Mardi Gras is celebrated worldwide, but it’s most famously celebrated in New Orleans. In fact, Louisiana is the only state that recognizes Mardi Gras as an official state holiday. It all started on March 3, 1699, when French explorers landed on a plot of land just south of New Orleans and named it “Pointe du Mardi Gras” when they realized it was the eve of the festive holiday. Mardi Gras, French for “Fat Tuesday,” reflects the tradition of enjoying rich foods on this day. With name like “Fat Tuesday,” having good food is the ideal way to celebrate it and good food deserves great wine!

New Orleans is known for its spicy Cajun and Creole foods, but you don’t have to leave the Show Me State to celebrate. Missouri wines pair perfectly with traditional Mardi Gras cuisine. When it comes to spicy foods, keep in mind “sweet cuts heat.” Wines that are high in tannins, typically red wines, may intensify the heat of spicy foods. Don’t worry though, we’ve compiled a list of recipes and paired Missouri wine with many variations of two classics.

• Spicy Chicken Andouille Gumbo - A glass of Vignoles will help keep the heat at bay when eating this signature dish.

• Seafood Gumbo - Concord wine is a great wine to pair with spicy seafood.

• Crawfish Gumbo - A Traminette will help tame the Cajun spices of this crawfish gumbo.

• Red Bean Gumbo - Try a glass of Seyval Blanc with this vegetarian style gumbo. 

• Turkey Gumbo - A Chardonel would be a great complement to this turkey gumbo.

• Cajun Jambalaya - This Mardi Gras favorite pairs well with Vidal Blanc.

• Creole Jambalaya - A Chambourcin is nice choice to pair with a Creole style jambalaya.

• Gumbo-laya - This combination of gumbo and jambalaya calls for a glass of Catawba.

Enjoy a glass of Missouri wine with a bowl of gumbo or jambalaya as you celebrate Mardi Gras this year. As for dessert, the highlight of many Mardi Gras events is King Cake, which pairs wonderfully with Missouri sparkling wine!

February is National Cherry Month, so we decided to celebrate by making red wine cherry sauce! The combination of cherries and wine create a delectable sauce you’ll want to enjoy over and over again. We suggest you use a Missouri Norton or Chambourcin.  Both varietals are dry red wines that are extremely sauce friendly. This wine-soaked, cherry sauce is easy to make and tastes great on pork, chicken, salmon or even ice cream.  

Red Wine Cherry Sauce Recipe

Time: Prep: 5 minutes |   Cook: 10-15 minutes

Yield: 6-8 servings

Ingredients:

3 tbsp             Butter

1                     Shallot (chopped)

1 cup               Missouri Norton or Chambourcin (dry red wine)

¾ cup             Chicken broth

2 tbsp             Balsamic vinegar

1                      Pinch of salt and pepper to taste

Bag (12oz)     Frozen or fresh pitted sweet cherries (We don’t suggest using sour cherries)

1                      Lemon for juicing (optional)

Directions:

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt butter and add chopped shallots. Sauté shallots for 2 minutes until tender. Carefully pour in wine, chicken broth and balsamic vinegar. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer until reduced by half, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Next, add sweet cherries into the sauce and cook for at least 5 minutes. As the cherries begin to cook, use the back of a spoon to gently crush the cherries. Continue to reduce the sauce until thickened. Remove skillet from heat. If you’re a citrus fan, add fresh lemon juice into the sauce and stir before spooning onto your favorite dish.   

Give this simple recipe a try and enjoy a glass of Missouri wine while you cook it or with your meal!  

Wine corks are one of those things most people collect, but aren’t quite sure why. Turns out they are some of the most useful things you’ll find around your house. They can solve problems like tangled cords and uneven chairs, keep your fingers safe from a hot pan lid, and even help you host a great event as a menu card holder. Here are some of our favorite life hacks with handy wine corks:

1. A simple, quick chip clip. Just slice (carefully) down the middle and slide it over your folded bag of chips (or other bagged snacks).

2. Card stands that are super versatile. Removing a slice of the cork so it sits flat and making a small slit creates a card stand that’s great for place cards, menu cards, or even photos.

3. Cords will finally be organized with cork bungees! Simply drill two holes, thread some elastic cord through, and tie. That’s it, you’re set to keep your cords tangle free and organized.

4. A sink-proof key chain. If you like to spend time in or near the water boating, fishing or swimming, this is a hack for you. Cork floats, making it the perfect keychain for boat or pool keys.

