Missouri Pork, Missouri Wine and Soft Rock 101.5 KPLA are working together to present an exciting and very exclusive event in Columbia, Mo. on Tuesday, December 15th, at 5:30pm. The only way to get tickets to this delicious evening is to win them!

If you didn’t win them by listening to Chris and Emily on 101.5 KPLA, there’s still time! We’re giving away two pairs of tickets here. All you have to do is complete this short survey (No really, it’s only two questions!) to be entered to win a pair of tickets to the event. Complete the survey by 12pm CST on Monday, December 14th, 2015 to be entered to win.

This one-night event including a full holiday menu featuring pork appetizers and pork main course, paired with the perfect Missouri wine and dessert is sure to be a great time. Plus together we’ll create a big batch cocktail excellent for larger holiday parties. The event will be in a private room at the Rock Bridge HyVee in Columbia.
Pork and wine are a great pair!

Giveaway details:

You must be 21 to enter the giveaway.

One entry per person. No purchase necessary; void where prohibited.

Entries must be received by noon (CST) on Monday, December 14th, 2015 to be eligible.

Two winners will be randomly selected from all entries received.

We will email the winners at the address provided in their entries by 5pm on Monday, December 14th, 2015.

If you have questions, please email us at missouri.wine@mda.mo.gov.

Antipasto, literally translated to “before the meal”, is a tradition dating back to medieval Italy this is still a great way to start a gathering. It doesn’t get much better than a nice platter filled with carefully selected meats, cheeses, olives and other delicacies enjoyed over casual conversation with friends and family. Actually, add well matched Missouri wines and this scene becomes perfection.

Building the perfect antipasto plate is easier and quicker than you might think. The primary components can be broken down into five categories…

1. Sliced meats: Anything from Genoa salami, to pepperoni, to prosciutto
2. Cheeses: Marinated mozzarella pearls, camembert, and gouda all work well
3. Vegetables: Think olives, artichokes, sundried tomatoes, roasted peppers and the like
4. Fruits and nuts: A small assortment of fruits and nuts adds texture and flavor
5. Bread and crackers: The options are endless. You can use anything from water crackers to focaccia

Which wines pair with your antipasto plate depend on what combination of items you choose, but as a general rule a Missouri Chambourcin and Chardonel are great options. If your ideal antipasto plate leans toward lighter fare, consider a dry rosé. If heartier meats and stronger cheeses are your preference, pair a big, bold Missouri Norton.
This time of year there always seems to be something social going on. Consider stocking up on the makings of a simple, classic antipasto plate and accompanying local wines, and you’ll be ready for whatever the season brings.

While the turkey settles, test your vino knowledge with these trivia questions.

1. How many varieties of wine grapes exist in the world?
   1. Around 500
   2. Less than 1,000
   3. More than 10,000
   4. 356
2. How long does it take before a new grapevine would bear fruit suited to winemaking?
   1. 1 year
   2. 3-5 years
   3. About 6-9 months
   4. 7-8 years
3. What is Missouri’s official state grape?
   1. Cabernet Sauvignon
   2. Chambourcin
   3. Vignoles
   4. Norton/Cynthiana
4. How many gallons of wine does Missouri produce annually?
   1. 25 million
   2. 500,000
   3. 1 million
   4. 750,000
5. When was the corkscrew designed?
   1. 1785
   2. Early 1600s
   3. Mid 1800s
   4. 1903
6. What does a vertical wine tasting involve?
   1. Wines from the same year but from different vineyards or winemakers
   2. Wines from the same vineyards or winemakers but from different years
   3. Tasting wines while standing up
   4. None of the above
7. How many wine trails are there in the “Show Me” State?
   1. 10
   2. 9
   3. 13
   4. 7
8. What is Missouri’s featured varietal for November?
   1. Seyval Blanc
   2. Traminette
   3. Norton
   4. Chambourcin
9. How many gallons of wine are in a barrel?
   1. 46
   2. 39
   3. 60
   4. 75
10. How many acres of grapes are there in Missouri wine country?
    1. 1,250
    2. 1,700
    3. 950
    4. 1,000
11. If a wine is described as “hot”, it most likely means?
    1. It is served warm
    2. It has spicy flavors
    3. It has a high alcohol content
    4. It has an attractive bottle
12. What type of wine is made from frozen grapes?
    1. Table wine
    2. Sparkling wine
    3. Late Harvest wine
    4. Ice wine
13. How many designated American Viticulture Areas (AVA) does Missouri have?
    1. 6
    2. 5
    3. 4
    4. 3
14. Which was the first AVA ever named?
    1. Napa, CA
    2. Augusta, MO
    3. Fingerlakes, NY
    4. Walla Walla, WA
15. Before prohibition where did Missouri rank in wine production in the U.S.?
    1. 1^st
    2. 5^th
    3. 2^nd
    4. 8^th

Click here to find out how many questions you answered correctly. Are you a MO wine expert?