Forget the Easter egg hunts and bunny ears! Adults should get to enjoy the holidays too. Here is the perfect Easter basket strictly for adults! We’re talking a curated collection of goodies that speaks directly to them. Get ready to create and gift a basket that’ll have them feeling like a kid again. 

Easter Basket Supplies:

• Basket 
• Missouri Wine
• Corkcicle
• Glasses 
• Adult Coloring Book 
• Fun Pens 
• Wine Bottle Candle 
• Hand Towels 
• Plant 
• Home Decorations
• Candy

So, ditch the predictable and embrace the personalization. With creativity and some thoughtfulness, you created the best adult Easter basket packed with goodies. Watch their face light up and relive their younger years. Happy Easter basket crafting! 

Welcome to Spring! After this winter, spring feels even sweeter. Welcome Spring with us and sip on Chardonel.

Chardonel (shar-doe-nel) is a hybrid grape made from Seyval Blanc and Chardonnay. Chardonel is a late ripening white wine grape that produces a high-quality and full-bodied wine. It is distinguished by its superior wine quality combined with high productivity. The grape’s cold hardiness is superior to its acclaimed parent, Chardonnay, which you may have heard of. This wine can be fermented in oak or stainless-steel barrels. The Chardonel grape was developed in 1953, and the varietal was released in 1990. 

7.2% of the grapes grown in Missouri are Chardonel. This varietal produces wines with delightful flavors of pear, apple, and apricot, often enriched with an oaky undertone when aged in barrels. Chardonel is known for its full-bodied, rich, and complex profiles, and also offers a crisp finish. 

Serve Chardonel chilled at an ideal temperature of 44-55°F to fully appreciate. It pairs beautifully with creamy white cheeses, grilled chicken and fish, mushrooms, almonds, pasta in cream sauce, and desserts like vanilla cake, banana bread, and apple dishes. 

Try using Chardonel while cooking with these recipes:

Chardonel Wine Cocktail Recipe

Cheesy Chardonel Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe

Butterscotch Blondies with Chardonel

Chardonel Fondue (lactose-free version)

One-Skillet Smothered Pork Chops

Lemon Butter Seafood Pasta

Moscow Mule with Wine

Stargazer Cocktail

Chardonel Cheese Sauce with Pretzel Bites

Share your favorite Missouri Chardonel with us using #mowine

It is Chardonel Month! There is no better way to enjoy Chardonel this month than with this Creamy Chardonel Chicken.

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup Chardonel
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch, + 2 tablespoons cold water, optional
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, see notes

• Fresh Dill, to garnish

Supplies

• Mallet

Sauce Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon each: dried parsley, mustard powder
• ½ teaspoon each: dried oregano, dried basil

Instructions

1. Slice the chicken in half lengthwise to create 2-3 thinner slices. Use a mallet to pound to ½ inch thick. Pat completely dry.
2. Season each side with oregano, salt, and pepper. Dredge in the flour.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until a golden crust has developed. Set aside.
4. 

   Turn the heat off and add the wine, then set heat to medium.

5. Let it simmer until reduced by half. Add the butter and garlic. Add the Worcestershire sauce, chicken broth, and seasonings. Bring the sauce to a boil.
6. If the sauce is not thick enough: Combine 2 tbsp. cornstarch with 2 tbsp. cold water until completely uniform in consistency. Slowly stir it into the bubbling sauce.
7. Reduce heat to low and slowly add the heavy cream. Stir in the Parmesan cheese.
8. Add the chicken back to the skillet and spoon the sauce on top. Cover partially and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
9. Stir the fresh lemon juice into the sauce. Garnish with dill and serve with sides of your choosing!

Happy Chardonel Month. Share your Chardonel recipes with us using #mowine!

Looking for an easy way to make use of the corks you have saved? Look no further than this DIY Cork Wall Hanging. Easy and cute!

