What is dessert wine, exactly? It’s a fairly overarching category of decadently sweet, complex wines that are often enjoyed with or as dessert in small glasses, one indulgent, delicious sip at a time. Missouri wineries make several styles of dessert wines. In this post we’ll break them down: 

First things first, let’s clarify Port vs. “dessert wine” verbiage. Not all port-style wines are called Port for the same reason not all sparkling wines are Champagne. A trade agreement between the US and the European Union states that American wines can no longer use the name Port on new wine labels. However, existing brands are allowed to continue under a grandfather clause. So, many Missouri wineries make wines in the port style that may not be called Port on the label. Usually they say “dessert wine”, but not all dessert wines are Port. Now that we’ve cleared that up…

Port-style dessert wines: There are many different styles within this category, but generally speaking these wines are made from red grapes and fortified with brandy. Missouri Ports and port-style wines are often made with Norton grapes and are delicious and award-winning. Port-style wines pair well with blue cheese, dark chocolate, dried fruits, and nuts. 

Late harvest dessert wines: The name leads you down the right path. These are wines made from grapes that have been allowed to hang on the vine much longer than most. In the extra time these grapes stay on the vines they go through what is called Noble Rot or Botrytis cinerea. While this sounds a little gross, it adds delicious and desirable flavors to the finished wines, which are rich, complex and totally decadent. Late harvest wines are great for sipping as dessert, but are also wonderful paired with crème brulee, panna cotta and spiced nuts. 

Ice wines: Ice wines are most commonly found in colder regions, because the traditional way to make them is from ripe grapes that have frozen on the vines, which requires a relatively early freeze. It’s not what you’d call common, but you will find ice wines at several Show Me State wineries. They are a rare treat, indeed. The next time you come across a Missouri ice wine, treat yourself! 

Dessert wines are often misunderstood, but take the time to get to know them better. They are worth it!

When there’s a chill in the air nothing sounds better than a bowl of steaming, comforting soup. Well, we can think of one thing that sounds better… pairing that soup with a delicious glass of Missouri wine! Use this guide to select the perfect wine to go with your next bowl of soup.

Missouri wine country is the perfect place for romance. The beautiful views, delicious wines and welcoming atmospheres you’ll find at Show Me State wineries are the perfect setting for your Valentine’s Day celebration. With more than 130 wineries to choose from, you can easily customize your vino Valentine’s Day, but here are some ideas and tips to get your started: 

1.    A romantic weekend getaway! There are several local wineries with lodging onsite that are great for a romantic getaway. 
*Pro tip: If the specific winery you’re hoping to visit doesn’t have lodging on-site, give them a call. Chances are they can make great recommendations on nearby accommodations. 

2.    Wine and dine near the vines! Food and wine go together like, well food and wine. There’s not a better pair to compare. Treat your valentine and yourself to a delicious meal in wine country at one of the many wineries with on-site restaurants and special dinners for the holiday. 
*Pro tip: Some of these restaurants and events require reservations or tickets. Play it safe and call ahead to reserve your spots!

3.    Blaze a (wine) trail! There are several wine trail events coming up. One the weekend after Valentine’s Day on the Route du Vin Wine Trail in Ste. Genevieve and two the following weekend: Chocolate and Wine on the Hermann Wine Trail and a Taste of Romance on the Mississippi River Hills Wine Trail. 
*Pro tip: Wine trail events like these are great for groups. Double date, perhaps?

4.    Wine and dine at home! Sometimes a night in can be just as romantic and special as going out. If you’re cooking a nice celebration dinner, this food and wine pairing guide will help you select the perfect wines. 
*Pro tip: No Valentine’s Day is complete without chocolate. Check out this Infographic for all the most delicious pairings to sate your sweet tooth. 

Give your Valentine delicious Missouri wine; there’s nothing more divine!

Cheers! 

Looking for something fun to do with friends? We know just the thing… Host a wine themed craft night! There are so many unique, inexpensive crafts you can make with wine corks, bottles and glasses. Gather some tasty snacks, a selection of delicious local wine, and craft supplies; and you’re in for a great time!

Choosing which food and wines to serve is easy with our food and wine pairing guide. Settling on which craft project to do is harder; there are so many great ideas out there! Here are some of our favorites: 

Wine Cork Jewelry 
Cork pendant jewelry doesn’t require very many corks and is completely customizable to anyone’s style. 
* Pro Tip: Steam the corks in a vegetable steamer first and they’ll be easier to cut. 

Hand Painted Wine Glasses 
There are tons of tutorials out there for painting wine glasses: here are two of our favorites. Beautiful flower wine glasses are impressive, and they’re easier than they look. Dip-dyed wine glasses are chic, modern, and so simple! 

