It’s one of our favorite times of the year – Girl Scout cookie time. Back for a limited time, these delicious treats are hard to resist. This year, we invite you to take your tastings up a notch. Try your favorite Girl Scout cookies with these perfectly-paired Missouri wines. Discover how the wines enrich the flavors in each cookie. Take our challenge and let these dynamic duos tingle your taste buds.

Everyone needs comfort food now and again to provide that instant gratification. Why not put a new spin on a classic dish like grilled cheese sandwiches. Whether you need a hearty meal after a long day, a hard week or due to the dreary weather adding wine is always a bonus. 

Servings: 4-6 | Time: 20-30 minutes

Ingredients

Amigoni Urban Winery is located in the Stockyards District of Kansas City’s historic West Bottoms. At the peak of the stockyard industry’s success, the area spanned 55 acres and served as a place to hold cattle before they were loaded onto railroad cars. 

The label on the winery’s 2016 Tribute Series – Urban Drover pays homage to the people known as drovers who moved the livestock, sometimes across great distances, to the Kansas City area. The wine label, featuring artwork by Ruthie Osa, is also a tribute to the building that the winery is located in. Constructed in 1909, the building once housed the Daily Drovers Telegram, the daily newspaper for the livestock industry. 

The next time you’re in Kansas City, step inside Amigoni Urban Winery and imagine the past as you experience the new. The hum and noises of a bustling newsroom are now replaced by the clinking of wine glasses, corks popping and engaging conversations in the front tasting room. The area where a press once churned out a daily paper now houses the winery’s barrel room. And, before you leave, look closely towards the back of the room. You can still spy some ink on the ceiling. Unfortunately, the story of how the ink made its way up there is lost to the pages of time.

Image copyright: University of Missouri Extension

The Missouri Century Farm program began in 1976. The program recognizes farms that have been lovingly passed down from one generation to the next for 100 or more years. Among the farms that have earned this distinction are those that are cared for by Missouri winery owners. We are proud to recognize these wineries and their owners who continue to dedicate themselves to their family farms. 

Tipple Hill Winery
10501 U.S. Highway 36
Easton, MO 64443

Tipple Hill Winery is located on property that has twice been recognized as a Missouri Century Farm. The original farm owners were German immigrants who moved to the United States in the 1800s. The farm has been continuously farmed by the Schreibers and is currently owned by Bill and Roxyann Schreiber, the founders of the winery. While they are passionate about winemaking, the Schreibers also care for cattle and continue to raise corn, soybeans and grapes. The Schreibers received the Century Farm award in 1986 and 2001.

Before the date is set and the invites have been sent, there are many details to consider when hosting a celebration with family and friends. Whether you’re planning a large-scale event or a more intimate one, these great tips from Missouri Wines will help you deliver an experience your guests will never forget.

Select the perfect wine – Missouri winemakers craft wines in a variety of styles, ranging from dry to sweet and in-between. Feature wines from both sides of the spectrum and don’t forget to include a semi-sweet style at your get-together. Another great idea – ask your guests to bring their favorite Missouri wine. That way everyone will have the opportunity to try something different and discover a new favorite.

Stem or stemless glassware – Over the past few years, stemless glassware has become an increasingly popular choice among wine consumers. The tumblers tend to be a little harder to break and some people find them easier to hold. However, a stemless glassware has its perks. The bowl size may be larger allowing the wine to open up more so you can detect all of its amazing aromas. In the end, it comes down to your preference and what glassware you have on hand. 

Individualize your guests’ glassware – Use dry erase markers to write people’s names on the bowl of a stemless glass or the foot of a stemmed wine glass. The non-toxic ink easily washes off with a little soap and water. You may also choose to personalize your guests’ glassware with charms. 

Feature delicious foods that compliment your wine choices -  Our food and wine pairing guide takes the guesswork out of selecting wines that pair well with your favorite entrees, side dishes and desserts. You can also check out our infographic gallery to see which Missouri wines are the perfect match for your favorite chocolates or cheeses. If you’re still in the planning stages and figuring out what to serve your guests, check out our tried-and-tested delicious recipes featuring Missouri wine. 