Supplies:

• Canvas
• Hot Glue Gun
• Hot Glue Sticks
• Pencil
• Yardstick or Ruler
• Corks

Instructions:

1. Lay your canvas flat and mark with a pencil evenly placed lines for where the corks will go.
2. After your marks are made, hot glue your corks to the canvas.
3. Hang on the wall and enjoy!

Share your cork crafts with us using #mowine!

Happy Cocktail Day! Celebrate the right way, with 4 different and delicious Missouri Wine-tails!

Cordial Spritz

Serves 1

Ingredients

    •    3 oz Missouri Sparkling

    •    1 oz berry cordial

    •    2 oz seltzer water

    •    Fresh raspberries

    •    Ice

Instructions

    1.    Fill glass with ice.

    2.    Add berry cordial and sparkling wine.

    3.    Top with seltzer water.

    4.    Gently stir to combine.

    5.    Garnish with fresh raspberries.

Strawberry Basil Spritzer

Serves 1

Ingredients

    •    3–4 fresh strawberries, sliced

    •    2–3 fresh basil leaves

    •    3 oz Traminette

    •    2 oz club soda

    •    Ice

Instructions

    1.    Add strawberries and basil to a glass.

    2.    Lightly muddle to release juices and aroma.

    3.    Fill the glass with ice.

    4.    Pour in white wine and top with club soda.

    5.    Stir gently and garnish with a basil leaf or strawberry slice.

Spring Sangria

Serves 1

Ingredients

    •    4 oz Vignoles

    •    1 oz berry-infused vodka

    •    ½ oz fresh lemon juice

    •    3–4 sliced strawberries

    •    Splash of seltzer water

    •    Ice

Instructions

    1.    Add strawberries large glass.

    2.    Fill the glass with ice.

    3.    Pour in white wine, berry vodka, and lemon juice.

    4.    Stir well to combine.

    5.    Top with a splash of seltzer water.

Cucumber Herb Spritzer

Serves 1

Ingredients

    •    3 cucumber slices

    •    1 mint sprig

    •    1 basil leaf

    •    3 oz Seyval Blanc

    •    2 oz seltzer water

    •    Lime wedge

    •    Ice

Instructions

    1.    Add cucumber, mint, and basil to a wine glass.

    2.    Lightly muddle to release flavor.

    3.    Fill with ice.

    4.    Add white wine and top with seltzer water.

    5.    Squeeze in a lime wedge and stir gently.

Share your wine-tails with us using #mowine!

Spring in Missouri Wine Country is a vibrant awakening! As vineyards start to bloom, wineries open their doors for a new season of celebrations. Get ready for a calendar full of events, each offering a unique taste of Missouri’s wines and stunning views.

7C’s Winery – Walnut Grove

• April 19: Go Fly A Kite Day 
• May 10: Mother’s Day 

Adam Puchta Winery – Hermann 

• March 28-29: Wurstfest
• April 3: Spring Wine Pairing Dinner 
• April 4: Spring Wine Pairing Dinner
• April 11: Farmers’ Table Wine Trail 
• May 2-3: Wine - “Tails” & Tapas Wine Trail 

Arcadian Moon – Higginsville 

• April 18: Kite Festival 2026 

Balducci Vineyards – Augusta 

• March 28: Easter Egg Hunt
• April 10: Pasta Friday 
• May 8: Pasta Friday 

Cedar Lake Cellars – Wright City 

• March 27: Wine-O Bingo 
• April 5: Easter Brunch 
• April 24: Wine-O Bingo
• May 2: Derby Day 

Charleville Vineyard Winery & Craft Brewery – Ste. Genevieve

• March 28: Stepping into Spring Dinner 
• April 5: Easter Brunch 
• May 10: Mother’s Day Brunch

Defiance Ridge Vineyards – Defiance 

• March 27: Movie Trivia Night
• April 4: Music Trivia Night 
• April 5: Easter Brunch
• April 8: Farmhouse Dinner
• April 10: The Lord of the Rings Trivia Night 

Edg-Clif Farms & Vineyard – Potosi 

• March 29: Spring Market Day
• April 4: Poker Run for Shenanigan Sisters
• May 2: Shaw Nature Spring Wildflower Market

