Be innovative this St. Patrick’s Day and offer guests a fresh white wine sangria that will get everyone excited for spring. Irish food can be filling, especially when bogged down with a hearty stout. Sangria is the perfect alternative to complement rich Irish flavors and appease both wine and punch enthusiasts. Although some St. Patty’s inspired sangrias will include Irish whiskey, the easiest and most enjoyable recipes stick to the classic fruit and white wine combination. This recipe has peaches and raspberries brighten up the beverage while the wine balances out every sip. Traminette pairs well with fresh fruit and would make a wonderful base for a white wine sangria recipe. You can garnish every glass with fruit or, if you’re feeling festive, drop some green food coloring in to pay homage to the holiday. Enjoy and may you have a lucky St. Patty’s Day!      

There’s an obvious and easy gift for any wine-lover on your list… a bottle of their (or your) favorite Missouri wine. Wine makes a great present, but it is not the easiest to wrap. Get creative and crafty with these unique DIY gift-wrapping ideas for wine bottles.

Add a country-chic touch to your gift with these super simple burlap gift bags. The corks attached to the end of the drawstring are a detail that is sure to make your gift stand out.

Not a fan of waste? Wrap one gift in another for instant eco-karma. A dishtowel and a little ribbon make for a pretty, petal-like packaging for the wine you’re gifting. Or keep the bottle cozy by wrapping it in a cute pair of knee socks.

One man’s trash… (as they say) Use the sleeve of an old, ill fitting or snagged sweater to reduce waste and increase the seasonal cuteness of your gift.

Felt is used in countless crafts. Wrapping gifts in the soft fabric seems so perfect. This project is as easy as pie and takes a lot less time to make.

However you choose to wrap the wine you are gifting this year, remember to drink local (and gift local!). Not sure which wine to buy? Check out these award-winning Missouri wines for a great place to start.

Missouri wine pairs well with gifting!

Like any good wine-lover, you probably have an ever-growing collection of wine corks, and you’re wondering what to do with them. Whether you want something decorative, useful or a little of both, there are many ways to upcycle natural cork for yourself or as gifts for your fellow wine-enthusiasts.

The first step in deciding which gloat-worthy DIY cork project to tackle is taking an inventory of the corks you have to work with. There’s nothing worse than running out of supplies half-way through. Needing more corks for your next crafty adventure is a great reason to buy and enjoy more Missouri wine, but if you need A LOT more corks, see if friends and family are willing to contribute to your stash. Recycled corks are also available for purchase on eBay or Amazon  in quantities ranging from 50 to 500.

Once you have enough corks for your task, you’re ready to get crafty!

There are so many wine cork projects to choose from, but here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Coasters or a trivet will be a hit the next time you have friends over. They also make a great, from-the-heart housewarming gift. Helpful tip: Coasters and trivets often support very warm containers. Choose a glue or adhesive that can stand the heat, like superglue.

Decorative letters are all the rage. Can you think of a better statement piece for your kitchen or bar?

Wine cork key chains are cute and useful. Fun fact: Cork floats! So, unless your key ring resembles a school-janitor’s, you won’t have to worry about keys falling to the bottom of the pool, lake or bathtub. Too bad cork can’t make keys float to the top of your purse.

Making a jewelry cork board is a unique way to display (and organize!) your accessories.

Get crafty, and remember… Missouri wines pair well with craft night!

Bonus tip: Write a date, occasion or quote on wine corks to recall special times as you collect them. When you make crafts out of them later, you’ll have an even more personal and unique piece.

Planning a wedding is such an exciting time. From the sincerity of the ceremony to the fun of the reception and all of the events surrounding, it’s one giant celebration. Whether you are coordinating the shower, the rehearsal dinner or doing it all, Missouri wine country is the perfect destination. Every couple is different and special in their own way, and a unique couple deserves a distinct venue. There are more than 120 wineries in Missouri, each with a one-of-a-kind experience waiting for you.

Whether you are planning one of the smaller ancillary events or the BIG day, Missouri wineries offer a naturally romantic setting with award-winning wines, delicious food and breathtaking scenery.

If you are in charge of planning a soirée for the bachelorette, a shower to prepare the couple for their life together, or a rehearsal dinner, many wineries have space available for an intimate gathering any time of the year. Private tastings and winery tours are fun and creative activities for wedding parties and loved ones.  Or your group can take an adventure along one of Missouri’s nine wine trails and maybe even stay at a bed and breakfast on-site or nearby.

