Get ready to raise your glasses and savor the flavors, because the Missouri Wines is rolling out the red carpet for wine enthusiasts at the Missouri State Fair! So, grab your friends, put on your walking shoes, and let’s dive into the delightful world of Missouri wines.

Missouri State Fair Wine Trail

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable day of wine exploration at the Missouri State Fair Wine Trail on Friday, August 8th, from 11 AM to 6 PM. This isn’t just any ordinary wine tasting; it’s a full-fledged adventure across the fairgrounds with ten spots to sample and purchase wines.

Here’s how it works: You can start your journey at any point on the trail—no need to follow a set path. Simply pick up a passport at your first stop, and let the exploration begin! Each location will offer unique wines to sample, providing a broad spectrum of flavors to delight your palate. The best part? Completing your passport enters you into a drawing for a chance to win fabulous prizes.

This event is the perfect blend of fun and discovery, offering a relaxed atmosphere to learn about local wines and perhaps discover a new favorite. So, whether you're meandering solo or with a group of friends, the Wine Trail is a must-do activity at this year’s fair.

Missouri State Fair Winery Showcase

If one day of wine isn’t enough, then the Missouri State Fair Winery Showcase is here to help with that! Taking place daily in the Agriculture Building from 11 AM to 6 PM, this showcase will feature a different winery each day, giving you a reason to return and explore more of Missouri’s rich wine culture.

Each participating winery will provide samples and have bottles available for purchase, allowing you to take a piece of the fair home with you. This is a golden opportunity learn about their craft and get insider tips on pairing wines with your favorite fair foods.

The Winery Showcase is more than just a tasting; it’s an educational experience that brings the winery to you, offering insights into the passion and hard work that go into every bottle. So, whether you’re looking to expand your wine knowledge or simply enjoy a leisurely afternoon at the fair, the Winery Showcase is the place to be.

Tips for a Great Day at the Missouri State Fair

• Stay Hydrated: While sampling all the delightful wines, remember to drink plenty of water.
• Take Time: There’s no rush. Take your time to enjoy each sample and savor the experience.
• Share the Experience: Wine tasting is always more fun with a companion to share the experience. Tag us in your journey using #mowine!

So, are you ready to embark on a wine-filled adventure at the Missouri State Fair? Whether you’re hopping on the Wine Trail or stopping by the Winery Showcase, these events promise to be both fun and educational. Cheers to discovering the best of Missouri wines while at the Missouri State Fair! 

Step on in, to a whole new world. Are you passionate about cooking or baking? Do you love the unique flavors of Missouri wine? Then I have some exciting news for you! Missouri Wines is sponsoring the “Cooking and Baking with Missouri Wine” contest on Thursday, August 7^th at 10 AM, and you’re invited to participate! 

This contest is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your culinary skills and creativity while highlighting the delicious wines produced right here in Missouri. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, this is your chance to shine. Imagine creating a dish that perfectly complements the rich flavors of Missouri wine and then sharing it with fellow food enthusiasts.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your recipes, sharpen your knives, and get ready to create something amazing! The Missouri State Fair is a recognition of all things Missouri, and this contest is the perfect way to kick off the beginning of a great 11-day celebration. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity. 

Sign up here!

We hope to see you there! 

Savor Vidal Blanc with a dish that brings fine dining to your kitchen. Mussels in a creamy Vidal Blanc broth, is the dish to elevate dinner at home. This recipe is perfect to celebrate Vidal Blanc month. Pair it with toasted bread and a glass of Vidal Blanc for a truly delicious experience!