Fence Stile Vineyards, Winery & Distillery – Excelsior Springs 

• March 26: Golden Hour Cellar Session 

Jowler Creek Vineyard & Winery – Platte City 

• March 27: Game Night
• March 28: Easter Kegg Hunt 
• April 4: Easter Kegg Hunt
• April 24: Game Night 
• May 1: Trivia Night 
• May 15: Music Bingo 
• May 22: Game Night 

Les Bourgeois Vineyards – Rocheport 

• March 28: Annual Winemaker’s Ball 
• April 5: Easter Brunch 

McKelvey Vineyards – Leslie 

• April 5: Easter Brunch 
• May 15: Line Dancing 

Montelle Winery – Augusta 

• May 10: Mother’s Day Brunch 

Musket Cellars & Vineyard – Pleasant Hill 

• April 12: Sip & Sparkle Wine Charm Class
• April 19: Spring Doorhanger Class

Noboleis Vineyards – Augusta 

• May 2: Wine with Friends – Farm to Table 

Prairie Barn Winery – St.James

• March 28: Sip & Paint 
• April 17: Spring Tasting Event 2026 
• April 18: Route 66 Wine Dinner 
• May 2: Sip n Savor 

Shamrock Hills Vineyard and Winery

• March 7-December: Live Music on Weekends
• March 14: 3rd Anniversary

Stone Hill Winery – Hermann 

• March 28-29: Wurstfest 
• April 11: Norton Dinner & 10-Year Vertical Tasting
• April 24: Sunsets at Stone Hill Winery
• April 25: Vine & Platter Festival 

TerraVox Vineyards – Kansas City 

• April 11: Christopher Elbow Port & Chocolate Pairing 
• April 11: Barrel Tasting with Winemaker Jean-Louis
• April 18: Five Course Wine Dinner & Pairing 

The Peculiar Winery – Peculiar 

• April 18: 2026 Annual Crawfish & Shrimp Boil

Tripe 3 Vineyard – Washington 

• March 28: Wine Dinner

Villa Antonio Winery – Hillsboro 

• April 4: Easter Brunch 
• April 26: Spring Artisan Fair 

 Celebrate the season in Missouri Wine Country! Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or new to the scene, spring events offer something for everyone. Go, raise a glass to the season and experience the best of Missouri’s premier wine destinations! 

National Ag Week is the perfect time to reflect on the deep roots and rich harvests that have gotten us to where we are today. Missouri Agriculture represents and showcases many types of people. An industry that knows no quits. The Missouri Wines Team might be biased but our favorite agriculturists are the ones who work with their crop from start to finish. 

Missouri wineries embody the essence of teamwork. Winemakers, grape growers, vineyard and winery staff along with local businesses and consumers all unite to cultivate a thriving industry. Each bottle of Missouri wine represents a shared commitment to quality and innovation. 

This National Ag Week, lets slow down, thank a farmer and raise a glass to the collaborative spirit that makes Missouri wines special. Together, we’re not just growing grapes and making wine; we are cultivating community, tradition, and a taste of Missouri that’s uniquely our own. Cheers to growing together! 

Owners Denise and Mike Riley’s vision is for guests to come in, try their wines, enjoy the views, the camaraderie, and stay for the afternoon sharing stories and making memories along the way. Shamrock Hills Vineyard and Winery is situated on a 323 Acre farm rising up out of the Missouri River Valley made up of sedimentary rock layers along with Bethany falls limestone. Shamrock Hills opened its doors to the public on April 1st, 2023.  

The Vineyard was planted in the Spring of 2023 with 3,000 vines of 4 different varietals across 11 acres with an additional 2 varietals and 600 vines planted in 2024. In their first year they bottled 11 wines for their inaugural vintage. They received 2 bronze medals and 1 silver medal in the 2024 Missouri Governor’s Cup Wine Competition.

This is where the story of dedication, hard work and cooperation comes in. Mike and Denise wanted to improve the quality and taste of their wines. Their dedication is to not only provide customers with the best experience, but to help elevate the Missouri Wine industry as a whole.

