Reduce your waste, reuse your old corks and recycle them into beautiful holiday decorations. Take your stash of corks and transform them into DIY cork garland in a few easy steps:

What you’ll need

Handheld electric drill with thin drill bit
Fishing line
Wine corks (number varies by length & beads used)
Beads (we used red wood and raw wood colored beads)
Scissors
Large sewing needle
Jute or fabric for tassels (optional)

Let’s create!

1.Pre-drill holes in corks to allow for easy threading

2.Cut fishing line to desired length

3.Use bead as anchor for end of fishing line by tying a normal double knot around the bead

4.Select bead and cork pattern

5.Use large sewing needle to thread pattern onto fishing line

6.Repeat pattern until fishing line is filled and to desired length of garland

7.Tie off end of garland

8.Cut strips of fabric or jute and assemble into tassels

9.Attach tassels to each end of garland and secure with multiple knots

10.Hang or wrap finished garland as décor!

 

You can also make garland for any occasion - check out our other TikTok for inspiration! 

Share your DIY cork Christmas garland with us on social by tagging @missouriwine and #mowine. Check out our TikTok Channel for more DIY videos! 

Osage River Popcorn Company – Osage Beach, MO

Find a wide variety of tasty popcorn flavors in store and online. The Osage River Popcorn crew pops these savory and sweet popcorn treats daily, offering 21 unique varieties including the featured Osage Mix, French Vanilla and Cinnamon. These products are available by the bag and in popcorn tins.

Adam Puchta Winery – Hermann, MO

Adam Puchta Winery predates Prohibition and its seven generations of ownership dubbed it the longest continuously family-owned winery in the United States. Purchase award-winning wines online or visit the winery in Missouri wine country. The featured wine is the 2015 Estate Norton which can be purchased here(https://adampuchtawine.com/shop-for-wine/). Norton is the Missouri state grape and makes fabulous wines to enjoy alone or pair (https://missouriwine.org/missouri-norton-food-perfect-pair)with a variety of foods.

Stone Hill Winery – Hermann, MO

Ranked one of the oldest and most awarded wineries in the country, Stone Hill Winery offers a wine for everyone. The featured 2019 Chambourcin edged out the competition in the 2021 Missouri Wine Competition winning the title of Governor’s Cup. Find the 2017 Chambourcin and shop their entire lineup online. https://shop.stonehillwinery.com/storefront.aspx

Augusta Winery – Augusta, MO

Overlooking the Missouri River Valley, you will find the scenic town of Augusta, surrounded by the first American Viticultural Area (AVA) and home to Augusta Winery. The featured 2020 Reserve Dry Vignoles is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser as a dry white wine with delicious notes of tropical fruit, pineapple and white peach. Shop the reserve vintage online (https://www.augustawinery.com/wine-store/wine-list.html) or visit the winery in person.

The Berry Nutty Farm – Independence, MO

The Berry Nutty Farm offers several holiday favorites perfect for gifting. The small batch spreads use delicious combinations of blackberries, raspberries, blueberries and more. Featured spreads include American Picnic, Bottom of the Barrel, Dueling Berries and Road Trip fruit spreads, but be sure to browse online to find the broad assortment of available products.

Blue Mound Soap Company – Cowgill, MO

Made from local products like goat’s milk, honey and lavender, paired with essential oils, the soaps, lotions and lip balms from Blue Mound Soap Company are guaranteed to please. All products are gentle on the skin and smell great. Shop online for a variety of products and be sure to check out the gift boxes.

Heartfelt Alpaca Creations – Columbia, MO

Founded by four women in central Missouri, Heartfelt Alpaca Creations are dedicated to crafting quality products made from alpaca fibers. To name a few, check out the insoles, hotpads and coasters, throw blankets, neck cozies, dryer balls and more.

Tunetti Natural Soap – Fair Play, MO

When shopping for the men in your life, be sure to look into Tunetti Natural Soap. They offer beard balms, mustache wax and beard oil for the guys. They also craft personal care products that are great for the whole family.

Shopping for the special people in our lives can sometimes prompt us with head-scratching moments wondering where to start. This little jingle made to a familiar holiday tune was crafted to provide ideas for the wine-lovers during this season of gift-giving. Grab a pencil and paper to jot down a shopping list while you read (or sing) this holiday gift guide.

