Glass is pretty lovely on its own, but it also works incredibly well as a clean, crisp canvas for your creativity. Whether you’re looking to liven up your own glassware collection or make a unique gift for a friend, there are tons of wonderful DIY glass projects from which to choose.

Before you get started on a decorative glass project is right for you, we have a few tips and tid-bits to share.

1. It’s important to prep your glass! Clean your glasses thoroughly. Consider using rubbing alcohol to eliminate any oil or grease from the surface. Other tips on “How to Paint Glass”, here.
2. Different paint types produce different looks on the final product. Here’s a guide to help you decide which type of paint will work best for the end result you’re wanting.
3. The bowl of a wine glass is round, making it a challenge to get a line that looks straight. A great trick is to put water in the glass and use the water line as a guide.

Paint–

For something easy and quick that doesn’t take advanced artistic ability, try this tutorial for a cute dotted design.

An option for the slightly more artistically inclined is this tutorial for a red daylily painted wine glass. The person using the glass gets the best view of this unique design.

For the true artisté or anyone willing to give it a try, this tutorial for hand painted peacock feather wine glasses breaks the project down step by every little step. The results are absolutely beautiful!

Technically chalkboard paint is still paint, right? Create customizable wine glasses with this easy dip and sip tutorial or use this tutorial for a more refined version.

Sharpies can also be used to create functional masterpieces. This tutorial demonstrates several ideas for using sharpies (metallic in this case) to dress up wine glasses.

Glitter undeniably makes everything fancier. The challenge is making sure the glasses are still washable while maintaining the shine that makes glitter so fun. This tutorial says a couple coats will do the trick. While this tutorial says it’s all about sealing it off. Take your pick and sparkle on!

Etched glass is the epitome of class. Don’t you think? With limited supplies you can create some beautiful glassware with this easy to follow tutorial. If you have a Silhouette Design or Cricut, you can take this idea to the next level!

A gilded base is a great way to dress up a champagne flute. This tutorial uses a gold paper doilie and mod podge to make two simple things look exponentially more glamorous.

Choose which project sounds right to you and don’t forget to toast with some Missouri wine in your masterpiece when it’s complete.

Missouri wine pairs well with crafting!

Rosé wines are a bit of a mystery to many people. Let us shed some light on the subject of this delicious category of wine. First off, we need to bust the myth that all rosés are made by mixing white and red wine together. This is not the most common method. Secondly, we need to clarify one hugely important fact: Most wine grapes have clear juice, regardless of the color of the skin. The color of wine comes from the must (skins and seeds).

The majority of rosé wines are made via the skin contact method where red grapes are crushed and the skins are allowed to remain in contact with the juice for a short period, often called maceration. This time period can range from a few hours to a few days. The must is then pressed and discarded, unlike with the red wine making process in which the skins remain with the juice throughout fermentation.

Rosé wines can vary in color greatly, but they are generally some shade of pink, sometimes with a hint of orange or purple. The longer the juice macerates with the skins, the darker the color. The type of grape also affects the color of the resulting rosé wine. Whatever the shade, they are a pleasing pink color which has garnered them a fair amount of popularity all over the world (and definitely here in Missouri).

The unique flavors, aromas, and characteristics of rosé wines vary based on the grapes used, but overall they are light and fruity. This is due to the winemaking process. Their light, fruity nature makes them a great pairing for many different foods such as salads and vegetables, fish, spicy foods, barbecue, and cheeses. The versatility of rosé wines is another reason they are a crowd favorite.

You may have heard the term “blush” wine and wondered, “Is that the same thing as rosé?”. Well, the answer is a tad complicated. Rosé is a term with a long history whereas the term blush is rather new. A blush wine generally refers to a sweeter rosé wine. Yes, that means not all rosé wines are sweet. In fact there are many dry rosés. Rosé wines can run the entire gamut of sweetness from very sweet to bone dry. Don’t judge a wine by its color.  It’s always a good idea check the sweetness level of a rosé you’re purchasing.

So, we’ve covered how rosé wines are made, where they get their color, unique characteristics and pairings, and sweetness level. What have we missed? Oh, yes. Age! Because of the short time rosé wines spend on the skins, they are meant to be enjoyed young. If you’re used to hearing the-older-the-better with wine… forget it. In the case of rosés, the fresher the better!

Missouri winemakers are no strangers to rosé wines. Due to the nature of rosé wines (enjoy young, remember!) it’s difficult to have a comprehensive list of rosés made in the state, but here’s a start if you’re looking to track down some locally made rosé wines. Another great place to look is our trophy case where you can find award winning rosé wines.

