Wine Country with a Cause

February 07, 2025

In a world that often feels rushed and impersonal, acts of kindness can make a profound difference. Here in Missouri, wineries exemplify this spirit of generosity by giving back to causes that matter the most to their communities. Missouri’s wineries are not just producing exceptional wines, but they are deeply rooted in the community and committed to making a positive impact. Wineries use events and wines to support causes close to their hearts. 

Stone Hill Winery

Ozark HellbenderA picture containing text, outdoor, stone

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Stone Hill Winery is a proud partner of the Saint Louis Zoo’s efforts to bring awareness to the endangered hellbender. Hellbenders are the largest aquatic salamanders in North America. They are found only in the Ozark streams of southern Missouri and northern Arkansas. A portion of the proceeds from every bottle of Stone Hill Winery’s Ozark Hellbender sold is donated to the Saint Louis Zoo and hellbender conservation.

 

The Great Beast Feast 

An annual fundraiser held in December for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), 100% of money raised including ticket sales are donated to LLS. The night features wild game appetizers, dinner, raffles, silent and live auctions!

 

Wenwood Winery 

Sweet Corky 

Thomas Kalb and Laura Neese donate a portion of the sales from their Sweet Corky, an ice wine style with pear, to Unchained MelodiBottles imagees Dog Rescue of Columbia. The wine is named in memory of their late winery dog, Corky.

 

Wenwood Winery

Woof Fest 

Wenwood's annual Wine & Canine Extravaganza - no perfect pedigrees required. The winery supports of Fear FreeTM, Leaders in Animal Wellbeing, and they encourage all our pet-loving friends to check out their philosophies at fearfreehappyhomes.com. The winery will have fun info for you, and ways to make sure your dog is comfortable during their event, as you enjoy time with your 4-legged best friends on Fest day! The $10 entry fee goes entirely to support local animal wellbeing nonprofits. 

 

Missouri wineries unwavering support for various causes demonstrates that acts of kindness, no matter how big or small, can create ripples of positive change. Next time you raise a glass of Missouri wine, remember that you’re not just savoring a delightful beverage but you’re also toasting to a community that cares. 

The Perfect Pizza Pairings

February 06, 2025

Hey pizza lovers! National Pizza Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than by pairing your favorites slices with some delicious Missouri wines? Whether you’re a fan of the classics or adventurous with toppings, there’s a perfect wine waiting to elevate your pizza experience. Grab a slice (or two) and let’s dive into the world of pizza and wine! 

Missouri wine pairings

There you have it! Take this National Pizza Day, elevate your pizza game with these perfect Missouri wine pairings! Whether you’re celebrating with friends, or enjoying a date night in, these combinations are sure to make your pizza party a hit! Grab your favorite slice, pour a glass of wine, and toast to the delicious duo of pizza and wine. Cheers to tasty slices and delightful sips! 

Love Your Pet Day – Take them to Missouri Wineries

February 04, 2025

Happy Love Your Pet Day from Missouri Wines! There is no better way to celebrate than by taking your furry friends to your favorite winery. Check out our list of pet-friendly wineries and plan a weekend get away with man’s best friend!

 

Charleville Vineyard Winery & Craft Brewery

 

Be sure to snap pictures of you and your furry friend at Missouri wineries and share with us using #mowine!

Inventors Day Screw Cap Innovation

February 04, 2025

Happy Inventor’s Day! Every year, Inventor's Day serves as a reminder of the brilliant minds that have shaped our world through innovation and creativity. While there is a plethora of inventions that have revolutionized the wine and grape industry, today we want to highlight one that has been more recent.Rack of screw cap wines

 

Screw caps prevent any oxygen exposure to the wine. Safeguarding the integrity of the wine, preserving flavors and aromas. Additionally, the ability to store upright and easily open are added benefits for screw cap wine.

 

Adam Puchta Winery wines

Adam Puchta Winery in Hermann has recently transitioned to screw caps for many of their wines, primarily due to quality control concerns. Inconsistent cork quality not only jeopardized the wines' integrity but also added undue costs. Parker Puchta, the 7th Generation President, shared, “Screw caps offer remarkable consistency and cost-efficiency, making them ideal for wines designed to be enjoyed within a few years. Additionally, they enhance our brand recognition—featuring a modern look that stands out on the shelf and eliminates the need for a corkscrew, making many of our wines more accessible to consumers and easy for staff during festivals. However, we still love the romantic appeal of a cork when it pops."

 

The screw cap, cork argument has been around since the invention of the screw cap in 1959 by the French company, La Bouchage Mechanique. After the screw cap was invented, it took about 10 years for others to start to adapt the technology. The screw cap made its way to the U.S. and Missouri. Today many wineries use screw caps, but there are still plenty of corked wines.

