Below are the social graphics for you to use, for this years wine competition!

Raise your glasses, wine lovers! The 2025 Missouri Wine Competition results are in. 

This year saw 260 wines from 30+ wineries across Missouri competing for top honors. Eight expert judges spent two days blind tasting and evaluating each entry. 

Prestigious judges with a variety of different skill sets, experiences and qualifications from across the United States awarded 56 gold, 116 silver and 53 bronze medals. This year we asked our judges to describe the qualities of a bronze, silver and gold medal wine.

Bronze awards indicate a wine is a good solid example and is something worthy of enjoying on any given day. 

Judges award a silver medal to complex wines that are balanced, well made and a good example of the varietal or style. Enjoy these wines with a nice meal.   

Gold wines are exceptional and tell a story of craftsmanship. These bottles stand out and are something that should excite and make you want to sip more. Stock up on gold medal wines to share with friends and family frequently.

"It is always an honor to see the exceptional quality of wines produced in the Show Me State at our competition. Recognizing and celebrating the quality wine from Missouri is essential,” stated Jim Anderson, Executive Director, Missouri Wine & Grape Board. “We will share and display these wines at national and local events while highlighting the skill, dedication and passion of our wineries and winemakers, ensuring that Missouri wines are appreciated and enjoyed.”

Join us in congratulating and celebrating this year’s Best of Class winners for each of the following categories: 

Sparkling: Bubbly | Adam Puchta Winery

Dry White: 2024 Estate Vignoles | Jowler Creek Winery 

Semi-Dry White: 2024 Dry Vignoles | Adam Puchta Winery

Sweet White: 2024 Vignoles | Stone Hill Winery

Dry Red: 2024 Chambourcin | Adam Puchta Winery

Semi-Dry Red: 2024 Sweet Hadley Jo | Shamrock Hills Vineyard & Winery

Sweet Red: Cats Meow | Adam Puchta Winery 

Dry Rose: Dry Rosé | Adam Puchta Winery 

Semi-Dry Rose: 2024 The Pinnacle | Defiance Ridge Vineyards 

Sweet Rose: Pink Catawba | Stone Hill Winery 

Dessert: 1855 | Adam Puchta Winery 

Fruit: Apple Cranberry | Stonehaus Farms Winery 

Late Harvest/Ice Wine: 2022 Collector’s Series Late Harvest Vignoles | Les Bourgeois Vineyards

The winner of the 2025 Governor’s Cup is 2024 Dry Vignoles, Adam Puchta Winery.

“It’s been 25 years since we have been honored with this award, and I can’t express how meaningful it is. Being able to make this a reality again is incredibly humbling. I want to give special recognition to my father, Tim Puchta, for reviving the winery and carrying forward the legacy of our family’s name. His vision and passion laid the foundation for where we are today. This year marks the 170^th anniversary for our winery, making this honor even more special.” Said Parker Puchta, President and Owner of Adam Puchta Winery in Hermann, Missouri. “This is truly a team effort. From the dedicated growers who supply us with high-quality grapes, our hardworking vineyard crew, our talented wine production team, and our marketing and sales staff — every person plays a role. Of course, none of this would be possible without the support of our outstanding customers, who continue to believe in us year after year. I’m incredibly proud of the village we’ve built here and all we have achieved.”

The C.V. Riley Award for best Norton also went to Spencer Manor Winery, 2023 Norton. The C.V. Riley award recognizes the Best Norton, which is the 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 was won by: Jowler Creek Winery, 2024 Estate Vignoles. This award is named after George Husmann and Hermann Jaeger. Both influential men who were crucial in the early development of the Missouri wine industry. 

In addition to Governor’s Cup, C.V. Riley, Husmann-Jaeger, and Best of Class distinctions, judges awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals. Find the complete list of the 2025 Award-Winning Wines here.

Cheers to this year’s Label Competition winners for each of the following categories: 

Best Traditional Label: 2022 Bethelehem Valley Norton | Noboleis Vineyards

Best Contemporary Label: 2023 Crunchy! | Eagles’ Landing 

Best Wine Series: Explorer Collection: 2022 Estate Norton, 2024 Vignoles, 38 Degrees North, Project 1970 | St. James Winery 

People’s Choice Award: Sweet Backroads White | Shamrock Hills Vineyard & Winery 

The 2025 Missouri Wine Label Competition is an exciting showcase of creativity and design in the world of winemaking. This annual competition brings together the finest wineries from across Missouri, each presenting their most stunning label designs. These labels will be evaluated by industry experts in several categories, making it a unique contest for both wineries and wine enthusiasts alike.

The competition is divided into the following categories: 

• Best Traditional Label
• Best Contemporary Label
• Best Alternative Packaging
• Best Wine Series
• People’s Choice Award: Decided by YOU, through online voting!

Cast your vote here!  

