Celebrate National Beef Month with Missouri Wines: 31 Days of Deliciousness

May 08, 2014

Read more about Celebrate National Beef Month with Missouri Wines: 31 Days of Deliciousness

What do a juicy hamburger, a savory steak, and a tender rack of ribs have in common? They are all examples of the many tantalizing forms of beef. May is National Beef Month, so now is the time to celebrate this mouthwatering meat with your favorite Missouri wines.

Beef is flavorful and versatile. It can be enjoyed any number of ways, which gives you practically limitless options for wine pairings. Red wines are commonly matched with beef because their dry and astringent tannins shine when combined with beef's proteins. For instance, a glass of spicy, full-bodied Norton is exquisite with a rich, buttery filet mignon wrapped in bacon. When you dress up a burger with portabello mushrooms and brie cheese, it brings out the earthy, cherry flavors in Chambourcin. If you're craving something sweet, try Concord with succulent slow-cooked barbecued beef sandwiches.

It might seem unconventional, but white wines are also great with the right beef dishes. Serve a floral, fruit-forward dry Vignoles with a simple, tasty beef stir-fry with bell peppers. Or choose a slightly sweet Traminette to perfectly balance the salt from the stir-fry's soy sauce. The apple and citrus aromas of Vidal Blanc are refreshing with a grilled steak salad loaded with wholesome veggies.

Don’t let any leftover wine go to waste. Cooking meat with wine not only adds delicious, complex flavor, but also helps to tenderize the dish. Use a dry Missouri white wine for this rosemary sauteed beef. A dry red is a nice addition to this recipe for beef tenderloin with spring vegetables.

Still hungry? Visit the Missouri Beef Industry Council website for more beef recipes, and Missouriwine.org to select the perfect wine to pair with them.

Missouri wines pair well with beef!

Have a Few Sips on Route 66

May 08, 2014

Read more about Have a Few Sips on Route 66

Route 66, also known fondly as the “Mother Road” holds miles of history and still stands as a symbol of free-spirited independence. The open road is calling. Will you answer? The Show-Me State’s portion of the route runs from the Mississippi River in St. Louis, down the Interstate 44 (I-44) corridor to the Kansas border.

While you’re visiting this historic route you can also experience delicious, award-winning Missouri wine. On your journey, you can pair a little history with local wine and take the old highway that dates back to pre-Civil W

ar era state lines. Hop on I-44 in St. Louis and head southwest to Eureka. Eureka is host to the Route 66 State Park. When you leave Eureka you can take Historic Route 66 out of town, or you can get back on the Interstate to continue onward. Don’t forget to visit Meramec Caverns in Sullivan on the way!

The next stretch of the Mother Road includes some “must see” wineries. A good place to start is the historic town of Leasburg where Belmont Vineyards has access directly off Route 66. A few more miles down you will find St. James, which boast many prized wineries including; St. James Winery, Meramec Vineyards, Three Squirrels Vineyards, and Heinrichhause Winery. Another good spot to check out is the Rosati Winery Museum, where you can see the impressive history and mechanics of the pre-prohibition Missouri wine industry. Another spot to check out is Peaceful Bend Winery, which has one of the most romantic views along the route. For even more breathtaking views continue along the Route, winding around the river bluffs of the Big Piney River, and check out the Trestle Bridge in Devil’s Elbow.

If you’re headed home after a day on Route 66 remember to bring home a bottle (or two) of your favorite Missouri wine to share. Continuing for a second day? There are several beautiful Bed & Breakfasts’ just a few minutes off Route 66 around Waynesville. Start your next day off right with a stop in Lebanon to check out the Route 66 Museum, complete with classic cars and other memorabilia.

Hop back in your car and head to Springfield which has a Route 66 park and both OOVVDA Winery and Tyler Ridge Winery only a short jaunt off of the Mother Road. If you decide to spend more time in the Springfield area, the Ozark Mountain Wine Trail stretches 30 miles outside the city in every direction and boasts nine wineries and special gifts for visiting.

