Wineries across the great state of Missouri offer delicious dessert wines, including Sherry, Port, and Late Harvest. They are typically sweet and rich, with complex flavors that are perfect for sipping after a meal.

Sherry

Sherry wine is made by adding brandy to a base wine. Winemakers have their pick of which base wine to begin with but  typically choose a lighter white wine or rosé. This wine can be diverse in its flavors, ranging from dry and light to rich and sweet. Sherry is aged through a traditional solera system, where younger wines are blended with older ones in a series of barrels.

Port-Style

Port-style wine is also made by adding brandy to a base wine. Missouri winemakers usually choose to make it from the Norton grape. Port-style wine is widely known for its rich, fruity flavors and is often served as a dessert wine. Legally to be called Port, it must be from Portugal. A few older Missouri wineries were grandfathered in to be allowed to call theirs Port. Port-style is aged in wood barrels for various lengths of time, with some varieties aging for decades to develop complex flavors.

Late Harvest

Late Harvest wines are made by grapes that have been left on the vine longer than usual. By letting them hang on the vine longer, it allows them to develop a higher sugar content. They are a sweeter wine with flavors of honey, apricot, and peach. Late harvest wines may be aged in stainless steel or oak barrels which can enhance their fruity characteristics.

Whether you prefer the nutty complexity of Sherry, the sweet richness of Port-style wines, or the luscious sweetness of Late Harvest wines, there is a wine to suit every palate and occasion. Which dessert wine will you try first?

A day dedicated to just sipping on wine. Sign us up! February 18 is National Drink Wine Day. This is the perfect opportunity to visit your local winery, pour yourself a glass of your favorite Missouri wine or host a winetasting with friends.

Visit one of Missouri’s 125+ wineries!

Missouri wine country is home to some of the country’s best wineries and vineyards. Visitors can take part in tours and tastings, where they can sample a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and rosés. From Kansas City to St. Louis, there are more than 125 wineries to choose from. Many wineries also offer live music, food trucks and other entertainment, making it a great place to spend the day or weekend with friends and family.

Sip on a glass of Missouri wine!

If celebrating at home is more of your jam, pour yourself a glass of your favorite Missouri wine. Missouri is home to several unique grape varietals. If you’re in the mood to drink white wine, Missouri offers Chardonel, Seyval Blanc, Traminette, Vidal Blanc, and Vignoles. Looking for a red wine instead? Choose from Rosé, Chambourcin, Concord, and Norton. 

Host an at-home wine tasting!

Hosting an at-home tasting? We’ve got the tips and tricks for that too. For a tasting, pour 1-2 ounces into each glass. Temperature of wine can be subjective, as you can enjoy the wine however you prefer. Here is a recommendation for serving temperatures:

• Sparkling wines chill for 3 hours
• White wines and rosés for 2 hours
• Red wines for 1 hour 

After preparing the wine, it is important to serve it in the right order. White wines are served before red wines, and dry wines should be tasted before sweet wines.

Keep the celebration going by participating in Open That Bottle Night on Saturday, February 24. Tag us @missouriwine or use hashtag #mowine in your photos on social media so we can see how you’re celebrating!

Did you recently get engaged? Are you looking for a picturesque venue for your perfect day? Missouri Wine Country has many beautiful wineries that are ideal for weddings and even elopements. 

Dale Hollow Winery – Stover, MO

Just north of the Lake of Ozarks sits the beautiful Dale Hollow Winery. This Missouri winery offers a backdrop of rolling vineyards and a small space inside for guests.

Fence Stile Vineyards & Winery – Excelsior Springs, MO

Plan your nuptials at Fence Stile Vineyards & Winery for a wonderful experience. This Missouri winery works with local event planners who will customize your day for your needs. Fence Stile offers both an outdoor and an indoor ceremony space.

Shamrock Hills Vineyard and Winery – Excelsior Springs, MO

Shamrock Hills offers a one-of-a-kind venue on their property – Shamrock Ranch. They have a Quonset Barn, a large reception barn, a cabin and an outdoor venue. Shamrock Hills provides many amenities to make your special day a breeze, including a cocktail space, sound system, accommodations for the wedding party and more.

Stonehaus Farms Vineyard & Winery – Lees Summit, MO

This stunning Missouri winery is located southeast of Kansas City and offers amazing event spaces for weddings. Select from several spots within the winery to celebrate your special day.  

