There is a great deal of unseen preparation that goes into a bottle of award-winning wine. The whole process starts on the vine. The year-round growing cycle is significant to the quality and quantity of the grapes that are harvested each fall, thus effecting the quality and quantity of wine produced from the given crop. Watch this brief overview of the lifecycle of a grapevine to learn a bit about the process of growing grapes.

Missouri is known for its unique award-winning wines and high-quality vineyards and wineries across the state. Each year new wines are awarded different medals at the Missouri Wine Competition. These awards aren’t won from luck. Here’s a preview list of 2021 gold medal wines you won’t want to miss:
Adam Puchta Winery 

Anniversary Port: Beautifully aged for six years with oak to create caramel and vanilla notes. Norton base features fig, plum and black cherry, spice and coffee flavors
Desire: Light-bodied semi-dry white blend with kiwi, lime and green apple notes
Jazz Berry: Sweet red wine with intense raspberry flavor
Judges Heir: Medium-bodied, dry red blend with black licorice, plum, caramel and dark tart cherry flavors
Misty Valley: Semi-sweet white dessert wine with light, fresh and fruity notes

Augusta Winery 

2020 Icewine: Sweet white dessert wine with bold peach, apricot, pineapple, pear, and honey flavors
5 Year Tawny: Aged for over five years in the barrel, this bold dessert wine features flavors and aromas of roasted nuts, dried fruit, butterscotch, and nutmeg
2020 Reserve Vignoles Estate Bottled: Dry white wine with crisp aromas and notes of pineapple, wild strawberries, tropical fruit, and white peach - named best varietal
River Valley White: This sweet white dessert wine is smooth with notes of tropical fruit & citrus, with hints of apricot & peach
2020 Traminette Estate Bottled: This floral semi dry wine has flavors of white peach, citrus, and honeysuckle

Balducci Vineyards 

4310: Rich white dessert wine with notes of pineapple and tropical fruit. It is made from 100% Vignoles grapes and aged new French oak barrels for 30 months - Learn about the label here

Blumenhof Vineyards and Winery 

2020 Rayon d’Or: Semi-sweet, white wine with fresh apple and citrus character                                                                                                      

Canterbury Hill Winery 

2020 King’s Choice: Sweet white wine with a fruit forward bouquet, honey and pineapple

Defiance Ridge Vineyards 

2020 Heath’s Off-Dry Vignoles: This semi-dry white wine has notes of tropical fruit and pineapple - Learn about the label here

Eagles’ Landing 

2018 Beckmeyer Chambourcin: Medium-bodied dry red with bold spiced flavors

Edg-Clif Farms and Vineyard 

2018 Edg-Clif Chambourcin: Medium bodied, rich and spicy red wine aged in American oak
2020 Vidal Blanc: Light bodied and crisp white wine, dry with a clean citrus fruit flavor - named best varietal

KC Wineworks 

2017 Chambourcin: Medium-bodied, dry red wine was barrel aged for earthy, smoky notes, red berries and hints of vanilla

Les Bourgeois Vineyards

Mizzou White: Crisp, dry white wine with aromas and flavors of citrus like grapefruit and lemon zest

Moscato: Sweet white wine with notes of peach and citrus

Montelle Winery 

2020 Chambourcin Estate Bottled: Dry red wine with tasting notes of blackberries, cassis, licorice, and a hint of vanilla
2020 Seyval Blanc Estate Bottled: Light, dry white wine featuring notes of tropical fruits, citrus, and gooseberry and a crisp acidity
Napoleon Missouri Brandy: Aged in French oak barrels with notes of dried peach, apricot, toffee, vine flowers like jasmine or honey suckle, cinnamon, and middle east spices
Peachy Brandy: Crisp and full of fresh ripe peach flavor and aromas

Noboleis Vineyards 

2019 Dry Vignoles: Light bodied, off-dry white wine with tropical fruit notes
2020 Two Posts White: Sweet, white wine with notes of honey, apple and melon