Beyond Springfield is the oldest part of the route that was bypassed years ago. However, there are still gems like the historic town of Carthage, home to White Rose Winery, and plenty more fun before you end your trip in Joplin, Missouri. For more information about the wineries, visit www.missouriwine.org or if you want more information about Route 66 check out www.visitmo.com .

“Get your kicks on Route 66″ by the legendary Nat King Cole

11 Missouri Wineries Where You Can Stay and Play

May 06, 2014

Read more about 11 Missouri Wineries Where You Can Stay and Play

Visiting wine country is closer than you think. Missouri has more than 125 wineries across the state. Take a trip to wine country and stay at one of these wineries that not only offer delicious wine, but overnight accommodations as well. With so much to offer, why not get away this weekend?

1. Chaumette Vineyards & Winery – Ste. Genevieve

The Villages at Chaumette are a scenic and serene destination on the grounds of Chaumette Winery in the heart beautiful Missouri wine country. They offer twenty-six elegantly appointed villas as well as packages for their on-site spa.

2. Albonée Country Inn & Vineyards – Independence

Albonée Country Inn & Vineyards – Independence

The west side of the state is home to numerous wineries, you could easily spend multiple days enjoying them all. Rest from all the excitement overnight at Albonée Country Inn, located in historical Independence.

3. Charleville Vineyards Winery & Microbrewery – Ste. Genevieve

Charleville Vineyards Winery & Microbrewery – Ste. Genevieve

The Bruckerhoff Cabin at Charleville Vineyards Winery & Microbrewery is a quaint retreat. This historic 1800’s log cabin was moved from its original location near St. Mary’s, Missouri to Charleville Vineyard in July of 2004, and is ready for your next escape.

4. Hermannhof Winery – Hermann

Hermannhof Winery – Hermann

The Inn at Hermannhof bed and breakfast offers rooms that are uniquely decorated and provide a variety of modern amenities to assure that your visit is comfortable and relaxing. They are located in the heart of Missouri Wine Country only 1.5 hours from St. Louis.

5. Crown Valley Winery – Ste. Genevieve

Crown Valley Winery – Ste. Genevieve

Crown Valley has several properties that offer lodging, all within close proximity of the winery and offering shuttles to and from. So, come stay awhile in beautiful Missouri wine country.

6. Cave Hollow West Winery – Hannibal

Cave Hollow West Winery – Hannibal

Do you love to camp? Do you love wine? We’ve got you covered! There is a full service (showers, electric, etc.) campground on site, within walking distance of Cave Hollow West Winery.

7. White Mule Winery – Owensville

White Mule Winery – Owensville

White Mule Bed & Breakfast is a turn of the century farm house that is located in central Missouri. Enjoy sipping Missouri wines at the winery and then retire to this lovely B&B for the perfect getaway.

8. Adam Puchta Winery – Hermann

Adam Puchta Winery – Hermann

The Adam Puchta Homestead Guesthaus is a stone home built in the 1880a on the winery’s property that accommodates up to 12 people. Great for the next time you and a group of friends want to take a trip out to Missouri wine country.

9. Arcadian Moon Vineyards & Winery – Higginsville

Arcadian Moon Vineyards & Winery – Higginsville

Arcadian Moon offers a Lakeside Suite on site as well as two RV hook ups. Conveniently located off Highway 70, it’s a great place to rest on your tour of Missouri wine country.

10. White Rose Winery – Carthage

White Rose Winery – Carthage

The White Rose Bed & Breakfast offers four different rooms: the Vineyard, the Dublin, the White Rose, and the Gambler. Each room is beautifully decorated with antique furniture and quaint relishes. From the windows of all four rooms, you can see a gorgeous view of the countryside.

11. Shawnee Bluff Winery – Lake Ozark

Shawnee Bluff Winery – Lake Ozark

Headed to the Lake of the Ozarks? Why not stay at a winery? Shawnee Bluff Winery has newly redecorated rooms for rent. They are available at daily and weekly rates. The rooms have unobstructed views of the lake, as well as access to a pool and hot tub.

