Sangria is delicious and refreshing, but most importantly, its flavor combinations are limitless! The primary components of sangria are: wine, fruit, liquor, juice or mixer (soda, lemonade, etc), and a sweetener of some kind. Use this guide to build the sangria recipe that is perfect for you. Cheers! 

Giving a toast, like any public speaking, can be scary and nerve-wracking. Whether you‘re the best man/maid of honor at a wedding raising a glass to the newlyweds, or at a work function toasting your co-workers on a job well done, here are a few tips that can help you get through it without breaking too much of a sweat.

Firstly and probably most importantly… a toast is not about you. The fundamental purpose of a toast is to say something nice about someone else, to honor and celebrate them. So, avoid focusing too much on you and your relationship with the toastee, and take the opportunity to make your friend, coworker or loved one look good. If you see that telltale look of admiration toward the subject of your toast when you’re finished… success!

Secondly and still very important… keep it short and sweet. This a dual tip. Try not to ramble on. A good way to avoid being long winded is to write down your thoughts ahead of time. A good toast, much like a good story has a beginning, middle, and end. That’s the keep it short part of the tip. Don’t forget to keep it sweet too, meaning stay positive. It’s not the time for criticism, constructive or otherwise. Focus on the good and keep the mood light.

Thirdly, remember that funny and embarrassing aren’t always the same thing. Jokes are great. They can break the ice and loosen any tension in the crowd, however, try not to make any that are directly at the expense of others in the room, especially the guest(s) of honor. Often the issue isn’t that the story or joke isn’t funny, but rather the lack of context for the audience. If you find yourself thinking “you had to be there”, maybe leave that part out.

Lastly, practice may not make perfect, but it sure will help! Write your toast out and rehearse it in front of a mirror or maybe a friend or two. This will help you feel more confident and comfortable when it’s time to raise that glass for real.

Traditionally speaking, sparkling wine is the first choice for a toasting beverage. Missouri wineries are making some delicious, award-winning sparkling wines, but many rules were meant to be broken. So, if you’re not a fan of bubbles, don’t fret. Raise a glass of whatever feels right.

Missouri wines pair well with great toasts!

View the guide here!

Some people like wine, some people like beer, and others like them both. Several Missouri wineries are also breweries. It makes a lot of sense if you think about it. Some of the equipment is the same and it’s a great way to offer consumers options. 

So, this Father’s Day, head out to Missouri wine country for a relaxing trip where you can enjoy handcrafted wine and beer. Or get a sampler of delicious local beverages for dad to sample at home. 

Charleville Vineyard Winery and Microbrewery – Ste. Genenvieve
Charleville is all about offering distinctive, hand-crafted wines and microbrewed beers in a relaxed atmosphere. They proudly offer an assortment of beer styles from their core year round beers (such as: Half Wit Wheat, Hoptimistic IPA, Tornado Alley Amber Ale, and Oatmeal Stout) to an extensive selection of seasonal beers (Box of Chocolate, Strawberry Blonde, Maibock… to name just a few) and limited release beers.

Crown Valley Winery, Brewery & Distillery – Ste. Genenvieve 
Visiting “Crown Country” offers a plethora of tasting options. They make a wide range of wines, including sparkling, while their brewmaster, Jeremy Gilbert, produces beer made in a state-of-the-art 15-barrel microbrewery. Some of their offerings include, Strawberry Cider, Farmhouse Lager, Wooden Nickel IPA, Gunslinger Double IPA, Big Bison Ale, and seasonal such as Peach Wheat and Blackberry Cider. They also have a distillate brand known for its line of “Missouri Moonshine”. Their Fizzy Izzy root beer has its own fan club as well. 

Bias Winery and Gruhlke’s Microbrewery – Berger
As the story goes… Gruhlke is a gnome who moved from Germany to the hill at Bias Vineyards & Winery in 1998. Gnomes, as you may know, live underground with their buried treasures. Gruhlke’s treasure is secret formulas for great microbrewed beer. Gruhlke has agreed to share his secret formulas and assist with the beer brewing in exchange for naming the microbrewery after him. They offer a variety of beers on tap, some of which include, Missouri Wheat, Naughty Ale, Black Lager, Chubby Stout, and Nate’s Tripel.

Windy Wine Co. and Blackbelt Brewing Co. – Osborn 
When Kraig Keesaman opened Windy Wine Co. he planted the idea of his brother, Kasey, having a brewery onsite. Last year, the dream became a reality when Blackbelt Brewing Co. was introduced. They offer a milk stout called Ninja Breakfast, a light rye ale called Rye-Kwon-Do, an India Pale Ale called Hop-Kido, an apple ale called Grapple, Brew-cha Libre, an agave-infused pale ale, and a Belgian golden called Crow Killer. 

Cave Vineyard – Ste. Genenvieve
Cave Vineyard is a family affair through and through. That extends from the winery operations to the beer brewed on site and sold on-draft in the tasting room. The son-in-laws (also affectionately referred to as the SIL’s) brew a variety of beer to be served on site only. You’re always in for a new and different treat from the classics to unique seasonal offerings when you visit the Cave. 

Beyond wineries making, serving and distributing their own beers, there are other partnerships between brewers and winemakers. Public House Brewery is building a brand new facility to expand its operation in conjunction with St. James Winery, and Broadway Brewery leases space from Les Bourgeois Vineyards in Rocheport. To take it a step further, many of the 125+ wineries in the state partner with local, craft brewers to offer beer in their tasting rooms. 

Missouri wine pairs well with Missouri beer. Drink local! 

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.

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!

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.

The temperatures are finally rising after what seemed like a never-ending winter. As the bright colors of Spring begin to emerge and the light breeze wafts the smell of new growth past, you know it’s about that time… time to once again enjoy the outdoors. Is your patio, deck or porch ready for the new season? Here are some great DIY ways to take your outdoor entertaining to the next level:

Pallet Wine Rack – Repurposing wooden pallets is all the rage. Why not join in the fun with this useful and outdoor friendly wine rack. (Source: Virginia Sweet Pea)

Recycled Wine Bottle Bird Feeders – Prep your patio for ultimate bird-watching enjoyment with these beautiful and eco friendly bird buffets. (Source: The Garden Roof Co-op)

Mountable Wine Bottle Torches – The days may be getting longer, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had after dark, especially when you have these awesome wine bottle torches to light the way. (Source: Design Sponge)

Wine Barrel Ice Chest- This DIY project isn’t as difficult as it sounds. The hardest thing may be getting your hands on a wine barrel. It’s totally worth it though, because not only will it keep your beverages cold as the temperatures begin to rise, but it also serves as a great conversation piece for those backyard get-togethers. (Source: BobVila.com)

Wine Bottle Candle Covers – There is just something wonderful and whimsical about candlelight. Keep your candles lit outside with these candle covers made out of recycled wine bottles. (Source: Invite & Delight)

Outdoor Wine Glass Holders – Ever feel like you could really use a third hand. This super simple DIY project will provide just that while you enjoy spending some time with Mother Nature. (Source: Catch My Party)

Missouri wine pairs well with DIY projects and getting back outside!