Hamburgers are a truly classic comfort food, and it’s no surprise. They are the perfect option for pleasing everyone. No, really. Let’s break it down. They are easy to cook, limitlessly customizable, and great for feeding practically any size group. Now, what could be better than grilling a burger with friends on a warm day? Enjoying a delicious glass of Missouri wine with that burger, that’s what!

Missouri Chambourcin with its earthy flavors and soft tannins is a great pairing for hamburgers. You can’t go wrong with a glass of Chambourcin and a burger, but if you like to ramp up you burger with barbecue sauce or blue cheese, a Missouri Norton is also a good choice. Or you can break out of the norm and try a dry rosé at your next cook-out. Rosés are  fruity and light, making them incredibly versatile when paired with food. Make it simple and grab a bottle of each to have alongside burgers at your next gathering.

The components of a great burger bar:

(Pro-tip: If you set your burger bar up in this order, building your best hamburger couldn’t be easier!)

• Bread: Start with a great selection of buns and rolls. A classic white and wheat are great, but consider spicing things up a little with sesame, onion or ciabatta rolls.
• Patties: Offering a couple of patty options is sure to keep everyone happy. Beef is the classic choice and is quite delicious, but consider having a few turkey or chicken burger patties and even a veggie burger option if you’re feeding a variety of people.
• Cheese: A hamburger is great, but a cheeseburger is superb. There are so many delicious cheese options out there, but some frequent favorites include cheddar, swiss, bleu cheese, muenster and pepper jack. (If you think the cheese is the best part of a cheeseburger, you’ll like this wine and cheese pairing guide.)
• Extras: The “extras” are where you get to have the real fun. Some classic options: lettuce, tomato, pickles, bacon, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized or fried onions… Out of the box options: coleslaw, avocado or guacamole, jalapenos, bacon jam, or anything else that happens to sounds good to you at the time.
• Condiments: You can’t forget the condiments! They are the finishing touch to any good burger. Mayonnaise, mustard and ketchup are the regulars, but barbecue sauce, sriracha, horseradish, and rhubarb-wine ketchup are also great ideas to spice up your burger bar. This handy infographic can tell you which Missouri wines pair with your favorite condiment.

Assemble your best burger bar just in time for Memorial Day! Plus, May happens to be National Beef Month. How convenient is that?

Missouri wine pairs well with your favorite burger!

Red wine is traditionally paired with red meat and white wine with white meat and fish, right? Yes, generally that’s true. However, in the culinarily and culturally expansive world in which we now live, there are no hard and fast rules. There are many beef dishes that are better suited to a glass of white wine than the traditional red. Here are some great pairings to give a try this month. After all, May is National Beef Month!

Appetizers: 

• A classic and elegant steak tartare is perfectly complemented by a dry, sparkling wine. Find several award-winning Missouri Bruts here. 
• Asian beef lettuce wraps are great with a glass of semi-sweet Vignoles. The fruitiness will pair well with the flavors and the slight sweetness will help squelch the fire left from the spiciness of the dish.
• Beef sliders with feta cheese and crispy fried onions are rich and decadent, but pair them with a glass of refreshing sparkling wine for a truly pleasant surprise. 
• These steamed then fried beef spring rolls are sure to be a hit and are well matched to a slightly sweet sparkling wine. 

Main Dishes:

• The bright citrus flavors and lightness of Thai beef salad is perfectly paired with a glass of semi-dry Vignoles. 
• Cooking a baron of beef is a true classic, but allowing the dish to shine by pairing it with a simple, yet delicious glass of Vidal Blanc will be a nice change of pace. 
• Curry beef with aromatic rice is a wonderfully flavorful main course and couldn’t ask for a better match than a glass of Traminette. 
• Citrus marinated beef and fruit kabobs are a great option for grilling and go decidedly well with a glass of Vignoles. 

The next time you head into the kitchen, try out one of these fun and delicious pairings. 

Missouri wine (even white wine) pairs well with beef! 

Flowers are beautiful; there’s no argument. However, a flower’s aroma is arguably even more spectacular. Our sense of smell is one of the biggest triggers of memory, and when we perceive specific flavors in wine it’s actually our sense of taste and smell working together. Perhaps that’s why wines with floral aromas are so popular. There are many different floral aromas commonly found in wine, particularly certain varietals.

• Traminette is a hybrid grape descendant from the Gewürztraminer grape, which is well known for its flowery nose. Traminette retained much of that characteristic and is often described with aromas of rose, geranium, lily, and honeysuckle.
• Chardonel, a hybrid of Chardonnay and Seyval Blanc, at times has a mild, soft aroma of apple blossoms.
• Vidal Blanc is a French-American hybrid known for its fresh floral bouquet of a springtime garden.
• While Vignoles, another French-American hybrid, is best known for its fruity characteristics, it is often described as having aromas of citrus blossom and honeysuckle.
• Norton, a Native American grape and the Official State Grape of Missouri, sometimes has a bouquet reminiscent of violets.

