Sustainability means something a little different to just about everyone. Merriam-Webster dictionary defines sustainable as “of, relating to, or being a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged”. Basically, the idea of sustainability could be described as doing something in a way that ensures you can continue doing it for the foreseeable future. The Missouri wine industry is no stranger to sustainability efforts, for good reason. Winemaking and grape growing is much more of a marathon than a sprint.

The act of planting grapevines in and of itself is a long-term investment in the future. Most grapevines don’t produce a substantial yield for three to five years, but can continue to produce quality commercial fruit for more than 25 years if cared for properly. Great, award-winning wines like the ones made by Missouri winemakers aren’t made in a day. The entire process from harvest, to crush, to fermentation, to aging, and so on can take anywhere from six months to three years or more.

Wineries in the Show Me state engage a variety of sustainability methods from the use of solar power, to alternative pest management, to cellar and building design, and down to a dedication to recycle in the tasting rooms. These efforts are wide spread and make a meaningful difference in our growing industry of more than 125 wineries, producing over 900,000 gallons of wine a year.

Some of the most common sustainability methods found in Missouri vineyards are:

• Integrated Pest Management or IPM
• Mulching and composting of clippings, must, etc.
• Multiple techniques to avoid, prevent and minimize soil erosion
• Limited use of pesticides and herbicides
• Drip irrigation in the vineyards
• Low energy equipment and harvesting by hand

These are just a few of the efforts made by wineries to keep their vineyards as “green” as possible. Every winery approaches sustainability a little differently. Next time you’re visiting an award-winning Missouri winery, ask them about their sustainability efforts. They are many, varied and just another great reason to drink local!

Missouri wine pairs well with sustainability for the future!

Fresh peaches are one of the best parts of summer, and this sangria featuring Vignoles and peach wine is a delicious way to enjoy them. Whip up a batch of Peachy Vignoles Sangria for your next get together.

Ingredients

4-6                               Fresh Peaches

4 oz                              Honey

3 oz                              Brandy

1 bottle (750mL)   Missouri Vignoles Wine

1 bottle                       Missouri Peach Wine

1-2 inch piece          Fresh Ginger (optional)

24 oz                           Club Soda or Sparkling Wine

Directions

Slice and peel 2 peaches. Add them to a blender or food processor. Add honey and brandy and blend until a smooth puree is formed. Add water 1 tbsp at a time to thin as desired. Slice 2-3 additional peaches. Peel and thinly slice the fresh ginger. Add the puree, sliced peaches and ginger to a large pitcher.  Pour the Vignoles and peach wines into the pitcher; mix until combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to let the flavors combine. Just before serving add the club soda or sparkling wine. Serve over ice with sliced peaches for garnish.

Pro Tip: You can use frozen peaches instead of ice when serving to keep your sangria cold without watering it down.

* Try it with the 2015 Governor’s Cup winner, St. James Winery 2014 Vignoles.

Fruit wine sounds a little redundant, doesn’t it? After all, wine is made from grapes and grapes are fruit, right? Not exactly. The term “fruit wine” refers to any wine made from fruit other than grapes. Many Missouri wineries make delicious, award-winning fruit wines. Common flavors are peach, cherry, blackberry, apple and strawberry, but as you explore Missouri wine country you’ll find other unique fruit wines such as mango, blueberry, and strawberry rhubarb. There are so many wonderful ways to enjoy Missouri fruit wine. Here are some of our favorites:

1. Sipping: A glass of fruit wine is delicious and refreshing all on its own. If you find a fruit wine that’s a little sweet for you, try adding a splash of club soda. It can calm the sweetness, and who doesn’t like bubbles?
2. Mixing: Fruit wines make fantastic mixers for your next cocktail concoction. Whether you’re perfecting your sangria recipe or developing a brand new cocktail creation, fruit wine is a great way to mix things us (pardon the pun).
3. Cooking: Fruit wines add fantastic flavor and fun to the most basic recipes, especially in marinades and sauces.

Marinades, especially overnight marinades, are great with fruit wines because they are low in acid. Peach wine marinades are great with chicken and cherry is exceptional with pork. Generally, a good ratio for marinades is: ½-1 cup of wine, ¼ – ½ cup of fat (olive oil, etc.), 1 tsp – 2 Tbsp herbs of choice, ½-2 tsp salt

A fruit wine sauce is a delicious addition to an entrée or dessert. Reducing wine into a thicker sauce consistency is very simple. Add your wine to a heated pan over medium high heat. Bring to a simmer. The alcohol and water will evaporate out of the wine. Simmer like this with any added spices you would like until it has reduced by half. Remove from heat, let cook slightly and enjoy!

4. Baking: Substituting wine for water or part of the fat (oil, butter, etc.) while baking adds flavor and complexity. So, next time you dawn an apron to bake up a treat, don’t forget the fruit wine. 

Fruit wines are truly versatile. Don’t just take our word for it. Try sipping, mixing, cooking, and baking with them.

