How do you make a great burger even better? Top it with wine ketchup made with a dry, red Missouri wine such as Norton or Chambourcin. Try this recipe the next time you serve the perfect patty. It’s a delightful spin on the classic condiment. Check out this quick video to see just how easy the recipe is to make. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fu4v6H3Y8CY&feature

Missouri Wine Ketchup Recipe

Time: 15-20 minutes  |  Yield: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

½ cup    Missouri Norton or Chambourcin (dry red wine)

½ tbsp   Cornstarch

1 cup     Ketchup

Directions

Whisk cornstarch into wine. Add mixture to small saucepan, bring to a simmer and reduce until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon, approximately 5-7 minutes. Turn off heat. Stir in ketchup until blended. Let cool completely. Top burgers or dip fries in this delicious ketchup and bring your next meal to a whole new level.

Classic Beef Burger Recipe

Recipe courtesy: Missouri Beef Industry Council

Time: 30 minutes  |  Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

1-1/2 teaspoons steak seasoning blend

4 hamburger buns, split

4 slices cheese (such as Cheddar, American, Swiss, etc.)

4 lettuce leaves

4 tomato slices

Directions

Combine ground beef and steak seasoning in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Lightly shape into four 1/2-inch thick patties. Heart large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Place patties in skillet; cook 12 to 15 minutes until instant-read thermometer inserted horizontally into center registers 160°F, turning occasionally.

Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed Ground Beef. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness.

Flowering is the next stage in a grapevine’s growing cycle after Bud Break. It’s an exciting and delicate time when the flowers burst through their caps (calyptra to be technical) carrying the pollen that will fertilize the vine and result in grape berries.

As the vines grow, small clusters of flowers will begin to appear on the new shoots of the grape vine. At first all that is visible are the caps (or calyptra) and they look like little buttons. Generally, flowering in Missouri vineyards takes place between the end of May and the beginning of June. After the initial clusters appear, they will continue to get larger and then begin to bloom.

Most grape varieties are hermaphroditic plants, meaning they are self-pollinators. When the flowers bloom, they release their pollen from the anthers of the stamen, pollinating the ovary which then produces seeds and the flowers begin transforming into a grape berry. The grape berries will then encapsulate the seeds. This is a delicate time for the grape vine when certain types of weather can be quite detrimental. Too much rain, wind or cool temperatures can be especially dangerous during this stage of growth as they can affect how many flowers are fertilized and ultimately how many grapes are produced.

Flowering is a beautiful time to visit the vineyards of Missouri wine country. But don’t wait! This wonderful phase of the grape-growing cycle won’t last long and then it will be on to fruit set.

Baking is a time-honored tradition in a lot of households, and a fork or spoonful of a classic treat from childhood can transport most of us back in time. So, what could make baked good better? Well, wine of course! Here are some tips to take your baking to the next level with delicious Missouri wine.

1. Use wine you like.

This sounds pretty obvious, but it has to be said. When someone doesn’t particularly like a wine they’ve opened, they might think… “That’s okay; I’ll just cook with it.” Unfortunately, that’s not a great solution. When you cook or bake with wine, the flavors are often intensified. If you didn’t like it enough to drink it, you’re probably not going to enjoy eating it either. So, when selecting a wine for cooking or baking, pick one you also enjoy sipping.

2. Play the flavor matching game.

Pick out the primary flavors of your dish or recipe and pair those to a wine that will complement them. For example, Norton red wine has notes of cherries and baking spices, making it ideal to pair with a cherry cake or pie. Vignoles is known for its tropical fruit flavors and is delicious in fruity desserts. Use this guide to help you find the perfect match.  

3. Drizzle; don’t drown.

There can be a bit of a learning curve when it comes to adding wine to your recipes. Too little and you won’t be able to taste it; too much and you’ll throw the dish off balance, masking the other flavors. The best way to know if you’ve added enough is to taste it. Sometimes in the case of baked goods, this isn’t possible ahead of time. Stick to a more reserved amount to start with. If you’re not getting enough flavor coming through on the final dish, amp it up by adding wine to the sauce or frosting.

4. Reimagine old favorites.

Maybe you have an award-winning brownie recipe or world famous cake, consider substituting some of the liquid for a delicious Missouri wine. You might find that your old favorite reaches a whole new level of awesome!

5. Get inspired.

There are so many amazing wine-infused dessert recipes out there. Here are just a few ideas to get your creative juices (and the Missouri wine) flowing:

Pavlova with Red Wine Cherry Compote - Perfect for a Missouri Norton

Mulled Wine Cheesecake - Great with a Missouri Chambourcin

White Wine Lemon Bundt Cake - A Vidal Blanc wine is ideal

Missouri Wine Quick Bread - This can be made savory or sweet!