We hope these tips make it easier for you to prepare for your special gathering. With proper planning, you’ll be able to spend more time making memories with family and friends and less time stressing about the details. 

With more than 130 wineries, you can find a variety of wines in tasting rooms, including port-style wines. 

Port-style wines, also known as dessert wines in the Show-Me State, are typically medium to full-bodied red wines. These wines are produced from red grapes and fortified with brandy. The addition of brandy ends the fermentation process early and results in a higher alcohol content because the natural sugar from the grape juice is preserved and remains in the wine. 

The next time you’re in Missouri wine country, try a delicious port-style wine at one of these wineries. (This list was compiled based upon winery submissions and may only list a portion of the Missouri wineries that offer port-style wine.)

Adam Puchta Winery
Augusta Winery
Baltimore Bend Vineyard
Cave Hollow West Winery
Cave Vineyard
Crown Valley Winery
Defiance Ridge Vineyards
Jowler Creek Vineyard & Winery
LaChance Vineyards 
Ladoga Ridge Winery
Les Bourgeois Vineyards
Montelle Winery
Mount Pleasant Winery
Noboleis Vineyards
Pirtle Winery
St. James Winery
Stonehaus Farms Vineyard & Winery
Stone Hill Winery
Van Till Family Farm Winery
Wenwood Farm Winery
West Winery
Wild Sun Winery 

Treat your sweetheart to a unique experience in Missouri wine country this Valentine’s Day. Several wineries in the state are planning events featuring delicious wines and fantastic food. There’s even an anti-Valentine’s Day event perfect for those who are flying solo this year. The following are just a few of the events being held across the Show-Me State. 

Augusta Winery 
5601 High Street
Augusta, MO 63332

Kakao Chocolate and Wine Pairings
While supplies last during tasting room hours 

Enjoy 5 award-winning Augusta Winery wines perfectly paired with 5 handcrafted chocolates from Kakao Chocolate during the month of February. The cost is $10 per person. Make your reservations by emailing Assistantmanager@augustawinery.com. Walk-ins are welcome but only while supplies last. To ensure availability, reservations can be made 48 hours in advance by emailing orders@augustawinery.com.

Baltimore Bend Vineyard
27150 Hwy 24
Waverly, MO 64096

Painting @ The Bend
February 15
6–8:30 pm

Get in touch with your creative side this Valentine’s Day. Take your sweetie to Painting @ The Bend, a special couple’s painting night on Friday, February 15. Artists from Paint the Town Columbia will take you step-by-step through the painting course. Check-in begins at 6 pm. Light food is included with the cost of the event. 

Edg-Clif Farms and Vineyard 
10035 Edg-Clif Drive
Potosi, MO 63664

Community Valentine’s Evening at the YMCA Trout Lodge 
February 14
5:15–7:30 pm 

Orchid Nights at the Missouri Botanical Garden
February 14 
6-8 pm 

Edg-Clif Farms and Winery invites you to two special off-site events. Treat your sweetie to a romantic candlelit prime rib dinner with wine tasting and music at the Community Valentine's Evening at the YMCA Lounge, or delight in exclusive lighted viewings of the orchid displays at Orchid Nights at the Missouri Botanical Garden where you’ll have the opportunity to sample delicious wines while listening to live music. 

Jowler Creek Vineyard and Winery 
16905 Jowler Creek Road
Platte City, MO 64079

Valentine’s Wine & Chocolate Tasting
February 8 – 10, 14 – 17
11 am–5 pm

Nothing says Valentine’s Day like chocolate and wine! Enjoy five decadent chocolate desserts with perfectly paired Jowler Creek wines. Reserve your spot on the winery’s website. 
 
