We are excited to announce the results of the 2024 Missouri Wine Competition! This renowned competition has recognized the highest quality wines the Show Me State has to offer. Nearly 240 wines representing all regions of Missouri wine country were entered into this esteemed evaluation. 

A panel of 8 expert judges spent two days blind tasting and evaluating the wines entered. Those that received a gold medal distinction went head-to-head for the honor of a Best of Class Award in their respective category. The top wines then competed for the ultimate recognition, the Governor’s Cup Award. The Governor’s Cup is presented to the best wine in the state. 

“I am immensely proud of the exceptional quality of wines produced in the Show Me State. Recognizing and celebrating this quality is essential, and we are committed to showcasing our distinguished wines throughout the year. From local tasting to national events, we will highlight the craftsmanship and dedication of our winemakers, ensuring that Missouri wines are appreciated by connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts alike.” shared Jim Anderson, Executive Director, Missouri Wine & Grape Board. 

Join us in congratulating and celebrating this year’s Best of Class winners: 

Sparkling: Les Bourgeois Vineyards – Brut

Dry White: Defiance Ridge Vineyards – 2023 Katy Traminette

Semi-Dry White: Adam Puchta Winery – 2023 Dry Vignoles

Sweet White: Stone Hill Winery – 2023 Vignoles

Dry Red: Stone Hill Winery – 2022 Cross J Norton

Semi-Dry Red: Stone Hill Winery – 2022 Ozark Hellbender

Sweet Red: Adam Puchta Winery – Riefenstahler

Semi-Dry Rosé: Montelle Winery – 2022 La Rosée

Dessert: Stone Hill Winery – 2020 Port

Late Harvest/Ice Wine: Montelle Winery – 2022 Vidal Blanc Icewine

Fruit: Stone Hill Winery – Peach

The winner of the 2024 Governor’s Cup is Stone Hill Winery’s 2022 Cross J Norton. 

“Once again, I am deeply honored to win the Missouri Governor’s Cup. It is especially meaningful to win this award with our 2022 Cross J Norton,” shared Jon Held, President Stone Hill Winery. “The Cross J is a single vineyard Norton and a tribute to my late father, Jim, the “J” following the Cross. This makes seven consecutive Governor’s Cups for Stone Hill and five consecutive C.V. Riley Awards for the best Norton. My goal has always been to make the finest wines possible from our estate grown grapes. Achieving this goal is only possible with a truly incredible team in the vineyard and winery. They deserve all the credit for our consistently superb wines.”

The C.V. Riley Award for best Norton also went to Stone Hill Winery’s 2022 Cross J Norton. The C.V. Riley award recognizes the official state grape and is named after the first state entomologist, who also helped save the French wine industry.

The Husmann-Jaeger award for best white varietal honors Adam Puchta Winery’s 2023 Dry Vignoles. This award is named after George Husmann and Herman Jaeger. Both influential men were crucial in the early development of the Missouri wine industry. (Learn more here)

In addition to Governor’s Cup, C.V. Riley, Husmann-Jaeger, and Best of Class distinctions, judges awarded gold medals, silver medals and bronze medals. Find the complete list of the 2024 Award-Winning Wines here.

A label competition accompanied traditional judging. This portion of the competition was designed to recognize wineries who have stand-out labels, considering information provided, design and overall bottle appearance. Label winners were awarded in the following categories: Traditional, Contemporary, Series, as well as People’s Choice label award. 

Congratulations to the label competition award winners:

Best Traditional Label: Defiance Ridge Vineyard: 2022 – 1897 Norton

Best Contemporary Label: Noboleis Vineyards – Small Batch Series V

Best Wine Series: St. James Winery – Explorer Collection: 2022 Norton, 2022 Vignoles, 38 Degrees North, Moscato, Project 1970

People’s Choice Award: Defiance Ridge Vineyards – 2023 Poppy’s Vidal Blanc

This competition was made possible by a hardworking group of volunteers called “The Flight Crew.” Their help ensured that the competition ran smoothly and efficiently, and we cannot thank them enough for their teamwork. 

Be sure to sample these wines next time you visit Missouri wine country.  Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all of the wineries who entered this years competition!

Missouri Wine has a deep-rooted history, especially when it comes to the Concord grape varietal. This grape produces a refreshing sip perfect for the hot summer in Missouri. July is Concord month, and the best way to celebrate is by recognizing the deep-rooted history!

St. James Velvet Red label does just that! Not only is it a delicious wine made with Concord grapes, but the label also highlights the rich history of Concord in Missouri.