Stone Hill Winery 

2017 Chambourcin: Medium-bodied, dry red wine featuring flavors of toffee, black currant and cherry compote, toasty oak and a hint of black pepper - Governor’s Cup winner in 2019
2018 Norton: Full-bodied dry red with notes of black currant, butterscotch and toasted nuts from barrel aging
2018 Ozark Hellbender: Dry red blend with notes of sweet cherry, blueberry and a touch of toasted oak
2019 Chambourcin: Medium-bodied red wine with soft tannins, vibrant black current and cherry aromas and a touch of toasty oak and black pepper - Governor’s Cup Winner for 2021
2019 Cross J Norton: Dry, full-bodied red with notes of plum, jammy fruit and earthy pine
2019 Late Harvest Vignoles: Complex white dessert wine featuring bold honey, peach and floral aromas and flavors
2019 Norton: Robust, dry red wine with a complex mix of fruit, spice and oak - named best varietal and C.V. Riley Award winner in 2021
2019 Ozark Hellbender: Dry, medium-bodied red blend with notes of berries and plum compote, as well as cinnamon and smoky oak - named best red blend
2019 Vignoles:  Rich, full-bodied off-dry white wine with aromas of pineapple, strawberry and lime
2020 Traminette: White, semi-dry floral wine with notes of orange peel, guava and lime - named best varietal
Cream Sherry: Complex sweet dessert wine with rich, nutty flavor and aroma characteristic of traditional sherry from aging in oak barrels
Demi-Sec: Semi-dry sparkling style wine with aromas of fresh melon with a touch of floral and citrus, and with honeysuckle and sweet Meyer lemon flavors on the palate - named best sparkling wine
Dry Rosé: Young and crisp wine with beautiful vibrant color, zesty flavors and fresh fruity aromas
Moscato: Sweet white wine with flavors of peach, orange blossom, and lychee

Share what you find in these gold wines on social by tagging us @missouriwine and #missouriwine. Stay tuned for more award winning wines in July 2022.

Potato chips are a popular go-to snack, so why not pair them with your go-to Missouri wines? This guide will help you pair your favorite chips with award-winning wines. Remember to sip, bite, sip as you taste your way through this list.

 

Ruffles Original + Sweet Sparkling Wine

A classic crispy chip paired with a sparkling wine turns out to be a dynamic duo.

Kettle Sea Salt + Sweet Vignoles

This pair might come as a surprise, but it’s worth a try. Kettle cooked crunchy chips seasoned with sea salt pair nicely with this sweet Missouri favorite.

Ruffles Cheddar & Sour Cream + Chambourcin

This rich red wine finishes a bite of the popular cheddar and sour cream chips with ease.

Lays Stax Bacon & Cheddar + Chardonel

Think ‘loaded baked potato’ flavors and you’re well on your way to imagining the complex flavors that will unfold on your tongue with this pair.

Cheetos (Crunchy + Puffs) + Concord

Cheesy goodness from your choice of Cheetos compliment the jammy flavors of Concord with great satisfaction.

Lays Barbecue + Norton

This duo will instantly take your mind to a backyard BBQ with satisfaction guaranteed.

Fritos Honey BBQ Twists + Seyval Blanc or Dry Rosé or Dry Vignoles or Sweet Sparkling

We couldn’t decide on just one wine to pair because they were all too good! Try with one or all and tell us your top choice.

Sun Chips Garden Salsa + Vidal Blanc

This summertime chip should be enjoyed with a chilled glass of crisp and clean Vidal Blanc.

Doritos Nacho Cheese + Norton

These classic Doritos paired with a classic Norton are undeniably delectable.

Funyuns + Dry Rosé

This unique and fun choice of ‘chips’ will not disappoint with a glass of your favorite Dry Rosé.

Salt & Vinegar + Dry Vignoles

You either love them, or you don’t, but you’re sure to like salt and vinegar chips when enjoyed with a glass of Dry Vignoles.

Sour Cream & Onion + Vidal Blanc

The herbal flavors of this favorite chip are nicely complimented by the fresh and crisp taste of Vidal Blanc.

Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili + Catawba

This sweet and spicy duo will have your taste buds happy-dancing on your tongue.

Kettle Cooked Jalapeno + Traminette

This crunchy style Kettle Cooked spicy chip has a perfect match in the fresh and floral flavors of Traminette.

 

Let us know which pairings make it on your must-try list and tag us on social media @missouriwines or #missouriwines.

