This year marks a landmark for the Show-Me State – 200 years of statehood! As part of this special bicentennial anniversary, activities, celebrations and challenges are happening across Missouri. One such activity is the Missouri Explorers Program, which encourages people to participate in various challenges across the state to receive rewards and learn more about Missouri’s fascinating past, present and future. Register for free on the Explorers Program website to start participating in challenges and earning badges.

The bicentennial anniversary is the perfect opportunity to get out and explore Missouri’s breathtakingly beautiful wine country. From the northwest corner to the bootheel, 126 wineries dot the Show-Me State’s landscape. Set amongst breathtaking views, Missouri wine country is overflowing with history and award-winning vino. There’s palate-pleasing wines, serene sights and exciting events for everyone to enjoy at Missouri wineries. Visit the nation’s first American Viticultural Area (AVA) in Augusta, or indulge your inner history buff in historic Hermann. Sip, savor and wind down in Missouri wine country.

Take part in the Wind Down in Wine Country Challenge with the Missouri Explorers Program. Simply visit at least 25 wineries in the Show-Me State, take photos in each winery’s tasting room to verify your visits, and upload using the Missouri Explorers photo submission form. After you’ve completed the challenge, you’ll receive an exclusive badge to commemorate your exploration of wine country. To learn more about the Wind Down in Wine Country Challenge, check out the online challenge guide. This challenge is open through November 2021.

While you’re out at wineries and earning your Explorer badge, why not make the most of your visits with the Missouri Winery Visitors Program (MVP)? This free program allows winery patrons like you to earn points for each visit and redeem them for exciting rewards and experiences. Learn more and sign up today!

Bring out your inner explorer in this exciting year of Bicentennial celebration. We’ll see you out in wine country as you work toward completing the Wind Down in Wine Country Challenge. To learn more about the Missouri Explorers Program and find other challenges across the state, visit the program website.

 

May is National Beef Month, and we want YOU to celebrate it with us!

Beef provides our bodies and our minds with the fuel we need while being both delicious and extremely versatile. What could make it better? Pairing it with Missouri wine of course!

Have you ever heard the statement “red meat with red wine?” We’re here to tell you that’s not always true. From steak tartare with sparkling white wine to curry beef and Traminette there are a lot of beef and white wine pairings to please your palate.

Now that we’ve got you thinking food and wine, here are a few of our favorite beef and Missouri wine recipes.

      

    

Still hungry? Visit the Missouri Beef Industry Council website for more beef recipes and remember… Missouri wines pair beautifully with beef!

Show Mom how much you love her this Mother’s Day by treating her to a Missouri wine country visit. Many Missouri wineries plan to celebrate those super heroes we call Mom with everything from brunch to live music. Here are just a few offerings from Missouri wineries.

*This list is not all-inclusive. Results were gathered via survey.

 

Can’t make it the winery but still want to give a wine-themed present? Check out these DIY gifts that will impress any #MOWine Mom!

Glitz, glamour and red-carpet treatment – this was the theme of the night for nearly 40 of Missouri wine country’s most loyal fans and their guests, along with a special group of industry representatives and Missouri winemakers.

On April 23rd, this select group of Missouri wine lovers indulged in the MVP Cellar Master Celebration, an evening filled with fabulous food, wine and fellowship. To make the guest list for this exclusive and highly-anticipated event, MVP members had to redeem a whopping 50,000 points, equal to 100 first-time winery visits in the MVP program. The celebration took place in the heart of Missouri wine country, Hermann, at the picturesque Hermann Hill venue.

After making their way down the red carpet, guests were greeted with a refreshing welcome cocktail and partook in a social hour filled with delicious appetizers that were impeccably paired with incredible Missouri wines. Amongst the conversation and reconnection with fellow wine lovers, photo booths captured the unforgettable memories being made.

The evening’s festivities officially began with the introduction and recognition of each MVP member who qualified for the Cellar Master Celebration. Securing a spot for this celebration was no easy feat, and attendees applauded their fellow wine fans as their experiences in wine country were recounted for the audience. Throughout the evening, a live painter captured the fabulous festivities on a canvas. Attendees were then treated to a feast of gourmet food paired with wine from across the Show-Me State. Emcee Cat Neville and generous meal sponsors led guests through the evening’s various courses.