Repurposed Wine Bottles 
Wine bottles can be upcycled into really handy items for around the house like this soap dispenser or this adorable candy container that are both useful and nice to look at. 

For even more DIY inspiration, check out our Pinterest board. Whichever project you decide on, gather some good friends, sip some great wine, and get ready to stretch those creative muscles! 

What’s better than a steaming mug of hot cocoa when the temperature is too low to think about outside? That’s easy… hot cocoa with red wine! This recipe is simple, quick and delicious. Warm up with a mug full of Missouri wine hot cocoa tonight. 

Missouri Wine Hot Chocolate 

Makes 2-3 servings    Prep Time: 5 minutes, Cook time: 5-7 minutes 

Ingredients:
2 ½  tbsp    Unsweetened dark cocoa powder
3  tbsp        Sugar
2/3 cup        Missouri red wine (we recommend a big, bold Norton) 
2 cup         Milk (whole milk makes a richer hot cocoa) 
1 tsp        Pure vanilla extract
¼ tsp         Salt

Directions: 

1. In a bowl combine the cocoa, sugar and ½ cup of the milk. Whisk until well combined.
2. Pour into a medium saucepan, and add in the rest of the milk and whisk until smooth.
3. Slowly add in the wine to the mixture, stirring constantly.
4. Once all ingredients are combined, heat the mixture over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring often.
5. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla and salt, and serve. 
6. Enjoy! 

If you want to try this recipe with a sweet Missouri red wine or fruit wine (raspberry or cherry, perhaps), omit the sugar from the first step. Wait until the mixture is fairly warm, taste it, and add sugar to taste. 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wrtBLZXLK4

When the temperature dips and we’re in the heart of a Missouri winter, there’s nothing better than curling up under a cozy, warm blanket with a good book and a glass of wine. Try out these Missouri wine and book pairings for a nice night in. 

Norton is undeniably original and complex. These books are a perfect pair.

• Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (This story is set in Missouri, and you can even catch a cameo of a bottle of Norton in the film adaptation.) 
• The World Before Us by Aislinn Hunter
• The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell

Chambourcin’s earthy, rich and smooth qualities are perfectly paired with historical fiction. 

• All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr 
• The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant
• Epitaph: A Novel of the O.K. Corral by Mary Doria Russell

Concord is decadent in all the right ways, and is a match made in heaven with love stories. 

• Eight Hundred Grapes by Laura Dave (The story is even set in a vineyard.) 
• Honeydew: Stories by Edith Pearlman
• The Accidental Empress by Allison Pataki

Catawba is sweet, light and fun, an ideal pairing for the young-at-heart reader who enjoys young adult literature. 

• Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
• Paper Towns by John Green
• Lungdon (The Iremonger Trilogy) by Edward Carey

Chardonel is a classic Missouri white wine. What better to pair with the classics? 

• Emma by Jane Austen 
• The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
• Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë 

Seyval Blanc is crisp with herbal characteristics, and sidles up nicely to a captivating biography.

• On the Move: A Life by Oliver Sacks
• Bettyville: A Memoir by George Hodgman
• Lady Alamina and the Real Downton Abbey by Fiona Carnarvon

Traminette’s floral notes and unique flavors will help you lose yourself in these fantasy books. 

• The Sandman: Overture by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by JH Williams III
• Shadowshaper by Daniel José Older
• Nimona by Noelle Stevenson

Vidal Blanc is crisp, citrusy and the ideal white wine to pair with books about adventure and culture.

• Only the Strong by Jabari Asim 
• The Girl on the Train by Paul Hawkins
• Gutshot: Stories by Amelia Gray 

Vignoles’ fruity and bright character pairs well with funny books. 

• Why Not Me? By Mindy Kaling 
• Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari, Eric Klinenberg
• Selp-Helf by Miranda Sings

Grab a book and a glass of delicious Missouri wine and snuggle in for great escape without leaving the warmth and comfort of your own home. 

Ingredients: 

• 3 cups         Sifted unbleached bread flour 
• 1 tbsp        Baking powder
• 2 tbsp        Sugar
• 1 1/3 cups    Dry Missouri wine (Norton works well*)
• 1 tbsp        Melted butter 

Directions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. 
2. Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Whisk to evenly distribute. 
3. Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients; pour in the wine.
4. Stir well until the mixture is mostly combined. 
5. Turn the dough and leftover flour mixture onto a flat surface dusted with light layer of flour. 
6. Knead the dough for 3-5 minutes to incorporate the last of the flour mixture and create smooth dough. Shape the dough into an oblong, bâtard shape and place it on a parchment lined cookie sheet. [You can do other shapes, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time accordingly as it won’t take as long with smaller shapes.]
7. Brush the loaf with melted butter and cut three ¼ inch deep scores diagonally in the top of the loaf. 
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until the crust is browned slightly. Let cool for at least five minutes before cutting and serving. 