5. Speaking of fishing… don’t get hooked. Use loose corks to protect yourself from the sharp prongs of fishing hooks.

6. Protect your fingers from hot pot lids. Slide a wine cork under the handle of a pot lid that gets a little too warm and you have an instant cool touch-point.

7. Never have tangled headphones again. With two simple slits in a wine cork, you can avoid the tangled mess of headphones at the bottom of your bag.

8. Stay organized with cork magnets or tacks. Slices of cork glued to magnets or tacks are handy and lightweight. Keep those to-dos and inspirations orderly.

9. Avoid accidental pricks with a cork pincushion. Loose pins or needles are a painful accident waiting to happen. Keep them organized and safe in a wine cork.

10. Make simple and quick fire starters. Soaking corks in isopropyl alcohol for 24 hours turns them into a handy fire starter. Great for camping trips!

11. Replace a missing or broken drawer pull instantly. If a drawer or cabinet pull breaks, you can replace it almost instantly by screwing in a wine cork. The larger, mushroom style corks from sparkling wine work particularly well.

12. Avoid scuffs and fix an uneven piece of furniture. Slicing a piece of cork and sticking to the feet of furniture will help prevent floor scuffs and the pieces can be cut to fit if the furniture happens to be a bit wobbly or uneven.

*Pro tip: Use a binder clip to hold the wine cork while you slice so it doesn’t have the chance to roll away from you.

Keep enjoying award-winning Missouri wines and hang on to those corks for useful projects around the house. Cheers!

Finally, a holiday we can really get excited about! Drink Wine Day is observed on February 18, and is the perfect opportunity to start a new tradition you can look forward to all year long. Here are some ideas on how you can celebrate…

1. Head to your local winery. Where better to celebrate? Wine country is closer than you think with 130+ wineries across the state.
2. Invite some friends over for a wine tasting. It’s a great excuse to get together and hosting your own tasting is easy with this guide.
3. Relax with a bubble bath and a glass of wine. Has it been a long week? Rejuvenate with a little “me time”. It still counts as celebrating.
4. Make a nice dinner and pair it with the perfect wine. Wine and food are meant to go together, and you can find the right match here.
5. Go out for dinner and/or a glass of wine. It’s ok if you don’t feel like cooking; these restaurants/bars serve local, award-winning wines.
6. Treat yourself to a chocolate and wine tasting. After all, you probably have some leftover Valentine’s Day chocolate (and if you don’t, it’s on clearance at the nearest store). Discover which wines pair with your favorite chocolates here.

However you decide to celebrate, cheers to you and Drink Wine Day! Share your celebration with us on social media by using #MOwine and #DrinkWineDay. 

Port is commonly referred to as a dessert wine because of its sweet and rich flavors. In fact, you might have noticed many domestic port-style dessert wines aren’t called port. They’re called “dessert wine.” Due to a trade agreement between the U.S. and the European Union, American wines no longer use the name port on new wine labels. Yet, some existing U.S. brands were allowed to continue to use the name under a grandfather clause. Port originally got its name from its place of origin in Porto, Portugal.

Port is generally made by fortifying wine with spirits such as brandy during fermentation. Brandy is the most commonly used fortifier when it comes to making port. Adding grape based distilled spirits during the fermentation process stops the yeast from producing alcohol, which leaves behind a large amount of unfermented sugar. The leftover natural sugar from the grapes is what gives port its famous sweetness.

While there are several different styles of port, the two most common styles are ruby (red) and tawny. Ruby ports may be described as a young wine because they spend less time aging before being blended and bottled. Ruby ports are designed to be enjoyed immediately and are generally aged between two and four years. Much of the grape’s natural color and fruity characteristics are retained, thus giving ruby ports its dark red color. Often you’ll find dark berry and chocolate flavors in a ruby port. Tawny ports are aged longer, about seven to ten years. As a tawny port matures, its color fades to a yellowish-brown and nutty flavors develop from oxidation. You can typically find flavors of caramel, hazelnut, clove and fig in a tawny port.

Wineries throughout the state continue to create award-winning port-style dessert wines in a variety of ways. Missouri’s official state grape, Norton, is often used to make port due to its high acidity levels and lower tannins. Port-style dessert wines pair well with strong cheeses, dark chocolate, nuts and dried fruits. Next time you visit a Missouri winery, try tasting a port-style dessert wine! 

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Have you and your sweetheart made plans yet? Missouri wine country is a romantic place to visit year-round and many wineries will be holding special events just for Valentine’s Day! 