The pinnacle of the celebration was the drawing of special gifts and live painting – each MVP member in attendance received a special gift, and lucky MVP member Larry Warren was able to claim the live painting as a unique reminder of the spectacular evening. In addition to the drawings, each MVP member went home with a swag-filled bag, handmade wooden serving tray and an autographed bottle of award-winning Missouri wine. A face mask contest also took place and MVP duo Cynthia and Timothy Bax were declared as the winners. Lastly, Tony and Cindy Kooyumjian were presented the Pioneer Award for their decades of involvement in Missouri’s wine industry. As the evening came to an end, attendees raised their flutes to a toast and nibbled on delicious desserts.

The Cellar Master Celebration was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our MVP VIPs, who had the opportunity to receive recognition and red-carpet treatment for their achievements. We can’t wait for what the future holds for MVP and events where members can redeem their points for exclusive experiences.

This spectacular evening of exquisite dining and wine was made possible by the generosity of our sponsors. We’d like to thank the following dinner sponsors for their contribution to the evening’s feast:

Midwest Dairy 

Baejte Farms

Missouri Pork Association

Missouri Beef Industry Council

We would also like to thank the following winery sponsors for their contributions of award-winning wine:

KC Wineworks                                                       Montelle Winery

Les Bourgeois Vineyards                                      Stone Hill Winery

Adam Puchta Winery                                            Wild Sun Winery

Belmont Vineyards                                                Augusta Winery

Vox Vineyards                                                        St. James Winery

Edg-Clif Farms & Vineyard                                  Stonehaus Farms Winery

Noboleis Vineyards                                               Windy Wine Company

Dale Hollow Winery                                              Ladoga Ridge Winery

Finally, we would like to thank the following sponsors for their donations of special gifts and swag items:

Willow Spring Mercantile                                      Missouri River Wine Trail

Stone Hill Winery                                                   Independence Uncorked

Jefferson City Visitors Bureau                              Hermann Hill

St. James Winery                                                    Visit KC

Missouri Grown                                                      Visit Cape

Conservation Federation of Missouri                  Tipple Hill Winery

Doug Frost                                                               Ladoga Ridge Winery

Missouri State Fair                                                 Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate

Hermannhof Winery                                              Missouri Division of Tourism

Margaritaville Lake Resort                                    Missouri Soybean Association

Adam Puchta Winery                                             Midwest Dairy

Barley Bus Tours                                                     Baetje Farms

Missouri Cattlemen’s Association                        Meramec River Wine Trail

Wild Sun Winery                                                    Les Bourgeois Vineyards

Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau            White Mule Winery

Visit Hermann

 

Experiences like the Cellar Master Celebration are possible when you’re a Missouri wine MVP. Keep exploring wine country (sign up for free to get started) and be on the lookout for exciting updates and future opportunities to redeem your hard-earned points.

Get ready to step up your macaroni and cheese game, Missouri wine lovers. This classic comfort dish goes gourmet with a delicious trio of cheeses and crispy bacon, topped off with rich Chardonel wine. easy recipe will quickly become your go-to dinner dish!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPg1oPh7nuI

 

Yields: 6 servings | Total Time: 1 hour

 

Ingredients

1 lb. rotini pasta

¼ cup butter + 4 T. (divided)

3 tbsp. minced garlic

¼ cup flour

1 cup Chardonel wine

¾ cup heavy cream

¾ cup 2% milk

½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1 tsp. rosemary

1 tsp. basil

1 tsp. oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

4 oz. Gouda cheese, cubed

4 oz. Havarti cheese, cubed

4 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, cubed

6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs

Directions

Preheat oven to 375^oF and grease a 9”x13” baking dish. Boil pasta and cook until al dente. Drain pasta and set aside.

In a large skillet, melt ¼ cup butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook 2-3 minutes, as garlic browns. Whisk in flour, stirring continuously to avoid burning. When flour has browned and become bubbly, pour in Chardonel and continue to whisk as mixture thickens. Add heavy cream and milk, again whisking as mixture continues to become thick. Stir in rosemary, basil and oregano; season with salt and pepper as desired.