In the Vineyards: Bud Break

April 24, 2014

Read more about In the Vineyards: Bud Break

It’s spring, you know what that means… new life! And that is exactly what is happening in the vineyards of Missouri wine country with “bud break”. Bud break is the start of the annual growing cycle for grape vines. It is quite an exciting time because it’s really the first sign of life in the vineyards.

So, what exactly is bud break? It’s pretty much what you might imagine from its name. Tiny buds on the vine start to swell and eventually shoots begin to grow from the buds, breaking through if you will. Buds are the small part of the vine that rest between the vine's stem and the petiole (leaf stem). From these buds will come all of the new cycle’s growth, and finally its bounty.

Like most plants varieties, every grape varietal has its own appearance during bud break, ranging from fairly plain to downright ornamental. Bud break on a Norton (the state grape of Missouri) vine is pictured.

It’s an exciting and beautiful time to get out to Missouri wine country. If you’re interested in seeing bud break in action, contact a local winery. Some offer vineyard tours, but hurry because this phase won’t last long before we’re off to the next.

An Easter Treat: Pairing Candy and Missouri Wine

April 17, 2014

Read more about An Easter Treat: Pairing Candy and Missouri Wine

Yes, traditionally Easter baskets and the sweet treats they contain are for youngsters, but just because you’re a grownup now, doesn’t mean you can’t have an holiday treat of your own. Whether there is a piece or two leftover from assembling your little ones’ baskets or indulging in a reward just for you, try pairing these Easter candy favorites with Missouri wine.

Chocolate Easter Bunnies of all shapes, sizes and flavors have a Missouri wine that pairs perfectly!

White Chocolate + Sweet Sparkling Wine

Dark Chocolate + Norton

Milk Chocolate + Your favorite Missouri fruit wine (We recommend Raspberry or Cherry.)

Cadbury Crème Eggs + Blackberry Wine
Peanut Butter and Chocolate Eggs + Concord (think adult PB&J)
Jelly Beans + Catawba
3 Musketeers + Chambourcin
Marshmallow Peeps + Late Harvest Wine
Starburst + Vidal Blanc

Missouri wine pairs well with a sweet Easter treat!

17 Wineries to Visit While Hiking or Biking the Katy Trail

April 15, 2014

Read more about 17 Wineries to Visit While Hiking or Biking the Katy Trail

The Katy Trail is a 237 mile (386 km) trail stretching across most of the state of Missouri. It is built on the former corridor of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT) Railroad (better known as the Katy). It's ideal for walking, hiking, running, or cycling on just about any kind of bike. Next time you’re looking for a beautiful trail to take, hop on the Katy and stop at one of the 17 wineries along the trail. (All of the wineries listed are within 5 miles of the trail.)

Les Bourgeois Winery & Vineyards- Rocheport

Les Bourgeois offers visitors a taste of internationally award-winning wines, exquisite bistro cuisine and beautiful scenery, known for its spectacular bluff-top view of the Missouri River just off the trail in Rocheport.

Canterbury Hill Winery & Restaurant- Holts Summit

Canterbury Hill sits on top of a rock bluff with a stunning view of the Missouri State Capital and the rolling hills of Callaway County. It’s less than a mile off the North Jefferson point of the trail.

The historic town of Hermann is a small detour from the Katy Trail, offering German influenced charm and several wineries to visit.

Adam Puchta Winery- Hermann

Tucked in the valley near Frene Creek, Adam Puchta Winery produces fine wines of world class stature with the ambiance of old family tradition.

Endless Summer Winery- Hermann

Endless Summer Winery is a family winery with unique wines. They specialize in fruit wines, also offering hard to find wines, such as Pecan wine.

Hermannhof Vineyards- Hermann

Hermannhof Winery, with German heritage dating back to 1852, is a National Historic Site. The century-old stone and brick building and wine cellars serve as the foundation for their winemaking.

OakGlenn Winery- Hermann

Situated high on the bluffs overlooking the Missouri River, vineyards and countryside, OakGlenn Vineyards and Winery offers a spectacular view in a setting that takes your breath away.

Stone Hill Winery- Hermann

Enjoy spectacular scenery from the winery’s Conservatory on the inside to the commanding view overlooking the town of Hermann on the outside. Or dine in casual comfort at the adjacent Vintage Restaurant.

