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.  

Round out the month of May by celebrating Beef Month! That’s right, it’s the perfect time to dust off your grills, grab some high-quality beef and get creative in the kitchen. Elevate your meals by adding a splash of local flavor to all your dishes. Jalapeño Strawberry Wine Jam Burgers! These aren’t your average burgers; they’re a flavor explosion! Start with a juicy beef patty and top it with a sweet and spicy strawberry jalapeño wine jam.

Ingredients: 

• 1 ½ cups Strawberry Wine
• ¼ cup Lemon Juice
• 1-2 Diced Jalapeños (depending on your heat preferences)
• 1 cup of Diced Strawberries
• .8 ounces Powder Pectin
• 2 ¼ cups of Sugar
• ¼ teaspoon Butter
• 1lb Ground Beef
• Hamburger Buns

Strawberry Jalapeño Wine Jam Instructions: 

1. Combine wine, lemon juice, jalapeños, strawberries, and pectin in a large saucepot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently.
2. Add the sugar and butter. Stir until dissolved.
3. Bring the mixture to a full boil. Boil for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Remove from the heat.
5. Allow time to cool. Ladel onto beef burgers.
6. Store leftovers in sealed containers in fridge. 

Beef Hamburger Instructions: 

1. Turn grill to medium-high heat.
2. Form ground beef into patties.
3. Season patties and place on grill.
4. Grill for 3-5 minutes then flip.
5. Repeat step 4.
6. Serve on toasted buns with the jam, and you’ve got a burger that’s sure to impress. 

Raise a glass to the incredible flavors we can create together! Try these Strawberry Jalapeño Wine Burgers at your next cookout. Remember the best meals are those shared with good company and a glass of Missouri Wine!

National Wine Day is here! Missouri is home to a vibrant array of wineries offering a diverse range of wines that cater to every palate. From robust reds to crisp whites, Missouri wines have something special to offer. You can explore our history and learn more about local wines by visitingwww.missouriwines.org

Invite friends and family over for a wine tasting featuring a selection of Missouri wines. Experiment with different wines and compare notes on your favorites. Consider pairing your favorite wines. Visit the Missouri Wines website for tips on hosting the perfect wine tasting event, and our pairing guides! https://missouriwine.org/news?combine=&field_news_category_target_id=7446&page=4

With more than 115 wineries across the state, Missouri offers plenty of opportunities for wine lovers to explore. Spend the day visiting a local winery to enjoy a tour, sample their offerings, and learn about the winemaking process. Each winery has its unique charm, so you're sure to find one that fits your style. Check out https://missouriwine.org/calendar for updates on winery events and tours happening near you.

Elevate your National Wine Day celebration at home. Pair your favorite Missouri wine with a delicious meal, focusing on complementing the flavors of the wine. You can find pairing suggestions and recipes on our website to inspire your menu! https://missouriwine.org/news?combine=&field_news_category_target_id=11

Don't forget to share your National Wine Day celebration with us using #mowine. Whether you're visiting a winery or hosting your own gathering, your post can inspire others to join in the celebration.

This month, we’re debunking the myth that the more expensive the wine and better the quality. When it comes to wine, price is not an automatic indicator of excellence. This widespread myth can lead some to overlook excellent, affordable options in favor of high-priced bottles that may not necessarily deliver a superior experience. The price of wine can be influenced by several factors, including production expenses, limited availability, and marketing, rather than an inherent quality differences. 

When evaluating the impact production has on the price of a wine, there are many factors to consider: 

• A vineyard takes 3-5 years from planting to maturity before a commercial crop can be harvested.
• Winemaking is very labor intensive. There is a year-round commitment to the maintenance of a vineyard and wine production facility.
• Efficient wine production requires a significant time investment as well as specialized, high-value equipment. 

Another key aspect to consider is that taste is subjective. What one person considers a high-quality wine might not appeal to another. Many affordable wines have received high ratings from competitions and wine enthusiasts alike, proving that exceptional flavor and quality can be found at any price point. Additionally, small, family-owned and large wineries often produce outstanding wines that are reasonably priced

Ultimately, the best way to determine the quality of a wine is to taste it yourself. Exploring different varietals and regions across Missouri Wine Country can lead to delightful discoveries that challenge the notion that price equals quality. Rather than focusing solely on the price tag, consider factors like flavor profiles, personal preferences, and recommendations from trusted sources. This approach will enhance your wine experience and help you appreciate the diverse world of wine without being constrained by the myth of expensive equals better. 

Shakespeare's Pizza and Missouri Wines have joined forces to offer a unique flavor experience on National Pizza Party Day! If you are having a cozy night in or a lively gathering, this pairing will elevate your dining experience.
A Columbia, Missouri icon since 1973, Shakespeare's Pizza is known for its quality pies. Their frozen pizzas deliver the same delicious flavors as their restaurants, using top-notch ingredients and Missouri wines complement the rich flavors of Shakespeare's Pizza. No matter what wine you enjoy, Missouri wine enhances your pizza experience.

Pick up your pizza at a Shakespeare’s location, local store, or order online!

If you are looking to partner with Shakespeare’s for fundraising, click here! 

Try out these Missouri Wine + Shakespeare’s Pizza pairings and share your favorite with us using #mowine