Remove skillet from heat and mix in Gouda, Havarti and sharp Cheddar cheese – stir until all cheese is completely melted. Stir in crumbled bacon until well combined. Add pasta and stir again until all ingredients are combined. Pour into prepared baking dish and top with Parmesan cheese.

In a small bowl, melt 4 tablespoons butter and mix in breadcrumbs. Spread breadcrumb mixture over the pasta. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until breadcrumb topping is golden. Remove from oven and serve warm with a glass of rich Chardonel wine.

Focusing on sustainability and caring for the Earth (and its inhabitants) ensures that it will be around for many years to come. Sustainability is an important part of many individuals’ and businesses’ missions, including wineries in the Show-Me State. Grape growers take care to be stewards of the land and produce outstanding wine in environmentally-friendly ways.

Many producers in the wine industry focus their sustainability efforts around water, energy and soil conservation. Some vineyards use soil moisture probes and drip irrigation systems to be more precise in their watering efforts and conserve water use. Additionally, some producers implement solar power and hand-harvesting of grapes to reduce the energy consumption required by traditional electricity sources and harvesting equipment. To learn more about how harvesting grapes by hand differs than mechanical harvesting, check out this informative overview.

When it comes to soil conservation, you might see a curious sight in some vineyards – animals amongst the vines! Sheep and chickens are employed by some wine producers to engage in weed and pest control as they wander the rows of grapevines. This is an environmentally-friendly method of integrated pest management that places less reliance on herbicides, pesticides and gas-powered mowing equipment. Have you ever noticed the grass growing between rows of grapevines? In many wine regions, grape growers plant cover crops and allow grass to grow in order to prevent soil erosion and add nutrients to the soil. Some wineries also implement pollinator habitats, including bee colonies and butterfly gardens.

Wine producers also practice sustainability by refitting and reusing buildings for cellars, production areas and tasting rooms. Throughout wine country, you’ll see award-winning wine being produced and sold in a variety of buildings – from former churches and barns, to family homesteads and even former Odd Fellows lodges. Want to practice sustainability in your wine adventures? It’s as easy as recycling your bottles and corks after enjoying the last drop of your favorite Missouri wine. Check out our blog for DIY inspiration!

Let’s raise a toast to sustainability, and to wine producers’ dedication to implementing practices that will allow us to enjoy Missouri wine country for generations to come.

Sunshine and blooming foliage are much-welcomed signs of spring in wine country. Springtime in the Show-Me State is a time of beauty and new growth, a sign of renewal and refreshment after winter’s chilly sting.

Spring is also a time of renewal and refreshment in Missouri vineyards. Grapevines are beginning to awaken from their winter dormancy and show signs of life. Bud break is an exciting time for wine country, as this indicates the start of the growing cycle for our outstanding varietals.

What is bud break? During winter, the buds found on grapevines are isolated from the rest of the vine’s nutrient and water transportation systems to protect them from the bitter cold. As temperatures rise with the onset of spring, new life is breathed into the buds as they are rehydrated and begin to swell. Eventually, the buds will “break” open and shoots will emerge, allowing new growth to burst through. This new growth will lead to the development of grape clusters, which will later be harvested and crafted into award-winning wine.

The excitement of bud break is a beautiful reminder of the many possibilities in the growing season ahead, as vintners work to care for vines and produce the highest-quality wines. While you’re visiting Missouri wineries this spring, see if you can catch a glimpse of bud break in the vineyards! Be quick, it won’t be long before flowering occurs!

Want to learn more about the journey Missouri grapevines undergo to bring you award-winning wine? Check out our overview of a grapevine’s lifecycle!

Spring is the perfect season to explore Missouri’s fascinating and beautiful wine country. From exquisite wines, to beautiful scenery and plenty of attractions to explore, the Show-Me State’s 125 wineries should be at the top of your must-visit list for this year. Take a look at our top 6 reasons why you should plan your next visit to Missouri wine country today.