Ingredients

• 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 ½ Tablespoons olive oil
• 4 large shallots finely chopped
• 8 cloves garlic thinly sliced
• 1/2 Tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 Tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 lemon juice and zest
• 2 ¼ pounds live mussels
• 1 cup Missouri Vidal Blanc
• 3/4 cup chicken stock
• 1/3 cup heavy cream aka whipping cream
• salt and pepper to taste
• lemon wedges for serving
• toasted bread for serving
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped, plus more for garnish

Instructions

1. Clean mussels and remove beards. Discard any open mussels, unless they close when tapped.
2. In a pot large enough to hold the mussels, heat the butter and oil over medium heat.
3. Once the butter is completely melted, add in the shallots and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until slightly softened.
4. Add in the garlic and cook for a minute. Then add in the crushed red pepper flakes and cook for one more minute.
5. Add in lemon zest and lemon juice and mix well to combine.
6. Add in the mussels, wine, and chicken stock. Stir well to coat, then increase the heat to medium-high and place a lid on the pot.
7. Cook, checking often, until the mussel shells have opened, about 3 minutes. Discard any mussels that don’t open.
8. Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, mixing constantly as you pour.
9. Stir in the salt, pepper, and parsley. Remove from heat and divide among bowls. Serve with lemon wedges, toasted bread, and your Vidal Blanc!

This recipe is sure to be beautiful, impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds! Try it out to celebrate Vidal Blanc month and share with us using #mowine

Dreaming of saying “I do” amidst rolling vineyards and breathtaking sunsets? A wine country wedding offers an unparalleled romantic ambiance. Imagine exchanging vows surrounded by lush greenery, followed by a reception featuring exquisite wines made right on the premises. It’s more than just a wedding; it’s an immersive experience that you and your guests will cherish forever. 

Wineries that offer various wedding packages: 

• Backyard Vine & Wine – Maryville
• Balducci Vineyards – Augusta
• Bear Creek Wine Company – Walnut Shade
• Belvoir Winery – Liberty
• Black Silo Winery – Trenton
• Canterbury Hill Winery – Holts Summit
• Cedar Lake Cellars – Wright City
• Chandler Hill Vineyards – Defiance
• Charleville Winery – Ste. Genevieve
• Dale Hollow Winery – Stover
• Defiance Ridge Vineyards – Defiance
• DeLaney Vineyad & Winery – Nevada
• Edg-Clif Vineyard Winery & Brewery – Potosi
• Fence Stile Vineyards & Winery – Excelsior Springs
• Jolwer Creek (The Vineyard at J. Creek) – Platte City
• LaChance Vineyards – Kimmswick
• Lake Creek Winery – Marthasville
• Les Bourgeois Vineyards – Rocheport
• Mallinson Winery – Sugar Creek
• McKelvey Vineyards – Leslie
• Mount Pleasant Estates – Augusta
• Persimmon Ridge Vineyards – Barnhart
• Prairie Barn Winery – St. James
• Primitive Olde Crow and Winery – Clinton
• Seven Springs Winery – Linn Creek
• Shamrock Hills Vineyard and Winery – Excelsior Springs
• Shawnee Bluff Vineyard – Lake Ozarks
• Stonehaus Farms Vineyard & Winery – Lee’s Summit
• Sugar Creek Winery – Defiance
• TerraVox Winery – Kansas City
• The Terrace at French Village - French Village
• The Rocheport Winery – Rocheport
• Triple 3 Vineyard – Washington
• Twin Oaks Winery – Farmington
• Van Till Family Farm Winery – Rayville
• Villa Antonio Winery – Hillsboro
• Walnut Creek Winery – Holt
• White Mule Winery – Owensville
• Wild Sun Winery & Brewery – Hillsboro

Choosing wine country for your wedding means creating a celebration that is as unique and unforgettable as your love story. With its stunning scenery, exceptional wines, and charming venues, and it’s the perfect setting to begin your happily ever after. Let the romance of the vineyards set the stage for a truly magical day! 

Happy Appellation Day! Today we celebrate the designation of the very first American Viticultural Area (AVA). The first AVA in the United States was awarded to Augusta, Missouri on June 20, 1980. Seven California districts and one in Oregon had filed applications with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; however, the honor went to the 15 square mile area surrounding Augusta. The bureau cited the unique soil, climate and wines, as well as Augusta’s long history as one of America’s oldest and foremost grape and wine districts.

To celebrate the Augusta AVA and Appellation Day it is time to plan a road trip! Take a look at all the Augusta region has to offer and use our interactive trip planners to explore all of Missouri Wine Country!