Get inspired by all the delicious wine slushies you discover in Missouri wine country and make your own at home. The possibilities are limitless, but here is a recipe for a Fruity Vignoles Slushy to get you started. Cheers to summer sipping! 

Spring is a beautiful season full of new beginnings. In the vineyards of Missouri wine country that means bud break. After the dormancy and pruning of the winter, the vines start to awaken. From late April through early May we see buds break through and emerge to begin another vintage.

Bud break is an inspiring time when there are limitless possibilities. Growing grapes isn’t easy, and it’s made more difficult in the Midwest by demanding weather conditions. Despite the challenges of grape-growing, Missouri vintners look forward to the potential and excitement of bud break every year. It may mean another season of work is ahead, but it also means there’s a new opportunity to grow great grapes that will become delicious wine. Local winemakers know that some things are worth the work.

Bud break will quickly give way to the next stage of the growing cycle, flowering. Head out to Missouri wine country now. Don’t miss the exciting new beginning to what is sure to be another great vintage of Missouri wine.

Did you know that May 9^th is National Moscato Day? That’s right; there’s a holiday for everything nowadays. However, with the increased popularity of this varietal, we’re pretty excited to celebrate this holiday. Moscato is originally from Italy, but the grapes that make Moscato wines are of the Muscat variety. Missouri vintners grow a variety of this grape called Valvin Muscat.

You’ll find Missouri Moscato at these wineries:  

Augusta Winery

Blumenhof Vineyards & Winery

Crown Valley Winery

Jowler Creek Vineyard Winery

Les Bourgeois Vineyards

Noboleis Vineyards

Peaceful Bend Vineyard

St. James Winery

Stone Hill Winery

Moscato wines are generally known for being sweet, fruity, light and easy sippers. Flavors and notes of peach, nectarine, melon and citrus are common in many Moscato wines. Sometimes you’ll find these wines with a hint of fizz as well. Sweet wines are a better pairing for food than many realize. Try pairing your Missouri Moscato with spicy foods and fresh fruits!

How will you celebrate Moscato Day? 

She’s the one who has always been there to support you and help you in any way she can… she’s Mom! Show her how much you appreciate her this Mother’s Day by treating her to a day in Missouri wine country. Many local wineries are hosting events to honor mothers and they’re ready to help you spoil mom! Whether a gourmet brunch is her style or she’d prefer a relaxing day listening to live music, there is something for all the moms out there at area wineries.

Brunch

• Cave Hollow West Winery
• Cedar Lake Cellars
• Chaumette Vineyard & Winery
• Fence Stile Vineyards & Winery
• Montelle Winery
• Mount Pleasant Estates
• Noboleis Vineyards
• Stone Hill Winery

Sweet Treats Just for Mom

• 7Cs Winery
• Jowler Creek Winery
• Twin Oaks Vineyard & Winery
• Van Till Family Farm Winery

Other Special Events to Spoil Mom

• Augusta Winery
• Edg-Clif Winery & Brewery
• Hemman Winery
• Hummingbird Vineyard and Winery
• Lost Creek Vineyard
• Odessa Country Winery
• Serenity Valley Winery
• Tipple Hill Winery
• West Winery

Happy Mother’s Day and cheers to all the moms out there! 

There are many wonderful destinations to discover in Missouri wine country, including the Lake of the Ozarks, a popular recreation and resort area. Located in the scenic Ozark mountains, the region features one of the largest man-made lakes in the United States. You can stroll the shoreline without breaking the bank on costly coastal trips. Whether you are looking for a relaxing weekend or one filled with activities, the Lake of the Ozarks has something for everyone.

Photo courtesy: Lake of the Ozarks CVB

History 

Union Electric Company of St. Louis created the Lake of the Ozarks by constructing the Bagnell Dam in 1931. The dam was created to provide hydroelectric power for customers of Union Electric. The Lake of the Ozarks was the largest man-made lake in the United States and one of the largest in the world at the time of its construction. The lake is sometimes referred to as the “Magic Dragon” because its winding topography, from an aerial view, resembles the shape of a dragon. 

Wineries

The Lake of the Ozarks wine trail features several wineries, each with unique features and views. Golden Rock Winery features more than 30 different wines and a full restaurant menu based on a green kitchen platform. Seven Springs Winery and Vineyards sits on top 160 acres of rolling Missouri foothills between Camdenton and Osage Beach. You can enjoy a glass of wine on the covered porch and patio area while admiring the beautiful views. Relax in Shawnee Bluff Winery’s indoor tasting room and bistro or enjoy amazing views of the lake from the winery’s outdoor patio and decks. Shawnee Bluff Vineyard is nestled among 40 acres of beautiful views and grapevine and often hosts live music concerts.