1. Sips Sure to Satiate

Spring weather lends itself perfectly for enjoying award-winning Missouri wines. Whether you’re ready to make the seasonal shift to crisp and refreshing white wines, or prefer to continue enjoying bold red varietals, there’s sure to be a wine you’ll love. Enjoy a satisfying wine slush or canned concoction on a sunny spring day in wine country, or sip on a fruit wine or mead while perusing budding vineyards. Besides proprietary blends and dessert wines, you’ll find delicious and unique grape varietals like Norton and Vignoles that winemakers have crafted into award-winning vino. Explore the wide variety of Missouri wines and find your new favorite sipper!

2. Jaw-Dropping Journeys and Spectacular Sights

Journeying to and through wine country is a remarkable experience in itself. Whether you choose to travel by car, rail, trolley or trail, take in the beauty of the Missouri countryside. Plan a road trip on one of several scenic drives across the state (these views are just as gorgeous in the spring and summer as they are in the fall) or grab a bike and hit the historic Katy Trail to traverse wine country.

Once you arrive at your destination, take in the beauty of springtime in the Show-Me State with a glass of award-winning wine in hand and sip among expansive gardens, along the bluffs of the Missouri River, or amid scenic views of vineyards. Many wineries offer ample outdoor seating areas where guests can enjoy clear skies and fresh spring air. Even on dreary days, cozy up in an indoor seating area with your favorite Missouri wine and delight in the simple comforts of great company and even better vino.

3. Enlivening Experiences for Pals and Paws Alike

What could be better than enjoying incredible wine and unparalleled atmosphere? How about playing disc golf, enjoying wine and a picnic in a cave, or participating in a candlelit wine tasting? Besides award-winning wines, Missouri’s wineries offer attractions and opportunities that excite and amaze. For guests looking to expand their wine knowledge or hoping to get a behind-the-scenes peek at their favorite varietal gets from grape to glass, many wineries offer tours and educational opportunities.

These unique experiences are a great opportunity to celebrate friendships and connect with other wine lovers. While you’re in wine country, you can also interact with Missouri wines’ furry fans – a number of wineries are pet-friendly, and some locations even have their own resident pets. Bring your four-legged best friend to a pet-friendly winery on a sunny day and let them enjoy wine country, too!

4. Have-to-attend Happenings

Springtime marks the beginning of many outdoor events and opportunities to sip and stroll.

Check out one of 11 wine trails to discover a pre-planned adventure, some of which have their own trail events. Many wineries also host live music, trivia nights, special dinners and more – check out our upcoming events calendar and follow wineries on social media to stay up-to-date! Looking to be active during your adventures in wine country? Some wineries offer special yoga classes, and some host 5k run/walks!

5. Home Away from Home

Sometimes one day in wine country just isn’t long enough – not to worry, Missouri wine country offers ample accommodations to fit your needs. Picturesque cottages, villas and bed-and-breakfast facilities welcome visitors for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. For those on the adventurous side, camping facilities and spooky stays may be just what you’re looking for. Enjoy the beauty of a springtime sunset or sunrise from wine country and turn your day trip into a multi-day getaway.

6. Double the Rewards with MVP

The only thing that could be better than exploring Missouri wine country? Getting rewarded for each visit. With the free Missouri Winery Visitors Program, members earn points for visiting new wineries and frequenting their favorites. Those points can be redeemed for exclusive rewards, experiences and sweepstakes. Sign up to be an MVP before your next excursion to wine country.

Now is the perfect time to visit a winery near you, or one that’s been on your Missouri wine country bucket list, and make unforgettable memories. Use our online trip planning resources to map out your next visit, and we’ll see you in wine country.

If you are a lover of pets, you will enjoy visiting these wineries. Who knows, you may even make a new furry friend.

Edg-Clif

At Edg-Clif you will find about 12 different cats working in different capacities at the winery, including hospitality and pest control.

Hairi, short for Harriet, watches all the winery operations and makes sure things are running smoothly. She can be seen in the winery, vineyard and tasting room. She often follows visitors on their walks around the property.

Lady Grey, sometimes known as Lady Bug, is a sweet, small, gray Russian cat. She surveys the guests in an effort to find the right lap for an afternoon nap. 

Nibs is a handsome, sleek, black male cat that loves to nap in the barrel room where guests are served in the winter months. Sometimes he can be found stretched out in the middle of a table enticing visitors to admire and pet him.