KC Wineworks
1829 McGee St.
Kansas City, MO 64108

My Valentine is Wine
February 14
4–10 pm 

If Cupid’s arrow hasn’t made its mark yet, then the My Valentine is Wine event at KC Wineworks is for you. This anti-Valentine’s Day themed event will not include V-day decorations, red roses or candle lit moments. Instead, you’ll enjoy delicious wines and fun-filled moments with your friends. More details are available on the winery’s Facebook site. 

Ladoga Ridge Winery 
100 E. Pope Ln
Smithville, MO 64089 

A Valentine evening with Ben as “Elvis”
February 9
5:30-7:30 pm

Bring your Valentine for a fun and romantic evening in the Hearth Room at Ladoga Ridge Winery. Enjoy a performance by Ben Johnson, a world-wide Elvis tribute artist. Tickets are available at the door and seating is first come. Price includes a limited variety of snacks and hors d’oeuvres. Visit the winery’s Facebook site for more details.

Valentine’s evening with Taylor Lynn Cullen 
February 16
5-7 pm 

Enjoy a musical performance by Taylor Lynn Cullen, a talented Nashville singer and songwriter. Tickets are available at the door and seating is first come in the Hearth Room. Get more details on the winery’s Facebook site. 

Peaceful Bend Winery
1942 Highway T
Steelville, MO 65565

Valentine’s Day Dinner
February 14 
5:30 pm, 7 pm or 8 pm 

Looking for a lovely night out with your sweetie on Valentine’s Day? Join Peaceful Bend Winery for a fabulous 3-course meal featuring house-made dressings, an entreé course of your choice (steak or seafood pasta) and a dessert course with your choice of cheesecake or black forest cake. Reservations must be made by February 10, 2019. Purchase your tickets on the winery’s website, in person in the salesroom, or give the winery a call at 573-775-3000.

St. James Winery
540 State Rt. B
St. James, MO 65559

Progressive Valentine’s Dinner 
February 15 & 16
5:30–8 pm 

Bring your date to the Progressive Valentine’s Dinner at St. James Winery and Public House Brewing Company on Friday, February 15 or Saturday, February 16. The special evening will feature a gourmet four-course meal expertly paired with St. James Winery wine or Public House Brewing Company craft beer. 

Stone Hill Winery
1110 Stone Hill Highway
Hermann, MO 65041

Valentine’s Day Dinner Special
February 14 
3:30-7 pm

Stone Hill Winery will feature a Valentine's Day Special at their Vintage Restaurant. The menu features a house-made warm salmon dip and surf n’turf entrée including shrimp and sirloin, house salad, veggie medley and garlic mashed potatoes. Make sure you leave room for the warm molten chocolate cake. Reservations are required.

Appetizer Special – House-made warm salmon dip
Surf n’ Turf – Shrimp skewer w/ 8 oz. sirloin, dry-aged for 35 days
                          House salad
                          Veggie medley
                          Garlic mashed potatoes
Dessert - warm molten chocolate cake

Tipple Hill Winery
10501 US 36
Easton, MO 64443

Date Night at Tipple Hill Winery
February 8 
6–8 pm 

Enjoy a special Date Night at Tipple Hill Winery. The evening will feature Goldie’s Farmhouse Restaurant’s famous chicken dinner, a glass of wine or beverage of your choice and music by the Lucky Us Band. Visit the winery’s website to register.

Valentine’s Day Wine & Chocolate
February 14 
1–8 pm 

On Valentine’s Day, enjoy a complimentary small plate of various chocolates from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory with each in-house bottle purchase at Tipple Hill Winery. 

Twin Oaks Vineyard
6470 Hwy F
Farmington, MO 63640

Valentine's Paint Class with Canvases N' Corks
February 15 
6-10 pm
 
Treat you and your dinner date to fabulous meal, dessert, wine and a couple’s painting class at Twin Oaks Vineyard.  Enjoy a fabulous menu featuring a prime rib dinner with mashed potatoes, garlic green beans, rolls, salad and creamy cheesecake topped with the winery’s own wine reduction sauce.  After the meal, guests will be guided through painting a beautiful scene on canvas by a local artist. 

