your help! It is up to you, our Missouri wine enthusiasts, to choose the People’s Choice Award label winner. Now is your chance to recognize your favorite and provide input on which winery leaves the competition with this coveted award. You can vote for your favorite label once starting July 11th. The voting for this award ends July 17th.

 

Hurry, this survey closes at 11:59 PM July 17th! Be on the lookout for the wine and label competition results in an upcoming blog!

 

Blackberry Wine Mojito

July 07, 2022

Mix it up with this refreshing spin on a classic cocktail for you and a friend to enjoy this summer! The refreshing mint and lime compliment the fruity and sweet blackberry wine aromas and flavors. This delicious recipe is quick and easy – recipe and steps are as follows:

Prep time: 5 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients

2 limes

6-10 mint leaves

1 package of blackberries

4 oz white rum

2 oz Simple Syrup

1 bottle blackberry wine

1 bottle club soda

Garnish (optional - we used blackberries, lavender and lemon balm)

Ice cubes

 

Instructions

1.Juice two limes.

2.Add fresh lime juice, mint leaves, 4-6 blackberries, 4 oz white rum and 2 oz simple syrup into a tall glass and muddle mixture.

3.Add 6oz of blackberry wine.

4.Add ice and stir or shake for about a minute to chill the mixture.

5.Prepare two glasses with 3-4 ice cubes.

6.Pour mixture over ice and top with club soda as desired.

7.Garnish glass with blackberries, lavender or lemon balm. (Lime and mint are great options too!)

Enjoy sipping this refreshing drink on the porch or patio to beat the heat this summer. Try out this recipe and share what you think with us on social media by tagging #missouriwine and @missouriwine. Cheers!

Wines to bring with you anywhere

July 01, 2022

When you’re on-the-go enjoying summertime on the water, in the boat or by the pool, don’t leave your favorite sips behind. Many Missouri wineries offer alternative packaging that allows you to easily pack and plan with Missouri wine in hand. See several options that make it convenient to pack wine along on your adventures this summer.

*This list was gathered on a survey basis and may not include every winery with such offerings.

Noboleis Winery

Refreshing meets delicious with these canned wines that are unique in flavors and made with real fruit. Noboleis offers their line of Swirl canned wines and their beautiful packaging is just asking to be included in the summer fun.

KC Wineworks

Get ahold of the refreshing Show Me Sangria perfectly packed in a can from KC Wineworks. You can purchase cans from the winery in Kansas City or at Made in KC Marketplaces and local breweries.

 

Pirtle Winery

Three of Pirtle Winery’s most popular wines are offered in a can. Currently, they offer Rose, Mellow Red and Weston Bend White with this alternative packaging. They will soon release another fan-favorite, Blackberry Mead. You can purchase their cans atthe winery individually or in a four-pack.

LaChance Vineyards

Visit the winery to purchase their tasty sangria that is offered in both pin and quart sized plastic bottles. A resealable option that you can pack along.

Les Bourgeois Vineyards at the Blufftop at Rocheport

Captain’s Coolers are a fun option if you’re looking for something with a bit of ‘sparkle’ in a can. Offered both in Bonfire Berry and Citrus Cruise. Keep an eye out for other canned favorites like their Riverboat Red.

St. James Winery

Several fruit wines are canned by St. James Winery. Look for flavors that include Blackberry, Peach, Strawberry and Mango.

Meramec Vineyards

Enjoy their Sangria in slim cans that are perfectly fit to enjoy at the river or on the lake. The cans can even be recycled when finished.

Christine’s Vineyard

Enjoy a wine slushie to go from Christine’s Vineyard and enjoy in the summertime heat at the river or lake. Served in a collapsible plastic bag fresh and cold.

Beckett’s Winery

Their winery offers a sealable pouch that you can fill with your favorite wine or craft cocktail and enjoy later.

 

Viandel Vineyard

The popular wine slushies are offered in to-go pouches that can be easily enjoyed floating on the river, sitting poolside or on the lake.

Edg-Clif Farm & Vineyard

A few wines are seasonally offered in a convenient pouch. Grab one to-go at the winery when they are in stock.

Lost Creek Vineyard 

Check out their canned options at the winery.

Shawnee Bluff Winery

Find their canned wines like Sweet Rose on the menu when you visit the winery.

 

Safely enjoy these Missouri wines all summer long on your adventures. Tag us in the fun on social media @missouriwines and #MissouriWine

Simple pairings to create your cheese and charcuterie board

June 29, 2022

Looking for an easy and creative snack to entertain guests or bring to a summer event? Try making a cheese board or charcuterie board! These fun and fresh options pair well with many wines, especially your local Missouri wines. Utilize the pairing suggestions below when snacking with your favorite wine or even craft your own Missouri wine charcuterie board. If you are interested in creating a full board, here’s a few tips to prepare:

  • Select a wooden board or tray of your choice
  • When picking pairings, use bright colors/textures and vary your item placement
  • Decide the portion size and placement of your items
  • Compliment pairings with breads, crackers, olives, dips, jams and sauces of choice
  • Utilize bowls to separate additional ingredients for freshness or depth
  • Use local meats, cheeses and more to support your community

Top 5 Varietals Grown in Missouri (and what to pair them with)

  • Norton with Cheddar cheese (smoked meats, cherries and dark chocolate of any kind)
  • Vignoles with Swiss (fruit jam or jelly, spicy mustard and dried apricots)
  • Chambourcin with Brie (smoked sausage, dark chocolate cocoa beans and walnuts)
  • Chardonel with Gouda (salted almonds, pesto and Prosciutto)
  • Concord with Colby Jack (BBQ beef jerky, peanuts or candied nuts)