Are you stumped looking for ways to reuse and upcycle those empty wine bottles? Here is a simple 5 step process to turn one of your favorite bottles into an elegant vase hanger with an industrial touch. Watch the how-to video below or follow these instructions.

Materials

1 board (ours measured 15 x 5.5 inches)

3/8-inch x 4-inch carriage bolt

3/8-inch flat washer

3/8-inch hex nut

1-inch split ring hanger

Empty wine bottle

Picture hanging hardware

 

Tools

Tape measure

Pencil

Drill

3/8-inch drill bit

Pliers or 3/8-inch wrench

Phillips screwdriver

 

Instructions

1.Measure and mark the center of board and desired location of mounting the bottle on the board. Drill a hole through the board at this mark.

2.Place the bolt through the board so that the threaded end comes through the front. Add the washer to the bolt and begin threading the nut. Tighten the nut until firm.

3.Thread the split ring hanger onto the bolt until the butt of the bolt is flush with the inside of the ring.

4.Loosen the screw(s) on the split ring hanger and add the wine bottle. Tighten the screws until wine bottle is secure.

5.Add your desired picture hanging hardware on the back. Hang, style and enjoy!

For owner and winemaker at Fence Stile Vineyards and Winery, the ultimate highlight of the entire winemaking process doesn’t come from putting wine on the shelf. Shriti Plimpton prides herself on the complete experience that her guests gain with time spent on her beautiful 55-acre property near Kansas City.

“We love to be a part of everyone’s celebrations and big life moments,” Plimpton explained. Fence Stile provides a sense of community, a ‘natural home’, for their guests to enjoy beyond the wine rack. This being one of Plimpton’s favorite aspects of her role as winemaker – leading her guests to envelop the atmosphere and the wine together. As winery owner, Plimpton’s duties do not end with the winemaking process.

“I spend a lot of time in the tasting room, and am always tethered to the quality of the wine poured in a glass that leads to someone’s delight, which is worthwhile,” Plimpton shared. Assisting guests in fully experiencing the wine she crafts is most rewarding to her.

Tour guide is another of the many hats worn by Plimpton as she enjoys guiding guests throughout the property, including a tour through the naturally climate-controlled wine caves. Plimpton’s hard work comes full circle when her guests share thoughts like “I never realized how much work goes into the process” or “Wow, Missouri has genuine quality wines to offer.”

Plimpton strives to make quality wine that is expressive of the grape and season and be true to both. Fence Stile prides themselves on sustainable practices in their vineyards. Rather than spraying for weeds that compete with the vines, they use cultivation as a control method between the rows. They also forego the option of irrigating to prompt the strengthening of the vines and their crop. During hot and dry summers, they can only hope that the roots have grown deep into the clay soil to grasp for moisture. Plimpton shared that the intensity and flavor of a wine increases when the grapes have to ‘struggle’ in these ways while still on the vine.

The original vineyards at Fence Stile were planted in 2007 and the winery opened its doors three years later. Plimpton knew the time and dedication it would require to have an established and sustainable business for years to come, but didn’t shy away from the challenge. As she embarked on this adventure later in life than some career winemakers, she found great success through her education with the Viticulture & Enology Science & Technology Alliance (VESTA). Aside from formal education, she found internships and partnerships with fellow vineyards and winemakers to prove most valuable in her learning experience.

Plimpton’s worldly experiences influence her winemaking efforts. She was born in Kenya, raised in India and Canada and has been fortunate to experience both the culture and wine of many European countries. She considers her work to represent a taste of the world, even though she is making Missouri wines and enjoys the opportunity to develop an array of quality wines.

Plimpton sees her passion in the wine space as exploring the endless possibilities with a variety of wine and grape by-products. In February of 2020, her winery released the first Missouri-made Chambourcin Piquette which is made from pomace, the remaining grape skins, pulps, stems and seeds. Read more on this exciting special edition low alcohol wine here. Aside from Plimpton’s creative craft in less traditional wines like Piquette and orange wines, she also had a hand in producing a grape skin scrub using Chambourcin pomace as a partner with The Elms Hotel & Spa in Excelsior Springs. 