Van Till Family Farm Winery 
13986 Hwy C
Rayville, MO 64084

Valentine’s Day Winemaker’s Dinner 
February 14 
6 pm

Experience the ultimate wine country, wine pairing dinner with your loved one at Van Till Family Farm Winery on Thursday, February 14. Enjoy a four-course wine pairing dinner featuring the winery’s award-winning wines and exceptional food prepared by Executive Chef Marc Auriemma and his team. Must be 21-years-old to participate. Seating is limited. RSVP required. Visit the winery’s website to purchase your tickets. 

Viandel Vineyard
8381 US 60
Mountain View, MO 65548 

Viandel Vineyard will offer custom wine and spa gift baskets for purchase and delivery. The baskets can be customized to fit any budget and will include a variety of items including your choice of a Viandel Vineyard wine, wine glasses and tumblers, chocolates, plush animal, bath handmade bath fizzies, salt scrubs, body butter, a bath sponge and some chocolates. Order your basket by calling 417-934-0195, email viandelvineyard@gmail.com or message the winery on Facebook.  

Wenwood Farm Winery
1132 Brick Church Road
Bland, MO 65014

An Evening of Truffles & Wine
February 12
4:30–6:30 pm
Be Well Studio 
220 N 1st Street
Owensville, MO 65066  

Everyday Good Life Co-op and Wenwood Farm Winery have teamed up to bring you an evening of wine and chocolate, just in time for Valentine’s Day. An Evening of Truffles and Wine features Wenwood’s rich and luscious dessert wines and truffles from Westin & Wade Chocolate Company of Kirksville. You’ll have the opportunity to sample the delightful combinations, then purchase them in gift boxes, perfect for a Valentine’s Day gift. The special event will be held at the Everyday Good Life storefront at Be Well Studio in Owensville. 

Didn’t see your favorite winery? Check your local winery for their Valentine’s Day plans as not all events in Missouri wine country are included in this list. And, remember, space may be limited for these special events so book your reservations today. Make Missouri wine country your Valentine’s Day destination.

Yields: 4 servings | Prep Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: ~120 minutes

It’s almost game time… and we aren’t just talking about Super Bowl time. We know that all celebrations come with the anxiety of who to invite and what foods to prep. Thankfully, we don’t have to worry about what beverage to serve – it’s Missouri wine of course! 

And to make things easier on you, we invite you to try our Game Day Missouri Wine Meatballs recipe! Not only is the recipe absolutely delicious, but the Missouri wine added into the meatball sauce is fabulous. Give it a try and let us know what you think! Here’s what you need:  

INGREDIENTS: 

Meatballs

1 Ib         Ground beef
1 ½ tsp   Minced garlic
½ c         Shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ c         Parmesan
2 tbsp     Parsley
1             Large egg        
1 tsp       Salt
½ tsp      Black paper
2 tbsp     Extra virgin olive oil 

Sauce

½            Small yellow onion
½ tsp      Minced garlic
Extra virgin olive oil 
1 tbsp     Tomato paste
1 c          Red wine – Missouri Norton
½ c          Beef broth
1 can      (15 oz.) Whole plum tomato
½            Sprig of rosemary
¼ tsp      Salt
               Black pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

Make the meatballs
In a large bowl, combine beef, garlic, mozzarella, parmesan, parsley, egg, salt and pepper.  Form into 12-16 meatballs. 

In a large skillet, over medium heat, heat oil. Add meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until golden on all sides, about 30 minutes. Remove from skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Drain grease from pan if necessary. 

Make the sauce
Dice the onion. In the same large skillet, over medium heat, sauté the onion and garlic in the olive oil until very soft – about 10 minutes. (Turn the skillet down if necessary.) 