Area Attractions

Photo courtesy: Lake of the Ozarks CVB

With more than 1,150 miles of shoreline, it’s no surprise that many visitors travel to the Lake of the Ozarks to enjoy water sports, but there are inland attractions that also appeal to visitors. Family favorites include Big Surf Water Park, Bridal Cave and Ha Ha Tonka State Park. Other attractions include go-karts, several golf locations – miniature and full golf courses, an indoor family fun center and history museums. You can also enjoy the surf and turf outdoor experience at the Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Missouri’s largest park located along the Grand Glaize Arm of the lake.

The Lake of the Ozarks hosts popular events throughout the year including the annual air show, Dogwood Festival, Magic Dragon Street Meet, Aquapalooza and the Midwest Wine and Brew Festival.

For those who don’t slow down when the sun dips below the horizon, the lake offers a nightlife that doesn’t disappoint. Cafes, lounges, bars or grills, there are a variety of venues that stay open late. Hit the strip and enjoy wonderful food and live music.

The Lake of the Ozarks can also be an oasis for those seeking a little rest and relaxation. There are several spa and wellness centers located in the area. After a day spent exploring the region, you can wind down in a cozy bed and breakfast or spend the evening at Shawnee Bluff Winery Lodging featuring rooms with unobstructed views of the lake.  

The next time you want to get away from it all, escape to the Lake of the Ozarks, a region that offers an abundance of activities and delicious Missouri wine.

There’s nothing better than a delicious glass of Missouri wine on a warm summer day… except maybe if you throw in great food and live music. It’s hard to beat a wine trail event or festival. There are so many wonderful opportunities to taste local wine at area events and festivals all summer long. Grab some friends and we’ll see you in Missouri wine country!

May

5 – Sip N Savor St. James

5&6 – Wild Bacon on the Hermann Wine Trail

18 – Downtown Wine Walk in Chilicothe

18-20 – 37th Annual Art Fair and Wine Walk in Washington

18-19 – Maifest in Hermann

June

16 – 12^th Annual Missouri Wine Festival in Excelsior Springs

July

7 – Bacchus and BBQ on the Missouri River Wine Trail

14 – Taste of Wine and Countries on the Mississippi River Hills Wine Trail

28&29 – Berries & BBQ on the Hermann Wine Trail

August

9-19 – Missouri State Fair (Don’t forget to stop by the MO Wine Tent!)

11 – 25^th Annual Midwest Wine and Brew Festival at the Lake of the Ozarks

18 – Taste of Missouri Wine Stroll in Moberly

18 – Hermann Wine and Jazz Festival

September

8 – 6^th Annual Independence Uncorked

15 – Historical Downtown Sikeston Winefest

Spring is a time of new life and growth. It makes sense that it’s a time when we think more about the Earth and our impact on it. Most Missouri wineries and vineyards make efforts to be sustainable and treat the land with respect, but one winery in particular has made “being green” a cornerstone of their business from the very beginning and continues to strive for sustainability as they grow, Jowler Creek Winery.

Colleen and Jason Gerike opened Jowler Creek Winery in Platte City in 2006 with the desire and intention of creating a business that would thrive for generations to come. From the beginning, the Gerikes have taken sustainability seriously. Their business strategy involves continuous improvement and operating more efficiently each year, with the overarching goal of being carbon neutral.

“We’ve always felt blessed to have a piece of land to call our own, yet we recognize that we’re only caretakers for a little while,” says Colleen. “Our goal is to contribute to our community by being productive, while at the same time protecting our natural resources for future generations.”

The winery employs a long list of sustainable practices ranging from the use of solar power, to composting and recycling. On the property, you’ll find a whole team of nature’s helpers as well… sheep “mowing” in the vineyards, bat houses and free-range chickens to help control pests, a honey bee colony and even a native-plant butterfly garden. You may also spot Jowler Creek Winery eco-friendly vehicles out and about delivering wine to local retail shops and attending area events.

In 2017, Jowler Creek Winery was the first Missouri winery to receive ASAP certification. The Missouri Agricultural Stewardship Assurance Program (ASAP) is a verification program that champions Missouri farmers who are responsible stewards of the land. It’s meant to acknowledge and reward those who proactively protect the environment, employ sound management practices and use science-based technology to produce safe food, fuel and fiber for consumers. Since then, several other vineyards have also received the certification, including Augusta Winery and St. James Winery.

Wineries aren’t the only ones who can go green. Colleen has some great advice for wine-lovers who want to help out. “Being green is about making choices that have a positive impact on your environment and community,” she says. “From purchasing your wine from the local winery down the road to recycling your finished wine bottles and corks, there are lots of little decisions you can make each day to be green that will have a big impact over time.” 

Next time you’re in the Kansas City area, be sure to visit Jowler Creek Winery and learn even more about their green practices by taking a Self-Guided Eco Tour around the property.

Cheers to a sustainable Missouri wine country and lots of great, award-winning local wine for years to come!