Sugar Creek Winery – Defiance, MO

View the beautiful Missouri River Valley from the outdoor ceremony space on your wedding day. With a special bridal room, get ready with your wedding party and prepare for the day. Sugar Creek Winery offers an in-house wedding coordinator to help with all of the tiny details.

Defiance Ridge Vineyards – Defiance, MO

Get married on the beautiful 42-acre property of Defiance Ridge Vineyards. This property offers catering and wedding planning. Enjoy a picturesque view, a private bridal suite and professional staff to help the day run smoothly.

Mathany Family Vineyards – Lake Ozark, MO

Located in Lake Ozarks sits one of the newest wineries in Missouri. With beautiful vault ceilings in the tasting room and stunning views of the vineyard, this venue is perfect for a couple looking for a Central Missouri location.

Seven Springs Winery – Osage Beach, MO

Are you looking for a budget-friendly, relaxed atmosphere? Seven Springs Winery is the perfect venue for you. From a banquet room to a beautiful vineyard gazebo, this Missouri winery provides various options for the soon-to-be weds. After the wedding, celebrate at the 10,000 sq. ft. reception hall that can hold 300+ guests.

DeLaney Vineyard & Winery – Nevada, MO

In the heart of Nevada, MO is a small venue for those who want an intimate wedding. This winery has beautiful vineyards and a cozy tasting room where friends and family can gather.

TerraVox Winery – Kansas City, MO

On the outskirts of Kansas City, MO is the stunning TerraVox Winery. This venue offers a private space with a beautiful view of the vineyards. The TerraVox team will assist in making your special day the best it can be.

Chaumette Vineyards & Winery – Ste. Genevieve, MO

Chaumette Vineyards & Winery is a one-stop-shop wedding venue. Perform your nuptials at the St. Vincent’s in the Vineyard Chapel and then celebrate at The Barn. This Ste. Genevieve winery can accommodate both small and large weddings.

Charleville Winery – Ste. Genevieve, MO

Make your special day memorable with the help of Team Charleville Winery! With an in-house venue coordinator, your day is sure to run smoothly. The culinary team will help you select from delicious appetizers to spectacular entrees to help you celebrate.

McKelvey Vineyards – Leslie, MO

South of St. Louis sits the beautiful McKelvey Vineyards. Choose from three magical venues for your special day – the Sunset Terrace, the Pinewood Pavilion and the Historic Steepleview Manor.

Stone Hill Winery – Hermann, MO

In beautiful Hermann, Missouri is Stone Hill Winery. This winery offers various indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces and an indoor reception space. Stone Hill offers delicious catering options and has an in-house event coordinator to help accommodate your party.

Prairie Barn Winery – St. James, MO

Located in the Ozark Highlands AVA sits Prairie Barn Winery. If you are looking for a venue with a rustic barn and a large outdoor ceremony space, this winery is for you.

Belvoir Winery – Liberty, MO

Belvoir Winery is a historical venue, located in Liberty, MO. Built in 1900, this winery is still standing strong. The venue consists of over 13,000 square feet, so let your imagination run free with all the things you can do.

Black Silo Winery – Trenton, MO

Looking for a beautiful outdoor ceremony space and a rustic barn for your reception? Black Silo Winery in Trenton, MO is the perfect option for you. Their venue, ‘A Place in the Vineyard’, is the spot to make lifelong memories on your special day.

The Vineyard at J. Creek – Platte City, MO

This stunning venue is located on the property of Jowler Creek Vineyard & Winery. Get ready with your girls in the luxurious suites, say ‘I do’ at the outdoor ceremony site with vineyards in the background then dance the night away in the reception hall.

Les Bourgeois Vineyards – Rocheport, MO

Facing the great Missouri River is The Bistro at the Blufftop. This venue is just one of the options that Les Bourgeois Vineyards offers. After the ceremony, enjoy the delicious food that The Bistro staff has created.

Canterbury Hill Winery – Holts Summit, MO

This centrally located venue overlooks the beautiful Missouri State Capitol. The Hill offers various locations in the winery including two patios, several banquet rooms and a suite. Plan your wedding with their in-house event planners.

Balducci Vineyards – Augusta, MO

This stunning venue located in Augusta has picture-perfect views for weddings. Enjoy amazing cuisine while sipping award-winning wine for your special day. Choose from indoor, outdoor and covered outdoor spaces to say your 'I do's".  Balducci Vineyards offers an event coordinator to make your day perfect! 

Whether you want a small or large, indoor or outdoor, or even planned with a wedding planner, these 20 Missouri wineries will be there for you during this special time. Cheers!