Three gray cats care for the machine shop next to the tasting pavilion. Mini Pearl and Midnight, both black blacks, are stationed outside the main house. In addition, there is Gus, a red tabby, Zoey, a small gray cat, and Buster, a huge Russian gray cat, who is infamous for sporting his bow tie.

 

 

Hummingbird Vineyard and Winery

Gerty is a two-year-old boxer who loves to play and beg for treats, of course. She's full of energy and loves to greet everyone as they come outside. She might lick you, so be warned!

 

 

Jowler Creek

At Jowler Creek you will likely meet Vidal, a Great Pyrenees and longtime resident of the winery – nine years to be exact. Just last year Vino, also a Great Pyrenees, joined the team. This duo can be found roaming the vineyards and greeting guests.

 

River Ridge Winery

At River Ridge Winery, you will meet winery dog Michelle, a black lab. She has been hosting and greeting visitors for 11 years. Her interests include cheese, sunny spots in the spring, fall and winter, shady spots in the summer and swimming in the lake up on the hill.

Ivy, the cat, is the winery’s mystery feline that only comes out in the evening as the crowd thins out. She is a master of camouflage. She could be a few feet away, up the hill from the terrace or 20 feet up in a tree but it will still take a keen eye to spot her.

 

Stone Hill Winery

Theodora is a three-and-a-half-year-old rescue that can sometimes be seen roaming the hillside, exploring the winery offices or running through Stone Hill’s vineyards. She is a mixed breed, mostly German Shepherd. Her favorite activity is racing down a row of grapes.

 

Wild Sun Winery

While they may not be at the winery every day, Norton and Eli certainly rule the roost when they are! Edward Wagner says these “4-legged blessings are truly man's best friend.” They provide camaraderie, comfort and endless entertainment. Wild Sun offers Dog Days of Summer where you can share the day at the winery with your special pal as well.

 

 

We hope you have the chance to meet some of these adorable winery pets. If you do, snag a picture and be sure to tag us! If you want to share a picture of your pet, post it in the comment section of our #NationalPetDay post on April 11.

Days are getting longer and warmer, and green grass is peeking out in spots across the Show-Me State. These welcome changes have wine lovers looking forward to enjoying their favorite Missouri wines in the beauty of the outdoors. As many make the seasonal transition from warming red wines to crisp white wines this April, indulge in Chardonel, the Missouri varietal that makes experiences richer.

Chardonel is a French-American hybrid varietal, the result of a cross between popular Chardonnay and Missouri varietal Seyval Blanc. Chardonel accounts for roughly 7% of Missouri’s grape production, and this varietal is grown on 123 acres across the state.

Chardonel grapes produce a dry, full-bodied white wine. Tasting experiences are richer with Chardonel, as winemakers often ferment this varietal in oak or stainless-steel barrels for unique flavor profiles. Depending on the winemaker’s preferences and goals for the wine being produced, Chardonel can exhibit notes of toasty oak, rich butter or refreshing citrus. Beyond bottling this luscious varietal on its own, Chardonel is often selected by winemakers to enrichen white wine blends.

When selecting a wine for your next gathering or special meal, look to Chardonel. This varietal is the perfect menu matcher and pairs well with nearly every course. Almonds and creamy white cheeses found on springtime charcuterie boards are complemented by rich Chardonel. Entrées like grilled chicken, smoked pork and halibut pair well with this varietal, as do pesto and cream sauces. Satisfy your sweet tooth by pairing Chardonel with shortbread cookies, banana bread or vanilla cake. Want more inspiration for food and Chardonel pairings? Check out our infographic gallery.

Chardonel is also an excellent addition to your favorite recipes and enhances the flavor of a variety of dishes, including butterscotch blondies, sharable fondue and seafood pasta. Winetails like our Moscow Mule variation and the Stargazer wine cocktail are great recipes to incorporate Chardonel into other sipping experiences and appreciate the versatility of this classic varietal.

Whether you choose to enjoy Chardonel on a sun-soaked patio in Missouri wine country, paired with a freshly-cooked meal, or incorporated in a recipe, you’re sure to find that your experiences are richer with every sip of this stunning varietal. During April, celebrate Chardonel Month with Missouri Wines.