Missouri fruit wine pairs well with trying something new!

Patio perfect weather is upon us again, and there’s nothing better than relaxing outdoors with a glass of your favorite Missouri wine and good friends! Get the most out of these patio perfect days while they last. Whether you are hosting or attending an open-air gathering this season, invite Missouri wines along for the fun!

Grilling is a fun and delicious activity you’ll find happening on most patios. Grilling and smoking foods imparts unique flavors opening up the opportunity for some exciting food and wine pairings. Read this blog post to find out more about pairing based on the cooking method. Don’t feel like you have to stick to the staples when grilling either, there are lots of options to try something new on the grill. Ever tried grilled peaches? They are a real treat, especially when paired with a glass of fruit forward Vignoles.

Another warm weather classic is sangria. There are countless recipes out there for every type of sangria mixture you can imaging, but try using this guide to build your own recipe that suits your palate perfectly.

If you’re into more of a picnic style patio soiree, there are still some great food and wine pairings to be had. This food and wine pairing guide will help you mix and match all your favorites from cheese to fruit to dessert. Or go with a simple yet classic selection of sandwiches, we’ll even help you find the perfect wine for that!

Don’t have a patio at home? No need to worry. Many Missouri wineries have great patios and outdoor seating to enjoy. Plan your trip today to Missouri wine country to enjoy these patio perfect days.

Missouri wine pairs well with patios!

Easter Sunday (April 5th) is a time when many families gather over a delicious meal. A traditional Easter meal may look different depending on your loved-ones’ traditions. Let us help you determine the perfect Missouri wine to pair with your ideal Easter celebration.

The most common main dishes tend to be ham, lamb and chicken. There are a variety of ways to prepare these entrees… glazes, preparation methods, etc. Generally speaking, ham pairs well with Chambourcin, lamb with Norton, and Chadonel with chicken. Sticking to these pairings is a pretty safe bet.

Diving a little deeper into the Easter recipe box lets us have a little more fun with the wine pairings. Cheesy scalloped potatoes are a crowd favorite and pair will with Chardonel and Chambourcin, depending on your preference between red and white wine.Asparagus often makes an appearance on the Easter table and is a good match with Seyval Blanc. Spring peas are also fairly popular and pair well with a crisp Vidal Blanc. The side dishes are often the best part of a meal.

Now for dessert! Carrot cake is always a hit and this classic spice-laden dessert pairs well with a semi-sweet Traminette. Pineapple upside down cake is perfectly matched with a glass of fruity Vignoles, but don’t forget about all the goodies in those Easter baskets. There’s a Missouri wine to go with those chocolate bunnies and even peeps. Click here for pairing recommendations.

If your Easter meal is more of a brunch, check out this blog post all about pairing Missouri wines with brunch dishes.

Missouri wine pairs well with your traditional Easter meal, whatever it may be!

Gotta get away? It’s easier and closer than you think. Spend a few days in the heart of Missouri wine country and you’ll feel transported and rejuvenated. Whether you’re looking for a romantic get away with your sweetheart or a fun trip with some close friends, Missouri wine country has all you need to enjoy a fun, relaxing retreat.

If you’re looking for a quick day trip, look no further. There are 129 wineries in the state for you to explore, there’s sure to be at least a few in your own backyard.

However, if you are looking for a weekend or even a long weekend trip, there are several areas in the state to visit with a high concentration of wineries. Each area has its own unique history and atmosphere, making it easy to find the one that suits you.

The easiest place to start planning a trip to Missouri wine country is to check out the ten wine trails. If you want to blaze your own trail, keep these areas in mind.

Hermann, MO is a town with a ton of character. From its German history to its quaint shops and restaurants, it exudes small town charm. There are six wineries in Hermann to explore and five more within a very short drive.

Augusta and Defiance, MO are two adorable neighboring towns that offer the perfect amount of Midwest charm. You’ll find lovely Bed & Breakfasts, primo antiqueing and gorgeous scenery everywhere you look. There are six wineries in Augusta, three in Defiance, and one in Dutzow which is only a stone’s throw away. That’s ten wineries to explore all within a few minutes of each other in the lovely Missouri countryside.

Ste. Genevieve, MO is steeped in a rich heritage and considered America’s original French Colonial village. You can explore historic homes, visit specialty stores and sample delicious local cuisine. This picturesque town has a lot to offer, including seven wineries. Just next door to Ste. Genevieve in Farmington you’ll find an additional three wineries.

Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or just a break from the day to day, Missouri wine country is the perfect place. Wine country is calling. Will you answer?

It doesn’t have to be five o’clock somewhere to enjoy a delicious glass of Missouri wine. The idea of brunch, a portmanteau of breakfast and lunch, is thought to have been around since the late 1800s and can be as casual or elegant as you like. One thing is sure, adding Missouri wine to your next brunch is a must!