“We want to evolve our offerings to address a wider audience and create cocktails and wine styles to extend the experience for our guests,” Plimpton explained. In 2021, Fence Stile added a distillery on the property and plan to release rum, brandy and other spirits this spring.

Looking to the future, Plimpton is eager to continue learning about varietals not commonly grown in the Midwest, such as Crimson Cabernet and Cabernet Dore. She is excited to craft unique blends using traditional Missouri varietals with vinifera varieties that may resonate more commonly with wine consumers. In this way, Plimpton hopes to bridge the gap to meet consumers who are not as familiar with the varietals most popularly grown in the Midwest, but continue to represent the excellence that is found in Missouri wines.

Plimpton has a special way of bringing quality wines to her guests while creating a memorable experience. Friends of Fence Stile who provide genuine feedback on the special times they have shared at the winery provide the most satisfaction to Plimpton. Special people enjoying the wine of her labor prompts a smile at the end of the day.

Interested in learning more about Missouri wines, wineries and winemakers? Follow us on social media @missouriwine.

Cold temperatures and busy schedules create the perfect storm for aches and stress. Unwind and relax in a hot bath with your favorite Missouri wines. Here are our suggestions on what to sip while you soak to maximize this self-care practice.

Epsom Salt & Sparkling

Whether it is a general Epsom salt or a scent you enjoy, such as lavender, it is the perfect starting place. Baths aren’t for everyone, but this one is great for many reasons. Epsom salts soothe aches and pains, relieving muscles and tension from winter or everyday life. Both your skin and mind will be softened by the magnesium and calming lavender scent. The addition of your favorite sparkling will make you feel like you’re at a spa day! Both a crisp brut or a floral demi sec will pair well with the notes of lavender. Now you’re set for a great night’s sleep!

Red wine bath & Chambourcin

Add a little of your red wine to your soak – we’re not kidding! Adding a glass to your bath can reduce inflammation and redness in your skin, helping slow the aging process. Can this be better than happy hour? Enjoy a Chambourcin to relax to your fullest!

Oatmeal bath & Fruit wine

Use a store-bought powdered oatmeal bath or take a scoop from your oats at home to create this soothing soak. Use a food processor to finely grind your oats or insert a cup of oatmeal into a pantyhose stocking and let your shower faucet drain over, reducing the mess. Dry, irritated, itchy skin is quickly soothed. This pro-tip is great for treating eczema, bug bites, poison ivy, sunburns and more. The delicious smell of warm oatmeal helps your mind retreat and pairs well with fruit wines. This makes bath time more exciting than breakfast time.

Baking soda & Traminette

Cheers to health! Reduce germs, fungus and reduce perspiration by adding anywhere from 1-2 cups of baking soda to your bath. Make sure it all dissolves before enjoying. Also known as a bicarb bath, this inexpensive and accessible soak also helps boost circulation and mitigate issues with eczema and psoriasis. Boost your immune system and your bath time by enjoying a chilled and refreshing glass of Traminette. The delightful floral and citrus notes will take you to a refreshing oasis.

Oils & Chardonel

Adding bath oil or essential oils to your soak will quickly take your bathing experience to the next level. Aromatherapy from scents like sandalwood, chamomile and eucalyptus allow you to calm and ease away from your work day. Pair this with a glass of crisp and clean Chardonel to upgrade your relaxation and allow you to savor your solo time. Other oils you can utilize are olive oil, coconut oil or grapeseed oil, which doesn’t clog your pores. Whichever you choose, this pairing will keep your skin and mind refreshed.

Rosemary & Vidal Blanc

This pairing is sure to boost your mood. Add a few sprigs to your bath to ease stress and increase circulation. Magnify your bathing return on investment with breathing exercises that improve lung health, focus and mental clarity.  Vidal Blanc’s crisp freshness parallels the sensations captured in this rosemary soak.

Rose water or rose petals & Catawba

Fresh flower petals add a beautiful aesthetic and smell to your bath. These gentle scents kindly complement the sweet, floral and woodsy notes experienced from a chilled glass of Catawba. Rose water and rose petals are antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. This sweet soak is heaven sent, just like your alone time.