St. James Winery’s origin story starts with Welch’s and the local Italian immigrants who settled part of the St. James region is the late 1800s. At the time, the railroad was giving land to families would establish homes and a community near the railroad.   The Italian immigrants accepted the railroad’s offer and began to establish a community.  They quickly built a one-room schoolhouse for their children, which still stands in the St. James Winery main vineyard. They also brought with them the tradition of growing grapes. Initially for selling as fresh fruit in the St. Louis market, but later for the owner of Welch’s in the early 1940s.  At the time, Welch’s had a contract with the US Army to supply juices, jams and jellies to the troops during the war years.  

Initially Welch’s even owned a winery for processing the grapes in the St. James region, but by the 1970s, the growers in St. James were shipping their Concord grapes to the Welch’s processing plant in Springdale Arkansas. This grape growing culture is what originally attracted Jim and Pat Hofherr to the area. As an added bonus, historic Route 66 ran right through St. James and brought many tourists from all over the world. Jim Hofherr began construction of the tasting room immediately and purchased a farm that contained a vineyard of Concord grapes that was originally grown for Welch’s. They created Velvet Red using these, and other Concord grapes from local growers.

When looking at the label you see this rich history reflected. With the old barn, barrels, vast vineyards and an old school building, this label highlights the St. James Winery’s history as well as the history of this region in Missouri wine country.

St. James Winery opened in 1970. It remains family owned and operated. In the first year 8,000 gallons of wine were produced including the popular Velvet Red and Velvet White.

From 1995 to 2000 they went from producing 10,000 cases to 100,000 cases. St. James Winery continues to expand their winery, vineyards and distribution network.

Now producing 200,000 cases each year, their wines are distributed throughout the Midwest and South. The winery tends vineyards planted with Catawba, Chardonel, Norton, Concord, Seyval, Vignoles, Chambourcin and Rougeon grapes.

If you are looking for a wine to celebrate the rich history of Route 66, Missouri Vineyards, and of course, Concord month, this is a great option!

Check out more on the history of Concord and St. James in this blog!

https://missouriwine.org/news/vineyard-st-james-celebrates-centennial

It’s time to spruce up your home with the perfect succulent holder! Use your old wine corks and create these cute DIY cork succulent holders. The perfect addition to any plant collection, and your home!

What you’ll need:

6-10 Wine corks: Depending on tin size

4 Candle Tins- 4 oz used here

4 Succulents

Box Cutter

Hot Glue Gun and Sticks

Planting Soil

Steps:

1. Cut wine corks in half, hotdog style, using the box cutter. Take lid off candle tins. 
2. Hot glue half corks onto the outside of the candle tins and place around tin vertically. 
3. After corks are glued onto the tin, place some fresh soil into the tin. Clear soil off the plant roots. 
4. Place plant in tin and fill in the empty space with soil. Pack down until stable.

Create a few and place them around your house. This DIY craft is sure to make your house pop and add a unique look to your plant collection!

The 2024 Missouri Governor’s Cup Wine Competition is here, and this year will be full of great judges, volunteers and of course wine!

Our judges this year are truly experts in the wine industry. Our judging tables will have individuals that are Master Sommelier, Master of Wines, wine educators, WSET certification, wine retailers and distributors and industry professionals. Master Sommelier, Master of Wines and WSET Certification are all different certifications that our judges have received. They will be evaluating all the wines Missouri has to offer and decide which will take home the gold!

One of our judges, Glenn Bardgett, said this about working with the expert judges, "This competition is the best way to show the best of what we do. Everyone has different backgrounds. Everyone has different experiences. In one way or another all of our experiences have led us to judging the Missouri Governor's Cup Wine Competition. It is truly a privilege for us, especially for us to all work alongside each other as experts. It is a lot of responsibility, these results can determine numerous things for these wineries. Because of this, bringing in each of these individuals with their own qualifications and background make it an excellent judging panel to be a part of."

Hundreds of wines from across the Show-Me State will be swirled, sniffed and explored by a panel of expert judges over the course of two days. Wines will be evaluated and go head-to-head for medals and Best of Class distinctions. After the wines are blind tasted, the top wine in the competition will receive the coveted Governor’s Cup award, and the best Norton in Missouri will be bestowed the C.V. Riley award. The Hussmann-Jaeger award will also be given out for the second year in a row.

We will also be judging labels as a part of our label competition. Across Missouri Wine Country there are many unique and beautiful labels that enhance the wine inside the bottle. Wines are entered in categories based on the design of their label. The label competition has separate judges who evaluate each bottle, in their respective categories.