Lost Creek Vineyard- Marthasville

Lost Creek Vineyard is a quaint, family owned winery. Enjoy the scenic, pastoral views in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere right off the trial.

Blumenhof Vineyards & Winery- Dutzow

Beginning with its first vintage in 1986, Blumenhof Winery has been dedicated to growing, producing, bottling a wonderful selection of Missouri-grown varietal wines from their vineyard, established in 1979. Sample wines and picnic on the deck and grounds.

Augusta Winery- Augusta

The Augusta Winery features high quality wines, ranging from dry dinner wines to sweet dessert wines. Medals from around the country attest to the quality of these delicious wines.

Montelle Winery- Augusta

Montelle Winery is located atop Osage Ridge and commands a mind-blowing view. Winner of numerous awards, Montelle has achieved fame for its superb dry and semi-dry table wines.

Mount Pleasant Estates- Augusta

Mount Pleasant Estates offers a calm, friendly experience quite the opposite of the daily hustle and bustle of the city. Enjoy wine tasting and then settle down on the patio with its majestic view.

Noboleis Vineyards- Augusta

As a boutique winery, Noboleis offers quality wines that range from dry to sweet and serve every palate. The tasting room and winery sit on top of a hill overlooking vineyards and the rolling hills of Augusta, MO.

Balducci Vineyards- Augusta

At Balducci Vineyards you’ll find great food, great wine and great friends go hand in hand. Balducci features world class wine and food, paired with beautiful scenic vistas.

Sugar Creek Winery & Vineyards- Defiance

Just off the trail in Defiance, you’ll be directed to turn up a hillside road for Sugar Creek Winery. When reaching the top you will be rewarded by a wonderful view that takes in the Missouri River and its bluffs to the east and estate grown grapes to the west.

Chandler Hill Vineyards- Defiance

Chandler Hill Winery overlooks vineyards, a hidden lake, and the inspiring Osage valley teeming with wildlife. As you enter you will see rolling hills of grapes being nurtured for future vintages.

Little Hills Winery & Restaurant- St. Charles

Winery of the Little Hills, nestled in quaint downtown St. Charles, produces some 15 types of wine all bottled locally. The winery serves lunch and dinner seven days a week, year round.

Bonus!

Take a side trip from the Katy Trail down Highway 100 between Hermann and Washington to catch these 3 great Missouri wineries and then join back up with the trail.

Bias Winery- Berger

Located on a 64-acre farm high atop the scenic bluffs overlooking the Missouri River Valley, their wines are produced from their vineyards just 600 feet from the winery itself.

Kuenzel Valley Winery- New Haven

At Kuenzel Valley Winery you will not hear the traffic or sounds of the city. You will enjoy the serenity and seclusion of the country. It sits beside a small creek in a valley setting under a canopy of white sycamore trees.

Robller Vineyard- New Haven

Taking supreme advantage of the picturesque countryside is Röbller Vineyard Winery. Their wines focus on French hybrid varieties and European styling in blends.

Missouri Fruit Wines – Infographic

April 14, 2014

Read more about Missouri Fruit Wines – Infographic

Many Missouri wineries make quality, award-winning fruit wines, and they're not just great for sipping. Try using them to shake up the traditional cocktail or take your baked goods to the next level. Does the term "fruit wine" have you a little confused? Fruit wine covers pretty much any wine made with fruit other than grapes.

10 Missouri Wine Trails to Lose Yourself On

April 09, 2014

Read more about 10 Missouri Wine Trails to Lose Yourself On

Missouri has more than 125+ wineries and many of them have grouped together in their areas to form ten wine trails. Pre-made wine adventures… yes, please!

The Hermann Wine Trail
This trail is known for thematic events where each winery on the trail features a different Missouri wine and food pairing, such as the Berries and BBQ Trail and Bacon Trail.

Route du Vin
Located in the Ste. Genevieve area, this trail has a French influence and hosts events like progressive dinners and Jour de la Terre.

