June has been designated as Vidal Blanc Month in Missouri wine country, and there’s plenty to celebrate! Take a sip of sunshine with Missouri Vidal Blanc. This white wine is crisp and refreshing, making it the perfect way to usher in the summer season.

Vidal Blanc is a French-American Hybrid grape and is a favorite with local winemakers because of its hardiness. As any Missourian can attest, the weather in the Show Me State can be a bit demanding with cold winters and hot, humid summers. Vidal Blanc grapes do well in our climate, accounting for 139.4 acres and 8.2% of all the grapes grown in the state.

Vidal Blanc’s versatility is another reason it’s so popular with winemakers and consumers. You’ll find award-winning wines made from Vidal Blanc in many styles ranging from crisp and refreshing dry white wines, to effervescent sparkling wines, to decadent and luscious late harvest dessert wines. We encourage you to take Vidal Blanc Month as an opportunity to seek out this delicious varietal and discover your favorite style.

Vidal Blanc smells like a fresh summer garden and has refreshing flavors of apple and citrus. It’s delicious on its own, but also pairs well with seasonal favorites like seafood, salad and the fresh flavors of basil and citrus.

Wineries around the state (There are more than 130 now!) will be celebrating Vidal Blanc Month throughout June with wine releases, featured tastings, special events and much more. Head out to Missouri wine country and enjoy some sunshine in a glass! 

Missouri wineries are home to some of the most relaxing patios with breathtaking views that range from seemingly endless rows of vineyards, to the Missouri river, to miles of hills and valleys. If you’re looking to get away and enjoy the beauty of the Show Me State, a patio in local wine country is the place to be. Here are some tips for the perfect patio adventure.

Picnic: Many Missouri wineries allow you to bring in food. Picnic on the patio? Yes, please! Be sure to check with the winery first, and while many allow food, none allow outside beverages, unsurprisingly.

Sun protection: You’ll find everything from gazebos, to pavilions, to umbrellas on the patios in Missouri wine country, but there’s no guarantee you’ll be in shade the whole visit. Remember your shades and sunscreen. Red wine is great, red skin… not so much.

BYO-non-breakable glass: The majority of wineries have glassware for you to use, some require a deposit, some don’t, but you can always opt to bring your own wine “glass”. There are double-walled wine glasses that will help keep your vino cold, and even some with lids, which can be handy when sipping outside.

Tunes: If you’re a live music fan, you’re in luck. Several Missouri wineries have live music on the weekends during the summer and fall months. Be sure to check Missouri Wine’s event calendar for dates and times.

Posse: Don’t forget your friends, or family, or co-workers! A day spent unwinding on a winery patio is best enjoyed together.

Patio weather is here and Missouri wine country is waiting!

Any reason is a good reason to enjoy a doughnut, but a great reason is National Doughnut Day on Friday, June 2. Head out to your local doughnut shop where it smells amazing and tastes even better to pick up a sweet treat. It was a real sacrifice, but we tasted all the old favorites and new classics to find out which Missouri wine paired best. Use this guide for a decadently delicious doughnut and wine pairing experience!

The delicious doughnuts pictured are from Harold's Doughnuts, a locally-owned shop in Columbia, MO. 

Soak in the fresh air, delicious wine and live music in Missouri wine country. What are you waiting for?

[Photo credit: CoffeeWalkStudios] 

The sun is shining, the grill is going, and the conversation and laughter are the soundtrack… it’s a BBQ, and it’s a great way to spend a summer day! Invite Missouri wine along to your next BBQ; it is a great guest with a lot to add to the fun.

Marinades and MO Wine: A well-made marinade can amp up the flavor of whatever you plan to throw on the grill, whether it’s meat, seafood or veggies. Wine is a great addition to any marinade. Learn how to make a great marinade here. 

BBQ Sauces Made with MO Wine: For many of us good BBQ is all about the sauce. Are you a fan of the more traditional tomato-based sauces? If so, this Norton Barbecue Sauce recipe is a must-try! It’s easy to make and keeps well, so make a batch to use throughout the summer season. If you prefer the more tangy, mustard-style sauce, try this Vidal Blanc Mustard Barbecue Sauce recipe for a real treat.

MO Wine and BBQ Pairings: There are so many delicious styles of barbecue, and they only get better when paired with the perfect local wine. Here’s a guide to get you started, but remember… the best wine is the wine you like, so try out your own match ups to find your favorite.