Augusta AVA Wineries:

• Augusta Winery
• Montelle Winery
• Mount Pleasant Estates
• Balducci Vineyards
• Noboleis Vineyards

Wineries Nearby:

• Blumenhof Vineyards
• Defiance Ridge Vineyards
• Cedar Lake Cellars
• Chandler Hill Winery
• Sugar Creek Winery & Vineyards
• Lake Creek Winery
• Triple 3 Vineyard

Dining: 

• Root Food & Wine
• Botanical Tea Room
• Augusta Bakery and Coffee

Shopping:

• Augusta Emporium
• Augusta Missouri Metal Arts
• The Augusta Clothing Company
• Gallery Augusta
• Augusta Glass Studio

Lodging:

• Bed & Breakfasts
• Guest Houses
• Camping

Experiences:

• Miss Augusta
• Sehrt House Muesuem
• Augusta Vineyard Tours
• Kickstand Augusta
• Centennial Farms & Orchard
• Halcyon Spa, Salon & B&B
• Daniel Boone Home

Annual Events:

• Plein Air Festival
• Harvest Festival

Transportation:

• Augusta Trolley

Using our new interactive trip planner makes traveling through wine country a breeze. Check them out here! 

Are you a wine enthusiast always on the lookout for the best winery experiences? Look no further than Rewards Uncorked! This amazing program offers a variety of perks at participating wineries, making your wine tasting adventures more affordable and enjoyable. 

With Rewards Uncorked, you can discover a range of enticing offers. Members enjoy discounts on delicious food and merchandise. It’s all within reach when you take advantage of these special offers. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a casual afternoon outing, Rewards Uncorked helps you make the most out of your winery visit now and later! 

And that’s not all! Get ready for the upcoming “Taste & Tunes” sweepstakes reward. This exciting opportunity gives you the chance to win tickets to the Missouri State Fair (2), Wine 101 Class tickets (2), and concert tickets of your choosing at the fair (2). Redeem your chances today! 

Make sure you go visit Missouri Wine Country to gain points to be able to enter into this awesome sweepstakes opportunity and be able to redeem other rewards! Cheers to great wine, great deals, and unforgettable moments. 

It is National Photography Day! The beauty of Missouri wine country is truly unmatched. From rolling hills and vineyards to the unique wineries, there's something beautiful about every region of Missouri wine country. We want to see it through your eyes, enter the 2025 Through the Glass Photo Contest!

This contest is your opportunity to showcase your photography skills and your love for all things Missouri wine. Whether you're an amateur photographer or a seasoned pro, we want to see what you capture.

Contest Details

• Dates: The contest runs from June 1 - September 30, 2025. Make sure to submit your photos by the deadline at midnight on September 30.
• Judging: A panel will assess all entries and determine the top 10 contenders. These entries will be shared on our social media platforms for public voting.
• Voting Period: Public voting will take place on Missouri Wine's Facebook and Instagram accounts from October 5 - October 12, 2025.
• Winner Announcement: The winner will be revealed on October 13, 2025, and will be notified through their provided contact information.

Every participant has a chance to win! All contest entrants are automatically entered to win a Missouri Wine prize pack valued at $100.

The Grand Prize Winner will receive:

• A Missouri Wine prize pack
• Two tickets to the prestigious Missouri Governor's Cup presentation at the Governor's Mansion in Jefferson City, Missouri
• The winning image will be proudly displayed at this event this fall.

Click HERE to submit your photos and review the contest rules. 

We can't wait to see Missouri wine country through your eyes. Whether you're capturing a vineyard at sunset, a winery event, or the details of a grapevine, your photos will tell the story of Missouri wine country.

So, grab your camera, explore Missouri wine country, and happy snapping!

Summer in Missouri Wine Country is here, and with it are plenty of fun and unique events to attend. From wine tastings, festivals and more, there is something for everyone! Get out to Missouri wineries to explore and experience everything they have to offer!

