Chambourcin: Might Win You Over

November 01, 2018

Hello November! It’s officially the start of the holiday season. As you spend your time thinking about the holidays, the food you’ll serve and the guests you’ll invite… make sure you include your favorite Missouri wine in your gatherings. 

November is also Chambourcin Month, and here at Missouri Wines, we believe celebrations are best with Chambourcin! Chambourcin is a high-quality, medium-bodied, dry red wine with many great attributes. Its characteristics range from a cherry and light oak smell to a moderately fruity taste – you might even note berry flavors. Additionally, this grape accounts for 10% of all grapes grown here in Missouri.

One of our favorite things about Chambourcin is how food friendly it is. There are so many pairing possibilities with this great Missouri wine. If you’re focused on the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, Chambourcin pairs well with turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole and other fall vegetables. Other foods that are exceptionally tasty with Chambourcin include: pork, red sauce, mushrooms and burgers.

Chambourcin is an award-winning Missouri varietal. Stone Hill Winery’s 2015 Chambourcin won the Governor’s Cup, the highest honor at this year’s Missouri Wine Competition. This medium to full-bodied, dry red, mellow yet gentle, wine just might win you over!

Behind the Label: Les Bourgeois Vineyards' Collector's Series

October 30, 2018

Wine labels are important. Stroll through the wine section at your local grocery store and see for yourself. Which labels grab your attention? Which bottles blend in with the rest? A great design can entice you to make a purchase and may even leave you wanting to know more about the winery. In this new series, discover the inspiration for the eye-catching designs on your favorite Missouri wines.

Les Bourgeois Vineyards, located in Rocheport, has a select group of wines called the Collector’s Series. The winery hosts an annual art competition to select the unique labels for their series. Artists from all over the country submit designs that are judged by a panel including winery staff, representatives from the Columbia Art League, past Collector’s Series winners and other members of the wine industry. “The artwork is presented anonymously,” said Tia Wood, Marketing Director for Les Bourgeois Vineyards. “We go through a minimum 3 round selection process until the submissions are narrowed down to 3 winning pieces.” Once the artwork is selected, careful consideration is given to the bottle selection including shape, glass color and how the wine, once bottled, will look with the label. The wines and their chosen labels are revealed at a summertime celebration. The winning labels from this year’s competition were created by artists from Missouri.
 
Wine: 2017 St. Vincent Dry Rosé 
Art: Fleur’s Moment by Arleana Holtzmann, Fenton, Mo
 
 
Wine: 2017 Dry Vignoles
Art: Magnolia by Brie Duey, Bucklin, Mo.
 
 

Wine: 2016 Cabernet Franc
Art: Raven On Red by Christian Mouser, Ballwin, Mo
 

Every year, three new labels are introduced to the lineup, while others are retired once they sell out. Purchase your favorite while it's still available. 

Is there a Missouri wine label that you would like to learn more about? Contact us and we’ll share the winery’s story in a future blog post.

Spotlight on Missouri Wine Country: Ste. Genevieve

October 25, 2018

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Photo: Re-enactors help dedicate the historic Green Tree Inn built by Nicolas Janis in 1790 and now managed by the Missouri DNR as a State Historic Site. Photo courtesy Ste. Genevieve Tourism.

During your next excursion to Missouri wine country, step foot on the oldest permanent European settlement in Missouri. Listen to the river tides as they collide on the bank of the mighty Mississippi. Learn about French Creole colonial architecture. And explore beautiful Missouri wineries while enjoying delicious Missouri wines. You’ll find these adventures and more in Ste. Genevieve.
Ste. Genevieve, located about an hour south of St. Louis, is the oldest town in Missouri. Settled in the early 1700s, it was the last of a triad of French Canadian settlements in the area’s mid-Mississippi Valley region. On any given day, you will see the tri-colored French flag and the United States’ stars and stripes fluttering together in the breeze. Residents take pride in their town’s historic past. The community hosts several festivals throughout the year, including signature events that celebrate Ste. Genevieve’s French heritage. 
 