• Best Traditional Label
• Best Contemporary Label
• Best Alternative Packaging
• Best Wine Series
• People’s Choice Award

Click here to take the survey and cast your vote for the People’s Choice winner during the 2024 Missouri Wine Label Competition. This survey closes July 14^th at 11:59 pm, so be sure to get your votes in!

We are excited for another year of amazing wine, and cannot wait to share the results with you!

 July is Concord month! With the hot Missouri summer setting in, it is time to cool off with Concord!

While this grape produces a delicious and refreshing wine, it is also used to make grape juice and jam. This versatile grape has become a Missouri staple and deserves to be celebrated!

During Prohibition some Missouri vineyards were saved by the ability to grow this grape. Rather than turning it into wine, they sold them to be turned into grape juice and jam.

Concord is an American grape that is a robust medium-bodied wine that is soft and balanced. It was selected from the wild in the mid 1800s. Its name is appropriately chosen from its area of origin, Concord, Massachusetts.

This varietal produces medium-sized clusters of large berries. It is considered a ‘slip skin’ grape because its skins are easily separated from the pulp during the winemaking process. 

Pair this wine with cheddar, aged cheeses, orange chicken, pork chop, barbecue beef, spicy seafood, candied nuts, nutmeg, figs, poached pear, grape pie or peanut butter

Recipe ideas:

Concord Daiquiri

Wine Barbecue Sauce

No Free Lunch Wine Tails

The Concord grape has a rich, deep flavor and history here in Missouri. No matter which Missouri Winery you are at this summer, don’t forget to cool off with Concord!

Looking for plans on the 4^th of July? Fireworks, live music, good food and even better beverages – Missouri Wine Country is the place for you! 

While a lot of our wineries are having live music many of them are having celebrations and would love for you to celebrate with them. 

Chandler Hill Vineyards: Celebration Trixie Delight Fireworks and American Classics Buffet | July 3 - 6pm

Weston Wine Company: Wild West Murder Mystery | July 6 - 7:30 pm

Arcadian Moon Winery & Brewery: Fireworks over the Lake | July 6

Blumenhof Vineyards & Winery: Weekend of Blues 2024 | July 4 – July 7 - 2-5pm 

Cedar Lake Cellars: Stars & Stripes Weekend | July 5-7 - 10am – 6pm

Dale Hollow Winery: Independence Day Celebration | July 5 - 5-9pm

Defiance Ridge Vineyards: Ruby Leigh 4^th of July Concert | July 4 - 4-9:30 pm 

Peaceful Bend: Sparkle Farkle Tournament | July 4 - 1-4pm 

Small Batch Winery: Samuel Clemens Day | July 4-6

Kick back, relax and let someone else do all the work. Grab a few friends and visit Missouri Wine Country for a stress-free holiday weekend. Don’t forget to tag us in all of your photos using #MOWines! 

June is Vidal Blanc month, and we have the perfect savory recipe to help you celebrate!

Try out this Vidal Blanc Chicken Pasta. It is sure to impress and be a delicious meal for your next dinner!

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut in half, or 4 chicken tenderloins
• 2 Tbsp- Garlic powder
• 1 1/2 Tbsp- Onion powder
• 2 ½ Tbsp- Italian Seasoning
• 4 cups- Flour
• 1/4 cup- Olive Oil
• 4 Tbsp- Butter
• 1/3 cup- Missouri Vidal Blanc
• 1/2 cup- Heavy Cream
• 1/2 box- Pasta
• Salt & Pepper to taste

Optional

• Parmesan
• Parsley

Steps

-If using chicken breasts, slice in half. Season your flour with 1 tbsp garlic powder, ¾ tbsp onion powder, 1 ¼ tbsp Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Coat chicken in flour.

-Pan fry in 2 tbsp of butter and olive oil until lightly golden, and then set aside on a plate. In the skillet, add heavy cream and wine. Let it bubble for a bit and whisk together with the brown bits.

-Add remaining butter and seasoning, and simmer. Return chicken to the skillet. Let the sauce thicken and the chicken cook through.

-Bring a pot of water to a boil and put in a pinch of salt and your pasta of choice. Cook in boiling water for 8 minutes or until al dente.

-Put your pasta on the plate, add a couple pieces of the chicken and some of the sauce. Garnish with parsley and parmesan.

And enjoy with a glass of Vidal Blanc!

If you need an easy, elevated, savory dish for your next meal, this recipe is sure to please!

What could be better than a hot sunny day hanging out with friends? We can only think of one thing that could make this day be better, a road that leads you through scenic Missouri Wine Country!