If you’re looking to make Valentine’s Day dinner plans, several Missouri wineries offer food in addition to delicious wines. Nothing pairs better than food and wine, so plan ahead and reserve a table. Among those wineries to consider having dinner on February 14 include:

• Apple Creek Winery

• Les Bourgeois

• Jowler Creek

• Van Till Farms

• Blumenhof Winery

• Edg-Clif Winery

• Chandler Hill Winery

Some wineries are serving up Valentine’s Day dinners a little early since February 14 falls on a Tuesday. If work is going to get in the way of Valentine’s Day, you might consider taking your significant other to a winery the weekend prior. You can wine and dine your valentine ahead of time at these Missouri wineries:

• Adam Puchta Winery – Feb. 10

• Tipple Hill Winery – Feb. 10

• Montelle Winery – Feb. 10

• Shawnee Bluff Winery – Feb. 10-14

• Chaumette Winery - Feb. 10-12

Chocolate is always a popular gift during Valentine’s Day, but when you add wine into the mix, it becomes an experience your taste buds will adore. A wine and chocolate pairing may be a great romantic gesture, but it’s also a fun way to celebrate with friends. Here are a few of the chocolate and wine pairing events that are happening this month.

• Fence Stile Winery – Feb. 11-12

• Les Bourgeois – Feb. 1-28

• Jowler Creek – Feb. 10-12

• Herman Wine Trail – Feb. 18-19

If chocolate is not your thing, maybe red velvet cupcakes will make your heart sing. Weston Wine Company is offering a wine tasting with special Valentine’s Day cupcakes on February 11 and 12.

Get creative and paint together with a couple’s dinner and painting class. No art experience is necessary as Uncorked Artists will give you everything you need to create your own masterpiece. Weingarten Vineyard is hosting this fun-filled event on February 14.

Enjoy a glass of wine and relive the world’s first love story told through the words of one of Missouri’s greatest authors. Riverwood Winery is hosting a two-person play on Mark Twain’s The Diaries of Adam and Eve on February 11.

Whichever winery you decide to visit, it’s always a good idea to check winery hours and special events before you get there. View our interactive map to find contact information for Missouri wineries throughout the state.

Roses are red, violets are blue, if you’re looking for Valentine’s Day plans, Missouri wineries are the perfect option for you!

Wine Infused Chocolate Covered Strawberries Recipe

Time: Active - 30 minutes  |   Passive -  8-12 hours

Ingredients:

Pint (16oz)    Strawberries

2-3 cups         Missouri Chambourcin (dry red wine with jammy flavors)

Bag (12oz)     Dark chocolate chips

2-3 oz             White chocolate chips for decorating (optional)

Directions:

Rinse the strawberries. Place strawberries in a container with a lid, leaves up if possible. Fill the container with red wine until the strawberries are almost covered. We recommend a Missouri Chambourcin as it pairs incredibly well with strawberries. If you don’t soak the leaves, dipping will be easier later. Place the lid on the container and let the strawberries soak in the wine for at least 8 hours (overnight works well) and up to 12. If you leave the strawberries in for too long, they’ll become mushy.

After the infusion is complete, take the strawberries out of the wine and pat them dry with a paper towel. Allow them to continue drying on a paper towel while you melt the chocolate. Using a double boiler or a microwave (30 seconds at a time, stirring in between), melt the chocolate until smooth.

Dip the strawberries in the chocolate one at a time using the leaves to hold on to. Place them on wax or parchment paper to set. If the strawberries are wet or too cold it can cause the chocolate to seize, so be sure to pat them dry before dipping.

If you’d like to decorate your strawberries with white chocolate, melt using a double boiler or in the microwave until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate into a baggie and snip a small hole at the corner. Using a side-to-side motion, drizzle the dipped strawberries with the white chocolate.

Allow the dipped and decorated strawberries to set for 1-3 hours. These are amazing right away, but will keep in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

This treat is sure to please your Valentine. Enjoy! 

Yes, they are just as delicious as the name implies. Chocolate covered strawberries are a Valentine’s Day favorite (and for many of us, a year round treat).  Infusing the berries with Missouri wine is a delicious twist on this classic that adds depth of flavor and a certain wow factor. Whether you’re looking for a great gift idea or the perfect dessert for your Valentine’s dinner, this recipe is a must try!