* You can use any type of wine you like, but Norton adds a nice, strong flavor and aroma. If you choose to use a sweeter wine, omit the sugar in the recipe. This bread is best fresh and hot, but will keep in an air tight container for 3-5 days. 
Try this recipe out today for a delicious and unique treat! 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnmA30ySOgI&feature=youtu

Click play to learn how you can make some Missouri Wine Quick Bread!  

Don’t worry; you read that correctly. January is National Bread Month, and Missouri Norton Month. What better way to celebrate these two delicious tastes than by putting them together? Norton, the official grape of the “Show Me” State, makes wines that are big, bold and complex. They pair well with smoked meats and strong cheeses, and you know what else pairs well with those things? Bread! 

We thought why not put these things together and see what deliciousness ensues… meet Missouri Wine Quick Bread. This recipe is easy and speedy! It’s great for having alongside a meal, as an appetizer with meats, cheeses and chutneys, and is even surprisingly good with peanut butter and jelly!

Missouri Wine Quick Bread 
Ingredients: 

• 3 cups         Sifted unbleached bread flour 
• 1 tbsp        Baking powder
• 2 tbsp        Sugar
• 1 1/3 cups    Dry Missouri wine (Norton works well*)
• 1 tbsp        Melted butter 

Directions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. 
2. Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Whisk to evenly distribute. 
3. Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients; pour in the wine.
4. Stir well until the mixture is mostly combined. 
5. Turn the dough and leftover flour mixture onto a flat surface dusted with light layer of flour. 
6. Knead the dough for 3-5 minutes to incorporate the last of the flour mixture and create smooth dough. Shape the dough into an oblong, bâtard shape and place it on a parchment lined cookie sheet. [You can do other shapes, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time accordingly as it won’t take as long with smaller shapes.]
7. Brush the loaf with melted butter and cut three ¼ inch deep scores diagonally in the top of the loaf. 
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until the crust is browned slightly. Let cool for at least five minutes before cutting and serving. 

* You can use any type of wine you like, but Norton adds a nice, strong flavor and aroma. If you choose to use a sweeter wine, omit the sugar in the recipe. This bread is best fresh and hot, but will keep in an air tight container for 3-5 days. 
Try this recipe out today for a delicious and unique treat! 

Norton is Missouri’s official state grape and we take the month of January to celebrate this all-American wine. Big and bold, Norton is a great wine to pair with rich foods such as smoked meats and dark chocolate. Use this pairing guide Infographic to help you pair locally crafted Norton wine with your favorite foods for a delicious culinary experience. 

Good food paired with great wine is an experience for your senses! We are proud to be one of the sponsors of the 14th Annual St. Louis Food & Wine Experience benefiting the St. Louis Repertory Theatre, and we want to share the love by giving away a pair of tickets to this one of kind event. 

What you could win: 
2 VIP tickets to the 14th Annual St. Louis Food & Wine Experience- VALUE $250

The VIP Reserve Room is the ideal destination for guests looking for something out of the ordinary, or those who appreciate the opportunity to freely taste a wide selection of super-premium wines. Download the free app to keep track of your favorite wines, find a floor map, locate food around the event, and more. Search for “STLFWE” in the App Store or Google Play Store. 

Tickets include

• A full day of open tasting from more than 200 Reserve Room wines and another 400+ on the Main Floor
• A commemorative Riedel wine glass to complement your fine wine selections
• Gourmet hors d’oeuvre selections
• General admission access to the Main Floor
• Access to the VIP Reserve Room Silent Auction to include exclusive and rare wines, one-of-a-kind winery experiences, fine dining, gift certificates and more

How to enter

1. Follow @MissouriWine on Instagram
2. Post a photo of your own food and wine pairing skills on Instagram with the hashtags #MOwine and #STLFWE by 5pm (CST) on Monday, January 25th, 2016. 

Things to note

• One entry per Instagram account.
• If your account is set to private, we won’t be able to see that you posted an entry. So, you’ll need to make your account public for the duration of the contest to be entered. 

The winner will be chosen at random from all qualified entries and contacted on Tuesday, January 26th by noon (CST) through Instagram. If the selected winner does not respond or meet the requirements within 24 hours of being contacted, a new winner will be selected. 

If you have any questions, please email missouri.wine@mda.mo.gov. 

Cheers and good luck!