Whether you are planning a girl’s weekend or celebrating a bachelorette, Missouri wine country is the perfect place to go! Wine tasting, live music, and delicious food makes for the best time with your closest friends.

Missouri wine country offers more than 125 wineries and 9 wine trails to choose from. Many wine lovers spend their weekend on the Hermann Wine Trail or exploring Augusta. Many wine trails offer trolleys as a fun and unique way to travel to each winery. 

Winery’s offer events all year long, ranging from seasonal to annual festivals, tastings and more. Besides wine tasting, there is ample to do such as shopping, listening to live music and enjoying some delicious food. Check out our calendar or trip planners for how to spend your weekend.

Girls’ trips can be more than bachelorette parties too. We asked fellow wine lovers how they spent their weekends with friends and family; “We ate at Stone Hill and other restaurants in Hermann and Washington. We did some shopping at Montelle Winery and downtown Hermann.” Make a trip out of the weekend where you can go wine tasting, shopping and listen to live music.

Weekend trips can also help create memories with those closest to you. One woman said the best experience on the trip was “just being with my sister and daughter”, where another said her favorite experience was “being with my sister having fun sipping and buying wines.”

Spending the weekend in wine country opens so many opportunities to explore the countryside, sip on some wine and eat some delicious food. The best experiences are spent with those closest to you. One woman said the best experience was “the together time of staying in a house, traveling together, and just sitting at the wineries enjoying the ambiance and wine.” When asked if they recommend returning to wine country, one woman said, “yes we come back every year and bring new people who love it just as much.”

Girls’ trips are a great way to make lasting memories and drink some savory wine with your best gals. Bring your friends and family with you to Missouri wine country and explore all that is offered!

Wineries across the great state of Missouri offer delicious dessert wines, including Sherry, Port, and Late Harvest. They are typically sweet and rich, with complex flavors that are perfect for sipping after a meal.

Sherry

Sherry wine is made by adding brandy to a base wine. Winemakers have their pick of which base wine to begin with but  typically choose a lighter white wine or rosé. This wine can be diverse in its flavors, ranging from dry and light to rich and sweet. Sherry is aged through a traditional solera system, where younger wines are blended with older ones in a series of barrels.

Port-Style

Port-style wine is also made by adding brandy to a base wine. Missouri winemakers usually choose to make it from the Norton grape. Port-style wine is widely known for its rich, fruity flavors and is often served as a dessert wine. Legally to be called Port, it must be from Portugal. A few older Missouri wineries were grandfathered in to be allowed to call theirs Port. Port-style is aged in wood barrels for various lengths of time, with some varieties aging for decades to develop complex flavors.

Late Harvest

Late Harvest wines are made by grapes that have been left on the vine longer than usual. By letting them hang on the vine longer, it allows them to develop a higher sugar content. They are a sweeter wine with flavors of honey, apricot, and peach. Late harvest wines may be aged in stainless steel or oak barrels which can enhance their fruity characteristics.

Whether you prefer the nutty complexity of Sherry, the sweet richness of Port-style wines, or the luscious sweetness of Late Harvest wines, there is a wine to suit every palate and occasion. Which dessert wine will you try first?

Mardi Gras is a time of celebration, good food, and good fun. Back in Missouri, we have the perfect recipe to transport you onto the streets in New Orleans!

Shrimp Pasta in Garlic Wine Sauce

Prep Time: 10 minutes.

Shrimp – 2 lbs.

2 TBSP Garlic

1 TBSP Parsley

1 TBSP Lemon juice

16 OZ Linguine

1 TBSP Salt

5 TBSP Butter

1 ½ C Half & Half

½ C Parmesan

1 C White wine (We used Wild Sun Chardonel Reserve)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Bring a pot of water to boil and cook pasta according to package directions. Once cooked, set aside pasta.
2. Melt 2 TBSP butter in a skillet and place shrimp in pan. Cook shrimp on both sides until it reaches a pinkish color.
3. Add 3 TBSP of butter to pan and add garlic. Add white wine, half & half, Parmesan, salt, parsley, and lemon juice.
4. Combine sauce, pasta, shrimp. Stir together and serve!

Who is ready to watch The Kansas City Chiefs play in the Super Bowl? We can’t wait to support our team on February 11!

Watching the Super Bowl is a time-honored tradition for many Americans, and it's always more enjoyable with a few snacks and a glass of wine by your side.

If you're a fan of Missouri wine, you're in luck - there are plenty of delicious options to choose from. Whether you prefer a crisp white or a bold red, there's a perfect pairing for every snack you might have on hand. 