Thinking more about the BIG day? Numerous wineries offer stunning views for an unforgettable ceremony, gourmet fare for a mouthwatering meal and a great space for everyone to celebrate the newlyweds at the reception. If you are lucky enough to live near one of Missouri’s beautiful wineries, it is the perfect location. If not, why not make the wedding a (more accessible) destination affair?

Once the dust has settled from all the wedding excitement, it’s time for what many say is the best part … the Honeymoon! Consider a relaxing, romantic and intimate trip to Missouri wine country. You’ll find serene settings, delicious food and wine, and comfortable accommodations, all in your backyard. You can’t ask for much more.

No matter what you have planned for the wedding weekend and beyond, Missouri wine country will exceed your expectations and help make it more than memorable.

Don’t let your social life leave with the warmth of summer. As the temperature drops, a game night is a great way to spend quality time with the people you care about and have a blast while you’re at it.

Card games have been around for ages and they’ve withstood the test of time because they are cheap, easy and endless entertainment. Not to mention the number of players necessary is flexible. Check out this vast list of card games with rules and instructions.

The classics are still a hoot. Break out Pictionary where it’s actually more fun when you can’t draw. Test your friends’ acting skills with Charades. Dominoes are always a good choice, and shake, rattle and roll with Yatzee. If you’re having a more intimate, two person game night, try chess or backgammon.

If you are a fan of board games but would love to be able to try before you buy? Hasbro games has a demo site where you can test games before purchasing them. Want to show off your wine knowledge? Why not go for Wine-opoly or Wine Smarts? Or you could have the ultimate wine game… a blind, brown bag tasting. Have friends each bring a bottle of wine in a brown bag, and everyone can try to guess different characteristics about it (varietal, region, vintage, etc.).

Consider getting together a game night rotation with a group of friends. Rotate the responsibility for location, games, snacks and of course you can’t forget the Missouri wine.

Terr…what? Terroir (pronounced terr-war) is a French term meaning sense of place, the total natural environment of a viticulture area. There isn’t one word in English that imparts the same meaning. The terroir of an area is more than the soil, the elevation, the average temperatures, the frequency of fog. It is the combination of all of these factors and it is paramount to grape-growing. There isn’t one ideal terroir, but rather there are ideal terroirs for different varieties of grapes.

Have you ever wondered why you don’t see much cabernet sauvignon, merlot and pinot grigio coming out of Missouri wineries? It’s because our state’s terroir isn’t necessarily suited for those grape varieties, often called vinifera grapes. However, that does not deter the vintners of the area from growing great grapes and making delicious wine. Instead, it has created a culture of innovation and experimentation in the Missouri wine industry.

When you drink wines made out of grapes with names like Vidal Blanc, Norton, Vignoles, Chardonel, Chambourcin and Traminette (the list goes on), you are tasting wines made with grapes chosen specifically for the benefits and challenges of the local terroir. They may sound a little odd at first and wineries are happy to help with the ever-challenging issue of pronunciation. Just remember, they are made specifically with you in mind by winemakers and grape-growers who have spent years getting to know the soil, climate, and all the other components that make up the terroir of what is essentially your backyard.

This month, Missouri Wines celebrates one of life’s greatest dairy delights: cheese. June is National Dairy Month, and while there are a variety of nutritious and delicious dairy foods, few result in a blissful culinary marriage like cheese and wine.

The origin of National Dairy Month dates back to the late 1930s. Initially, the designation was to promote the consumption of milk, however it has evolved into a tradition that celebrates the contributions of the dairy industry as a whole.

According to the International Dairy Foods Association, there are currently more than 2,000 varieties of cheese. Additionally, more than one-third of the milk produced each year in the U.S. is used to manufacture cheese. With all those cheesy choices and the vast variety of Missouri wines, you’re sure to find a favorite match.

While there are no hard-and-fast rules when pairing food and wine, there are some helpful guidelines to keep in mind when tasting these two delicious items. Part of the fun is trying your own combinations to see what complements your palate best. Below are various cheese styles, the wines that pair best and a featured recipe to try.

To begin, let’s divide cheese into four general categories:

Hard: stiff, sharp and can be aged
Blue: strong, pungent, often has a blue tint
Bloomy: creamy, often with a soft rind
Fresh: soft, often spreadable and with a mild flavor

Generally, red wines pair well with hard cheeses. This includes sharp, strongly flavored cheeses such as cheddar, Parmesan and Gouda, which stand up nicely to the more tannic wines. Sip Chambourcin with cheddar and Parmesan, and sip Norton with Gouda.