Take a step back in time as you stroll through the historic town. Ste. Genevieve is home to three French buildings built in the poteaux en terre (posts in the ground) style. Although once common in French settlements, these structures are now quite rare and, in the United States, can only be found in Ste. Genevieve. You can tour the buildings, including the Bequette Ribault House which has been newly restored by the owners of Chaumette Vineyards and Winery, and learn more about these architectural treasures and the town’s colonial history. 
 

When you schedule your trip, allot plenty of time to explore the beautiful wine country in this area. There are several Missouri wineries located in Ste. Genevieve. Two wineries, Lewsi Winery and Sainte Genevieve Winery, are located in the historic district of the town. Cave Vineyard, Charleville Vineyard Winery and Microbrewery, Chaumette Vineyards and Winery, Crown Valley Winery, Watertower Winery and Weingarten Vineyard are located a little further out but well worth the drive. Looking for overnight accommodations? Charleville Vineyard, Chaumette Vineyards and Winery and Crown Valley Winery have lodging options.
 

You can also see and experience some pretty cool things you didn’t expect to find in Missouri wine country. Crown Valley has a tiger sanctuary for abused, neglected or unwanted wild cats. Up for a hike? Take the road less traveled, actually a path that bridges the distance between Chaumette Vineyards and Winery and Charleville Vineyard. During certain times of the year, you might even spy blue mushrooms along the trail. Ever dipped biscotti in wine? That might be an offer that’s hard to refuse at Cave Vineyard. The Strussione family will invite you to dip one of their freshly baked treats into your vino of choice. While you’re at it, enjoy the sounds of the babbling brook that streams through their Saltpeter cave. Several of the wineries have restaurants or snacks available. A quick search on our website, missouriwine.org, will help you learn about the amenities available at each winery.

The next time you are looking for an adventure, you don’t have to go very far. Explore the town that has been attracting tourists for more than 300 years. Visit Ste. Genevieve, where history and hospitality meet.

 

Haunted Missouri Wineries

October 23, 2018

1325 Odd Fellows Road
Liberty
 
The property surrounding Belvoir Winery is known as the Odd Fellows Home District. This area was established by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F), a secret society and one of the largest fraternal and benevolent orders in the United States. The society provided care and education for its elderly members and orphans of Missouri Odd Fellows. A hospital, old folks home and school were located on-site. The winery is located in the former administration building which housed classrooms for the orphans. Although the building ceased to exist for its original purpose in the early 1950s, some visitors and winery staff believe a few of its original residents ​never left.
 
Witnesses say they’ve heard footsteps, seen doors open and close and lights turn on and off. An apparition once appeared in the office. During the encounter, a staff member gathered that the spirit belonged to a middle-aged woman, perhaps a teacher or caretaker. The ghost’s hair was pulled back and she was wearing clothing from another era. 
 
Winery staff believe their special visitors are friendly for the most part and even helpful, opening a door in the basement when someone has their hands full, but they also like to play pranks like unplugging a vacuum cleaner when there is plenty of give to the cord.
 
If you’re brave of heart and hoping for a run-in with other-worldly, you can book a room for the night. Overnight guests have reported several strange occurrences like the TV in their room randomly turning on or the bathroom door abruptly closing. Others have seen a couple of children appear near their bed or felt the pressure on their bed covers as if a child is trying to climb on. It is a popular destination for paranormal investigators and ghost hunting shows. One investigation captured the sound of children singing “Ring Around the Rosey.” The winery hosts paranormal investigations once a month. If spine-tingling thrills top your list of fun things to do, visit the winery’s website to learn how you can be a part of the experience.
 
If you see a spirit during your visit, consider yourself lucky. The winery’s ghosts don’t make daily appearances. They just come and go as they please. However, there is one resident who isn’t going anywhere. That’s George, or at least his skeleton. Make sure you stop by his coffin, pull up a chair and stay for a while. He just may have a bone to pick with you.
 