One of the exciting things about wine is that it can engage all of your senses. The next time you pour yourself a glass of award-winning, local wine, remember to stop and smell the roses (violets, lilies, honeysuckle, and all of the other wonderful floral aromas found in a glass of wine).

If you've lived in Missouri longer than five minutes then you’ve probably noticed that it can get pretty rainy during the Spring. Embrace the rainy days and curl up with a blanket for a fun wine themed movie night and invite Missouri wines to join you.

What’s a movie night without popcorn? Pair the classic buttery popcorn with a glass of sparkling wine. Cheddar popcorn goes really well with a glass of red, Norton if you prefer dry and Concord if you prefer sweeter wines. Caramel corn is particularly good with Traminette. Grab a glass, get snuggled in and press play on a lovely way to spend a rainy day.

Documentaries:

• American Wine Story (2014) – Following dozens of winemakers and aficionados from all across the country to learn what drives them, and also trace some American wine history in the process, this is a film that aims to leave all audiences with a dash of inspiration to follow their own American Dreams, or at least pause and consider the story behind the bottle the next time they pull a cork. Missouri’s winemaking history and one of our 125+ wineries is featured, Amigoni Winery of Kansas City.
• Somm (2012) – This film follows four sommeliers attempt to pass the prestigious Master Sommelier exam, a test with one of the lowest pass rates in the world.
• Blood into Wine (2010) – Take a look inside the life of one of Rock music's most mysterious and interesting figures. With winemaking in his blood, multiplatinum recording artist Maynard James Keenan sets out to bring notoriety to Arizona's burgeoning wine regions.
• Mondovino (2004) – A documentary on the impact of globalization on some of the world's different wine regions. Subtitle warning: this is a French film.
• *Bonus* Corked (2009) – This film is a mockumentary taking a humorous look at “the wine country state of mind”.

Dramas and Romantic Movies:

• A Walk in the Clouds (1995) – After returning from World War II, a young G.I. finds he has little in common with the wife he left behind. Disillusioned, he heads north where he meets the daughter of a wealthy vineyard owner. On her way home, she is unmarried and pregnant. The young man offers to help by posing as her husband for one night, unaware that doing so will change both of their lives forever.
• Year of the Comet (1992) – A romantic comedy adventure film about the pursuit of the most valuable bottle of wine in history. The title refers to the year it was bottled, 1811, which was known for the Great Comet of 1811, and also as one of the best years in history for European wine.
• A Good Year (2006) – A failed London banker inherits his uncle's vineyard in Provence, where he spent many childhood holidays. Upon his arrival, he meets a woman who says she is his long-lost cousin and that the property is hers.
• Sideways (2004) – Two men reaching middle age with not much to show but disappointment, embark on a week long road trip through California's wine country, just as one is about to take a trip down the aisle.
• Bottle Shock (2008) – The story of the early days of California wine making featuring the now infamous, blind Paris wine tasting of 1976 that has come to be known as "Judgment of Paris".

Classic (Old) Films:

• The Earth is Mine (1959) – The film stars Rock Hudson and Jean Simmons and portrays the lives and loves of the Rambeau family, a California winemaking dynasty trying to survive during Prohibition in the United States.
• The Secret of Santa Vittoria (1969) – During WWII in Italy, a wine producing village hatches a plan to hide a million bottles of wine from the Germans.

Missouri Wine pairs well with movie night!

Sustainability means something a little different to just about everyone. Merriam-Webster dictionary defines sustainable as “of, relating to, or being a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged”. Basically, the idea of sustainability could be described as doing something in a way that ensures you can continue doing it for the foreseeable future. The Missouri wine industry is no stranger to sustainability efforts, for good reason. Winemaking and grape growing is much more of a marathon than a sprint.

The act of planting grapevines in and of itself is a long-term investment in the future. Most grapevines don’t produce a substantial yield for three to five years, but can continue to produce quality commercial fruit for more than 25 years if cared for properly. Great, award-winning wines like the ones made by Missouri winemakers aren’t made in a day. The entire process from harvest, to crush, to fermentation, to aging, and so on can take anywhere from six months to three years or more.

Wineries in the Show Me state engage a variety of sustainability methods from the use of solar power, to alternative pest management, to cellar and building design, and down to a dedication to recycle in the tasting rooms. These efforts are wide spread and make a meaningful difference in our growing industry of more than 125 wineries, producing over 900,000 gallons of wine a year.

Some of the most common sustainability methods found in Missouri vineyards are:

• Integrated Pest Management or IPM
• Mulching and composting of clippings, must, etc.
• Multiple techniques to avoid, prevent and minimize soil erosion
• Limited use of pesticides and herbicides
• Drip irrigation in the vineyards
• Low energy equipment and harvesting by hand

These are just a few of the efforts made by wineries to keep their vineyards as “green” as possible. Every winery approaches sustainability a little differently. Next time you’re visiting an award-winning Missouri winery, ask them about their sustainability efforts. They are many, varied and just another great reason to drink local!

