Wine country is closer than you might think. Missouri is home to more than 130 wineries and nearly 200 years of winemaking history. There are so many unique experiences to discover at local wineries. You’ll find everything from vast vineyards, to chic urban settings. Get lost in the picturesque countryside of the Show Me State or enjoy the main street of quaint towns with fascinating heritage. Plan a weekend getaway and have a vino adventure in Missouri wine country!

Wine trails are a great way to visit several wineries in close proximity of each other. Pre-planned and ready for fun!

If you want to pick a winery or two and just relax, you can find overnight accommodations at these wineries ranging from adorable B&Bs, to chic villas and comfortable inns.

Special events like trolley tours and wine festivals are a great excuse for a weekend getaway. Check out the happenings on our events calendar.

If you’re looking to reconnect with your gal pals, wine country is the perfect place for a girls retreat. Get more ideas and inspiration here.  

Looking to learn a little about Missouri’s rich heritage? Hermann, Augusta, Ste. Genevieve and St. James all have storied pasts full of fascinating history.

Whatever a winery weekend might look like for you and yours, don’t forget to become an MVP and earn points and rewards for exploring your award-winning local wine region! 

Imagine it… biting into a big, juicy, flavorful burger with all your favorite toppings. It doesn’t get much better, does it? Now imagine following that exceptional bite with a sip of delicious, perfectly paired Missouri wine that brings out even more delicious flavor from the combo. Next time you’re craving a burger, reach for one of these ideal wines to go with it for an unbeatable wine and food experience.

• The Classic Cheeseburger + Norton
• Bleu Cheese Burger + Chambourcin
• Mushroom Swiss Burger + Oak Aged Chardonel
• Jalapeño Popper Burger + Vignoles
• Bacon Cheeseburger + Chambourcin
• Hawaiian Burger + Vignoles
• Barbecue Burger + Concord
• Turkey Burger + Dry Rosé
• Veggie Burger + Vidal Blanc   

Bonus pairing recommendation… sparkling wine with French fries is a must-try match up!

No matter which burger you consider the best, pairing it with a delicious, locally-made wine can only make it better. Cheers!  

Flowering is the next stage in the 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.

Head out to wine country to see this wonderful phase of the growing cycle in Missouri’s vineyards. 

Life is full of ups and downs that range from triumphant accomplishments, to important milestones and hefty challenges, but Missouri wine pairs perfectly any and all daily events.  The wide variety of wines produced in the Show Me state provide something to please everyone’s pallet and can serve as a well deserved reward after a long day, as well as some days you need a little light at the end of the tunnel to help get through the day.

Kid Free Evening + Vignoles
The kids are at Grandma’s so it’s finally time for you to relax. Unwind and enjoy a few moments of peace and quiet with a refreshing sip of Vignoles.  

Monday Blues + Vidal Blanc
Congratulations, you survived Monday! One day down, only four more to go. Pour yourself a crisp glass of Vidal Blanc as you begin making those weekend plans.

Unexpected House Guests + Chardonel
Entertaining guests can be a delight. However when it’s your in-laws and they show up unexpectedly the smooth taste of Chardonel will help you keep a smile on your face.

Flat Tire Fiasco + Chambourcin
Although it may be a common occurrence for some of us, no one plans to run behind schedule. Tire trouble only adds to the stress when you are already late. Once you make it back home, sip Chambourcin as you end your day.

New Job + Sparkling Wine
You’ve gone above and beyond to ensure deadlines are met, events run smoothly and your team operates like a well-oiled machine. That promotion you’ve been waiting on is finally yours. Celebrate your well-earned advancement with Missouri sparkling wine.

To Do List + Traminette
Procrastinating those weekly chores only adds to your to do list. Cleaning the house becomes a lot less tedious with a glass of Traminette.

Reconnecting with Friends + Norton
Some wines, like old friends only get better with time. The rich flavors of Missouri Norton are sure to pair as you reminisce with dear friends on your patio.

Whether your day includes celebrating a small victory or looking for the light at the end of the tunnel; Missouri wine is sure to be a great addition.  

“Motherhood: All love begins and ends there.” —Robert Browning

It’s impossible for thank our mothers for everything they do for us, but Mother's Day is a great opportunity to show our gratitude. If your mom is a Missouri wine fan, here are some wonderful DIY gift ideas she’ll adore. After all, handmade gifts have a special place in a mother’s heart, right?

For the moms out there who love to sit outside and soak in the fresh air, make a set of wine bottle Tiki Torches.

This DIY countertop wine rack is an easy project that is perfect for the Missouri wine loving mom!

For the more experienced crafters, this wine bottle table would be a welcome gift in any mother’s home.

Wine bottle wall mounted vases are perfect for the moms who are avid gardeners. They’re a beautiful way to display flowers.

If your mother is a big reader or maybe even a writer, she’ll love a handmade wine cork letter or symbol like this cool ampersand.  

Here’s to all the moms out there. Cheers! 