Hermannhof Winery
330 East First Street
Hermann

Hermannhof Winery was built in 1852 in the French section of Hermann. The winery’s ten stone cellars and brick superstructure are among the 100 buildings in the town placed on the National Register of Historic places. Winery staff have witnessed unexplainable movements and disturbing noises, including doors that open and close on their own and chairs that scoot across the floor.

Mount Pleasant Estates
5634 High Street
Augusta

Mount Pleasant Estates is the oldest winery in the Augusta appellation. George and Frederick Muench, two brothers from Germany, established the winery in 1859 as a commercial wine business. Although both died many years ago, winery staff think at least one of the Muench brothers still resides in the wood and limestone cellars he and his brother built in 1881. Flash photography sometimes captures shiny, white orbs which staff believe belong to one of the brothers who still oversees the winery but now prefers a more hands-off approach. 

 
Serenity Valley Winery
1888 County Road 342
Fulton

Regina and Lee Ruppert believe a ghost likes to keep them company at their winery, although you won’t hear rattling chains or any other scary noises from their quiet resident. It’s the smell of tobacco that gives their spiritual resident’s presence away. The Rupperts are in the early stages of trying to figure out who still calls their winery home. They suspect the ghost is a Native American or early pioneer.

 

Fall Favorites – Celebrating with Missouri Wine

October 18, 2018

Fall is in the air and we couldn’t be more excited! Missouri wine country is an absolute dream this time of year. Not only are the colors breathtaking with the leaves changing colors, but the fresh, cool, crisp air is ideal for cozying up with your favorite glass of Missouri wine. As if the  atmosphere wasn’t already ideal, our wineries have many great events this time of year! Many of the celebrations include several of your favorites – from winetasting hayrides to bon fires to pumpkin pairings. For a list of fall events, be sure to check out our calendar. 

 

Another reason fall is such a great season is the many spectacular Missouri Wine pairings and recipes that we get to enjoy.

Fall calls for seasonal Apple Cider Sangria

The cool weather has arrived and it’s time for dips and soups. Luckily, we have several delicious recipes that call for your favorite Missouri wine. 

Creamy Chardonel Dip

Chardonel Fondue

Tomato Soup with Red Wine

Chili and Local Wine Pairings

Pumpkin time! Fall isn’t just for visiting pumpkin patches and festivals, but also for all of the pumpkin flavors.  The following pumpkin recipes pair well with these Missouri Wines. 

Sweet and Salty Pumpkin Seeds pair well with Chambourcin; Pumpkin Leek Soup matches up great with a smooth Chardonel; and Pumpkin Cheesecake with Traminette is a great dessert to top off any meal. 

Wine Words & Terms

October 16, 2018

To all you wine aficionados out there… 

You know wine, right? And all about the differences between red and white, dry and sweet? Fabulous! But, did you know that there is so much more that goes into wine? There is even preferred terminology when it comes to tasting wine.

When you hear the description “young, mature, brilliant and sweet,” you might think that is the description of an individual, but those are terms also used to describe wines. “Young” means that the wine is immature and is usually bottled and sold within a year of its vintage (the year a wine is harvested). Wines that are meant to be enjoyed “young” are noted for their fresh and crisp flavors.  

As one might expect, a mature wine means that the wine is ready to enjoy. “Brilliant” is a tasting note for wines that appear sparkling clear. Sweet wines have perceptive sugar contents on the nose and in the mouth.  

