Chardonel (shar-doe-nel) is a classic varietal in Missouri and may sound familiar to wine enthusiasts all over the world. It is a hybrid between Chardonnay and Seyval Blanc grapes. Depending on how it was aged, this tasty varietal may have the butteriness of Chardonnay or the crispness of Seyval Blanc.

In 1953, the Chardonel grape was developed at Cornell AgriTech. The fruits were observed for the first time in 1958 and then later propagated. Cornell described this varietal as ‘vigorous and productive [with] large clusters’ (“Chardonel” Grape, n.d.). Chardonel was officially released in 1990 and now accounts for 7.2% of acres of grapes in Missouri.

Chardonel can be enjoyed by itself, but it is phenomenal when paired with various foods. The next time you pour a glass of this hybrid wine, try it with Gouda, grilled chicken, bass, a cream sauce pasta or even a scoop of bread pudding. 

If you are looking to utilize this wine in a recipe, we highly recommend the Cheesy Chardonel Bacon Mac & Cheese - it is oh-so-easy. 

This varietal is not only outstanding but also award-winning. The Montelle Winery 2022 Chardonel was the 2023 Missouri Wine Competition’s Best Chardonel. This wine has aromas of apple, pear, and fig with a medium body and lingering finish. 

Whether you want a buttery or a crisp finish, Chardonel has an original taste that cannot be forgotten. When shopping for your next bottle of wine, make sure you grab a Missouri Chardonel. 

SOURCE:

“Chardonel” Grape. (n.d.). Www.hort.cornell.edu. Retrieved March 4, 2024, from https://www.hort.cornell.edu/reisch/grapegenetics/bulletin/chardonel.html#:~:text=

Spring is in full swing throughout Missouri wine country. Make your way to these events to make
the best of the beautiful spring weather that is headed our way.

Glasgow Wine Walk - April 13
Enjoy an afternoon of food, fun, music, and wine in downtown Glasgow Missouri! Come stroll beside
the river and enjoy this outdoor event filled with dining, wine’ing, and dancing. Purchase tickets here.

Adam Puchta Winery Spring Wine Dinner - April 19-20
This dinner will feature a four-course meal prepared by Chef Alex Blattel, with wines presented by 7th-generation Parker Puchta. Hosted in our 1855 Cellar Bistro, there are three seatings available. Tickets can be purchased here.

Big Day on the Ridge at Timber Ridge Winery - April 20
Enjoy the Big Day with live music by the Otis Money Blues Band, food trucks, and sign up for a Basket Making or Painting class.

The Gardens Seasonal Opening at St. James Winery - April 20

Find fun for the whole family as St. James opens the Gardens this year. They will have live music, delicious food, local vendors, a bounce house and more. Find the full agenda here.

Live Music at Dale Hollow Winery starting April 20
Enjoy live music while sipping fabulous wines on these upcoming dates.
Kennedy Brothers Kickoff | 4/20 from 2pm-5pm
Frank Rardon Live and Grape Planting | 4/27 from 2pm-5pm
Derby Eve Fancy Hat Karaoke | 5/3 from 5:30pm-8:30pm
John Kennedy Live | 5/11 from 2pm-5pm

McKelvey Vineyards Annual Car Cruise - April 20
Drive into the Annual Car Cruise and find free registration for all cars. Multiple People’s Choice Categories will be awarded. Visitors can enjoy the sights and sounds of many unique cars. 

5K Walk/Run at Fence Stile Vineyard, Winery & Distillery - April 21
Soak up the scenic views and amazing wines whether you are looking to run, walk or simply enjoy the experience. Learn more about the event here.

Artisan Cheese Market at Stone Hill Winery - April 27
With free admission, you will have the chance to explore several artisanal cheese vendors and hand crafters at this upcoming Market event. Learn more here.

Mother’s Day Out with the Excelsior Springs Chamber Trolley - May 4
Celebrate Mother’s Day a little early this year with a day of pampering. See what is on the agenda, which includes brunch and bubbly at Shamrock Hills Vineyard Winery, and reserve tickets here.

Wild Bacon Wine Trail | Hermann Wine Trail - May 4-5
Enjoy the smoky, savory and always delicious, bacon that will be the star ingredient in the foods paired with wine at the Wild Bacon Wine Trail. Participating wineries include Adam Puchta Winery, Curling Vine Winery, G. Husmann Wine Company, Hermannhof Winery, Reserve Cellars, and Robller Vineyard. Purchase tickets here.

Sip n Shop at 7Cs Winery - May 11
Enjoy delightful sips while you shop and enjoy live music by the Rusty Rose from 10-2.

Be sure to tag us at @missouriwines in your wine country adventures this spring.

Celebrate Missouri wines with our special crossword puzzle in honor of American Crossword Puzzles Week! The Show-Me State boasts a long history of winemaking dating back to the early 19th century. With more than 125 wineries spread across the state, Missouri is a hidden. gem in the world of wine production. Get ready to test your knowledge of Missouri wines, grape varieties and winemaking techniques with our fun and challenging crossword puzzle. Cheers to a grape time!