On the 1st day of Christmas, my good friend gave to me a dinner and wine pairing

For someone who seemingly has everything, think about gifting experiences this year. Make a reservation for dinner and wine at your favorite winery/restaurant, and the memories you make will last a lifetime. Check out Willow Spring Mercantile in Excelsior Springs to find an assortment of dinner dates and menus to choose from.

On the 2nd day of Christmas, my good friend gave to me 2 one-day trips

Book a trip (or two) to a region that isn’t as frequented. Use our trip planning guide to get started exploring things to do and places to visit in 10 regions across Missouri wine country.

On the 3rd day of Christmas, my good friend gave to me 3 corkscrews

A classic gift for every wine-lover is naturally something practical. Pick up a new bottle-opening device and perhaps pair with a bottle of wine to complete the perfect gift. To make the decision of what kind to purchase a bit easier, read about different types of corkscrews here.

On the 4th day of Christmas, my good friend gave to me 4 cans of wine

Many wineries are exploring alternative packaging which has prompted an appeal to on-the-go vino enthusiasts. Meramec Vineyards has canned Sangria that makes the ideal stocking stuffer. Shop their website here https://meramecvineyards.com/wine-store/

See a canned selection from other Missouri wineries here.

On the 5th day of Christmas, my good friend gave to me 5 wine country things

Missouri wine country has more to offer than wine – be on the lookout for winery swag, boutique items, handcrafted art, home décor and more. Martin Brothers Winery in Hermann and Beckett’s Winery in Glasgow both offer a unique shopping experience for their customers.

On the 6th day of Christmas, my good friend gave to me 6 tours and tastings

Experience more of Missouri wine country by gifting tours and tastings. Les Bourgeois Vineyards in Rocheport provides the chance to purchase tickets to a VIP tour and tasting. Pirtle Winery offers the option to purchase tastings in advance. If an in-home tasting is more the style of choice, check out the Virtual Guided Wine Tasting Kit that can be purchase online from Meramec Vineyards. 

On the 7th day of Christmas, my good friend gave to me 7 wine club memberships

Wine clubs provide gifts that keep gifting after the holiday season has passed. Amigoni Urban Winery in Kansas City offers 4, 6 and 12 bottle wine club memberships which are released twice a year – once in July and once in November. Amigoni also just recently released a 4-pack Tribute Series to honor the history in Kansas City Livestock District which is a limited edition pack for the holidays.

Stone Hill offers both sweet and dry wine clubs which allow complete customization of wine selection.

See additional wine club offerings in Missouri here.

On the 8th day of Christmas, my good friend gave to me 8 wine trail passes

Gift the experience of wine trails in a region of your choosing. The Hermann Wine Trail presents many seasonal trails all year round for $35/ticket. Browse trail dates and occasions here.

Purchase a season pass to the Meramec River Wine Trail at Meramec Vineyards Winery and enjoy the trail all season long.

Check out all 11 wine trails in Missouri here.

On the 9th day of Christmas, my good friend gave to me 9 event tickets

Experiencing different vintages of the same varietal from the same winery is a unique opportunity for wine enthusiasts. Stone Hill Winery in Hermann presents a 10-year lineup of Missouri’s famous Norton for a vertical tasting and dinner. Tickets will be sold online soon.

On the 10th day of Christmas, my good friend gave to me 10 Norton glasses

Purchase special glassware for a Norton fan. The style of a broad Norton glass allows the bold red wine to open up and release all its notes.

On the 11th day of Christmas, my good friend gave to me 11 bottle stoppers

Accompany a bottle of corked wine with a unique bottle stopper that the recipient will be able to use for many bottles down the road.

On the 12th day of Christmas, my good friend gave to me 12 bottles of wine

Why gift a single bottle when you can gift an entire case? Look for deals when you purchase an entire case of wine, or mix and match a full case from a variety of your favorite wineries.

 

Tag us at #mowine on your winery shopping excursions and enjoy this giving season.

*Please note that this list is not all-inclusive and special additions were gathered via survey responses.

Love a beer can chicken? Try swapping the beer with your favorite Chambourcin to celebrate this varietal in November! This easy and delicious version is a fantastic spin on one of your favorite recipes.