These are additional wine tasting terms:

  • Acidity - the liveliness and crispness in wine that activates our salivary glands
  • Aeration - the deliberate addition of oxygen to round out and soften a wine
  • Balance - when the elements of wine – acids, sugars, tannins and alcohol – come together in a harmonious way
  • Bitter – a taste sensation often caused by tannins 
  • Blend – a wine made from more than one grape varietal 
  • Complex – a wine exhibiting numerous aromas, nuances and flavors 
  • Corked – a term that denotes a wine that has suffered cork taint 
  • Demi-sec – French term meaning “half-dry” used to describe sweet sparkling wine 
  • Earthy – an odor or flavor reminiscent of damp soil 
  • Fermentation – the conversion of grape sugars to alcohol by yeast 
  • Finish – the impression of textures and flavors lingering in the mouth after swallowing wine 
  • Foxy – a term that describes the musty odor and flavor of wines made from vitis labrusca,a common North America varietal 
  • Hot – a description for wine that is high in alcohol 
  • Lees – sediment consisting of dead yeast cells, grape pulp, seed and other grape matter that accumulates during fermentation 
  • Leesy – a tasting term for the rich aromas and smells that results from wine resting on its lees
  • Mouth-feel – how a wine feels on the palate; for example: rough, smooth, velvety or furry
  • Nose – a tasting term describing the aromas and bouquets of a wine
  • Oak/oaky – tasting term denoting smells and flavors of vanilla, baking spices, coconut, mocha or dill caused by barrel-aging 
  • Tannins – the phenolic compounds in wines that leave a bitter, dry and puckery feeling in the mouth
  • Yield – the productivity of a vineyard  

Entertaining with Proper Wine Etiquette

October 11, 2018

No matter what the occasion, when you’re hosting a wine tasting or dinner, etiquette is extremely important. Of course some things are a given - like ladies and eldest first, offer to refill others’ glasses before you serve yourself and ask before taking the last pour from the wine bottle – but that isn’t all you need to consider!

What’s on the menu?  What wine do you serve with certain foods?

As you go about planning your event, one of the first things you’ll do is plan the food. Be sure that whatever food you serve, you choose a wine that complements your choice. If you are wondering which foods go best with certain wines, have no fear, we are always glad to help –check out our pairing guide.

Quick tips: If you are going to serve wine with a specific course, remember: salad can be overpowered by a bold glass of wine, crisp white wine could be overshadowed by the main entrée, and dessert always calls for a sweeter wine to complement it.

How much wine will I need?  

Okay… so now you have selected the food and are at least on the right track of thinking about a specific wine or wines that you are going to serve. Now… just make sure that you have enough wine! Nothing spoils an event more than not having enough wine. After all - it is a wine gathering.  

Do I need fancy glassware?  

Although you don’t necessarily need different wine glasses, there are specific glasses that can make a glass of wine more enjoyable. Depending on your guests and how fancy your occasion, it might be wise to serve your wine in the glass it serves best in.  

For example, Riedel, the famous wine glass company, makes a wine glass specifically for Nortonand Vignoleswines. If you plan to serve sparkling wines, use a tall and thin flute glass or even a white wine glass so the bubbles don’t dissipate into the air. 

To chill or not to chill?

Here’s a tip. Remember the 3-2-1 rule: chill sparkling for 3 hours, white wines for 2, and red wines for 1 hour. In addition to the chilling, there is also a trick to the wines that you open and when. Sparkling and white wines are best opened just prior to serving, while red wines can be opened well before serving to allow them to “breathe” – red wines are best once they’ve had the chance to mix with air and develop their full aroma and flavor.

When pouring wine, what is the right amount to pour for each guest? 

We alluded to this earlier, noting that each glass should be about 4-5 ounces, but we know that isn’t the easiest to judge without a measurement tool. Even though we believe in the glass always being “half-full”, it is important to know that you should only fill the glass about 1/3 to halfway (sparkling wines being the exception) – this allows your guest to swirl the wine to open and release the aromas for maximum flavor and enjoyment.  

Saving the best for last… be prepared!  

All of the above steps are important, but the most important thing is to simply be prepared.  Make sure that you have all of the necessities before your event begins. Things you will definitely need to have on hand are: corkscrews, glasses, food, palate cleansers (crackers or bread), dump bucket, water pitcher, napkins, water and/or coffee and wine charms for guests. 

And most of all, always remember, enjoy yourself!