After the 2024 competition, they immediately got to work again. They reached out to other winery owners, winemakers, and University of Missouri Grape and Wine Institute for advice. Then, submitting their wines to the Missouri W.I.S.E. Choice program, to ensure their wines were free of faults.

Additionally, Mike was selected to serve on the Missouri Wine and Grape Board Technical Committee, Missouri Vintners Association Board and is involved in other programs.  Denise focused on marketing efforts by getting heavily engaged with the Missouri Wine and Grape Board to support Missouri wine across the state.

Working with others, taking in advice, and with a mission to improve their wines, they entered their wines into the 2025 Missouri Governor’s Cup Wine Competition. Their hard work paid off. At the competition they took home Best of Class Award for best semi-dry red with their 2024 Sweet Hadley Jo, Best Varietal for their 2024 Chardonel, 5 gold, 4 silver and 3 bronze medals. As an added bonus, they also received the People’s Choice Label Award.

What Mike and Denise have enjoyed most about this journey into winemaking is the strong sense of community they have found among wineries across Missouri. It speaks volumes about an industry where wineries support one another and work together to elevate the experience of Missouri Wine—no matter which part of the state visitors explore.

Mike and Denise embody the spirit of Missouri Wine Country. Their dedication to their customers, the industry and wine, is shown every day. We look forward to their continuous success. Be sure to visit Shamrock Hills Vineyard & Winery in Excelsior Springs, to try fabulous wine and meet Mike and Denise!

Happy Popcorn Lovers Day! Movie night, a quick snack, or maybe you need an easy pairing for your next wine get together. Popcorn is the answer, and luckily Missouri Wines pair perfectly with your favorite flavors!

Movie Theater Butter + Chardonel

Chocolate Caramel + Chambourcin

Cheddar + Concord

Kettle + Sparkling

White Cheddar + Catawba

Caramel + Traminette

Jalapeno + Vignoles

Cookies & Cream + Port Style

Share your unique popcorn pairings with us using #mowine

In a world that is constantly evolving, the remarkable strength and resilience and invaluable contributions of women never change. Today we celebration International Women’s Day. Let’s toast a glass to the women who inspire us daily! 

*This is not a complete representation of all the women in the Missouri Wine Industry. This is based off survey answers. 

Baltimore Bend Vineyard – Waverly 

• Sarah Schmidt 

  • Sarah Schmidt is an owner of Baltimore Bend Vineyard and has been instrumental in all aspects of the vineyard and winery's growth over the years. She moved into the head winemaking role 12 years ago. She holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural journalism from the University of Missouri - Columbia, and a certificate in enology from Washington State.

Dale Hollow Winery – Stover 

• Katy Dale 

  • Katy Dale is co-owner of Dale Hollow Winery and is essential to every step of the winemaking process: pruning, harvest timing, yeast and oak selection, blending, finishing and packaging. Her mother-in-law, Beth Dale, draws all of the label pictures and Katy builds out the labels.

Edg-Clif Farms & Vineyard – Potosi 

• Cyndy Keesee & Steffie Littlefield

  • Two dynamic women keep things running smoothly at Edg-Clif Vineyards and Winery. Cyndy Keesee is the winemaker and co-owner of the winery along with her sister, Steffie Littlefield. Steffie has degrees in agriculture, horticulture and economics and utilizes her experience as the vineyard manager. The winery is situated on beautiful farmland in the Missouri Ozark hills, a unique property that has been in the family for three generations.

Fence Stile Vineyards, Winery & Distillery – Excelsior Springs 

• Shriti Plimpton

  • Shriti Plimpton is the founder, owner and winemaker at Fence Stile Vineyards and Winery. Shriti established the winery and vineyards in 2009. Her focus is on distinctive wines that appeal to a wide range of tastebuds. She is quite innovative in product development, including developing and bottling Missouri's first piquette and skin-contact wines.