Whites

  • Seyval with Goat Cheese (roasted almonds, orange or grapefruit slices and fresh greens)
  • Traminette with Gorgonzola (fresh fruit, cashews and garlic bread/crackers)
  • Vidal with Mozzarella (melon or citrus, picked vegetables or fresh broccoli)
  • Brut or Demi Sec Sparkling with Havarti (almonds, fresh fruit, white chocolate covered pretzels)

Other Wines

  • Port with Aged Cheddar (walnuts, root vegetables and dark chocolate)
  • Ice Wine with Roquefort (salted or spicy nuts, dried berries)
  • Sherry with Gorgonzola (pecans, cashews and Prosciutto)

Try these pairings at home, or bring them along to wineries during your next trip to Missouri wine country. Let us know what you think – or if you find new pairings of your own. Tag us on social media with #missouriwine and @missouriwine.

Behind the Label: Jowler Creek Vineyard and Winery’s Vidal Blanc

June 27, 2022

Vidal is a working winery pup and the muse for Jowler Creek Vineyard and Winery’s Vidal Blanc label. This loveable hound has greeted guests and protected the winery’s resident sheep and chickens for more than a decade, making her a familiar furry face for visitors of this Platte City, Mo., tasting room.

Besides, Vidal, the working winery pup’s warm welcome, visitors can expect to see several other critters at Jowler Creek, nestled into the Platte City countryside. Many of these creatures are featured on the winery’s bottles, designed by the owners’ sister-in-law, Ashley Reynolds, who owns AshleyRenae Design. Ashley’s fun designs feature the many animals of Jowler Creek Vineyard and Winery.

“Each critter or animal on our bottles is a representation of what you might see while you’re visiting us,” says siblings Jason and Kit Lacy, Jowler Creek Vineyard and Winery owners. “Seeing them reminds us of the peaceful, beautiful, lush vineyard and fields that our winery sits on and feels like home. We hope each person is reminded of that peaceful, fun-loving feeling upon seeing them.”

That peaceful feeling has been top-of-mind to the Lacy family at the helm of Jowler Creek Vineyard and Winery. Family-owned and operated since the vines were planted in 2004, Jowler Creek keeps its country feel while constantly expanding in a sustainable fashion.

Jowler Creek is a “green” vineyard and winery certified through the Missouri Agricultural Stewardship Assurance Program (ASAP) across five categories: livestock, energy, specialty crop, farmstead and grassland. This means that wine lovers can enjoy a glass of Jowler Creek wine, knowing it has been made sustainably.

Since the on-site tasting room was unveiled in 2006, the winery has added something new. So, you may notice a new addition to Jowler Creek each time you visit. They unveiled the event center — The Vineyard at J. Creek, this year.

Regardless, if you want to sip Jowler Creek Vineyard and Winery Vidal Blanc to capture the peaceful feeling of the Platte City fields or pair this semi-dry, full-bodied wine’s crisp and refreshing citrus flavors with your favorite meal, raise a toast to its namesake – Vidal – the hardworking, lovable canine who helps care for one of the state’s most sustainably focused wineries.

Vidal Blanc Chicken & Cheese Dip

June 23, 2022

Cooking with wine shouldn’t sound intimidating. This 10-ingredient recipe is simple, fun, and will have your family and friends asking for the recipe. Use a bottle of Vidal Blanc to whip up this deliciously creamy chicken and cheese dip.

Servings: 6

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

 

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil

1 ½ c diced chicken (3/4 lb diced)

Salt and pepper to taste

3 tsp minced garlic

1 ¼ c diced onion

2 sprigs fresh thyme (divided)

4 tbsp dry white wine (divided) – we used Missouri Vidal Blanc

2 tbsp chicken stock

¾ c sour cream

2 c shredded Swiss and Gruyere cheese (divided)

 

Instructions:

1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Use a 10-12 inch cast iron skillet and add oil. Sauté diced chicken with salt and pepper and add garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes on medium heat until chicken is no longer pink. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Tip: You can start with already cooked chicken – dice and sauté for 1-2 minutes with salt, pepper and garlic.

2.Add diced onion to skillet with a dash of salt. Cooking over medium heat, allow onions to sit without stirring for 5 minutes until colorful and fragrant.

3.Add 2 tablespoons white wine and 2 sprigs of thyme. Stir and cook for 5-6 minutes until onions are soft. Remove skillet from heat and remove thyme sprigs.

4.Add chicken back to skillet with the remaining 2 tablespoons of white wine. Add chicken stock, sour cream, 1 cup cheese, minced thyme, black pepper (optional) and stir. Spread until smooth and top with remaining cup of cheese.

5.Bake at 375 degrees F for 15-18 minutes until cheese is bubbly. Sprinkle extra thyme and black pepper if desired and serve hot.

 

Give this recipe a try with Vidal Blanc and let us know what you think. Tag us on social media in your cooking with wine fun at @missouriwines and #MissouriWine.

Get Our Newsletter

Our bimonthly newsletter contains exciting information on upcoming events in wine country, tasty recipes to recreate at home and even occasional giveaways.

CAPTCHA

Request A Winery Guide

Use our guide to plan your next adventure in wine country. It contains a listing of Missouri wineries, map and key information to expand your wine knowledge.

I would like to receive your newsletter and other promotions
CAPTCHA