Screw caps for wine closure are here to stay, but there is no need to be afraid. Be excited! Screw caps will ensure your wine lasts, but the tradition of popping a cork is just as meaningful. 

When choosing your next Missouri wine, know we offer your style preference, and rest assured, screw cap or cork, it will be a great glass!

 

Wine with Your Valentine Valentine's Day Events

January 29, 2025

Wine your valentine at Missouri Wineries! Check out our list of 25+ special Valentine’s Day events below and plan your romantic outing today!

Couple in Vineyard

Adam Puchta Winery – Hermann

Apple Creek Vineyard & Winery – Friedheim

Balducci Vineyards – Augusta

Beckett’s Winery – Glasgow 

Brix Urban Winery & Market – Sainte Genevieve

Cedar Lake Cellars – Wright City

Chandler Hill Vineyards – Defiance

Food with Wine

Charleville Winery – Sainte Genevieve

Chateau Ste. Genevieve – Ste. Genevieve

Chaumette Vineyards & Winery - Sainte Genevieve

Defiance Ridge Vineyards – Defiance

Edg-Clif Vineyard & Winery – Potosi

Hemman Winery - Brazeau

Jowler Creek Winery & Vineyard - Platte City

La Bella Vineyards & Winery - DeSoto

LaChance Vineyards - DeSoto

Lake Creek Winery - Marthasville

Les Bourgeois Vineyards - RocheportCouple enjoying wine

McKelvey Vineyards - New Haven

Mount Pleasant Estates - Augusta

Prairie Barn Winery & Christmas Tree Farm – St. James

Primitive Olde Crow & Winery – Clinton

Red Fox Winery & Vineyards – Urich

Shamrock Hills Vineyard and Winery – Excelsior Springs

Spencer Manor - St. James

St. James Winery - St. James

Sugar Creek Winery - Defiance

The Peculiar Winery - PeculiarCouple walking at winery

Triple 3 Vineyard - Washington

Villa Antonio Winery - Hillsboro

White Mule Winery - Owensville

Windy Wine Company - Osborn

Valentine’s Day is better with Missouri Wines. Share your Valentine’s Day at a Missouri Winery with us using #mowine

Wine Marshmallow Fluff & Hot Chocolate = Perfect Combination

January 23, 2025

When the world outside is blanketed in snow and the cold keeps you indoors, it’s the perfect time to indulge in a cozy treat that will warm you up from the inside out. Picture yourself wrapped up in a soft blanket, sipping on a mug of hot chocolate topped with homemade icewine marshmallows. These delightful marshmallows will brighten your day and infuse your cocoa drink with a subtle flair! Making these icewine marshmallows is not only a fun activity to pass the time but also a delicious way to elevate your hot chocolate. Ready to turn a snowy day into a cozy delight? Let’s get started! 

Ingredients: 

  • 1 cup Missouri icewine 
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 3 1/4 ounces gelatin 
  • 2 cup sugar 
  • 2/3 cup corn syrup 
  • 1/4 cup water 
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt 
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla 
  • Powdered sugar

Instructions: 

  1. Boil the Missouri icewine in a small saucepan for about 10 to 15 minutes, until reduced to a thick syrup. There should be approximately 1/4 cup of syrup left. 
  2. Pour the cold water into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Sprinkle the gelatin over the water and let it stand for 10 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, mix the sugar, corn syrup, remaining water, to the Missouri icewine syrup. Bring to a boil and cook until the sugar reaches soft-ball stage. 
  4. Turn on the stand mixer to a low setting. Slowly pour in the hot sugar mixture, allowing the sugar to run down the side of the bowl. Add the salt and turn up the mixer to the highest speed. Whisk for 12 to 15 minutes, until the mixture is fluffy and soft. It should hold soft peaks. Add the vanilla and beat for a minute longer. 
  5. Pour the mixture into a 9x9 inch cake pan that has been greased with oil. Using slightly wetted hands, flatten out the marshmallow. Allow to set for at least 2 hours in a cool dry area. (Do not place in the refrigerator.) Once the marshmallow is firm, remove from the pan. Dust with powdered sugar, cut and serve. 

* Icewine can be substituted with sparkling or your favorite Missouri wine! 

Chocolate Cake with a Wine Twist

January 23, 2025

Imagine a chocolate cake that not only melts in your mouth but also leaves a hint of elegance with every bite. Welcome to the world of baking where rich cocoa meets the sophisticated notes of your favorite Missouri Norton wine. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a special night in, this recipe will make you the star of any occasions. Ready to impress your taste buds and your guests? Dive in and discover the magic of creating this chocolate wine cake!

