How can we call it wine, if there are no grapes? For this month’s Myth of the Month we are diving into fruit wines, to uncover why, if there are no grapes present, can they still be called wine. Keep reading to bust this myth!

While wine is most commonly known as an alcohol that is made from grapes, fruit wines are still wine. What makes a wine is not necessarily what they are made from, but how they are made.

Wine, by definition, is an alcoholic beverage created through the fermentation of fresh juice from fruits or plants. Grapes are fruit that make wine, as well as strawberries, blackberries or many other fruits you may enjoy. The term wine is used based on the process used to create the alcoholic beverage. Keep reading to learn more about the process!

1. Harvest: Sugar levels are monitored and then the fruit is picked at the ideal time.
2. Crushing and Pressing: The fruit is crushed to release the juice, then pressed to separate the juice from the other parts of the fruit.
3. Fermentation: Yeast is added to the juice, which converts the natural fruit sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide. This stage is when the juice turns into wine.

While there are more steps to the winemaking process, they differ depending on the winery and style of wine. These three steps are key in making wine, and these steps are the same for both grape and fruit wines.

For some fruit wines, they are labeled as grape wines with specific fruit flavoring. Fruit wines can also be a base of a grape wine and then have the fruit flavoring added into them to make them a fruit flavored wine. But again, they are still wine, because of the 3 key steps listed above. 

Fruit wines are wine. Naming an alcoholic beverage “wine” is based on the process in which it was made, not the ingredients used. Luckily for you, Missouri wineries have a wide variety of grape and fruit wines for you to choose from. Visit Missouri Wine Country to try the wide selection of local fruit wine today!

Let us know what wine myth you want to uncover next using #mowine

Wine country isn’t just a place, it’s an experience. Every corner of each winery tells a story of passion and dedication to furthering the Missouri Wine industry. Let’s share some favorite ways to experience Missouri Wine Country. 

One highlight without a doubt is the food. Sitting in a tasting room, the vineyard, or in the cellar, ready to take your taste buds on a delicious journey. Each dish is a masterpiece, meticulously crafted to complement the wines being poured. Each unforgettable meal leaves you learning more about their story and passion behind the winery. Be sure to visit the winery page for their food offerings as each winery has a unique lineup. 

Wine country festivals are vibrant celebrations of community. Imagine a harvest festival where the air buzzes with music, joyful chatter, and the scent of fall in the air. Local wine being displayed for you to enjoy. It provides an opportunity for you to dive deeper into the local culture and connect with others who share the same passions as you. Independence Uncorked is held in Independence, Missouri. You can enjoy everything from wine, art and shopping along with different food trucks. It is always a fun time had by all so be sure to stop by and check it out!

Of course, you can’t forget the chance to have an elevated tasting at several different wineries across the state. Some wineries may offer seasonal tastings. An elevated wine tasting can be a sensory journey featuring a great lineup of Missouri wines. Experts guide you as you are tasting the wine and show you how pairing it with foods can completely change the wine or food. 

Wanting to experience food, wine and an event all in one? Don’t worry we have a couple wineries with some special events!

-       Noboleis Vineyards: Norton Horizontal Tasting

• September 26th from 6-8pm, as we compare different Norton vintages produced right here at Noboleis Vineyards! During this tasting experience, explore four distinctive expressions, while we guide you through detailed tasting notes, aging techniques, and unique additives that shape each pour. Palate cleansers provided.

-       Stone Hill Winery: Norton Dinner & 10-Year Vertical Tasting

•  April 11, 2026 with a start time of 5:30, the evening begins with a sparkling wine and appetizer reception, then on to their Sherry House for the Ten-year vertical Norton tasting. There you will have the opportunity to taste ten vintages, side-by-side, with head winemaker. The tasting is followed by a three-course gourmet wine dinner. Be one among the first to purchase some of the older Norton vintages.

-       Adam Puchta Winery: Vertical Norton Dinner

• Date and menu to be announced. 6 Course Dinner. This is more than just a dinner to them, it’s a passion, and an experience you won’t want to miss. They look forward to sharing their love of great wine, delectable foods, as well as their history, and their story.