Wine Infused Chocolate Covered Strawberries Recipe

Time: Active - 30 minutes  |   Passive -  8-12 hours

 www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tm7kHQfd9Tw&feature=youtu

Ingredients:

Pint (16oz)    Strawberries

2-3 cups         Missouri Chambourcin (dry red wine with jammy flavors)

Bag (12oz)     Dark chocolate chips

2-3 oz             White chocolate chips for decorating (optional)

Directions:

Rinse the strawberries. Place strawberries in a container with a lid, leaves up if possible. Fill the container with red wine until the strawberries are almost covered. We recommend a Missouri Chambourcin as it pairs incredibly well with strawberries. If you don’t soak the leaves, dipping will be easier later. Place the lid on the container and let the strawberries soak in the wine for at least 8 hours (overnight works well) and up to 12. If you leave the strawberries in for too long, they’ll become mushy.

After the infusion is complete, take the strawberries out of the wine and pat them dry with a paper towel. Allow them to continue drying on a paper towel while you melt the chocolate. Using a double boiler or a microwave (30 seconds at a time, stirring in between), melt the chocolate until smooth.

Dip the strawberries in the chocolate one at a time using the leaves to hold on to. Place them on wax or parchment paper to set. If the strawberries are wet or too cold it can cause the chocolate to seize, so be sure to pat them dry before dipping.

If you’d like to decorate your strawberries with white chocolate, melt using a double boiler or in the microwave until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate into a baggie and snip a small hole at the corner. Using a side-to-side motion, drizzle the dipped strawberries with the white chocolate.

Allow the dipped and decorated strawberries to set for 1-3 hours. These are amazing right away, but will keep in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

This treat is sure to please your Valentine. Enjoy! 

Homemade gifts are always a hit because they come from the heart, right? That makes Valentine’s Day the perfect time to celebrate with a DIY gift or decoration. Check out these fun and simple ideas; they’re a great way to show your affection and use those Missouri wine corks you’ve been saving for a rainy day craft.

An ombre cork heart is a great gift (if you can stand to part with it). You can paint your ombre or use the different shades of pink, red and purple left behind by different types of wine.

Tell them how you really feel with this “I <3 U” letter and cork heart set. Easy, quick and totally customizable to their (or your) style and color preferences, this would be a great craft to do with friends while you enjoy some Missouri wine!

Whether you’re looking for a centerpiece or a mantelpiece, this purposefully imperfect “LOVE” wine bottle decoration will add adorable charm to the room.

Make traditional Valentine’s Day Cards this year, and add the extra homemade touch with these DIY wine cork stamps. They’re simple and quick to make, and work with most inkpads or you can use paint.

If you’re planning to wine and dine your Valentine with a delicious homemade meal (paired perfectly with Missouri wine, of course), this table setting with wine glasses will surely set a festive scene.

Roses are red; violets are blue. You love MO wines, and they love you too! Happy crafting this Valentine’s Day. 

Regarded as the biggest football game of the year, the Super Bowl is also a flavor filled day full of delicious food. Whether your team wins or loses, you’ll be the champion of the Super Bowl soirée when you pair your spread with Missouri wines. Hosting a Super Bowl gathering is no easy task, so we’ve compiled some menu options that pair well with Missouri wines. Keep in mind, good food deserves great wine.   

A bowl of chili is a popular dish to serve during the big game. There are multiple ways to make it and you can pair each kind with a Missouri wine. From beef to chicken chili, make sure to check out our chili and local wine pairing recipes.

Finger foods are a must have for any football festivity. Just about everyone likes cheese, and it’s quick and easy. We’ve all heard cheese and wine pair well together, but do you know which Missouri wines pair best with each kind of cheese? Take a look at our wine and cheese guide and you’ll be ready to kick off the game!     

Dippable appetizers are always a fan favorite at Super Bowl get-togethers. Your guests will be excited to try a delicious dip when you pair it perfectly with Missouri wine. We’ve compiled a list of classic dip recipes and paired each one with Missouri wines.   

Pizza is a top choice for many football fans when it comes time to watch the game. The flavors of each slice can be enhanced when you pair it with Missouri wines. From pepperoni to margherita, we have the perfect pizza and Missouri wine pairings for you to discover.

Before the game ends, your guests will want to dive into dessert. How about a dessert made with Missouri wine? Brownies can taste even better when you add award-winning Missouri fruit wine into the mix. Score big with this easy to make Missouri fruit wine brownie recipe.

Enjoy the big game and make sure to pair Missouri wines with these traditional game day snacks!