Missouri wine pairs well with sustainability for the future!

Fresh peaches are one of the best parts of summer, and this sangria featuring Vignoles and peach wine is a delicious way to enjoy them. Whip up a batch of Peachy Vignoles Sangria for your next get together.

Ingredients

4-6                               Fresh Peaches

4 oz                              Honey

3 oz                              Brandy

1 bottle (750mL)   Missouri Vignoles Wine

1 bottle                       Missouri Peach Wine

1-2 inch piece          Fresh Ginger (optional)

24 oz                           Club Soda or Sparkling Wine

Directions

Slice and peel 2 peaches. Add them to a blender or food processor. Add honey and brandy and blend until a smooth puree is formed. Add water 1 tbsp at a time to thin as desired. Slice 2-3 additional peaches. Peel and thinly slice the fresh ginger. Add the puree, sliced peaches and ginger to a large pitcher.  Pour the Vignoles and peach wines into the pitcher; mix until combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to let the flavors combine. Just before serving add the club soda or sparkling wine. Serve over ice with sliced peaches for garnish.

Pro Tip: You can use frozen peaches instead of ice when serving to keep your sangria cold without watering it down.

* Try it with the 2015 Governor’s Cup winner, St. James Winery 2014 Vignoles.

Fruit wine sounds a little redundant, doesn’t it? After all, wine is made from grapes and grapes are fruit, right? Not exactly. The term “fruit wine” refers to any wine made from fruit other than grapes. Many Missouri wineries make delicious, award-winning fruit wines. Common flavors are peach, cherry, blackberry, apple and strawberry, but as you explore Missouri wine country you’ll find other unique fruit wines such as mango, blueberry, and strawberry rhubarb. There are so many wonderful ways to enjoy Missouri fruit wine. Here are some of our favorites:

1. Sipping: A glass of fruit wine is delicious and refreshing all on its own. If you find a fruit wine that’s a little sweet for you, try adding a splash of club soda. It can calm the sweetness, and who doesn’t like bubbles?
2. Mixing: Fruit wines make fantastic mixers for your next cocktail concoction. Whether you’re perfecting your sangria recipe or developing a brand new cocktail creation, fruit wine is a great way to mix things us (pardon the pun).
3. Cooking: Fruit wines add fantastic flavor and fun to the most basic recipes, especially in marinades and sauces.

Marinades, especially overnight marinades, are great with fruit wines because they are low in acid. Peach wine marinades are great with chicken and cherry is exceptional with pork. Generally, a good ratio for marinades is: ½-1 cup of wine, ¼ – ½ cup of fat (olive oil, etc.), 1 tsp – 2 Tbsp herbs of choice, ½-2 tsp salt

A fruit wine sauce is a delicious addition to an entrée or dessert. Reducing wine into a thicker sauce consistency is very simple. Add your wine to a heated pan over medium high heat. Bring to a simmer. The alcohol and water will evaporate out of the wine. Simmer like this with any added spices you would like until it has reduced by half. Remove from heat, let cook slightly and enjoy!

4. Baking: Substituting wine for water or part of the fat (oil, butter, etc.) while baking adds flavor and complexity. So, next time you dawn an apron to bake up a treat, don’t forget the fruit wine. 

Fruit wines are truly versatile. Don’t just take our word for it. Try sipping, mixing, cooking, and baking with them.

Missouri fruit wine pairs well with trying something new!

Patio perfect weather is upon us again, and there’s nothing better than relaxing outdoors with a glass of your favorite Missouri wine and good friends! Get the most out of these patio perfect days while they last. Whether you are hosting or attending an open-air gathering this season, invite Missouri wines along for the fun!

Grilling is a fun and delicious activity you’ll find happening on most patios. Grilling and smoking foods imparts unique flavors opening up the opportunity for some exciting food and wine pairings. Read this blog post to find out more about pairing based on the cooking method. Don’t feel like you have to stick to the staples when grilling either, there are lots of options to try something new on the grill. Ever tried grilled peaches? They are a real treat, especially when paired with a glass of fruit forward Vignoles.

Another warm weather classic is sangria. There are countless recipes out there for every type of sangria mixture you can imaging, but try using this guide to build your own recipe that suits your palate perfectly.

If you’re into more of a picnic style patio soiree, there are still some great food and wine pairings to be had. This food and wine pairing guide will help you mix and match all your favorites from cheese to fruit to dessert. Or go with a simple yet classic selection of sandwiches, we’ll even help you find the perfect wine for that!

Don’t have a patio at home? No need to worry. Many Missouri wineries have great patios and outdoor seating to enjoy. Plan your trip today to Missouri wine country to enjoy these patio perfect days.

Missouri wine pairs well with patios!