We need your help! As a devoted Missouri wine enthusiast, you have the power to decide who takes home the People’s Choice Award. This is your chance to support your favorite label and have a direct impact on which winery claims this honor. Voting is live, and you can cast your vote once a day for your favorite label. Make sure your voice is heard in this race—voting will close on July 13th at 11:59 PM.

Happy Concord Month! In July, as the summer sun shines bright, wine lovers in Missouri celebrate Concord Month!

Discovered in the mid-1800s, the Concord grape is cherished for its medium-sized clusters of juicy berries. As a “slip skin” grape, its skin separates easily from the pulp, making it ideal for wines with distinct aromas and flavors that are sure to capture your affection.

Concord grapes span about 112 acres in Missouri, making up nearly 7% of the state's vineyard area. Known for their sweet, candy-like aromas, Concord wines offer a robust, medium-bodied experience perfect for casual sipping and gourmet pairings.

Concord wine captures the essence of freshly pressed grape juice, balancing sweetness with jam-like notes, creating a nostalgic and comforting taste that’s certain to win over any wine enthusiast.

Serve Concord wine chilled to 45°F. Its sweet, robust profile pairs well with cheddar, aged cheeses, orange chicken, pork chops, and barbecue beef. It also complements desserts like candied nuts, poached pear, and grape pie.

Celebrate July with Concord wine recipes:

• Ice Cream
• Popsicles
• Concord Daiquiri
• Wine Barbecue Sauce
• No Free Lunch Wine Tails

This July, toast to Concord Month with Missouri's delicious wines. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer, explore local wineries to taste the Concord grape's rich legacy. Enjoy summer's warmth and the sweetness of Concord—where fun meets flavor. Cheers!

Get ready to raise your glasses and savor the flavors, because the Missouri Wines is rolling out the red carpet for wine enthusiasts at the Missouri State Fair! So, grab your friends, put on your walking shoes, and let’s dive into the delightful world of Missouri wines.

Missouri State Fair Wine Trail

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable day of wine exploration at the Missouri State Fair Wine Trail on Friday, August 8th, from 11 AM to 6 PM. This isn’t just any ordinary wine tasting; it’s a full-fledged adventure across the fairgrounds with ten spots to sample and purchase wines.

Here’s how it works: You can start your journey at any point on the trail—no need to follow a set path. Simply pick up a passport at your first stop, and let the exploration begin! Each location will offer unique wines to sample, providing a broad spectrum of flavors to delight your palate. The best part? Completing your passport enters you into a drawing for a chance to win fabulous prizes.

This event is the perfect blend of fun and discovery, offering a relaxed atmosphere to learn about local wines and perhaps discover a new favorite. So, whether you're meandering solo or with a group of friends, the Wine Trail is a must-do activity at this year’s fair.

Missouri State Fair Winery Showcase

If one day of wine isn’t enough, then the Missouri State Fair Winery Showcase is here to help with that! Taking place daily in the Agriculture Building from 11 AM to 6 PM, this showcase will feature a different winery each day, giving you a reason to return and explore more of Missouri’s rich wine culture.

Each participating winery will provide samples and have bottles available for purchase, allowing you to take a piece of the fair home with you. This is a golden opportunity learn about their craft and get insider tips on pairing wines with your favorite fair foods.

The Winery Showcase is more than just a tasting; it’s an educational experience that brings the winery to you, offering insights into the passion and hard work that go into every bottle. So, whether you’re looking to expand your wine knowledge or simply enjoy a leisurely afternoon at the fair, the Winery Showcase is the place to be.

Tips for a Great Day at the Missouri State Fair

• Stay Hydrated: While sampling all the delightful wines, remember to drink plenty of water.
• Take Time: There’s no rush. Take your time to enjoy each sample and savor the experience.
• Share the Experience: Wine tasting is always more fun with a companion to share the experience. Tag us in your journey using #mowine!

So, are you ready to embark on a wine-filled adventure at the Missouri State Fair? Whether you’re hopping on the Wine Trail or stopping by the Winery Showcase, these events promise to be both fun and educational. Cheers to discovering the best of Missouri wines while at the Missouri State Fair! 

Step on in, to a whole new world. Are you passionate about cooking or baking? Do you love the unique flavors of Missouri wine? Then I have some exciting news for you! Missouri Wines is sponsoring the “Cooking and Baking with Missouri Wine” contest on Thursday, August 7^th at 10 AM, and you’re invited to participate! 

This contest is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your culinary skills and creativity while highlighting the delicious wines produced right here in Missouri. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, this is your chance to shine. Imagine creating a dish that perfectly complements the rich flavors of Missouri wine and then sharing it with fellow food enthusiasts.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your recipes, sharpen your knives, and get ready to create something amazing! The Missouri State Fair is a recognition of all things Missouri, and this contest is the perfect way to kick off the beginning of a great 11-day celebration. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity. 

Sign up here!

We hope to see you there!