Northwest Missouri Wine Trail
The area north of Kansas City has a trail consists of eight wineries and winds through some charming towns with a lot to offer whether you’re a wine lover or just have a case of wanderlust.
Photo credit: Brian Morrow

Missouri River Wine Trail
Running though the middle of the Show-Me State, this trail offers amazing views of the Missouri River and wines as unique as the people who make them.

Kansas City Wine Trail
The wineries on this trail are all within a short drive (or right in the middle) of Kansas City. Wine country really is closer than you think!

Missouri Weinstrasse
The Weinstrasse is located in the middle of the first area ever designated as an official American Viticulture Area, Augusta, Mo. Taste the wines and you’ll know why it came first!

Ozark Mountain Wine Trail
Situated in southwest Missouri, this trail winds through picturesque terrain from Joplin to Seymore. Looking for a break from the hustle and bustle, look no further.

Mississippi River Hills Wine Trail
The family-owned wineries along this trial invite you to sample the many varieties the region has to offer while you enjoy the beautiful river hills countryside.

Aux Arcs Wine Road
The Aux Arcs Wine Road takes its name from the original French name given to the region, known today as the Ozarks. Winemaking tradition goes back a long way in Missouri.

The Lake of the Ozarks Wine Trail [link: www.lakeoftheozarkswinetrail.com]
The Lake of the Ozarks Wine Trail offers scenic beauty paired with fine wine and gourmet food to make for a memorable experience regardless of the season.

29 Wineries To Visit While In St. Louis Or Kansas City

April 02, 2014

Read more about 29 Wineries To Visit While In St. Louis Or Kansas City

Missouri boasts more than 125 wineries in the state and 29 of them are in the backyard of the state’s major metropolitan areas. So, next time you find yourself in St. Louis or Kansas City, take a quick trip to wine country. (All wineries listed are within a 45 mile radius of the city centers.)

1. Little Hills Winery & Restaurant – St. Charles

Winery of the Little Hills produces some 15 types of wine all bottled locally. The winery serves lunch and dinner seven days a week, year round.

2. EdgeWild Restaurant and Winery – Chesterfield

EdgeWild Restaurant and Winery – Chesterfield

Located in the heart of Chesterfield, EdgeWild is a modern casual restaurant serving affordable American fine wines with inventive American cuisine.

3. Yellow Farmhouse Winery – Defiance

Yellow Farmhouse Winery – Defiance

The Yellow Farmhouse is a pleasant place to spend an afternoon – easy to get to- easy to find. A beautiful green lawn on the hillside provides the perfect picnic area where picnic baskets are welcome.

4. Sugar Creek Winery & Vineyards – Defiance

Sugar Creek Winery & Vineyards – Defiance

Whether you enjoy the outside terrace, gazebo or the cozy indoor parlor turned tasting room, Sugar Creek offers a wonderful way to spend a relaxing afternoon.

5. Chandler Hill Vineyards – Defiance

Chandler Hill Vineyards – Defiance

Chandler Hill Winery overlooks vineyards, a hidden lake, and the inspiring Osage valley teeming with wildlife. As you enter you will see rolling hills of grapes being nurtured for future vintages.

6. Augusta Winery – Augusta

Augusta Winery – Augusta

The Augusta Winery features high quality wines, ranging from dry dinner wines to sweet dessert wines. Medals from around the country attest to the quality of these delicious wines.

7. Montelle Winery – Augusta

Montelle Winery – Augusta

Montelle Winery is located atop Osage Ridge and commands a mind-blowing view. Winner of numerous awards, Montelle has achieved fame for its superb dry and semi-dry table wines.

8. Mount Pleasant Estates – Augusta

Mount Pleasant Estates – Augusta

Only a short distance from St. Louis, the winery offers a calm, friendly experience quite the opposite of the daily hustle and bustle of the city. Enjoy wine tasting and then settle down on the patio with its majestic view.

9. Noboleis Vineyards – Augusta

Noboleis Vineyards – Augusta

10. Balducci Vineyards – Augusta

Balducci Vineyards – Augusta

At Balducci Vineyards you’ll find great food, great wine and great friends go hand in hand. Balducci features world class wine and food, paired with beautiful scenic vistas.