Missouri wineries are full of history. Enjoy a tour around each of the properties to learn and gain a stronger appreciation for everything the wineries have gone through to get to where they are today. 

Traveling around to different parts of Missouri Wine Country you are sure to find something you love and want more of. For a full list of events check out our events calendar!

Hey wine lovers! Get ready to raise your glasses because we are thrilled to announce some exciting updates to our Rewards Uncorked loyalty program. We’re always looking for ways to make your wine experience even better, and these new features are designed to do just that and bring out the competitor in you. Ready to hear what’s new? Let’s go!

Referral Program: Sharing the Love of Missouri Wine Country (and the POINTS too!) 

• We know the best experiences are those shared with friends and family. That’s why we’re introducing a NEW referral program! Now, whenever you invite your friends or family to join Rewards Uncorked, you BOTH get rewarded. Simply send them your link, and once they sign up, you’ll both receive 250 points. Win-win in everyone’s book. More points mean more rewards. Start spreading the word now and get your friends in on the fun with you!

New Rewards: Shhh, They Aren’t Released Yet

• We are getting ready to add a fan favorite, Missouri Wine hats are coming very soon for you to redeem yourself! Another new reward is also coming your way once we have them in our hands. Wine bottle candles! You will get to pick your scent and then the bottle will be a surprise.

Missouri Wine Month Challenge

• When you visit ten wineries and check in during the month of September you will be able to receive a puzzle. This challenge is part of our loyalty program, Rewards Uncorked! You must redeem points for this reward.

Cheers to visiting Missouri Wine Country and leveling up your experience with Rewards Uncorked! 

Missouri Wine Month is here! The Show-Me State has a rich winemaking history that dates back to the 1800s. Missouri was the second largest wine producing state in the U.S. before Prohibition. Pretty cool, right?

What makes Missouri wine “just that good”? The unique terroir that varies across the state of Missouri that provides great conditions for grape growing. Missouri is home to 5 American Viticultural Areas (AVA) with Augusta being named the first ever in the US. Then there are passionate winemakers dedicated to crafting wines that show respect to each individual winery. From dry to sweet, red to white, there is a Missouri wine for every palate. Not to mention fun and exciting events. 

But don’t just take our word for it. Head out to one of Missouri’s beautiful wineries this month. Explore the rolling hills, friendly tasting rooms, and most importantly, delicious wine. Trust us, it’s just that good. You won’t be disappointed when visiting Missouri Wine Country. 

Since Missouri wineries are just that good, we want to reward the wineries along with each and every one of you. When you visit ten wineries and check in during the month of September you will be able to receive a puzzle. This challenge is part of our loyalty program, Rewards Uncorked! You must redeem points for this reward. 

We invite you to celebrate Missouri Wine month by visiting Missouri wine country and experiencing why it’s just that good! Remember to share your photos with us using #MoWine!

As the days become shorter and a crispness fills the air, there’s no denying that fall is coming! Here in Missouri Wine Country, the leaves will soon be turning and creating even more of a picturesque landscape. Cooler weather invites us to slow down and enjoy the simpler pleasures in life.

Take a look at some of our favorite DIY projects that we’re crafted and bookmark them for you to try this fall season. 

Light Up The Night!

Wine Lavel Serving Trays

Screw Cap Pumpkins

Screw Cap Stepping Stone

Special MOment Tags

Hook, Line and Sinker

Cork Board

Cork Ball

Grab crafting supplies, your favorite bottle of Missouri wine, your friends and family, and let’s make this fall season the most creative and memorable one yet!

Fall is just around the corner. With fall comes one of the most beautiful and eventful seasons to visit Missouri Wine Country! Check out our list of 60+ upcoming fall events and plan your trip to wine country today.