Vignoles + Buffalo Chicken Dip

Chardonel + Deviled Eggs

Traminette + Chicken Wings

Vidal Blanc + Chips and Guacamole

Catawba + Pulled pork (Bonus: Try Catawba Pulled Pork)

Concord + Cookies

Rosé + Nachos

Chambourcin + Sliders

Norton + Pizza

Now that you have your snacks figured out for the game, it’s time to focus on the wine. Chilling your wine before enjoying it is a very important step. To ensure your vino is the perfect suggested temperature for game day, check out our wine chilling cheat sheet!

Feel ready for kickoff on Sunday? You’ve got the snacks and wine, you can sit back and enjoy the game! Go Chiefs!

Planning your Valentine’s Day activities can be overwhelming, but don’t worry! We gathered a wide range of events across the state for you and your special someone!

Sugar Creek Winery – February 10

Join Sugar Creek Winery for a surprise pop-up bar with different photo booths for you to take pictures with your honey. If you are in the St. Louis area, stop by Sugar Creek Winery from 11am-5pm to enjoy some delicious Missouri wine.

Balducci Vineyards – February 10

Balducci Vineyards is hosting a special Valentine’s Day dinner. They will be offering their full menu and several dinner specials to celebrate the holiday. Good wine and good food – you cannot beat that! 

St. James Winery – February 10

Looking for a unique experience to do with your love? St. James Winery is partnering up with Public House Brewing Company for a progressive dinner. Enjoy a 4-course meal around different areas of the property.

COST: $75/person

  Christine’s Vineyard – February 10

 Dance the night away for ‘Galentine’s Day’ at Christine’s Vineyard in Webb City, MO!   Enjoy a wonderful selection of food and beverages specifically for the special holiday.      Make sure you bring your dancing shoes, so you can bust a move or two.

COST: $5/person

Edg-Clif Winery – February 10

Edg-Clif Winery is hosting a ‘Galentine’s Day’ tasting with chocolate treats and souvenir glasses to take home. There will be a Valentine’s photo op for you to take advantage of. If you are near Potosi, MO, you won’t want to miss this sweet event.

COST: $20/person

Meramec River Wine Trail – February 10

Want to visit more than one winery with your sweetheart? Join the Meramec River Wine Trail for a fun winter wine tasting. Peaceful Bend Vineyard, Eagles’ Landing, St. James Winery and Prairie Barn Winery are the stops on this trail. On this flavorful journey, receive a souvenir wine glass, complimentary tastings and exclusive discounts. Purchase your tickets now – they are going fast!

COST: $30/person

Serenity Valley Winery – February 10

Enjoy a Valentine’s Day Wine Pairing at Serenity Valley Winery – located in Fulton, MO. Taste several of SVW’s delicious wines with some festive treats. This event is very limited – so make sure you RSVP.

COST: $25/person

Mathany Family Vineyards – February 14

One of Missouri’s newest wineries is hosting a Valentine’s Day Wine Pairing Dinner starting with hors d’oeuvres at 6pm.  They are partnering up with Swallowtail Foods – a local farm-to-table food truck – to bring this magical night to life.

COST: $150/person

Riverwood Winery – February 14

Smooth jazz, sweet wine and extended hours… Riverwood Winery knows how to celebrate the holiday of love. The winery will be open 12pm-9pm and Max Levy will be playing 5pm-8pm, so make sure you swing by 22200 MO-45 N, Rushville, MO!

Defiance Ridge Vineyards – February 14

Defiance Ridge Vineyards is well-known for its ‘Farmhouse Dinners’. This intimate multicourse dinner is curated by their Executive Chef, Kris Maurer. With Linguini Shrimp Pasta and Cajun Flank Steak on the menu, this dinner is not one to miss.

COST: $115-150/person

Apple Creek Vineyard & Winery – February 14

Indulge in a romantic evening at Apple Creek Vineyard & Winery. A 4-course meal and a bottle of wine are included in this Valentine’s Dinner. Reserve your spot so you don’t miss this delectable meal.

COST: $140/couple

Les Bourgeois Vineyards – February 14

Celebrate love with a special menu at The Bistro at Les Bourgeois Vineyards. Oysters, Lobster Bisque and Flat Iron are just some of the delicious dishes at this event. End the evening with a Dark Chocolate Cream Puff or a Coffee-Soaked Angel Food Cake.

COST: $75/person

KC Wineworks – February 14

Get creative with KC Wineworks and Pottery Pub at a Sip & Glaze Valentine’s Day event. Choose a pre-made pottery piece, pick your glaze, enjoy a glass of wine and decorate!

COST: $50-65/person

Charleville Winery – February 16

Enjoy a beautiful view with a 4-course meal prepared by Charleville Winery’s chefs. This dinner includes a bottle of wine for you and your special someone. Reserve your spot early!