11. Holy Grail Winery – Augusta

Holy Grail Winery – Augusta

Holy Grail winery focuses on making wine using “Old World Traditions”, delivering full body wine, rich intense fruit aromas and bold flavors.

12. Villa Antonio Winery – Hillsboro

Villa Antonio Winery – Hillsboro

You’ll find an array of delicious wines, authentic Italian cuisine and most importantly… welcoming hospitality! Wine tasting offered every day and lunch, served from 11 AM to 4 PM.

13. Persimmon Ridge Vineyards – Barnhart

Persimmon Ridge Vineyards – Barnhart

Visit Persimmon Ridge for a quiet outdoor experience in the vineyards. Come to the four season tasting area to sample Missouri wines and find a table under the trees to enjoy a bottle of your favorite.

14. Blumenhof Winery – Dutzow

Blumenhof Winery is located on Highway 94 in the historic village of Dutzow, Missouri’s oldest German settlement, founded in 1834. Taste award-winning wines; enjoy live music and a welcoming atmosphere at Blumenhof Winery.

15. Amigoni Urban Winery – Kansas City

Amigoni Urban Winery – Kansas City

Amigoni is located on the first floor of the historic Daily Drover Telegram building in the Stockyards District of Kansas City and called an “urban winery” because they specialize in small lots of handcrafted Missouri-grown vinifera wines made in the city.

16. Albonée Country Inn & Vineyards – Independence

Albonée Country Inn & Vineyards – Independence

Nestled on a hillside in historic Independence overlooking the Little Blue Valley, you can experience the warm hospitality of the owners at this family winery. Sample their wines while enjoying the property’s serene seating.

17. Belvior Winery – Liberty

Belvior Winery – Liberty

Belvoir Winery is a family-owned winery located in the historic Odd Fellows Home in Liberty, Missouri. They offer tours exploring the 110 year history of the property and have paranormal events exploring the other-worldly events that occur regularly on the property.

18. Stonehaus Farms Winery – Lee’s Summit

Stonehaus Farms Winery – Lee’s Summit

The owners strive to provide customers with great wines, personal service and a warm and inviting atmosphere. They pride themselves on being a working winery, with all wines produced and bottled on site.

19. Jowler Creek Vineyard & Winery – Platte City

Jowler Creek Vineyard & Winery – Platte City

Jowler Creek is a sustainable, family-run vineyard and winery nestled amongst nature in the hills just north of Kansas City, Missouri. They specialize in making high-quality wines that are fun to drink and easy to pair with local Kansas City foods.

20. Ladoga Ridge Winery – Smithville

Ladoga Ridge Winery – Smithville

The winery is surrounded by a beautiful 4-acre vineyard and offers wine tastings, food, gift shop items, indoor and outdoor seating, music and tours.

21. Pirtle Winery – Weston

Pirtle Winery – Weston

Housed in an 1867 church building, the winery produces white wines, red wines, apple wine and mead (honey wine). The winery has attained a national reputation for superior mead.

22. Weston Wine Company – Weston

One of Missouri’s newest wineries, Weston Wine Co. offers a truly unique experience, treating every visitor like royalty. Stop by for a cupcake and wine tasting today!

23. Fence Stile Vineyards & Winery – Excelsior Springs

Fence Stile Vineyards & Winery – Excelsior Springs

Enjoy a view of the vines from the outdoor patio, relax with a bottle of wine by the fire pit or enjoy a glass of wine in the indoor tasting room. The winery also offers wine flights and wine pairings.

24. LaBella Vineyards & Winery – Wellington

LaBella Vineyards & Winery – Wellington

At LaBella, you can taste a variety of wines and enjoy them in the tasting room or on the patio overlooking the surrounding lake and vineyards.

25. Odessa Country Winery – Odessa

Odessa Country Winery – Odessa

This small, artisan winery specializes in semi-sweet country wines. Consider an afternoon picnic at nearby Powell Gardens, a shaded walk around Lake Venita, shopping at the Odessa Outlet Mall, fishing at nearby lakes, or stay at a bed and breakfast.