Adam Puchta Winery – Hermann

• 9/12: 170 Years of Puchta
• 10/3: Steak night & Fish Fry

Arcadian Moon – Higginsville

• 10/25: Monster Mash Bash

Augusta Winery – Augusta

• 9/13: Second Saturday Sips – Grapes and Grains
• 10/11: Second Saturday Sips – Grapes and Grains
• 11/15: Doe’s Days Out

Balducci Vineyards – Augusta

• 9/12: Pasta Friday

Belvoir Winery – Liberty

• 10/26: Sip and Shop Event
• 11/1 & 11/7: Paranormal Investigations of the Odd Fellows Compound

Canterbury Hill Winery and Restaurant – Holts Summit

• 9/12: Dueling Pianos
• 11/6: Murder Mystery

Cedar Lake Cellars – Wright City

• 8/30 and 8/31: Balloon Fest
• 9/5: Harvest Season Kickoff Party
• 9/13: Chrome & Corks Car Show
• 9/20: Pyromania 2025
• 10/10: Boots, Blue Jeans & Boogie
• 10/11: Fall Fest
• 10/17: Wine-O-Bingo

Charleville Vineyard Winery & Craft Brewery – Ste. Genevieve

• 9/5: Canvases N Corks

Chateau Ste. Genevieve – Ste. Genevieve

• 9/20: Autumn Sip & Shop
• 10/17: 1^st Anniversary Celebration

Christine’s Vineyard – Webb City

• 8/31: Paint & Sip
• 9/13: Downtown Webb City Sip & Shop
• 9/25: A Night at the Opera Gala
• 10/10: Witches Night Out

Defiance Ridge Vineyards – Defiance

• Every Sunday: Sunday Bubble Brunch

Fence Stile Vineyards, Winery & Distillery – Excelsior Springs

• 8/29, 8/30, 8/31, 9/1: Harvest Grape Stomp
• 9/20: Star Wine Tours

Independence Uncorked - Independence 

• 9/13: Winefest Independence Uncorked

Jowler Creek Vineyard & Winery – Platte City

• 8/31: Sounds of Summer & One Hit Wonders Music Bingo
• 9/5 and 9/7: Annual Grape Stomp
• 9/6: Grape Stomp and Dueling Pianos

Les Bourgeois Vineyards – Rocheport

• 9/29: The A-Frame Summer Music Series
• 9/19: Let’s Dance Party

Mallinson Vineyard and Hall – Sugar Creek

• 8/29: Smoke & Barrels - Infusions

Mathany Family Vineyards – Lake Ozark

• 9/3: Paint the Town
• 9/20: The Winery Comedy Tour
• 10/19: Halloween Cookie Class

McKelvey Vineyards – Leslie

• 9/12: Karaoke with Pirate Deb
• 9/19: Line Dancing
• 9/28: Military Appreciation Day
• 10/17: Line Dancing
• 10/25: Autumn Festival
• 11/15: Doe’s Day

Mount Pleasant Estates – Augusta

• 9/7: Sunday Brunch
• 10/7: Sunday Brunch
• 11/2: Sunday Brunch

Musket Cellars & Vineyards – Pleasant Hill

• 9/7: Paint and Sip
• 9/21: Petals & Pumpkins

Noboleis Vineyards – Augusta

• 9/6: Wine with Friends
• 9/12: Films in the Vines
• 10/10: Films in the Vines

Old Farm Winery – Catawissa

• 9/14: Craft and Vendor Fair
• 9/19: Paints & Pints

Peaceful Bend Vineyard – Steelville

• 10/25: Hands-On Herbal Tea Blending Class

Pennington Wines – Carthage

• 9/6: Read Between the Wines

Persimmon Ridge Vineyards Winery – Barnhart

• 9/27: Vineyard Vendor Market
• 10/18: Monster’s Ball 2025

Prairie Barn Winery & Christmas Tree Farm – St. James

• 8/30: Hot Summer Nights Car Cruise-In
• 8/31: Open Mic: Poetry, Comedy, Music
• 9/20: Books and Bingo
• 9/27: Autumn Car Cruise-In
• 10/25: Fall Nights Car Cruise-In
• 11/1: St. James Wine and Wings Festival
• 11/15: Autumn Wine Tasting Event

