Earth day is every day at wineries in Missouri. Many of these businesses, both small and large, take time out of their day to reduce, reuse and recycle. Taking care of the Earth is top of mind when it comes to growing grapes and vine management, but it is also reflected in the small business aspect too. One of these wineries is Baltimore Bend Vineyard and Winery in Waverly.

Manager Sarah Schmidt says they want to minimize their footprint however they can. The staff at Baltimore Bend Vineyards takes the time with their glass to recycle it twice a month at their nearby towns of Marshall at Marshall Municipal Utilities and Higginsville at Lafayette County Enterprises, Inc. Not only do they recycle their tasting room bottles, but they welcome customers to bring their empty bottles back to the winery and they will happily recycle for them.

There are many packaging materials that ensure the safe arrival of products sold in their gift shop, as well as with other winery necessities such as corks, bottles, labels, signage and shipping boxes. Sarah and her team reuse these however they can. Boxes are often offered to those who need them for moving or storage. They even recycle plastic and aluminum too. Water bottles and cans on site are sorted and taken with other recyclable materials.

As the winery has continued to grow, the priority of reducing their waste has grown as well. A local distiller in Rayville approached the winery for their leftover skins and seeds after crushing. Jim Pierce started Of the Earth Distillery in 2010 and utilizes the leftover pomace to make fruit brandies. Other wineries add these leftovers as mulch in the vineyards or share it with livestock producers to utilize as feed. This adds a dynamic angle to their recycling, especially supporting another local business owner and his product.

Baltimore Bend Winery is housed in what used to be a cider mill. The town of Waverly is home to Peters’ Orchards, the largest apple producers in the state. The Peters previously utilized the entire space but now share it with Baltimore Bend, with hope of purchasing it in the future. These plans were delayed by the COVID pandemic, but lots of ideas are waiting to be explored with this possible expansion.

Although it can often be cliché, taking care of the Earth and its resources is very important to those who produce crops or live off the product of the land. Wineries across the state take pride in supporting this cause and their communities. If your local winery embraces sustainability, give them a shout out on social media by tagging them and us @missouriwine and #missouriwine.

A home away from home, this winery has continued its growth through the years. 

The beautiful blufftop property overlooking a subtle bend in the Missouri river is tucked right along Interstate-70 west of Columbia, Missouri. Les Bourgeois Vineyards is a familiar place to many locals in mid-Missouri while being a popular attraction to tourists near and far.

Curtis (Doc) and Martha Bourgeois purchased the Rocheport property in 1974 and officially opened as Les Bourgeois Winery in 1985. They settled into the area living in the small A-frame structure, now known as The A-Frame Winegarden, while building a home on the property. They planted vines on the rolling hills and eventually began making wine in the garage of their home.

The opening season in 1985 was a huge success as they sold out of their wines very quickly. Expansion easily approached as they built the Bistro in the 1990s with intention to host weddings, University gatherings, family reunions and more. After outgrowing the wine making facility in their garage, they purchased the Pete’s Café building which housed their production facilities and tasting room. This setup was cozy and worked for many years. In 2011, the winemaking facility and warehouse was built next to the tasting room. Four years later, the Tasting Room expanded and continues to house the tasting bar and retail space.

In 2019, Curtis Bourgeois, son of the founding Doc and Martha, retired after 32 years of ownership. He passed the baton to two leaders who played influential roles at the winery for many years prior. Jacob and Rachel Holman, with the partnership of an outside investor, took ownership of the winery and turned a new leaf while still upholding the culture that the Bourgeois family cultivated for more than 3 decades.

Since then, the new owners purchased two guesthouses and renovated the house built by the Bourgeois family in an effort to present a destination that feels like home. They continue to strive to build a place that feels welcoming, comfortable and altogether, a place for guests to create the most memorable experiences. Their ultimate goal is to perfect the small details that make up big moments.

The property is nestled alongside the Missouri River with easy access to the iconic Katy Trail. Visitors can experience this beautiful piece of the Midwest while enjoying the quality wines grown and produced on property. Wines can be enjoyed at each location on The Blufftop from The Tasting Room to The Bistro and The A-Frame Winegarden. Guesthouses have been perfectly tailored to feel like a piece of home where guests can stay and experience The Blufftop.

Given the continued growth of the Les Bourgeois Vineyards, the overall experience you can receive in Rocheport has outgrown the winery name. With the expansion into distilling, premium wines, lodging and more, it was time for an all-encompassing name to better describe the overall experience.

Recently introduced, The Blufftop at Rocheport(hyperlinked) will showcase all the property has to offer. Visitors now have a trailside vineyard retreat where they can wine, dine, shop, stay and play. Les Bourgeois Vineyards will be sticking around as the well-established brand of their winery and wines.

"We really are a big family here, and it's our hope that every guest who visits us will feel welcome and like this is a destination that feels like home for them," said Owner and CEO, Rachel Holman. "There is more than 35 years of history here on The Blufftop, and we look forward to continuing that legacy of growth and evolution with this brand expansion." 

Keep on the lookout for these exciting experiences with The Blufftop at Rocheport that you won’t want to miss.

We are all guilty of stocking up on those irresistible Girl Scout cookies, so it’s time to grab a box (or two) from your stash and pair them with a glass of Missouri wine. Use this handy pairing guide to make the perfect match with your favorite cookies and that once-a-year treat even more irresistible.