Chocolate cake ingredients sitting on the counter top

Chocolate Cake

Ingredients: 

  • 2 cups sugar 
  • 1 cup brown sugar 
  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 teaspoons baking soda 
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons salt 
  • 4 eggs 
  • 1 ½ cups sour cream 
  • ½ cup whole milk 
  • 1 cup Missouri Norton wine 
  • ¾ cup vegetable oil 
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup hot water

Instructions: 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut out two 9-inch round segments of parchment paper to line your cake pans with. Spray each pan generously – side and bottom – with nonstick cooking spray, then place the parchment paper cut out in the bottom of the pans and spray again. 
  • In the large bowl of the stand mixer with paddle attachment, combine both sugars, flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt; mix on low until dry ingredients are thoroughly combined.
  • In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, sour cream, milk, wine, oil, and vanilla extract; whisk well until ingredients are thoroughly combined. Pour mixture into the dry ingredients and beat on low speed until just incorporated. Pour in hot water and continue mixing until completely combined. 
  • Divide the batter evenly among prepared pans. Bake in preheated over for 30 minutes. 
  • Cool cakes in the pans placed on a cooling rack, after 15 minutes remove cakes from pans and finish cooling cakes on cooling racks. 

Chocolate Frosting image

Chocolate Frosting

Ingredients: 

  • 12 oz cream cheese
  • ¾ cup butter
  • 1 cup cocoa powder
  • 5 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk 
  • 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp salt 

 

 

Instructions: 

  • Beat the cream cheese and butter in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment until light and fluffy. Add the cocoa powder and mix until combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then the milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. 
  • Begin frosting the bottom layer sides. Once completed add a thick layer of frosting on top of the bottom layer. Stack top cake layer and repeat frosting steps. 

This isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience that transforms a simple cake into a luxurious treat. Be sure to tag us in your chocolate cake and Missouri wine recipes using #mowine!

25+ Wineries for Weekend Getaways

January 22, 2025

Missouri’s wine country offers not just exquisite wines, but also charming accommodations that allow you to immerse yourself fully in the vineyard experience. Here’s a selection of wineries that provide lodging options, ensuring you have a comfortable and memorable stay.

Chaumette lodging

Albonée Country Inn and Vineyards- Independence, MO

Arcadian Moon- Higginsville, MO

Bear Creek Wine Company- Walnut Shade, MO

Belvoir Winery- Liberty, MO

Black Silo Winery- Trenton, MO

Cave Hollow West Winery- Hannibal, MO

Charleville Vineyard Winery & Craft Brewery- Ste. Genevieve, MO

Chaumette Vineyards & Winery- Ste. Genevieve, MO

Durso Hills Winery and Bistro- Marquand, MO

Belvoir lodging

Edg-Clif Farms & Vineyard- Potosi, MO

ElderBlossom View- New Bloomfield, MO

Florida Winery- Florida, MO

Hermannof Winery- Hermann, MO

Jowler Creek Vineyard & Winery- Platte City, MO

Les Bourgeois Vineyards- Rocheport, MO

Luna Umbra Winery- Butler, MO

Mallinson Vineyard and Hall- Sugar Creek, MO

McKelvey Vineyards- Leslie, MO

Prairie Barn Winery and Christmas Tree Farm- St. James, MO

Shamrock Hills lodging

Shamrock Hills Vineyard and Winery- Excelsior Springs, MO

Shawnee Bluff Winery- Lake of the Ozarks, MO

St. James Winery-Branson – Branson, MO

The Rocheport Winery- Rocheport, MO

Triple 3 Vineyard- Washington, MO

Twains Vineyard- Belgrade, MO

Twin Meadows- Madison, MO

Walnut Creek Winery- Holt, MO

White Mule Winery- Owensville, MO

Staying at a winery is a delightful way to enjoy the serene landscapes, taste exceptional wines, and indulge in the local culture. Plan your trip and now your stay in Missouri Wine Country!

Exploring the Fiery Flavors of Missouri Wine Country

January 16, 2025

When it comes to culinary adventures, few experiences are as thrilling as pairing hot and spicy dishes with the perfect Missouri Wine! The right wine can enhance the heat, balance the flavors, and create harmonious dining experiences. Let’s dive into some exciting pairings that will set your taste buds on fire! 

 

Exploring Fiery Flavors

Buffalo Wings + Peach Wine 

Jalapeno Poppers + Vidal Blanc

Hot Tamales + Chadonel

Hot Cheetos + Vignoles

Pepper Jack Cheese Balls + Catawba 

Cajun Seafood Boil + Traminette 

Spicy BBQ Sauce + Concord

 

 

Pairing wine with hot and spicy foods is an art that can elevate your dining experience to new heights! Next time you are in the mood for something hot and spicy don’t forget to pour yourself a glass of Missouri wine. Cheers to bold flavors and exciting new pairings! 

What are your favorite fiery flavors? Be sure to tag us in your wine and food pairings using #mowine! 

 

 

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