Spotlight on Stonehaus Farms Vineyard & Winery

October 09, 2018

Tucked at the end of a cedar-lined lane in Lee’s Summit you’ll find Stonehaus Farms Vineyard & Winery. The winery, located southeast of Kansas City, derives its name from a 1920s stone house that sat on farmland the Euritt family purchased in 1981. Brett Euritt, current owner and winemaker, remembers the building fondly. His family used the old house as a base camp while transforming the property into a winery. Although the building has since been modified, three of its original stone walls remain and enshroud the winery’s tasting room. 

The family found inspiration for their logo inside their vineyard. While planting their first vineyards in the early 1980s, one grape vine in particular caught their attention. The vine with its twisted branches and several shoots was described as “perfect” and soon became the winery’s symbol, forever preserved on its wine labels. 

The Euritts believe that their efforts to keep up with technological advancements, both on the processing and retail side, are what helps set their winery and wines apart. The winery’s Vignoles was honored with the Best of Class in the Sweet White category at the 2018 Missouri Wine Competition.  

The family takes pride in providing their customers with a warm and inviting atmosphere. In addition to their beautiful tasting room, visitors are invited to relax and sip wine overlooking the family’s lake.

Stonehaus Farms also features two venues for family get-togethers and celebrations. FestHall seats 200 and is complemented by a vineyard wedding gazebo as well as bride and groom changing rooms. The winery’s Garden Room is perfect for smaller groups.

The Euritts have big plans for the winery’s future, including expanding their production to include a distillation branch. They credit their customers’ support for keeping them going over the years. “Although owning and operating a winery is hard work, says Brett, “hearing and seeing folks enjoy the fruits of my staff’s labor is very rewarding.” 

 

Celebrate National Pork and Country Ham Month with Missouri Wines

October 04, 2018

October is National Pork and Country Ham Month. It’s a time set aside to celebrate the pork industry, the time of year when hogs were traditionally marketed. We invite you to raise a glass of Missouri wine paired perfectly with the following pork products in tribute to farmers across the country.
 

*Photo courtesy of National Pork Board and the Pork Checkoff. Des Moines, IA USA

Pork Loin + Chambourcin
Pork chops + Catawba
Spicy pork ribs + Vignoles
Smoked pork + Chardonel
Pulled pork + Concord
Brats + Traminette
Pork belly + Chambourcin
BBQ Pork Steaks + Norton
Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies + Concord
 
 
A charcuterie board is another great option for your gathering. You can customize the board based on your preferences and pair these selections with a variety of delicious Missouri wines. Some pairing suggestions include a dry rosé with a country ham. The natural sweetness of Vignoles is the perfect complement to a spicy sausage because sweet cuts the heat. 
 
Gather your family and friends and celebrate with your favorite pork dish and Missouri wine. Salud! 
 
*Meat provided by Burgers’ Smokehouse and Central Missouri Meat and Sausage.

Mark Your Calendar for These Fall Events

October 02, 2018

Explore Missouri Wine Country this fall. Cooler temperatures have arrived and summer’s gorgeous greens will soon change to autumn's vivid hues of red, orange and golden yellow. To coincide with the cooler temperatures and the excitement of harvest time, many wineries are hosting fun festivals and special events. It’s the perfect time to step outside and enjoy the beautiful views at Missouri wineries. 

7 C’s Winery
Celebrate Octoberfest at 7 C’s Winery on October 7 from 2 to 6 pm. Enjoy fun and games while listening to live music performed by N2 Deep Classic Rock. 

Arcadian Moon Winery & Brewery
Arcadian Moon will feature concerts and other special events throughout the fall season. See details on the winery’s website and Facebook page.

Blumenhof Winery
Blumenhof Winery will feature free, live music every weekend throughout the fall season. You can also enjoy yoga sessions at the winery. Visit the winery’s website for additional details.

Grindstone Valley Winery
Grindstone Valley Winery will celebrate its Grand Opening on Saturday, October 6 from 12 to 8 pm. This family-friendly event will feature live music, delicious BBQ and a car show.