Servings: Feeds 4-6

Total time: 1:30

 

Ingredients

For chicken:

1 baking pan

1 beer can

1 bottle of Chambourcin wine of your choice

3 cloves garlic chopped

2 rosemary sprigs

1 whole chicken

2 tbsp butter

Salt

Pepper

 

Red wine sauce:

2 tbsp of butter

1 white onion (chopped)

3 carrots (chopped)

2 rosemary sprigs

1c Diced mushrooms

2 tsp flour

1c chicken juices from roast

1c Chambourcin from roast

 

Directions:

1.Can be cooked on the grill with smoke flavor of your choice or in the oven. If grilling/smoking, prepare grill for indirect heat (350 to 375). For oven, set temp at 350.

2.Empty beer can and fill with 1c of Chambourcin wine of your choice. Add 3 cloves of garlic and 2 rosemary sprigs to can.

3.Rub chicken with 2 tbsp of butter, salt and pepper.

4.Place the chicken on top of the can of wine so that the wine can is inside the cavity of the chicken and the chicken is standing upright.

5.Cook at 350-375 for an hour or until internal temp is 165.

6.Carefully remove pan from oven and carve chicken to your liking.

 

Red Wine Sauce

1.Melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat in pan. Add 1 chopped onion, 3 chopped carrots, 2 rosemary sprigs and 1c sliced mushrooms. Simmer until cooked.

2.Add 2 tsp of flour and stir.

3.Add 1c chicken juices from roast and 1c wine from roast. Simmer and stir until blended.

4.Coat plated chicken with sauce.

 

Let us know how you enjoy your wine can chicken and Chambourcin during November! Tag your delicious pictures on social with #mowine.

Thanksgiving is fast approaching with the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping to follow. Crowds of eager shoppers will soon flood shopping centers on Black Friday to snag the best deals. Businesses will follow suit on Small Business Saturday as they welcome their biggest fans for a big day of shopping local in store and online. Join the pursuit and remember local wineries during this busy gift-buying season and look for ways to support your community. Here are 4 reasons to shop small this year:

1. Purchases boost local community and business itself

Every dollar spent at local businesses is put to work employing current and future employees, creating new jobs, investing in community activities and creating the potential for business expansion. According to a study completed by Intuit Mint, for every $100 spent at a small business, $48 of that sum is circled through the local economy.

2. Local collaboration provides unique items and experiences

Community oriented businesses are often working with local creators to bring one-of-a-kind products to the table. See this recent highlight of local artisans to find unique gifts straight from Missouri wine country.

3. Encourage tourism with local wine experiences

Experiences also serve as thoughtful gifts that will provide lasting memories. Look for wine-club memberships, tasting coupons and wine trail tickets to gift the wino in your circle. Bringing visitors back to the area will boost local attractions and provide a connection with the community.

4. Skip the line and shop online

Many local shops and wineries offer an e-commerce option on their website for a variety of items. Purchase unique gift baskets, gift certificates, wine, apparel and more in the comfort of your home. Look for online purchasing options when browsing winery websites.

Enjoy the holiday shopping season and tag us with your Missouri wine country finds with #mowine on social media.

Beauty in Missouri wine country is never hard to find and always fun to capture. The first ever Missouri Wines: Through the Glass photo contest received submissions that did not disappoint. After being narrowed down to the top 6 entries, photos were turned to the public eye to determine the winner.

Scott Rombach’s “Falling into MO Wine Country” surfaced to the top showcasing the beauty in colors and nature that can be found at wineries and vineyards across the state. Rombach has been a top fan of Missouri wine country for many years and will never pass up the opportunity to enjoy all it offers – the wine, the beauty and the people.

“While anytime is great to visit a Missouri winery, the fall is amazing!” Scott says. “With the cooler weather, fall colors and firepits, its perfect to sit back, relax and enjoy a sunset,” he continues.

From a backyard vineyard of their own, to traveling all over their favorite wine country, the Rombachs are eager to share their passion for all that Missouri has to offer. Scott and his wife Tonya share content frequently on Rombach’s Missouri Winery Review Facebook page, as well as on Instagram at @mo_wine_couple. Not only is Scott a wine enthusiast, he also is an artist – creating home décor from wine barrels and other woodworking projects. Read more about Scott’s Basement Projects Woodworking here.