Les Bourgeois Vineyards – Rocheport 

• Rachel Holman 

  • Rachel Holman is the owner and CEO of Les Bourgeois Vineyards. Prior to acquiring ownership, Rachel served in many capacities at the winery, including Director of Catering and Marketing. She was named the CEO in 2013 and took over strategic planning, financial management, retail operations, production and human resources in addition to wholesale and marketing. Rachel and her husband, Jacob Holman, the head winemaker at the winery, bought the winery with an outside investor in 2019.

Musket Cellars & Vineyards – Pleasant Hills 

• Kim Musket

  • Musket Cellars & Vineyards was founded by Kim Musket and her family. Kim, as the winemaker, brings over 14 years of experience in multiple states and multiple wineries. She oversees all aspects of production, manages the tasting room, leads social media, and continues the family’s legacy of crafting wines rooted in tradition, innovation, and connection.

Noboleis Vineyards – Augusta 

• Angie Geis & Christine Newbold

  • Lou Ann and Bob Nolan were the original dreamers of Noboleis Vineyards. Lou Ann gave the winery its name by combining elements of the three family names: Nolan, Newbold and Geis. Their daughters, Christine Newbold and Angie Geis, who are also part owners at the winery, have worn many hats over the years. Currently, Christine has the role of CFO and managers the day-to-day operations, while Angie handles business development. Together, they have turned Lou Ann and Bob’s dream into a thriving winery which celebrated its 15th Anniversary Year in October 2025.

Primitive Olde Crow & Winery – Clinton 

• Lora Anstine

  • Primitive Olde Crow and Winery has an all-female staff including owner, Lora Anstine. Lora has been a pillar in the community for several years. She owns several businesses in Clinton, as well as other towns in Missouri. She is a confident, hardworking woman who puts her customers and clients first.

Shamrock Hills Vineyard & Winery – Excelsior Springs 

• Denise Riley

  • Denise Riley is the co-owner of Shamrock Hills Vineyard and Winery in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, alongside her husband, Mike Riley. While Mike leads as the vineyard manager and winemaker, Denise plays a vital role in supporting both areas by managing the tasting room and overseeing their event venue, Shamrock Ranch. She is passionate about sharing her love of wine and showcasing Mike’s talent for crafting exceptional wines. Denise especially enjoys featuring their wines not only in the tasting room but also at various events! 

St.James Winery – St. James 

• Brandon Hofherr
  • Brandon Hofherr is the Marketing Director and 3^rd Generation Owner of St. James Winery. She focuses on finding fun and innovative ways to bring wine to consumers. She dreams up campaigns for wholesale and retail that highlight our sustainability, quality wines, and their fun experiences. She also works with the entire company to achieve goals and communicate with everyone that loves their brand. She loves her job because she gets to blend analytics and creativity while continuing n the legacy that her grandparents stared in 1970. 

• 
• Kendra Wood 

  • Kendra Wood serves as the lab manager at St. James Winery. In her current role, she ensures that the wines are at the correct chemical levels and stable before bottling. She also assists the winemakers by preparing bench trials throughout the entire process. Prior to that, Kendra served as the winery's lab assistant. She earned a chemical engineering degree from the Missouri University Science and Technology. 

Tyler Ridge Vineyard Winery – Springfield 

• Kathy Dennis

  • Kathy Dennis and husband, Mike, share in the wine making process. Tyler Ridge is a very small winery and the only one in Greene County. They have been in business since 2012 and have 2.5 acres of vineyards. Their wine is made using only the grapes grown in their vineyards including Cayuga White, Chambourcin, Norton and Vignoles.

West Winery – Macon 

• Kayla Hartung
  • Kayla Hartung has been with West Wineries since 2010. Kayla began helping with events and working in the tasting room; however, with a background in science, she soon moved into the winemaking process. Kayla also manages the flagship West Winery location in downtown Macon. She is one of the many women who work at West Winery.

As today wraps up our celebration of International Women’s Day, let’s continue to remember the empowerment and recognition they deserve every day. Cheers!