Let us know your go-to combination on social media @missouriwines or #MissouriWine

As the weather gets warmer, more events in Missouri wine country are happening – this list of events is calling out your name. Put these events and festivals on your calendar because you won’t want miss out! Exciting things are happening in Missouri wine country.

March

March 26-27

Hermann Wurstfest - Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A city-wide celebration of the traditional art of German sausage making. There will be multiple sausage competitions, sausage samples & sausage for sale, a wiener dog derby, as well as an appearance from the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile. Experience authentic German music and dance performances each day. Learn more here.

April

April 9

Hermann Wine Trail: Farmers' Table Wine Trail

Hermann wineries and Missouri CommonGround join together for this unique annual event featuring pairings of Missouri wine and food. Enjoy the best of what Missouri has to offer. Meet the local farmers behind the food as you taste your way through six delectable wine and food pairings along the Hermann Wine Trail. Tickets are $35, which includes a wine glass. Purchase tickets at www.HermannWineTrail.com. Participating wineries: Adam Puchta Winery, Bias Winery, Curling Vine Winery, G. Husmann Wine Company, Hermannhof Winery, and Robller Vineyard and Winery.

Glasgow Wine Walk 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Enjoy wine, food and live music in downtown Glasgow. Enjoy the river views while sipping on wines from Baltimore Bend Winery, Beckett’s Winery, Fahrmeier Family Vineyard, Giggling Grapes Winery, Hummingbird Vineyard & Winery, Twin Meadows Winery, Wenwood Winery and Wildlife Ridge Winery. Purchase your tickets here.

April 10

Fence Stile Vineyards Wine Run 5k at 9 a.m.

Whether you choose to walk or run, it is certain you will enjoy the scenic views and wines of Fence Stile Vineyards & Winery. This event is held in conjunction with the celebration of their 13th anniversary. Click here for more information and to sign up today.

April 22

“Noboleis After Hours” series kick-off event

Visit Noboleis Vineyards for the kickoff to "Noboleis After Hours" every Friday night. Happy hour specials can be enjoyed from 5-8 p.m. For more information, click here.

April 21-30

Augusta Plein Air Art Festival

Bring your friends and family out to watch the artists compete in the 2022 Augusta Plein Air Art Festival as you enjoy wine and live music at Noboleis Vineyards. Artist Quick Paint event is April 23 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., with judging and awards at 4 p.m. Over 100 artists will be scattered around the property, capturing and recreating the scenic views of MO wine country.

April 23

Wine in the Vines 5K at Seven Springs Winery

Run, walk or do both while enjoying the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks! Enjoy wine, food and music from DJ John Marsi and live music from Jason Button – more information here.

April 30

GTO concert at LaChance Vineyards at 6 p.m.

This high-energy 15-piece band will be playing Good Time Oldies from the 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's. Follow their Facebook page for more upcoming information.

 

May

May 1

Vineyard Market at Noboleis Vineyards from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Shop the "Vineyard Market" to find local vendors of all kinds. They will be set up around the hillside and feature lots of products and incredible Missouri made finds. More information on the event here.

May 7

Kentucky Derby Day at Stone Hill Winery

Get dressed up for the races! Wear your favorite festive Derby hat and take part in a hat parade for a chance to win a prize. The hat parade begins at 3 p.m. and free live music is from 1 p.m.to 5 p.m. More information here.

May 7 & 8

Wild Bacon Wine Trail in Hermann

Pair a variety of Missouri award-winning wines and more with smoky, savory and always delicious, bacon. Tickets include a souvenir wine glass and can be purchased in advance at www.HermannWineTrail.com. Participating wineries: Adam Puchta Winery, Bias Winery, Curling Vine Winery, G. Husmann Wine Company, Hermannhof Winery, and Robller Vineyard and Winery.

May 14

Warrensburg Come Sip Shop from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Visit downtown Warrensburg for the Come Sip Shop event where you can enjoy regional wines while exploring the downtown retail stores. Tickets are $25 prior to the event and $30 the day of – register here.

May 21

Slater Wine Festival from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Come enjoy a day full of vendors, food trucks, live music and wine at the Slater Wine Festival. Check out Becketts Winery, Hummingbird Vineyard & Winery, Top Hat Winery and more! Visit here for more information.

Springfest at Stone Hill Winery

Usher in the new season with Springfest from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This event features a variety of Missouri’s finest vendors featuring items such as food, jewelry, bath works, clothing and wine. Free live music from 1 to 5 p.m. Sip, shop and enjoy the spring views in the vineyard. 

“Garage" Sale at Noboleis from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Stock up on some of your favorite Noboleis wines during the Spring Warehouse Garage Sale. Huge case discounts – one day only! More information here.

June

June 11

Mid-MO Strawberry Festival at Serenity Valley Winery from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

This event supports donations to veterans to support upcoming Honor Flights. It features music, vendors, food trucks, activities for kids, petting zoo area and a fireworks display. Follow their Facebook for more information.

Stone Hill Winery's 175th Anniversary Celebration

Explore the history while celebrating & reflecting on the establishment of Stone Hill Winery 175 years ago. This event features sparkling wine, barbecue, free live music, tours of cellars and production facilities, wine & history Q&A, and commemorative ceremonies. More information here.

These events were collected by a recent set of surveys. We hope you utilize this list of spring events to explore new parts of Missouri wine country. Tag us in your travels at @missouriwine and #missouriwine on social media.