Sage & Sangria

Here’s a pairing for the unique soul! The bright, cleansing aroma of sage will help declutter your mind. This mental opening allows you to enjoy the cool, refreshing spices and flavors of your favorite Sangria. Complex ingredients can be thoroughly enjoyed from the release of any heaviness or bad energy.

Milk and Honey & Concord

Rumor has it that Cleopatra bathed in milk to retain her youthful appearance. Lactic acid gently exfoliates your skin while soaking in this bath. Add honey to retain moisture and smoothness in your skin, as well as give it an anti-aging and antibacterial boost. This honeyed mixture can match the sweetness of Concord. Make this soak fit for a queen by enjoying a chilled glass of this fruity favorite!

Lemon (or citrus) & Seyval

Add slices of lemons, grapefruits, oranges or other citrus to highlight your chilled and crisp glass of Seyval Blanc. This stress-zapping favorite is an easy way to elevate your mood and energy levels. Make note of this perfect pairing parallel – the bath’s aromas expand and invigorate your senses, allowing the bright, crisp and citrus notes of Seyval Blanc to be fully enjoyed.

Tea bath & Tawny Port

Tone your skin by adding a few bags of tea to your hot bath. Perhaps an after-dinner soak is required? Skip dessert and substitute this dessert wine for a sweet pairing. While this bath lacks complexity, the intense flavor of this wine makes up in stride. Familiar dessert notes of caramel, chocolate, dried fruit or nuts can be the perfect night-cap to a long day. 

Vanilla bubble bath (or bath bomb) & Norton

A pairing of two classics is hard to resist. Classic Missouri Norton never disappoints and neither does a vanilla aroma. This familiar smell is soothing but doesn’t overwhelm the bold Norton, allowing relaxation to hit its prime. This big, bold dry red brings spice to every sip and is great for dissolving into your heated bathing haven.

Share the bath pairing experience that sounds like your favorite! Find more fun pairing info by following us on social media @missouriwine and #missouriwine.

 

 

When tasting wine, the tongue ironically tells us a small amount about the pour in our glass. The aromas offered up in each sip unearth a world of sensations while our taste buds only differentiate between salty, sweet, umami, bitter and sour. There are countless aromas that may breathe from your glass, but here’s a start to help you evaluate your favorite Missouri wines.

Learn about the helpful steps in thoroughly tasting wine with the 5 S’s.

With just a tablespoon of your favorite red wine, you can put your own spin on a vinaigrette to top a dinner salad. This quick and simple vinaigrette can be customized several ways, so feel free to personalize to your likings.

Serving Size: 4 servings

Ingredients

3 Tbsp white vinegar
1 Tbsp red wine (we used a Chambourcin)
½ c olive oil
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

 

Instructions

1.Combine white vinegar with your favorite red wine.

2.Whisk together olive oil, the red wine vinegar mixture, Dijon mustard and oregano.

3.Season to taste with salt and pepper.

4.Store covered in the refrigerator. It will be good for four days.

We love this tangy topping drizzled over a salad sprinkled with cranberries and nuts.  Consider enhancing the mixture by adding honey, lemon juice, garlic or even red pepper flakes for some extra zip. Share your salad concoction with us using #MoWine!

Missouri wineries are proud of the communities they come from and the family they share. Many of these wineries look for the chance to give back to causes that hit close to home. These wines can be purchased knowing that a portion of the proceeds benefit a cause that these generous wineries strongly support. Please note that these wines were gathered based on a recent survey and this is not an exhaustive list of all wineries that give back.

 

 

Joli Vin by Baltimore Bend

This blush blend of Vignoles, Chardonel and Chambourcin holds the French name of ‘beautiful wine’ and represents a beautiful cause. During the month of October, Joli Vin is on special with a portion of all sales given to the Lafayette County Cancer Coalition. Seek this wine during Breast Cancer month and find assurance in supporting this shared cause and the lives it can touch.

 

Renegade by Mallinson Vineyard & Hall

Dedicated to the Wayne City Landing and Port, this sweet wine benefits a piece of American history. This spot on the map near Independence served as a supply port for early pioneers traveling west. Mallinson’s main winery building is the oldest school house in Jackson County which is known as the Gilpin School. This property is located along the historic Lewis and Clark, Santa Fe, California and Oregon trails with two National Park markers nearby. Renegade benefits this preservation of history near the winery the Mallinson family calls home.