It’s the perfect time of year to explore rosé wines; perhaps with your Valentine?

Missouri rosé wines pair well with Valentine’s Day!

October 1^st is National Homemade Cookie Day, so we decided we should round up some recipes for delicious cookies made with the only thing that could make cookies better… wine! Baking with wine adds depth to the flavor and richness to your sweet treats. Try these cookie recipes with your favorite local wines, and maybe enjoy a glass while they’re in the oven. You’ve earned it!

These traditional Italian Wine Cookies are great made with your favorite dry red wine and dipped in coffee, hot chocolate or even in a glass of wine.

Try this recipe for a fun take on Ciambelline Cookies made with white wine, and topped with a super simple white wine glaze. If you’re not an anise fan, substitute it with vanilla. The resulting cookies are still quite delicious.

If you’re looking for something a little different, these spicy Dutch Soetkoekies are perfect for you. Make them with a Missouri port-style dessert wine.

As the weather cools down, make some mulled wine with your fave local red wine and save some to bake these Mulled Wine Cookies. They are a soft, fluffy cookie with a delicious mulled wine glaze!

Are you a chocolate and red wine lover? We’ve got the answer… these Dark Chocolate and Red Wine Cookies are decadent and delicious, and perfect with a Missouri Norton wine.

Looking for something a little lighter? White Wine + Lemon Cookiesdefinitely fit the bill. Make them with a citrusy Vidal Blanc.

If you have a favorite cookie recipe, try adding wine to the mix. Baking with wine is rather easy. Here’s a guide to help!

Happy Homemade Cookie Day; enjoy!

Fall (or Autumn if you’re fancy) has arrived in Missouri wine country and we can’t wait to see you. Crisper air, colorful leaves, bon fires and festivals… so many wonderful things to appreciate about Autumn and you can find them all at a local winery. Check out this list of Fall festivals around the Show-Me state, and make plans to enjoy Autumn in wine country. It’s closer than you think!

Nine industry experts blind-tasted hundreds of Missouri wines at the 2015 Missouri Wine Competition, and according to them, these 12 wines rose to the top of the pack as the Best of Class. Head out to wine country or your local retailer and give these wines a taste before they’re gone!

Meet the rest of the 2015 Best of Class winners:

• Governor’s Cup (Best Overall): 2014 Vignoles, St. James Winery – St. James
• C.V. Riley Award (Best Norton): 2013 Savage Norton, Chandler Hill Vineyards – Defiance
• Sparkling: Brut Rosé, Stone Hill Winery – Hermann
• Dry White: Dry Vignoles, Adam Puchta Winery – Hermann
• Semi-Dry White: 2014 Vignoles, St. James Winery – St. James
• Sweet White: 2013 Vignoles, Stone Hill Winery – Hermann
• Dry Red: 2012 Chambourcin, Stone Hill Winery – Hermann
• Semi-Dry Red: 2013 Steinberg Red, Stone Hill Winery – Hermann
• Sweet Red: Stone House Red, Montelle Winery – Augusta
• Rosé: Dry Rosé, Stone Hill Winery – Hermann
• Fruit Wine: Raspberry, Windy Wine Company – Osborn
• Dessert/Fortified: Cream Sherry, Stone Hill Winery – Hermann
• Late Harvest/Icewine: 2013 Vidal Ice Wine, Stone Hill Winery – Hermann
• Distilled Product: Cherry Brandy, Montelle Winery – Augusta

Football season is upon us. Cheering on your team, gathering with friends, and making memories; what could be better? Tailgating is a tried and true tradition for most football fans, and it is a great time… if you’re prepared. We’ve got some tips to help you stay at the top of your tailgating game this season.