The mimosa is a classic brunch beverage. The most basic mimosa is one part sparkling wine to one part orange juice, but there are a number of delicious variations using grapefruit juice, pureed peaches, etc. You can even create a make-your-own mimosa bar where guests can customize their own beverages. For a list of award-winning Missouri sparkling wines, click here.

The savory stars of the brunch table such as bacon, quiche, and potatoes are great when paired with a glass of Missouri wine.

• Bacon, ham and sausage all pair very well with Chambourcin.
• Vegetable quiche or egg casseroles pair well with Vidal Blanc or Seyval Blanc.
• Cheesy hashbrowns are well suited for a glass of oaky Chardonel or Norton.
• Croissants are a perfect pair for a glass of sparkling wine.

Fruit, both fresh and in jams and jellies, commonly makes an appearance on brunch menus and can be a little tricky to pair with wine. Here are some suggestions:

• Fresh berries, such as blackberries, blueberries and raspberries, pair well with sparkling wine or Norton.
• Fresh strawberries pair well with sparkling wine, Chambourcin or Vignoles.
• Fresh citrus and melon pair well with Seyval Blanc or Vidal Blanc.
• Fresh and cooked apples pair well with Chardonel.
• Darker jams and jellies, such as blackberry, currant and fig preserves pair well with fruit forward reds such as Chambourcin.
• Lighter jellies and jams, such as strawberry and apricot, pair will with a lighter, semi-sweet Vignoles or Traminette.
• Grape jam is perfectly complemented by a glass of Concord.

Sweet treats are often abundant on brunch menus. Remember when pairing sweet dishes that the wine you pair should match the sweetness level of the dish or it can taste sour or bitter. Baked favorites such as scones, muffins and donuts pair well with a light, fruity white such as Vignoles or Traminette or a sweeter sparkling wine.

Whatever you fill your next brunch plate with, be sure to accompany it with a glass of perfectly paired Missouri wine.

Missouri wine pairs well with brunch!

Every year on March 17th St. Patrick’s Day is observed, which may have begun as a religious feast day for the patron saint of Ireland, but has become a day to celebrate Irish culture. Whether you’re Irish or just Irish-at-heart, traditional Irish foods are a great way to celebrate this festive holiday, and pairing them with Missouri wines adds some local flavor.

Corned beef and cabbage is probably the most traditional dish served on St. Patrick’s Day. This recipe is a very traditional method, but it includes brining. So, you’ll need to start the process the day before your celebration. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s a little less labor intensive, this is it… slow cooker corned beef and cabbage. Whichever recipe you choose, a glass of Norton is the perfect pair for this classic Irish dish. Lamb stew is another favorite for celebrating St. Pat’s, and Norton is the ideal complement for lamb.

Colcannon potatoes are a favorite side dish on St. Paddy’s. So popular in fact they are sometimes used as the main dish! The recipes tend to range slightly from family to family, but here’s one that is sure to please (It has bacon in it. You can’t really go wrong with bacon). Pour yourself a glass of delightful Missouri Chambourcin or a fuller bodied Chardonel to go with these rich, hearty potatoes.

Irish soda bread is dense and hearty, and oh so delicious. It is wonderful served alongside your St. Pat’s meal or you could use it to create an Irish inspired sandwich for something a little different.

Desserts aren’t particularly popular in Irish culture. Why not cap of your evening with a glass of Missouri port-style dessert wine or late harvest wine?

Oh, and don’t forget to wear your green!

Missouri wine pairs well with St. Patrick’s Day!

Port is a style of fortified dessert wine that has been around for more than 300 years. To make port-style wine, brandy is added to fermenting wine. The high alcohol content of the brandy ends the fermentation process early, and some of the natural sugar from the grape juice is retained. 

Not all port-style wines are called Port for the same reason not all sparkling wines are Champagne. A 2005 wine trade agreement between the US and the European Union stated that American wines could no longer use the name Port on new wine labels. Existing brands were allowed to continue use of the name under a grandfather clause. So, many Missouri wineries make wines in the port-style that may not be called Port on the label. 

The fortification of these wines gives them a heavier body and sweeter, stronger flavor than your typical table wine. Port-style wines offer a truly unique experience on their own and even more so when paired with complimentary foods. 

A truly classic pairing, blue cheese and port-style wines have long been found side by side. The saltiness of the cheese and the sweetness of the wine are strong enough to stand up to each other and while on opposite sides of the taste spectrum, complement one another in a remarkable way. Other cheeses that pair well with port-style wines are stilton, aged cheddar, camembert and mature gouda. 

Chocolate, especially dark varieties with a high percentage of cacao are also well matched by the bold, sweet flavors of port-style wines. A rich flourless chocolate cake for example is perfectly paired with a port-style dessert wine for a truly decadent experience. 

In addition to cheese and chocolate, port-style wines also pair well with dried fruits and nuts, making them the perfect accompaniment to any well appointed cheese board. Add one to the offerings at your next gathering.  Find tips for setting up a cheese & charcuterie spread here. 

What is your favorite thing to pair with a Missouri port-style wine?