Primitive Olde Crow and Winery – Clinton

• 9/13: Fall Junkfest

Serenity Valley Winery – Fulton

• 9/4: Paint the Town

Shamrock Hills Vineyard and Winery – Excelsior Springs

• 9/20: Star Wine Tours
• 9/29: Dueling Pianos

Spencer Manor Winery – St. James

• 927 & 9/28: 2-Year Anniversary Celebration
• 11/15 & 11/16: Autumn Wine Tasting Event

St. James Winery – St. James

• 9/13: Crush Festival

Stone Hill Winery – Hermann

• Every Friday: Sunsets at Stone Hill
• 8/30: Harvest Festival
• 9/20: 60^th Anniversary Jubilee

Stonehaus Farms Vineyard & Winery – Lees Summit

• 8/28: Wine and Pizza
• 10/11: Oktoberfest

The Peculiar Winery – Peculiar

• 9/6: September Vendor Fair
• 9/14: Yoga
• 9/20: Chunky Blanket Class
• 9/21: Autumn Vibes Paint Party
• 9/27: Sip and Succulents
• 9/28: Scarecrow Wreath Class
• 10/4: Oktoberfest Celebration
• 10/11 & 10/12: Tractor and Engine Show
• 10/12: Pumpkin Patch and Highland Sass Paint Party
• 10/25: Halloween Hog-Roast

Timber Ridge Winery – Stover

• 9/20: Timber Ridge Market and More

Twin Oaks Vineyard & Winery – Farmington

• 9/28: Canvases N Corks

Viandel Vineyard – Mountain View

• 8/28: Air Clay Workshop
• 9/3: Painting Workshop

Villa Antonio Winery – Hillsboro

• 8/29: Rock, Pop and All That Jazz

Walnut Creek Winery – Holt

• Every Thursday: Texas Hold’em Poker Nights
• Every Sunday: Mimosa Brunch
• 8/28: Sip and Paint
• 9/5: Teacher Happy Hour
• 9/12: Hero Happy Hour
• 9/20: Star Wine Tours

Weston Wine Company – Weston

• Scavenger Hunts
• Trivia Nights

Pick out which events sound like fun, and plan your trip to Missouri Wine Country today!

Succulent chicken with mushrooms, basked in Vignoles and a splash of cream. That sounds like the perfect dish for your next dinner!

Servings: 6

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4-5 strips of bacon/pancetta, chopped
• 8 chicken pieces on the bone, legs
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 tbsp minced garlic
• 2 cups mushrooms, halved
• 2/3 of a bottle of dry Missouri Vignoles
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Handful flat leaf chopped parsley

Instructions 

• Cook bacon or pancetta in a tablespoon of olive oil. Skip oil if bacon is too fatty. Remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
• Salt and pepper the chicken pieces and brown them in bacon fat over medium-high heat. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.
• Cook chopped onion over low heat for 5-7 minutes, add garlic when the onion is tender and translucent and cook for an additional minute. Add cooked onion and garlic to the same plate as chicken and bacon.
• Place mushrooms into the pan and brown them for 3-5 minutes over medium-high heat. Return chicken, onion, garlic and bacon to the pan, pour Vignoles over the dish, bring to a boil, then lower the heat to low and simmer for 40 minutes.
• Add cream and simmer for 10 minutes longer. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

This recipe is sure to be delicious and impress your guests. Share it and your own wine recipes with us using #mowine!

Wanting an escape from home? Look no further because Branson, Missouri has several wineries worth visiting. Not to mention the dining, shopping and experiences are short to none. If you’re dreaming of an ideal weekend of adventures, rest assured your itinerary is already set for you! 