1. Make a game plan early. Planning and preparing ahead of time means when it comes time for the actual tailgate you can relax and enjoy. Make a checklist of all your tailgating needs and pre-pack as much as you can. Some ideas: A tool box full of all your tailgate utensils (don’t forget the wine opener!); plastic totes or drawers packed with glasses or cups, plates, napkins, foil, bags, etc.; a mini first aid kit in a recycled pill bottle or mints tin.
2. Chill everything first. If you’re serving wine you prefer chilled, chill it in the refrigerator before you pack it in the cooler. It will keep your ice from having to work too hard and melting quicker. Also consider freezing bottles of water to use as ice. When they melt, you’ll have cold water to drink!
3. Keep your wine cool with frozen grapes. Drop a couple frozen grapes in your glass of wine to keep it cool on a hot game day without watering it down and changing the flavor.
4. Mix up personal sized sangria in mason jars. They are easy, cute and delicious! And you don’t have to worry about that big, awkward pitcher falling over on the way to the stadium.
5. Go for plastic or acrylic wine glasses to avoid breakage.Glass is beautiful and elegant, but the tailgate might not be the best place for your fancy wine glasses. Invest in an inexpensive set of wine ‘glasses’ made of a less shatter-prone material.
6. Keep bugs out of your vino with repurposed cupcake liners. An overturned cupcake liner fits nicely over most wine glasses or jars and keeps those pesky insects out of your delicious beverage.
7. Choose food friendly wines. If you’re not sure what foods will be served at the tailgate or other guests’ preferences, opt for wines that will go with a wine range of foods. A medium-bodied Chambourcin will pair well with most meats off the grill (burgers, brats, etc.). A semi-dry Vignoles will be great with other traditional tailgate foods such as nachos and hot wings. A nice rosé wine is also a good choice to match up with a variety of dishes. For more help pairing food and wine, check out this guide.

We hope these tailgate tips help you get the most out of football season!

Cooking with wine can add flavor and depth to your dishes. (Not to mention it gives you an excuse to open a bottle of wine and enjoy a glass while you’re cooking.) September is National Chicken Month as well as Missouri Wine Month; talk about a perfect pairing!

Wine is used in three primary ways when cooking… as a marinade ingredient, a cooking liquid (think simmer or braise), and flavoring in finished dishes (sauces, primarily). Some things to remember when cooking with wine:

• The golden rule of “Drink what you like” extends to cooking. Don’t cook with a wine you wouldn’t drink. Cooking a wine is going to intensify the flavors, and if you didn’t like it before, you certainly won’t after.
• Adding wine to a dish just before serving it can result in harsh flavors. Allow your wine to cook with the dish for at least a few minutes.
• If you’re using the wine in a marinade, acidity is key. Be sure to select a wine with a decent amount of acidity to get the benefit of tenderizing the meat as well as adding flavor and complexity.

Try out these recipes that show the simple, classic ways to use wine to transform and enhance chicken dishes:

• It’s grilling weather in Missouri and this recipe for Wine-Marinated Grilled Chicken is a must-try. Use a dry Missouri Vidal Blanc wine for the acidity and citrus flavors.
• Braise chicken in red wine (You read that correctly; white wine and white meat is not a hard and fast rule) with this Classic Chicken in Red Wine A Missouri Chambourcin is perfect! Once the dish is served, pair with the same Chambourcin you cooked with or shake it up with a Chambourcin rosé wine.
• Simmer chicken in white wine in this simple, one-pan Skillet Chicken A Missouri Chardonel is the ideal choice for this dish, both for cooking and sipping alongside the meal.
• This recipe for Chicken in a Creamy Parmesan and Sundried Tomato Sauce is a great example of adding wine as a flavor enhancer. Try it with your favorite dry Missouri white wine.

Chicken sometimes gets a bad reputation as boring or plain, but that’s just not true… if it’s prepared well. Chicken is a lean protein that offers mild flavor that can be used as a blank canvas for truly delicious culinary creations. Adding Missouri wine to the mix is a way to ensure a tasty meal. Try it out and enjoy!

Missouri wines are as unique as the people who make and enjoy them. They range from bone dry to decadently sweet and everything in between. You’ll find earthy, savory flavors in some and light, bright acidity in others. The broad variances are part of what make Missouri wines so great with food. There’s a Missouri wine to go with any and all of your favorite fare. Use this infographic as your guide when pairing food and wine. Happy Missouri Wine Month!

Halloween is just around the corner. If you haven’t figured out your costume yet and you love wine, these easy, DIY ideas are for you.

A Bunch of Grapes

Some balloons, felt and creativity is about all you need for this costume… and strong lungs. Get the instructions here.

Bacchus (Roman)/Dionysis (Greek)- God of Wine

A DIY toga out of a sheet is the classic last minute costume. Amp it up with fake grapes and leaves and accessorize with a wine goblet or empty wine bottle.

Wine Barrel

This is maybe a little more work than some other last-minute DIY costumes, but it’s a functioning wine barrel and will impress everyone. If you’re up for the challenge, get the instructions here.

A Wine Snob

Grab that blazer from the back of your closet, throw on an ascot (a scarf tied and tucked into your shirt works too) and an oversized glass of red wine and you are good to go!

Your Favorite Bottle of Wine

Print or recreate an oversized label from your favorite bottle of (Missouri) wine, attach it to the front of burgundy clothes and make a cork hat. Done and done!

Enjoy Hallowine. Cheers!