• Spicy BBQ + Concord
• Sweet or Mustard-y BBQ + Catawba
• Savory, Rich BBQ + Norton
• Hamburgers + Chambourcin
• Hot Dogs + Catawba
• Brats, Sausage + Traminette
• Grilled Veggies + Chardonel

Build the Best Sangria for Your BBQ: Sangria is a great summer sipper, you can use this guide to fine tune your ideal sangria recipe that’s sure to please at your next get together.

Happy BBQ season and cheers to warmer weather and good times with great people! 

Wine country is closer than you might think. Missouri is home to more than 130 wineries and nearly 200 years of winemaking history. There are so many unique experiences to discover at local wineries. You’ll find everything from vast vineyards, to chic urban settings. Get lost in the picturesque countryside of the Show Me State or enjoy the main street of quaint towns with fascinating heritage. Plan a weekend getaway and have a vino adventure in Missouri wine country!

Wine trails are a great way to visit several wineries in close proximity of each other. Pre-planned and ready for fun!

If you want to pick a winery or two and just relax, you can find overnight accommodations at these wineries ranging from adorable B&Bs, to chic villas and comfortable inns.

Special events like trolley tours and wine festivals are a great excuse for a weekend getaway. Check out the happenings on our events calendar.

If you’re looking to reconnect with your gal pals, wine country is the perfect place for a girls retreat. Get more ideas and inspiration here.  

Looking to learn a little about Missouri’s rich heritage? Hermann, Augusta, Ste. Genevieve and St. James all have storied pasts full of fascinating history.

Whatever a winery weekend might look like for you and yours, don’t forget to become an MVP and earn points and rewards for exploring your award-winning local wine region! 

Imagine it… biting into a big, juicy, flavorful burger with all your favorite toppings. It doesn’t get much better, does it? Now imagine following that exceptional bite with a sip of delicious, perfectly paired Missouri wine that brings out even more delicious flavor from the combo. Next time you’re craving a burger, reach for one of these ideal wines to go with it for an unbeatable wine and food experience.

• The Classic Cheeseburger + Norton
• Bleu Cheese Burger + Chambourcin
• Mushroom Swiss Burger + Oak Aged Chardonel
• Jalapeño Popper Burger + Vignoles
• Bacon Cheeseburger + Chambourcin
• Hawaiian Burger + Vignoles
• Barbecue Burger + Concord
• Turkey Burger + Dry Rosé
• Veggie Burger + Vidal Blanc   

Bonus pairing recommendation… sparkling wine with French fries is a must-try match up!

No matter which burger you consider the best, pairing it with a delicious, locally-made wine can only make it better. Cheers!  

Flowering is the next stage in the growing cycle after Bud Break. It’s an exciting and delicate time when the flowers burst through their caps (calyptra to be technical) carrying the pollen that will fertilize the vine and result in grape berries.

Head out to wine country to see this wonderful phase of the growing cycle in Missouri’s vineyards. 

Life is full of ups and downs that range from triumphant accomplishments, to important milestones and hefty challenges, but Missouri wine pairs perfectly any and all daily events.  The wide variety of wines produced in the Show Me state provide something to please everyone’s pallet and can serve as a well deserved reward after a long day, as well as some days you need a little light at the end of the tunnel to help get through the day.

Kid Free Evening + Vignoles
The kids are at Grandma’s so it’s finally time for you to relax. Unwind and enjoy a few moments of peace and quiet with a refreshing sip of Vignoles.  

Monday Blues + Vidal Blanc
Congratulations, you survived Monday! One day down, only four more to go. Pour yourself a crisp glass of Vidal Blanc as you begin making those weekend plans.

Unexpected House Guests + Chardonel
Entertaining guests can be a delight. However when it’s your in-laws and they show up unexpectedly the smooth taste of Chardonel will help you keep a smile on your face.

Flat Tire Fiasco + Chambourcin
Although it may be a common occurrence for some of us, no one plans to run behind schedule. Tire trouble only adds to the stress when you are already late. Once you make it back home, sip Chambourcin as you end your day.

New Job + Sparkling Wine
You’ve gone above and beyond to ensure deadlines are met, events run smoothly and your team operates like a well-oiled machine. That promotion you’ve been waiting on is finally yours. Celebrate your well-earned advancement with Missouri sparkling wine.

To Do List + Traminette
Procrastinating those weekly chores only adds to your to do list. Cleaning the house becomes a lot less tedious with a glass of Traminette.

Reconnecting with Friends + Norton
Some wines, like old friends only get better with time. The rich flavors of Missouri Norton are sure to pair as you reminisce with dear friends on your patio.

Whether your day includes celebrating a small victory or looking for the light at the end of the tunnel; Missouri wine is sure to be a great addition.