Hemman Winery
Hemann Winery hosts its 11th annual Grape Stomping Contest on October 6 and 7. Help stomp grapes and become a member of the Purple Foot Club. Each participant receives a t-shirt and an item checked off their bucket list. The winning team gets bragging rights until next year. More details are available on the winery’s website. 

Hermann Oktoberfest
Hermann Oktoberfest is a month-long celebration of the town’s German heritage. Enjoy history, wine, food and live music at historic venues and wineries every weekend in October. Go online for more details. 

Hermann Wine Trail
Get your tickets to Holiday Fare, a Hermann Wine Trail event on November 17 and 18. Enjoy holiday fare paired perfectly with delicious Missouri wine. 

Jowler Creek Vineyard & Winery 
Enjoy a variety of events including winetasting hayrides and a traditional Fall Festival at Jowler Creek Vineyard & Winery. The winery will also feature its caramel apple sangria, Halloween candy and wine pairing and live music throughout the fall season. Learn more about the winery’ upcoming events by visiting their website.

LaChance Vineyards 
Join LaChance Vineyards for their first annual Sock Hop Party featuring Butch Wax and the Hollywood’s on Saturday, October 6. The event is from 6 to 11 pm and features dance and hula hoop contests and many more surprises. You can also make plans to attend the winery’s 3rd Annual Hallowine Party on Saturday, October 20 from 6 to 10 pm. Enter the best dressed contest and enjoy music by Sweetwater Holler. Get more event details online.

Les Bourgeois Vineyards
Celebrate the harvest season at Les Bourgeois Vineyards’ 26th annual Crush Festival on October 6 and 7. Enjoy live music, face painting, kids games, pumpkin painting and grape stomping fun for the entire family. Visit the winery’s website for additional details.  

Meramec River Wine Trail "Spooky Cellars Wine Trail" 
Have a frighteningly delicious Halloween with the wineries of the Meramec River Wine Trail on October 27 and 28 from 12 to 5 pm. Enjoy traditional Halloween treats paired with a specially selected wine at each winery. More details are available online.

Mount Pleasant Estates
Enjoy live music every weekend by a variety of St. Louis' best artists at Mount Pleasant Estates. Check the winery’s event calendar for a full list of performers.

Noboleis Vineyards 
Noboleis Vineyards brings in live musical guests every weekend. Visit the winery’s website for information on other events including Barefoot Yoga in the Vineyards.

River Ridge Winery
Enjoy live entertainment at River Ridge Winery on Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 5 pm. Visit the winery’s Facebook page for a full list of music performances and other special events.

Route Du Vin Wine Trail
Join the wineries on the Route Du Vin Wine Trail for “Wine Diva Weekend” on Saturday, November 10. Enjoy fine wine perfectly paired with a delicious “Diva Treat” at each of the wineries in the scenic region. 

Serenity Valley Winery
Serenity Valley Winery supports several community events including Cancer Sucks, a fundraiser for Boot Scootin’ Boobies and Komen Race for the Cure on October 27. The event will feature a DJ and live music with ST8Up, as well as a costume contest along with a food truck and vendors. Visit the winery's website for more information. 

St. James Winery
Join St. James Winery and Public House Brewing Company at their 2018 Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 13. Spend your day in The Gardens at St. James and enjoy live music, local vendors, good food, great beverages, games, activities and much more! This is a free family-friendly event. Go online for more event details.

Stonehaus Farms Winery
Celebrate Oktoberfest between 12 and 8 pm on Saturday, October 13. Enjoy live music and, of course, wine. There will be fun for the entire family.

West Winery
West Winery features several events from October through December, including live music performances and yoga and wine sessions. Find more details on the winery’s website.

These are just some of the upcoming events taking place this fall. Visit our website, missouriwine.org, for a complete list of Missouri wineries and their websites, so you can be in the know when it comes to exciting events in Missouri Wine Country! 

 

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