26. Van Till Farms Winery – Rayville

Van Till Farms Winery – Rayville

“Farm to Table” is the motto, where the freshest farm products are made into artisan delights. Enjoy your selections on the four-season garden patio, an unusual, relaxing setting in which to pair gourmet foods with unique Missouri wines.

27. Fahrmeier Family Vineyards – Lexington

Fahrmeier Family Vineyards – Lexington

True to the pioneering spirit of the region, Fahrmeier Family Vineyards handcrafts unique artisanal wines of a character and quality. Spend an afternoon sampling wine in the restored 1930s-era tasting barn, tour the vineyards, relax and take in the vistas on the garden patio.

28. Arcadian Moon Vineyards & Winery – Higginsville

Discover a serene and beautiful atmosphere at Arcadian Moon Vineyards & Winery, offering delicious wine and gourmet food. Right off Interstate 70, it’s the perfect detour to any trip across Missouri.

29. Riverwood Winery – Rushville

Riverwood Winery – Rushville

Located north of Kansas City in the peaceful setting of the scenic Missouri River Bluff wine country, Riverwood is committed to using environmentally friendly, sustainable practices to produce truly local wines, with a genuine “Taste of Place”.

via 26 Wineries To Visit While In St. Louis Or Kansas City.

Warm Up with Missouri Port

April 02, 2014

Read more about Warm Up with Missouri Port

Winter, with its freezing temperatures, snow and ice, can be a challenge to get through. Port-style wine is a welcome refuge from the cold. During this time of year, a medium to full-bodied port-style wine is easily enjoyed next to a crackling fireplace or while curled up under a warm blanket.

Port has been around for more than three hundred years. It gets its name from its place of origin in Porto, Portugal. While the British were at war with France in the 17th and 18th centuries, they looked to Portugal to fill their wine needs. Exporters added brandy to the delicate Portuguese wine to prevent it from spoiling on the lengthy journey to England. They soon discovered that the brandy made the wine sweeter and gave it a fuller body. A 2005 wine trade agreement between the US and the European Union stated that American wines could no longer use the name port on new wine labels. Existing brands were allowed to continue use of the name under a grandfather clause.

To make port-style wine, brandy is added to fermenting wine. The high alcohol content of the brandy ends the fermentation process early, and some of the natural sugar from the grape juice is retained. Ruby, tawny and vintage are the three main types of port wine. Ruby port is enjoyed younger. OOVVDA Winery makes a Chambourcin Ruby Dessert Wine in this traditional style with no oak. In contrast, some tawny ports are left to mature in oak barrels for several years. Mount Pleasant Winery produces an award-winning Tawny Port with notes of butterscotch, peaches and praline pecans. When talking about port, the title of "vintage" doesn’t just refer to the year of the grape harvest. Rather, it means a style that is a blend of the best grapes from a single year. After about two years of barrel-aging, it is bottled quickly without being filtered. Augusta, Chaumette and Adam Puchta wineries are among the producers of award-winning vintage-style Missouri ports.

St. James, Montelle, Jowler Creek and Les Bourgeois are a few of the Missouri wineries that use Norton grapes for their port-style wines. This is why the flavors of red and black fruits, vanilla and chocolate are common. Sipping port by itself is a treat, but it is also delicious with high-quality Missouri chocolates. The strong-brewed coffee in the batter of double chocolate bundt cake makes it a dessert that is bold enough to match with port. Dark chocolate flan provides a bittersweet balance to luscious port. Salty, nutty cheeses like Stilton, Montgomery cheddar, Gouda and Gruyere also love the richness of Missouri port-style wines such as those from Pirtle and Stone Hill wineries. Bommarito Estate Almond Tree Winery, Oak Glenn Winery and Fence Stile Vineyards & Winery are three Missouri producers of white port. The wine's aromas of fruit and honey pair well with spiced almonds or apple slices as a snack before dinner. Try it drizzled over cheesecake for decadent dessert.

With an award-winning Missouri port in your glass, winter doesn't seem so bad.

Missouri port pairs well with winter!