COST: $150/couple

Willow Spring Mercantile – February 16

Join Willow Spring Mercantile for a romantic evening in an intimate cellar and bistro setting. Enjoy a 4-course meal paired with red, white and sparkling wine.

COST: $85/person

Montelle Winery – February 17

Who doesn’t love a family-friendly brunch? Montelle Winery is hosting a Valentine’s themed brunch. Grab a glass of wine, savor your favorite breakfast and lunch dishes, and relish the time spent with your loved one(s).

COST: $20/person

Villa Antonio Winery – February 9, 10, 14

Have a romantic evening at Villa Antonio in Hillsboro, MO. This 5-course dinner has Cherry Bourbon Brisket, Ceasar Salad in A Parm Bowl and for dessert, a Chocolate and Vanilla Bean Crème Anglaise.

COST: $65/person

Adam Puchta Winery – February 9, 10, 16

Join the Adam Puchta Winery family for a romantic meal in Hermann, MO. With several options of dates and times, you are sure to find a time for you and your special someone. Enjoy a four-course meal paired with Adam Puchta Winery’s finest wines. This event is very popular – reserve your spot early!

COST: $70/person

TerraVox Winery – February 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

TerraVox is calling all love birds to 19310 NW Farley Hampton RD, Kansas City, MO for an intimate tasting of their unique wines as well as a tour of their vineyard and production facility. Couples will receive a charcuterie board as well as some Christopher Elbow Chocolates.

COST: $100/couple

Stone Hill Winery – February 10 & 17

Enjoy a 4-course meal paired with three wines at Stone Hill Winery’s Vintage 1847 Restaurant. This meal is bound to be delicious.

COST: $55/person

Chaumette Vineyards & Winery – February 10 & 11

Celebrate your love at The Grapeville Grill for a 4-course Prix Fixe menu. Select from New Zealand Rack of Lamb, Norton Braised Beef Shortribs and Fresh Diver Sea Scallops. You will not want to miss this delicious fare. Additionally, spend a night at the Villas and get the second night for free.

COST: $95/person

Prairie Barn Winery – February 17 & 18

Join Prairie Barn Winery with a Murder Mystery Event – Dry Wine, Sweet Love and a Red Murder. Couples will enjoy a meal that is to die for as well as participate in solving a murder.

COST: $45/person

Hermann Wine Trail – February 24 & 25

The Hermann Chocolate Wine Trail is making a return this year. Sip and sample chocolate treats with the select wine at each winery. Each ticket receives a souvenir wine glass. Advance purchase is required and is likely to sell out.

COST: $35/person

Wherever Valentine’s takes you, make sure you support local businesses by heading to one of these amazing Missouri wine country events.

Berry Be Mine Petite Cakes are filled with the sweet taste of strawberries and sparkling wine. They are guaranteed to win over your heart.  These wine cakes are the perfect treat for the upcoming holiday.

INGREDIENTS:

For Cake:

1 Box Strawberry Cake Mix

1/3 C Vegetable Oil

3 Large Eggs

1 ¼ C Sparkling Strawberry Wine (we used St. James Winery’s Sparking Strawberry can)

1 Container White Cake Frosting

For shell:

1 Package Chocolate Melt Wafers

(OPTIONAL) Edible Gold Paint

(OPTIONAL) Sprinkles

(OPTIONAL)

SUPPLY LIST:

Rectangular cake pan

Large mixing bowl

Cooking spray

(OPTIONAL) Food-Safe Paint Brush

(OPTIONAL) Silicone mold

INSTRUCTIONS:

For Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Spray cake pan with cooking spray and set aside.
3. Mix cake mix, oil, eggs and sparkling wine until smooth.
4. Pour batter into square cake pan and cook for 30-35 minutes.
5. Let cake rest and chill.
6. Crumble cake squares in a bowl and add frosting.
7. Cover and chill for 2 hours or longer.
8. Place a sheet of parchment/wax paper on baking tray.
9. Add 3 tablespoons of the cake mixture and shape it into hearts (we used a silicone mold to shape mixture – be sure to use oil mold).
10. Place hearts on the tray and chill for 2+ hours.

For Shell:

1. Microwave or double boil to melt wafers per bag instructions.
2. Get hearts from fridge and dip into mixture.
3. Place dipped hearts onto baking tray and allow them to harden.
4. Use a food-safe paintbrush to paint on your cake. Let your imagination run wild.

So, whether you're celebrating with a significant other or having a Galentine's Day with your besties, these cakes are sure to impress. Give them a try and let us know what you think! Happy Valentine's Day!