Branson Wineries: 

• Bear Creek Wine Company 

• Lindwedel Winery 

• St. James Winery – Branson 

• Ozark Hills Winery

Wineries Nearby: 

• 7C’s Winery 

• Tyler Ridge Vineyard Winery

Dining: 

• Lambert’s Cafe

• Downing Street Pour House 

• Mr. Gilberti’s Place 

• Catina Lardeo 

• Arnie’s Barn 

• Salt Grass Steak House 

*Many wineries also offer dining experiences

Shopping: 

• Branson Landing
• Tanger Outlets
• Battlefield Mall
• Relics Antique Mall 

Lodging: 

• Hotels
• Camping

Experiences: 

• Wonders of Wildlife 

• Bass Pro Shops 

• Fantastic Caverns 

• Silver Dollar City 

• Branson Helicopter Tours 

• Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail 

• Copperhead Mountain Coaster

• Sight & Sound Theaters

• Dolly Parton’s Stampede 

• Titanic Museum 

Annual Events: 

• Branson Landing Winter Wonderlanding
• Branson Music Fest

Transportation: 

• Branson Transportation

Get ready for an unforgettable experience in Branson, Mo! Our interactive trip planner transforms exploring Missouri’s Wine Country into a seamless adventure. Discover more destinations here. Share your wine country journeys with us using #mowine.

Grape harvest is here! Which means that new vintages of your favorite Missouri Wines are on their way. Have you ever wondered about the harvesting process? What goes into it? Hand harvest vs machine harvest? Keep reading to dive into the full process and learn more!

Grape harvest happens between August and October. The exact timing depends on the grape variety, desired wine style, and vineyard conditions. Factors like grape color, sugar levels, and acidity also influence when a winery decides it is time to harvest! 

Veraison happened not too long ago. To learn more about this stage of the vine, click here!

There are a few more factors that go into deciding when the grapes are ready to be picked:

• Sugar content: Grapes are typically harvested when they reach a specific sugar concentration, measured in brix.
• Acidity: Depending on the type or style of wine, grapes may be harvested earlier with a higher acidity.
• Weather: Cool, dry days are ideal for harvesting, as with most crops.
• Varietal: Different grape varietals will be ready for harvest at different times.

While we have mechanical harvesters available, some wineries still use hand harvesting. Keep reading to find out why!

Hand harvesting is preferred for quality control. It is also used when geography makes it dangerous or not possible to use a mechanical harvester. For example, those vineyards that are on steep hills or in a valley. Mechanical harvesting is definitely faster, but is not suitable for all grape varietals, or wineries. Hand harvest uses different tools like clippers, pruning shears, and grape razor forks.

After harvest they sort the grapes and underripe grapes are removed. The grapes are then stored in bins, ready to be pressed!

Now that you know the entire harvesting process, get excited, your favorite Missouri Wines are in the works!

The Missouri State Fair is back, and this year we’re taking your taste buds on a wild ride! Forget the same old fair food routines – we’re pairing new must try foods with Missouri wines for an experience you won’t believe. 

Boki Food Service

• Curly chip potatoes + Sparkling
• Philly cheesesteak sandwiches + Chardonel 

Freund Family Foods 

• Cajun Cheese Curds + Vignoles
• Garlic Cheese Curds + Chardonel
• Fried green tomatoes + Dry Vignoles

J’s Firehouse BBQ

• Texas Twinkies + Vignoles

Missouri Pork Producers

• Pulled pork mac & cheese + Chambourcin
• Sloppy pig sandwich + Concord

Quality Food International 

• Jambalaya + Traminette

Talagios Pizza 

• Margherita + Vidal Blanc
• Hawaiian + Concord
• Chicken Alfredo + Chardonel
• Pepperoni + Norton

Uncle Kristi’s Doughnuts

• S’mores + Chambourcin
• Maple bacon + Chardonel
• Fruity Pebbles + Catawba 

Yoder’s Fried Pies

• Apple + Vidal Blanc Icewine
• Cherry + Norton
• Peach + Seyval Blanc
• Blackberry + Sparkling

So, come to the Missouri State Fair and get ready to indulge in some seriously fun food and wine pairings. Trust us, it’s a flavor adventure you won’t want to miss! If you try out some new and exciting pairings be sure to tag us in them using #mowine.