Just over 6 years ago, Missouri experienced the first solar eclipse since 1918. On April 8, 2024, parts of Missouri will encounter totality once again. To celebrate, many Missouri wineries will be releasing limited-edition labels and hosting events – or even both! You don’t want to miss this eclipse as it is the last one until 2045. 

Adam Puchta Winery – 2017 Totality Event Estate Norton

The Adam Puchta Winery team harvested this bottle of wine during the Total Eclipse in 2017. This full-bodied dry red wine exhibits a mellow, fruit-forward nose with nice depth and tannins on the palate. There are limited quantities of this wine available, so make sure you grab a bottle or two. 

Cave Vineyard & Winery – Solar Eclipse Watch 

Located in the path of totality is Cave Vineyard & Winery. Watch the eclipse while enjoying award-winning wines and delicious pizza! Bring your own blanket and glasses.

Edg-Clif Vineyards & Winery – Total Eclipse of the Sun Celebration

Celebrate this historical event by attending the Total Eclipse of the Sun Celebration at Edg-Clif Vineyards & Winery. Sit out on their lawns looking over the Vineyards, enjoy a BBQ Lunch, moon pie desserts and a Solar Sangria Drink for the Solar Eclipse. They will provide viewing glasses. Reservation is required to attend as there are limited spots available.

COST: $35/person

Fence Stile Vineyards & Winery – Partial Eclipse Viewing

Join the Fence Stile team for a Partial Eclipse Viewing. While watching the eclipse, savor a delicious lunch and themed cocktails alongside amazing wines. Make sure you purchase tickets and bring your lawn chair and viewing glasses.

COST: $45/person

Hunter Valley Winery – Solar Eclipse Viewing

Hunter Valley Winery, in Cape Girardeau, is in the direct path of totality. Bring your chairs, your friends and family to enjoy a spectacular view. Music will be played as well as burgers on the grill. Viewing glasses will be available for purchase. 

Hemman Winery – Solar Eclipse Celebration and Totality Wine

In the quaint town of Brazeau, Missouri is the adorable Hemman Winery. For the ‘event of the year’, there will be a tasty nacho bar that requires a reservation, so make sure you purchase your tickets in advance. Bring lawn chairs or blankets to view this event.

COST: $10/person

Shamrock Hills Vineyard and Winery – Solar Eclipse Watch Celebration

During their first anniversary, Shamrock Hills Vineyard and Winery will be celebrating the solar eclipse. Viewing glasses will be available for all attendees. 

Stone Hill Winery – Solar Eclipse Viewing on the Hill 

View this historical event from Stone Hill Winery’s hillside with picnic boxed lunches available including eclipse glasses from the Vintage 1847 Restaurant, along with a photo-op area, wine and wine slushies.

Wild Sun Winery – Solar Eclipse Watch Celebration

Wild Sun will be celebrating the wondrous beauty of the 2024 Solar Eclipse. Gates open at 11 AM and with 10 acres of southern exposure, it is sure to be an awe-inspiring event! Reservations are required and attendance will be limited for their guests to relax and enjoy the day listening to live music. They will feature a sample tasting of their vintage port wine, affectionately named ECLIPSE after the stunning solar eclipse event of 2017.

COST: $10/person. 

Wherever you are in the Show-Me State, make sure you stop by a Missouri winery to celebrate this year’s solar eclipse.

Note: This list was compiled via survey sent out to all Missouri wineries. 

Wine has held religious implications for centuries. The ancient Greeks are thought of have domesticated grapevines as far back as 4000 BC and used wine in rituals to honor their gods. Ancient Egyptians relied on Renenutet, the goddess of harvest, to ensure a healthy grape crop. Relics found in tombs dating back to 3000 BC show wine was a key component to religious ceremonies. Some wine historians even suggest Christians may have played a role in the preservation and advancement of the art of winemaking, contributing to the expansion of wine production in new parts of the globe. So, it’s not surprising that a few Missouri wineries pay tribute to their own religious beliefs through their wine labels, names or vineyards. 

Cross J Norton – Stone Hill Winery

The ‘Cross J Norton’ is a special wine for the Held family. Former Stone Hill Winery owner, Jim Held, was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer nearly 27 years ago. When Jim was told he had two years to live, he began searching for alternative cures along with the traditional treatment plans. He turned to faith to help him through his illness. As a result of this ‘awakening’, Jim named the vineyard surrounding his family home the ‘Cross J Vineyard’. His son Jon says, “The cross [is] for Christ and the J for himself”. Read more about this special wine here. 

Windy Wine Company 

Looking closely at a Windy Wine Company wine label, you may spot a biblical verse wrapped around the graphic. For example, on the Peanut Butter & Jelly label, you can find John 13:34-35 surrounding the peanut and grape clusters. On the deliciously unique Mango Chili Lime, discover Hebrews 13:2. See if you can find their other hidden verses.

Crying Stone Cuvée Blanc - Wild Sun Winery

The beautiful Wild Sun Winery in Hillsboro, Missouri has an outstanding wine that must be noted. To many, their property is extremely special and calming so they decided to incorporate it into this wine. Starting with barrel-fermented dry white wine, winemaker Mark Baehman says he draws inspiration from Luke 19:40. He further ages the wine upon limestone and sandstone harvested from the Wild Sun property. This laboring process gives the wine a velvety softness and minerality that is uniquely Wild Sun.

Whether it is a hidden verse on the bottle or an amazing story among the grapes, Missouri wine has many stories to tell. 

Disclaimer: The Missouri Department of Agriculture is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all individuals, regardless of their religious beliefs. Our blog on religious wines is intended to provide information and insights into the unique aspects of this industry. It is important to note that the content shared on this platform is for educational and informational purposes only. We do not discriminate against individuals based on their religious beliefs, and we encourage respectful and constructive discussions among our readers.