Adam Puchta Winery – Hermann

• June 14: Timmypalooza
• June 28: Wine and Swine Vineyard 5K and Festival 

Apple Creek Vineyard & Winery – Friedheim

• June 14: Shrimp Boil
• June 15: Father’s Day Celebration 

Augusta Winery – Augusta                     

• June 6-8: Cheese Festival & Augusta Wine & Jazz Festival 

• June 20: A Taste of Tradition Dinner
• June 21: AVA Expo
• June 29: Winemakers Panel 

Balducci Vineyards – Augusta

• June 20: A Taste of Tradition Dinner 

Beckett’s Winery – Glasgow

• June 7: 70’s Night
• June 19 & July 24: Summer Trivia
• June 22 & July 20: Bubbles & Brunch

Belvoir Winery & Inn – Liberty

• June 13, 20 & July 11: Paranormal Investigations of the Odd Fellows Compound
• June 28: Sip and Shop Event

Canterbury Hill Winery and Restaurant – Holts Summit

• June 20: Dueling Pianos
• July 24: Murder Mystery

Cedar Lake Cellars – Wright City

• June 13 & July 11: Boots, Blue Jeans & Boogie
• June 15: Father’s Day Brunch
• June 27 & July 18: Wine-O Bingo
• July 4-6: Stars and Stripes Weekend 

Chandler Hill Vineyards – Defiance

• June 14: Father’s Day Celebration
• June 15: Puppy Yoga
• June 20: Flashback Trivia
• June 22: Sunday Brunch + Flower Bar
• June 22: Goat Yoga
• June 27: Sunset Dinner
• July 3: July 3 Celebration

Charleville Brewery & Winery – Ste. Genevieve

• June 20: Italian Wine Pairing Dinner
• June 27: Star Wars Trivia 

Chaumette Vineyards & Winery – Ste. Genevieve

• June 7: Footloose in the Barn
• June 21: Summer Solstice
• June 27-29: Camp Chaumette

Defiance Ridge Vineyards – Defiance

• June 11: 1897 Farmhouse Dinner
• Summer Concert Series
• Sunday Bubble Brunch

Jowler Creek Vineyard & Winery – Platte City

• June 22: Mimosa Madness
• June 29: Candle Make and Take
• July 27: Charcuterie Make and Take
• Food Truck Fridays

Les Bourgeois Vineyards – Rocheport

• The A-Frame Summer Music Series
• June 15: Father’s Day BBQ
• July 12: Collector’s Series Release

Mathany Family Vineyards – Lake Ozark

• July 2 & August 6: Paint the Town
• June 18 & 20: Comedy Night 

McKelvey Vineyards - Leslie

• June 13: Karaoke 

Montelle Winery – Augusta

• June 20: A Taste of Tradition Dinner
• June 21: AVA Expo

Mount Pleasant Estates – Augusta

• June 20: A Taste of Tradition Dinner 

Noboleis Vineyards – Augusta

• June 13: Films in the Vines
• June 20: A Taste of Tradition Dinner
• June 27: Swirl & Sourdough

Prairie Barn Winery & Christmas Tree Farm – St. James

• July 12: Art and Craft Fair
• July 12 & 13: Summer Wine Tasting Event 

Primitive Olde Crow & Winery – Clinton

• July 3: Red, White, Wine & Boom 

Riverwood Winery – Weston

• June 13-15: Old Fashioned’s for the Old Man
• June 27: Date Night Special All Day 

Shamrock Hills Vineyard and Winery – Excelsior Springs

• June 24: Business Women’s Happy Hour
• June 28: Winery After Hours
• July 4 Fireworks Kick-Off

St. James Winery – St. James

• June 14: 15^th Annual Wine, Brew and Spirits, too
• June 20: Cocktail Workshop
• June 21: Backyard BBQ, Bourbon, and Brews
• July 19: Summer in the Meramec Highlands Wine Dinner
• June 26 & July 31: Movie Night in the Gardens 

Stone Hill Winery – Hermann

• June 20: Farm to Table Dinner
• June 21: Vines and Vendors
• Fridays: Sunsets at Stone Hill Winery