Potato and Cheddar Cheese Soup: This rich and smoky soup is quick and easy to make. Leave out the bacon to make it a vegetarian dish.
Pair with: Chambourcin

Blue cheeses go well with sweeter wines. Try a late harvest wine or a port with Gorgonzola, and a semi-sweet Vignoles with blue cheese. Another traditional pairing is the rich Stilton with a sweet Port.

Celery-and-Blue Cheese Salad with Pecans: This is a great summer dish to enjoy at a barbecue or while relaxing poolside. Keep an eye out for locally grown pecans!
Pair with: Vidal

A crisp, fruity Vidal and a dry, full-bodied Chardonel are great wines to pair with soft, bloomy cheese such as Brie and Camembert. Missouri sparking wine is also a good match because the creamy cheeses tend to coat the mou

The arrival of spring is near and with it comes fresh beginnings, new growth and much desired warmer temperatures. It’s time to break out of the winter doldrums and revitalize your spirit! And what better way to toast the new season than by exploring the wonderful world of Missouri white wines! From clean and bright to robust and fruity, Missouri’s whites are a perfect complement to the onset of spring!

You might be familiar with Missouri’s Vignoles, the darling of the whites. It’s a favorite for a good reason! Vignoles (pronounced veen-yole) is an extremely versatile hybrid grape that produces wines ranging from dry to sweet, which makes it pleasing to any palate. This wine goes great with spicy foods and rich, creamy desserts like cheesecake.

Traminette is another versatile grape, and can also be made into a sweet, semi-dry or dry white wine. The wine has a natural, light sweetness that is backed by a depth of flavor and floral aromas. Traminette pairs well with Asian-influenced cuisine, rich cheese like Gorgonzola and fresh fruit.

Two varietals that create more semi-dry to dry white wines are Vidal Blanc and Seyval Blanc. Vidal Blanc creates a full-bodied wine with fruity characteristics and clean, citrus notes of lemon and grapefruit. This wine pairs well with white meats, pasta in a white sauce, grilled veggies and light seafood items. Seyval Blanc grapes create a clean, crisp, medium-bodied wine with an herbal, fresh flavor. This wine pairs well with light meats such as pork, chicken and turkey, as well as light, flaky fish.

Chardonel is a cross between two popular grapes: Chardonnay and Seyval. Chardonel creates a dry, full-bodied wine. Depending on the fermentation process, this wine can exude notes of oak, butter or citrus fruits. This wine pairs well with smoked or grilled fish, pork and chicken.

One of the wonderful things about Missouri wines is that they are so diverse! Each wine tells its own story and varies in taste and flavor. One of the best ways to experience these wines and discover your favorites is to visit Missouri wine country. Wineries are happy to let you taste their delicious creations and lead you on your own wine journey. So enjoy the new season by enjoying the white wines of spring!

St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, so this Cultural Craving post is dedicated to all things Irish. With mostly potato and cabbage based recipes, Irish cuisine developed over centuries of social change. The traditional dishes showcased here reflect the agricultural landscape of Ireland and have a wholesome bite that is easy to replicate right from your own home. So this St. Paddy’s Day, forget the stout or whiskey and pair these classic dishes with your favorite Missouri wines. Who knows, it might even bring some luck your way. If you’re the first one digging into the mashed potatoes on Thanksgiving, then colcannon is your St. Patrick’s Day equivalent. This traditional Irish dish has strong mythological ties (it’s said that the fairies and goblins craved it from the evergreen hills). Some households would bury trinkets deep inside the creamy dish to suggest what the receiver has in store for the next year. This could be a ring to signify marriage or money to suggest possible wealth. This recipe is very easy to follow and has the colcannon essentials: cabbage, potatoes and butter. It’s creamy and delicious. But be careful, you might have some fairies or goblins knocking on your door for seconds. Pair it with: Chardonel

Irish Soda Bread

Ireland was much poorer than their European counterparts in the early 1800s. One item many couldn’t afford was yeast, so the Irish made do with baking soda to leaven bread. They combined it with buttermilk, salt, and flour to make soda bread, which was baked in a cast-iron pot. Today, there are many versions of Irish Soda Bread (bakers over the centuries have added butter, dried cranberries, seeds or sugar). This recipe has a sweet bite thanks to raisins (currants can be substituted). Pair it with: Catawba

Dulse and Yellowman

Summertime in Northern Ireland brings the Lammas Fair. At this festivity, the food is the leading star and traditional treats like dulse and yellowman are anticipated. Dulse is a red seaweed chip that has a sugary bite thanks to sweet toffee. This recipe doesn’t use actual seaweed (obvious this can be a little hard ot come by in Missouri). Instead, it uses granola and pairs it with kale chips for a crunchy bite. Pair it with: Vignoles