Mexican food is one of the most delicious types of cuisine around. There are so many mouth-watering dishes, prepared a little bit differently everywhere you go, but one thing is consistent… bold flavors! The intense flavors and spice of Mexican food pair surprisingly well with local, Missouri wines. Here are some suggestions for your Cinco de Mayo meal:

1. Guacamole + Sparkling Wine: Guac is a crowd favorite, but is notoriously hard to pair. The acid and effervescence of a sparkling wine will help cut through the fat and richness of the avocado. 
2. Mexican Street Corn (Elotes) + Rosé: This dish is a real treat and will be even more enjoyable with a glass of Missouri rosé wine.
3. Seafood Ceviche + Vidal Blanc: Ceviche is very high in acid, but Vidal Blanc stands up to the test and the citrus notes are a great complement.
4. Posole (Pasole or Pazole) + Vignoles: However you spell it, this traditional soup usually carries a kick and the tropical flavors and sweetness of Missouri Vignoles pairs perfectly.
5. Fish Tacos + Seyval Blanc: Whether fried and crispy or marinated in spices, fish tacos go well with a glass of Seyval Blanc.
6. Chicken Fajitas + Chardonel: Umami is a word used to describe that fifth taste, the savory-ness. The umami character inherent in chicken fajitas pairs nicely with a Missouri Chardonel.
7. Tamales + Chambourcin: There are few things better than unwrapping a steaming, delicious tamale. About the only improvement is to add a glass of Chambourcin red wine.
8. Spinach Enchiladas + Traminette: While not the most traditional item on the list, spinach enchiladas make an appearance on many menus and are delicious paired with a glass of Missouri Traminette.
9. Carne Asada + Norton: This is a truly classic pairing. Rich and full of flavor, these two are a perfect match!
10. Flan + Traminette: Flan is a sweet, luscious custard that is a decadent end to any Mexican meal. The dessert pairs well with the slight sweetness of Traminette.

If you’re a Missouri wine fan and a fan of margaritas, we have the ideal recipe for you… a winerita!

Salud! 

Missouri Vintners also grow a number of native American varietals such as Norton (the state’s official grape), Catawba and Concord.

Next time you’re visiting one of Missouri’s more than 130 wineries, take the time to taste and learn a little more about the unique and delicious grape varieties we grow here in Show Me wine country. Cheers!

Bud Break is a very exciting time in the vineyards. It signals the vines awakening from their winter nap (dormancy). It’s the beginning of the grape growing season and holds the excitement of untapped potential.

Visit a local winery to witness the awakening of the vineyards and join us in celebrating this time of new beginnings!

We’ve all been there, a small drop of red wine spills onto your favorite shirt.  Will it ever come out? How should you treat it? Don’t let this ruin your day or your wine country adventure. A few minutes on Pinterest will yield hundreds of home remedies, but we took the extra step and put a few methods to the test. Most of the ingredients are common items you may already have in your kitchen. Read on for results.

Stain Removal Remedies

White Wine
If you are at a winery, white wine is readily available. Treat the area with white wine to help reduce the chance of a permanent stain. During our test this method did reduce the severity of the stain, but the wine was still present after it was washed. White wine was a good first step but we’d recommend further treatment of the stain before washing.

Table Salt + Boiling Water
Salt is typically within reach at the dinner table and may help absorb the wine and prevent it from spreading. Apply a heavy coat of salt and allow to sit for one hour. Place the clothing item over a bowl once you are home and pour boiling water over the area. This method was more successful in the center of the stain than the outer edges. We’d suggest salt as a quick fix if available then additional stain fighting methods before you toss it in the laundry.

White Vinegar + Detergent
Mix 1 Tbsp laundry detergent + 1 Tbsp white vinegar + 2 cups lukewarm water for this stain fighter. Instructions were to apply this solution to the stain and launder as normal. Results were less than outstanding with this mixture.

Dawn + Hydrogen Peroxide + Baking Soda
This method calls for 2 parts Dawn, 1 part peroxide and 2 tsp baking soda, mixed well. Apply this mixture to the stain and allow to sit for at least one hour. It didn’t take long to see visible results with this solution and it was the clear winner overall. Pro tip: Use a spray bottle for precise application and always test a small, discrete area for color fastness.

Helpful tips: Blot or dab the spill rather than rub which can make the stain worse. Dried stains are always tougher to remove. If possible keep the stain wet using water or white wine until you are home and able to treat it. When treating, it may be helpful to place a washcloth or towel between the layers of clothing to prevent the stain from bleeding to the other side during treatment. No matter which method you try the sooner the stain is treated the better your chances are of removing it completely. 

Feast Magazine and partners are at it again to showcase delicious, award-winning local wines alongside tasty treats from area restaurants and retailers. Missouri Wines is proudly sponsoring this event and wants to give you an opportunity to win a pair of VIP tickets.

At the 2017 Taste & Toast: Drink Local, guests will enjoy samples of locally crafted wines from more than 12 different wineries. These unique, delicious wines will be paired with food from more than ten beloved area restaurants and food vendors. All the while, guests will be treated to great live music.

This is the perfect night out for wine and food lovers! It’s a great opportunity for a fun date night, or to have a blast with your best pals.  

When: Friday, April 28, 2017 from 7-10pm – VIP Happy Hour starting at 6pm

Where:  Moulin, 2017 Chouteau Ave., St. Louis, Missouri

Click here to purchase tickets.

Click here to enter to win a pair of VIP tickets.

(Entry deadline: April 20, 2017 by 11:59pm CST) 

We’ll see you at the 3^rd Annual Taste & Toast!