Keep taking those great snapshots while out and about at your favorite wineries and vineyards. Save up your photos for next year’s contest! Until then, tag all your favorite wine country photos and travels with #mowine.

Don’t get stuck trying to decide which wine to pair with each dish this Thanksgiving. Navigate this handy guide by starting with what style turkey you plan to serve. Next, see which side dishes will ideally pair with your selection and of course, finish with the dessert (or two) of choice.

Tag us this Thanksgiving with #mowine on Facebook and Instagram! We want to see what is cooking in your kitchen and which of your favorite Missouri wines make it to the dinner table.

Missouri wines from across the Show-Me state take home national awards each and every year. Keeping with tradition, Missouri was recognized for its outstanding wine in several recent competitions.

The Jefferson Cup Invitational, held in Kansas City and hosted by Master of Wine and Master Sommelier Doug Frost, is an invite only competition that showcased the superb skills of Missouri winemakers. More than 600 wines were swirled, smelled and tasted November 4-5, 2021. A panel of 20 judges that included Master Sommeliers and wine professionals from around the world evaluated the wines over the two-day competition. Here’s the expansive list of Missouri wines that garnered awards during the competition:

Jefferson Cup Winners:

Adam Puchta Winery - Jazzberry
Amigoni Urban Winery - Urban Drover 2018
KC Wineworks - Sparkling Rosé
Martin Brothers Winery - Mead Wildflower
Pirtle Winery - Blackberry Mead 2020
Stone Hill Winery - Ozark Hellbender 2019
Stone Hill Winery - Norton 2018
Stone Hill Winery - Cream Sherry

Double Gold Winners:

Adam Puchta Winery - Situation Red
Adam Puchta Winery - Norton 2017
Adam Puchta Winery - Chardonel 
Adam Puchta Winery - Dry Vignoles
Adam Puchta Winery - Traminette
Dale Hollow Winery - Knockout Red
Les Bourgeois Vineyards - Blufftop Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Stone Hill Winery - Chambourcin 2019
Stonehaus Farms - Apple Cranberry 2020

Gold Winners:

Adam Puchta Winery - Hunter's Red
Adam Puchta Winery - Semi-Sweet Vignoles
Adam Puchta Winery - Dry Rosé
Adam Puchta Winery - Signature Port
Baltimore Bend Winery - Blackberry Stroll 2020
Les Bourgeois Vineyards - True/False Rouge 2018
Montelle Winery - Chambourcin Estate 2020 
Montelle Winery - Seyval Blanc Estate Bottled 2020
Noboleis Vineyards - Vignoles 2019
Pirtle Winery - Alhambra 2019 
Pirtle Winery - Mellow Red 2020
Stone Hill Winery - Demi-Sec
Stone Hill Winery - Traminette 2020
Stone Hill Winery - Moscato
Stonehaus Farms - Cynthiana 2020
Stonehaus Farms - Rose Red
Vox Vineyards - Vignoles 2020

For a full list of 2021 Jefferson Cup winners, click here.

Beyond the Jefferson Cup Invitational, there are numerous other national competitions that have allowed Missouri wines to shine. See a few of the additional Missouri wineries to garner recognition.

Amigoni Urban Winery

Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition 2021:

Urban Drover 2018: Silver

Blumenhof Vineyards

American Wine Society Competition 2021

Valvin Muscat 2020: Silver/91
Utopia 2020: Silver/89

Les Bourgeois Vineyards

San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2021:

Jeunette Rouge: Best of Class
Mizzou Vintage Dry Red: Gold
Fleur Du Vin: Gold
Vignoles: Gold
Mizzou White: Silver
Mizzou Red: Silver
Mizzou Vintage Dry White: Silver
Solay: Silver

Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition 2021:

Pink Fox: Silver
Riverboat White: Silver
Mizzou White: Silver
Mizzou Vintage Dry White: Silver
Mizzou Vintage Dry Red: Silver
Jeunette Rouge: Silver
Fleur Du Vin: Silver
Solay: Silver
Vignoles: Silver

Lost Creek Vineyard

Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition 2021:

Rosé: Silver

Martin Brothers Winery

National Honey Board 2020

Lucerne Blossom Mead: Gold

Beverage Testing Institute 2020

Lucerne Blossom Mead: Gold/93
Wildflower Mead: Gold/92
Dry Wildflower Mead: Gold/91
Orange Blossom Mead: Gold/91

Noboleis Vineyards
American Wine Society Competition 2021

Norton 2018: Silver/90
Vignoles 2019: Silver/89

Finger Lakes International Wine & Spirits Competition 2021:

Dry Vignoles 2019: Silver
Baril de Blanc 2020: Silver
Owner’s Reserve Cuvee 2018: Silver

Stone Hill Winery

American Wine Society Competition 2020

Norton 2017: Best Native Wine

American Wine Society Competition 2021

Cross J Norton 2018: Best Native Wine Gold/93
Norton 2018: Gold/93
Ozark Hellbender 2019: Silver/92
Reserve Traminette 2019: Silver/90
Chardonel 2019: Silver/90
Reserve Chardonel 2019: Silver/90
Traminette 2020: Silver/89
Chambourcin 2018: Silver/89
Pink Catawba: Silver/89

Beverage Testing Institute 2021

Vignoles 2019: Best of Year White Hybrid, Gold/92
Demi-Sec: Gold/92
Moscato: Gold/93

Beverage Dynamics Favorite American Wines 2021

Chambourcin 2013: 5 Star Wine/92

Vox Vineyards

San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition 2021:

Proprietor's Reserve Norton 2018: Best of Class
Wetumka 2019: Gold

Keep an eye out for these award winners, which make great gifts for the upcoming holiday season. Tag us with #mowine when you enjoy them with friends and family.

Many of the results were submitted by wineries via a survey and may not be all inclusive of the honors awarded to Missouri wineries.

Traditions surrounding wine production date back to 6000BC in Mesopotamia, now Georgia. The Shulaveri-Shomu people were thought to be the earliest wine crafters, discovering that grape juice fermented when it was buried underground for the winter. This time period, also known as the Stone Age, left artifacts such as stone and bone tools that provided evidence of large-scale wine production. This region also was the origin of toastmasters (or Tamada) who provided a large number of toasts during events with high skill, humor and intelligence. A tradition still prominent while celebrating holidays or events today.

As the world, culture and humanity have evolved, wine remains a large part of “celebrating” around the world. A simple toast of glasses across cultures grew to acknowledge a presence of a person, to drive away demons or keep from poisoning one’s self. Clinking glasses together allows wine (or other spirit) enthusiasts to feel community and connection in the present.

There are loads of notable celebrations specific to countries worldwide. Spain has a wine and coke cocktail created during early native Basque Festivals to hide the sour notes in wine. Today, called Calimocho, is an accessible mixed drink passed down for generations. Germany’s Feuerzangenbowle (flaming wine) is a tradition where a rum soaked sugar loaf is lit above the wine, adding sweetness to the spiced or mulled wine. Portugal celebrates Magusto during November where people play practical jokes, sing around bonfires and enjoy Muscatel wine.

Today, the United States is the top wine consuming country, consuming nearly 900 million gallons in 2020. Yet, for almost 60 of our 245 years as a nation, prohibition stifled wine production and growing American wine culture. The lingering grapes only remained on vines for religious consumption throughout this time.

Missouri played a large role in wine production prior to prohibition, with more than 100 wineries across the state, winning international awards at several World’s Fairs. Stone Hill Winery, located in Hermann, Missouri, was the largest wine producer in the country and second in the world at this time. One of the biggest traditions in Missouri wine country is Oktoberfest, also held in Hermann. This German river town is still home to many popular wineries, but also carries on the wine culture and traditions of the German settlers who carried it with them from the Rhineland.

In addition to Oktoberfest, many Missouri wineries are well-visited for many traditions such as birthdays, live music, arts festivals and more. As the holidays approach, many families sit down to share a bottle or two of Missouri wine from one of the 129 wineries across the state. Some share the same favorites every year, some branch out and try new varietals. Missouri wine is the center to celebrations, passing down traditions and spreading warmth and cheer every season, especially during the holidays.

DM us on Facebook and Instagram to share your Missouri wine holiday traditions with us! Cheers to the celebrations ahead!