As the holiday season approaches, we often find ourselves searching for the perfect gifts for our loved ones. There’s something incredibly special about supporting local businesses. Small businesses have unique and special gifts as well as most of our Missouri wineries. 

Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to encouraging consumers to shop small and support their local communities. This local yet deserving holiday is celebrated on the Saturday after Thanksgiving in the United States. 

There are several reasons as to why you should support Missouri wineries. When you shop at those local businesses, more of your money stays within the community. This allows for the opportunity of creating more jobs, supporting local entrepreneurs and the economic growth. Missouri wineries offer one-of-a-kind items that you won’t find in big stores.  Small business owners are passionate about their products and services. They are more likely to provide personalized customer service and go the extra mile to ensure you have a great shopping experience. When supporting those Missouri wineries, you get to find out about the people that are so passionate about what they do in your local communities.

Our wineries are family owned and would love to help you shop for the perfect present. Most of them have gift shops that offer several great gift giving items! Handmade crafts, gift cards, tumblers, clothing items, candles and so much more! 

Sometimes the best gifts aren’t items but experiences. Grab that special someone and bring them to Missouri Wine country for an unforgettable weekend! A gift that keeps on giving all year round? Check out these wine club memberships! Be sure to tag #mowine and #missouriwinecountry in all of your lovely adventures! 

Thanksgiving can be one of the busiest times of the year, filled with family gatherings, delicious meals and joyful celebrations. However, the hustle and bustle can also bring about stress and chaos. To help you navigate through the holiday smoothly, here are a few tips we wanted to share with you! 

Pairings: 

Everyone knows the most important part of Thanksgiving is the wine! Well, maybe it is the turkey, and all of our favorite desserts. We put together a Thanksgiving turkey and dessert pairing guide, to make planning easier this holiday season! 

Recipe: 

Everyone loves a good cranberry wine sauce at Thanksgiving, look no further! Here is the perfect recipe for you and yours that incorporates wine. https://missouriwine.org/news/wine-not-chambourcin-cranberry-sauce

Prep Work: 

3-2-1 go! The easiest steps to get your wine ready to serve. 

Follow these easy steps to make sure your glasses are shining and ready to go for your Thanksgiving meal! https://missouriwine.org/news/glassware-polishing

DIY:

Although this can be one of the busiest times of the year what better way than to relax than making holiday crafts for your home! Follow these 5 easy steps for the perfect wine and craft night! https://missouriwine.org/news/5-steps-perfect-wine-and-craft-night / https://missouriwine.org/news/diy-wine-cork-wreath Swing by our Pinterest page to find some inspiration for the home décor inspiration you need! 

We hope these tips help ensure a smooth Thanksgiving celebration. Enjoy the time with your loved ones to make wonderful memories that will last a lifetime! 

The Charm of Chambourcin is evident in this delicious Red Wine Barbecue Chicken recipe. Try it out using your favorite Missouri Chambourcin to celebrate Chambourcin month!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, a little more for brushing
• 2 shallots minced
• 2 tablespoons garlic minced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 cup Missouri Chambourcin
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1 chipotle chili in adobo sauce, seeded and minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 12 chicken drumsticks, thighs or both

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.

2. In a medium saucepan, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the shallots and garlic and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. 

3. Whisk in the ketchup, wine, sugar, chipotle and mustard. Bring to a boil over moderately high heat, then simmer over moderately low heat, stirring frequently, until thickened, about 15 minutes. 

4. Let cool slightly. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with foil and put a baking rack on it. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and put on the rack. 

6. Roast for 15 minutes, until the skin is lightly browned. 

7. Brush the chicken with some of the sauce and roast for 40 minutes longer, turning and basting every 10 minutes, until nicely glazed and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest piece registers 165°F. 

8. Transfer to a platter and serve.

Enjoy and be sure to share this recipe and your own wine recipes with us using #mowine

A look behind the label just in time for Chambourcin month! Take a look at the unique labels of Ozark Hills Winery, and the story behind their Campfire Crackle Chambourcin!

Ozark Hills Winery is located in Branson Missouri and opened in 2021 and since, they have continued to grow and share new and unique experiences with their guests.  Ozark Hills Winery has a wide collection of signature wines, all of which have unique flavor profiles. With the unique wines and flavors come unique labels, highlighting the many ways to spend your day in the Ozark’s. Ozark Hills Winery also has a collection of sparkling wines, perfect for all celebrations! And don’t forget to try out their Bootlegger’s Norton. Find out the storied roots behind this wine that is only released once a year!

Campfire Crackle is part of the Favorite Things Collection, which includes some of Ozark Hill Winery’s most popular signature wines. The collection shows that there is nothing like a day spent in the Ozarks. The Favorite Things Collection tells that story with every label and every sip. Whether you set off on a float trip, or settle in for a hammock nap, make sure to top it all off with the glow of a Campfire Crackle. This Chambourcin’s rich notes of vanilla and caramel inspire memories of chilly nights spent around the campfire, sharing local legends, and feeling the warmth of time spent with family and friends. No matter what Ozark experience you are looking for, they have the perfect wine for it.

Visit Ozark Hills Winery today for unique experiences and even more unique wines. The Campfire Crackle Chambourcin is perfect to celebrate Chambourcin this month!