Stir in the tomato paste and fry for a minute or two, stirring until well-incorporated. Pour in the wine and broth and bring to a simmer, then add the tomatoes, salt and a generous amount of black pepper. Place the rosemary sprig on top, bring to a simmer and cook for 30 to 60 minutes, covered. When the sauce develops a deep, rich flavor, turn off the heat and stir.  (If necessary, put sauce in a blender to get a finer consistency. However, if you like chunkier meatball sauce, a blender is not necessary.) 

Next, combine the wine sauce and meatballs in the skillet and let simmer for 5-10 minutes.  

Serve and enjoy!

Missouri winemakers are busy year-round crafting award-winning wines even on the coldest days. There is a lot of hard work that goes into making your favorite Missouri wines. Learn why pruning is a crucial step in the winemaking process.

youtu.be/lkRZ8Bmi-Hw

If you’re looking for wine with personality, make Windy Wine Company your next stop in Missouri wine country. Located in Osborn, a small town in the northwestern section of the state, the winery features wines unlike any you’ve ever tried before, including Blueberry Muffin and Peanut Butter and Jelly. If you liked PB&J sandwiches when you were a child, this may be your new jam.

“The idea of Peanut Butter and Jelly came from my cooking background and what flavors pair well together,” says Kraig Keesaman, owner and winemaker at Windy Wine Company. “I strive to constantly improve, innovate, and produce wines that fit my personality.”

On average, the winery features 20 wines, including their popular Tyrannosaurus Red, a dry, red blend aged in Bourbon barrels, as well as other favorites including their flagship wine Good News Red, Raspberry, Breezy Blush and, of course, Peanut Butter and Jelly. Kraig’s personal favorite is Brontosaurus Blanc, a barrel fermented Vidal Blanc wine.

The winery’s labels are as unique as the wines and feature original artwork by Casey McKinley, a Kansas City artist. “We knew that we wanted labels that represented what we put in the bottle,” says Kraig. “We wanted colorful, fun, detailed art.” Another unique feature is the biblical verse that borders the artwork on each label. The Keesamans wanted their labels to reflect their faith and belief in God and their goal to honor Him in all that they do.

Kraig and his wife Becky opened Windy Wine Company in 2009. They named their winery after the vast amount of wind that breezes through DeKalb county. Their winery sits on one of the highest points in the county, an area characterized by a lack of trees and flat land, so it’s not unusual to see the blades spinning on the windmills dotting the surrounding landscape. The couple also wanted their winery to have a small town mercantile feel so they decided to add “Company” to the end of their name.  

The winery sits on farmland that has been in the Keesaman family since the Civil War. Kraig’s German ancestors were the first to recognize the farm’s potential. In addition to livestock and crops, they started an orchard that included grapevines. They currently have around 7 acres of grapes. Cattle still graze on the farm side of the property where Kraig’s father, Ken, older brother, Kody, and his son, Kolten raise Red Angus cattle. One of Windy Wine Company’s wines, Angus Red, a full-bodied dry red wine, pays homage to the cattle that also call this Century Farm home.

While winemaking is a year-round process, Kraig somehow finds time to pursue other ventures that he says inspire and help him make better wine. One of his favorite pastimes includes moonlighting as “Niles Plonk,” a wine snob in the wrestling ring. Kraig has been a professional wrestler for almost 20 years. He trained under Sonny Myers, a 14 - time National Wrestling Alliance Central States champion in St. Joseph, Missouri. Wrestling has taken him all over the United States and overseas. “It’s a huge part of my life,” says Kraig. “I have applied some aspect of wrestling to almost any situation that I have encountered to help me make sense of it, including winemaking. It is very much an extension of myself.”

Before you stop by Windy Wine Company, check the winery’s upcoming events on their Facebook page. The winery features concerts and special events including the master chef’s delicious homemade meals paired with select wines. Kraig compares winemaking to cooking. “Both give me a creative outlet,” he says. “There is a great satisfaction in producing something and having a consumer enjoy it.”