Stonehaus Farms Winery – Lees Summit

• July 3: Fire & Wine 

TerraVox Vineyards – Kansas City

• Weekends: Grand Tastings
• Pig Roast
• Vendor Fair
• Vineyard Picnics

The Peculiar Winery – Peculiar

• June 21: June Vendor Fair
• June 22: Paint and Sip
• June 27: Wood Tray Paint Party
• August 17: Wildflower Vase Paint Party 

• Twin Oaks Vineyard & Winery – Farmington
• July 20: Canvases N Corks 10^th Anniversary Customer Appreciation Day 

Walnut Creek Winery - Holt

• June 12: Sip and Paint
• June 14: 15^th Annual Wine, Brew and Spirits too
• June 15: Father’s Day Beer and Wings
• June 22: Wine & Wags
• July 12: Make and Take Doormat

Weston Wine Company – Weston

• June 13: Paint & Sip Hummingbird
• June 14: Singles Mingle Murder Mystery Party
• June 20: 1980s Trivia
• June 21: Wild West Murder Mystery
• July 4: July 4^th Sangria Specials
• July 25: Paint your Pet 

White Mule Winery – Owensville

• June 15: Father’s Day Celebration 

Additional Events:

• Kansas City Historic City Market
• June 21: Cape Girardeau Riverfront Market Wine Your Way Festival
• June 14 & 21, July 12 & 19, August 16: Excelsior Springs Trolley
• July 12: Meramec Trail
• June 13-14: The Art of Alcohol
• July 26 & 27: Hermann Wine Trail Berries and BarBQ
• August 8: Missouri State Fair Wine Trail
• August 7-17: Missouri State Fair Winery Showcase
• August 29: Willow Spring Mercantile Dinner

Missouri sparkling wines. Méthode Champenoise. This method, renowned for creating sparkling wines with depth and effervescence, involves a meticulous process. Which is exactly why you need to try them! Wineries use this traditional method to produce a high-quality, complex wine with unique character.

First Fermentation- Wineries start by fermenting crushed grapes to produce a still wine, the base for sparkling wines.

Blending- Wineries blend wines from various grape varieties to craft the perfect flavor profile, setting the stage for complexity.

Second Fermentation- A mix of sugar and yeast, or liqueur de tirage, is added to the still wine in bottles, sparking the second fermentation and creating bubbles.

Lees Aging- Bottles are stored horizontally to allow yeast, or lees, to settle, enriching the wine with complex flavors.

Riddling- The bottles are gently turned and held at a 35-degree angle to move the lees to the neck, a precision task often aided by machines.

Disgorgement- The bottles are chilled, inverted, and the lees are removed. A finishing liqueur, or dosage, is added to balance the taste.

Corking- Finally, the bottles are sealed with traditional corks and wire cages, preserving the wine's effervescence.

There are several Missouri Wineries using Method Champenoise:

Belvoir Winery – Liberty

G. Husmann Wine Co. - Hermann

Hermannhof Winery – Hermann

KC Wineworks – Macon

Les Bourgeois Vineyards – Rocheport

Stone Hill Winery – Hermann

Wild Sun Winery and Brewery – Hillsboro

Visit Missouri Wine Country today, to try these fabulous traditional wines with a new appreciation for the handwork that goes into them!

For a deeper dive into the process click here!

Taste Summer in every sip with a glass of Vidal Blanc. If you like a crisp, clean, white wine then you are sure to love a Vidal Blanc. 

Vidal Blanc (vee-dahl-blahnc) is a French American hybrid that is known for its hardiness and ability to tolerate colder climates due to its thicker skin. This varietal was developed by a French grape breeder in the 1930s and is now a staple in Missouri wine country. Bearing 99.8 acres in Missouri.

Style: dry to semi-dry wine

Tastes: apple, citrus, lemon and grapefruit 

Smell: fresh summer garden

Pairings: mozzarella, grilled chicken, seafood, broccoli & asparagus, pine nuts & melon 

To celebrate Vidal Blanc month, try this Chicken Pasta or try out our other recipes!

If you’re in search of a Missouri white wine to complement your meal, enjoy a refreshing sip, or just a Missouri classic, Vidal Blanc is an outstanding choice. With every sip, you’ll experience the essence of summer.