Ozark Hellbender by Stone Hill Winery

The Ozark Hellbender is a unique aquatic salamander native to Southern Missouri and Northern Arkansas Ozarks. This endangered species serves tell-tale signs of healthy streams and remains vital to healthy river ecosystems. When you purchase this red blend, A percentage of the proceeds is donated to the breeding and conservation efforts at the St. Louis Zoo’s Ron Goellner Center for Hellbender Conservation.

 

 

Catawba by Ladoga Ridge Winery

With the sweet pink color of this wine, it is only fitting that a portion of the proceeds from Ladoga Ridge Winery’s Catawba is donated to various breast cancer awareness programs. As resources allow, patrons will once again be able to make purchases of this wine during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October of 2022.

 

Foxy Lady and Old Glory by Top Hat Winery

With every purchase of this Missouri pink Catawba, Foxy Lady, a portion of the proceeds from each bottle goes to help fight breast cancer in the Independence area. Old Glory benefits homeless veterans in the Independence area. Donate to this important cause with each purchase of this Missouri Niagara semi-sweet wine.

Sweet Corky by Wenwood Farm Winery

This silky and sweet white ice-wine is named in honor of winery owners’ late winery dog, Corky. The label holds sentimental value representing the rainbow bridge of ‘dog heaven’ shown through the face of their sweet Corky. With the purchase of every bottle, a portion is donated to Unchained Melodies Dog Rescue in Columbia.

Wine has been an essential part of civilization since its origin around 6000 BC. Thousands of years of vintners’ efforts have led to the high-quality products created worldwide in our industry today. Let’s take today to celebrate this cultural staple with style! Here’s some unique and fun ideas you might enjoy:

1. Explore a new winery – make your plans to visit a winery you have never been to before! Maybe even make it a staycation! You can plan your trip with a little help here. You can always visit a local winery too. Find one near you. 

2. Open your favorite varietal at home – we know you have been sitting on that fancy bottle in your cellar. Pop it open and allow yourself to enjoy what you have been saving. What a perfect occasion – you can’t take it with you when you go! (We imagine heaven has all the best wines)

3. Learn something new - Expand your “wine mind” by learning some new terminology or learn what it takes to create award winning wines. 

4. Gift a bottle – Share one of your favorite wines with a friend. You could even plan a girl’s night with a white wine elephant exchange to make the trades interesting. Open and enjoy your bottle with friends afterward. Tips on wrapping here. 

5. Sharpen your skills – Put your senses to the test. Progress your wine tasting skills by utilizing the 5’s and practicing the best way to observe and enjoy wine. You can also learn best practices on handling wine at an event. Here’s a great refresh for your wine etiquette. 

6. Try a new wine – while you are grocery shopping, pick out a bottle of Missouri wine you have never tried before. Best way to know more about what you like is to try new things! You might just be surprised at what these varietals have to offer. Try celebrating this national holiday with a sparkling. Pick one with our guide. 

7. Pick a pairing to try – Missouri wine varietals have a vast number of pairings! Check out which wine you want to pair with and create an experience that allows you to taste Missouri wine in a new way.

8. Cook with wine – whether it is from a newly opened bottle or one you enjoyed earlier this week, you can utilize Missouri wines beyond the sip. Try baking with wine or create a new dish that adds a new culinary element to your repertoire.

9. Enjoy and relax – However you best enjoy your wine, do that! Sip some while in a hot bath, share with a friend while binging the latest episode of your favorite show or have a wine night with your friends to balance your stressful schedule with some fun.

10. Take the time to recycle – get creative with your leftover corks and bottles and reuse them that empowers you and your environment. Take the time to finally create that cork craft you have been putting off. Try using a bottle to prop in your plant soil for gradual watering or buy some flowers and divide the bouquet into bottles to spruce up your living space.

11. Wine cocktails – not a fan of wine? Wine can still make some awesome cocktails. Get inspired by this Sangria recipe. Even create your own!

Share what you are doing for National Drink Wine Day with us on social media by tagging @missouriwine and #missouriwine.