Every great road trip starts with a game plan and mapping out the adventure. Historic Route 66 and breathtaking highways 94 and 100 wind through wine country and are great starting points for first time road trippers. Want to visit a specific Missouri wine region? We have 12 interactive trip planners that are loaded with resources and links to all things lodging, dining and of course, wineries to visit. As you plan out your road trip itinerary, be sure to use our Rewards Uncorked website to check in to wineries you visit along your route; with 125+ wineries spread across the state, there is bound to be a winery near you! Want to extend your trip into more than one day? You can find several wineries with on-site lodging that allow you to rest before another day on the road.

Now that your trip is planned and your bags are packed, don’t forget pack Missouri wine!

No matter where your road trip takes you, make sure it always includes leading you back to Missouri Wine Country. Don’t forget to share photos using #MOWines. 

Missouri hosts many great wineries and winery regions. These regions allow you to experience multiple unique places and wines in one area, not too far away from each other. Take a look at the Defiance region of Missouri Wine Country and plan your next weekend trip!

The Defiance region has great wineries, but many attractions as well. When there if you’re looking for a good meal check out Good News Brewing and Café or Sunflower Hill Café. No matter where you are in the Defiance region you will have a great river view. 

If you are looking for some other local tourism experiences check out Daniel Boone’s Home. This will give you a unique look at his history and story. The Defiance region is also close to the Katy Trail. The Katy Trail is great for hiking or biking. If you need a bike while you are there, check out some of the local bike renting options and enjoy the trail!

Adjacent to the Defiance region you will find the Augusta, Dutzon and Marthasville wine regions. They are quite close together and also offer great wine and experiences! Be sure to visit them all!

When visiting this region, you will find gorgeous views, vineyards, and great tasting wine. This region also hosts a lot of different amenities that will make it a trip to remember. History, river views, event spaces, lodging, entertainment and more make this region unique and a great way to experience all that Missouri Wine Country has to offer!

Defiance Region Wineries:

Cedar Lake Cellars

Chandler Hill Vineyards

Defiance Ridge Vineyards

Sugar Creek Winery

Travel to Missouri Wine Country and be sure to visit the Defiance Region, it will not disappoint!

The Ultimate Father's Day Gift 

Missouri Wine Country has something for everyone. With Father’s Day coming up there are more than 125 wineries to visit throughout the state, there are countless memories to be had. Wine fans have a wide range of styles and sweetness levels to choose from in the tasting rooms of Missouri, but that’s not all. Many of our wineries also serve beer, usually sourced from local breweries, while some even brew it themselves. Here are seven wineries that also brew beer that you don’t want to miss… 

Arcadian Moon Winery & Brewery – Higginsville 

Arcadian Moon Winery & Brewery is the first brewery in Lafayette County in nearly a century. They have a variety of beers ranging from porter to pale ale and update their offerings seasonally.

Cave Vineyard – Ste. Genevieve 

Cave Vineyard is home to several beers under the S.I.L.’s moniker which stands for sons-in-law. The family joke is that the sons-in-law of the owner have found a way to fund their hobby. Currently, they have three brews available by bottle, but occasionally, they brew up something fun to put on tap.

Charleville Vineyard Winery & Brewery – Ste. Genevieve 

Charleville Vineyard Winery & Brewery has seen great success with this brewery, recently opening an additional location in St. Louis. They recently brewed batch #1 in St. Louis, while batch #1000 brewed in Ste. Genevieve. Views at the Ste. Genevieve winery and brewery location are hard to beat though. 

Edg-Clif Farms & Vineyard – Potosi

Potosi now has Edg-Clif Brewing Company on site offering a selection of six different beers on draft to try or take home in a growler. If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle, the wide-open spaces of Edg-Clif century farm is perfect for you.

Hermannhof Winery & Tin Mill Brewery – Hermann

The brewery is located at a landmark 100-year-old mill in historic downtown Hermann. With Hermann’s strong German roots, they focus on the art of an authentic German Brewing style. The mill brewery features a rotating 20-tap list featuring premium German lagers and a variety of seasonals. 

Steele Crest Winery and Microbrewery – Cape Girardeau

The winery and sits on five acres in Jackson, newly expanded brewery feature ample indoor and outdoor seating. Plus, who can resist wood-fired pizza to go with their wine or beer? 

Wild Sun Winery & Brewery – Hillsboro

The winery resides on a beautiful ten-acre estate in Hillsboro where they say stop by to see what it means when they say “live, life, wild” while enjoying several wine and beer options. They have six beers on tap to enjoy while overlooking their property. 

Whether you’re a wine fan, a beer connoisseur or both, Missouri Wine Country has plenty to offer. Go take a trip and enjoy