We love our fathers even more than we love Missouri wines. And Father’s Day is the perfect day to tell dear old Dad to put a cork in it — his tacklebox, that is. Corks — natural and synthetic — float great, which makes them the perfect pieces to upcycle on the water. Follow these simple DI-Wines to learn quick and easy ways to use corks, whether you’re catching fish or just catching some rays. 

Hook Holder
Don’t stick your hands into a tangle of hooks in your tackle box anymore. Use a cork as a hook holder to keep your hooks organized and their barbs away from your fingers. 

Trouble-Free Treble Hook Holder
This tip can apply to tricky treble hooks too. Cut small pieces of cork to cover the points on your treble hooks. Not only do they store more safely and tangle-free, but it also makes tying on your chosen lure of jig a breeze when you’re not worried about getting hooked in the process.

Survival Fishing Set
Here is a pocket-size survival fishing kit if you ever find yourself in a real pickle. Wrap several yards of fishing line around a cork and place several different size hooks on the top. If you’re ever trapped in the great outdoors and need to fish for food, this pint-sized tackle set has everything you need — line, hooks and, of course, the cork, which can serve as a bobber. This mini survival set is light and super portable. Throw it in your backpack or even your pants pocket before hiking or camping. 

Cork Bobber
But you don’t have to be a survivalist to use a simple cork bobber. You can simply cut indentions in the middle of the bobber to tie your fishing line around, or you can fasten hooks out of eyelets or wire to thread your line through. If you’re a woodworker, a simple wine cork, some dowel rod and a lathe make beautiful cork bobbers. Check out this YouTube tutorial by Makify.

Sunglasses Saver
While hope may float, your favorite pair of sunnies don’t. A couple pieces of cork can save your sunglasses. Cut a piece of cork halfway through longways, and then thread your sunglasses strap through the slit so the cork encases the strap. You can also place the cork in a vice, drill a hole straight through the center, and thread the strap through. We recommend one cork for each side of your sunglasses strap to keep your sunglasses afloat. 

Floating Cork Key Chain
Bobbers aren’t the only time that cork’s innate ability to bob along in the water comes in handy. Water-safe keychains are the perfect use of used Missouri wine corks. Whether you’re fishing, boating or floating down one of the Show-Me State’s many waterways, a cork keychain keeps your keys on the surface if they take a tumble overboard. To make a cork keychain, simply screw a small eyelet into the middle of the cork and attach a keyring to it. Secure the eyelet with a dab of super glue to be extra safe. 

Next time you enjoy a Missouri lake, river or stream, keep your corks handy and enjoy a sip of your favorite Missouri wine. 
 

Summer has arrived and as the temperatures rise, we’re all thinking about ways to cool down. This super easy and totally refreshing Frosé (frozen rosé) is exactly what you need! Frozen fruit and Missouri rosé wine come together quickly and simply to create this delicious, frosty treat. 

Frosé Recipe 

Time: 5 minutes, Servings: 5-6

Ingredients 

1 bottle Missouri rosé wine (750ml) 

2 cups Strawberries, frozen 

2 cups Watermelon, frozen (seedless and chopped into small cubes, approx. 1 in.)

¼ cup Fresh lime juice 

2-4 tbsp Simple syrup or agave, to taste 

Instructions 

1. Add the rosé wine, frozen fruit and lime juice to a blender. 
2. Blend on med-high until smooth and slushy. If it’s thinner than you would like, add more frozen fruit half a cup at a time. 
3. Taste the mixture and add simple syrup one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired sweetness. The amount you’ll need is based on the sweetness level of the wine you use. If you choose a sweet rosé, you’ll need less sweetener. 
4. Pour and enjoy! 
5. Optional: Garnish with fresh strawberries and lime wheels. 

*If you want to make this treat ahead or have leftovers you want to save for another time, pour the mixture into ice cube trays and freeze them. Just pop the cubes into the blender when you’re ready to enjoy the frosé. 

Missouri Catawba, usually made in the rosé style, is a great varietal to try in this simple recipe. However, it works well with just about any rosé wine as it is so easily customized to your sweetness preferences. Cheers to staying cool with a glass of Frosé!

Salads are especially popular during the summer when a hot meal may not be as appealing. Everyone knows a good dressing is a must for creating a delicious salad. Here is an infographic that breaks down how to make tasty salad dressings every time using Missouri wine. 

Hardy on the vine and delectable in a glass, Vidal Blanc provides a simply crisp and refreshing taste with every sip. The medium bodied, crisp and clean wine typically offers flavors of pear, apple and citrus fruits, making it the perfect wine to celebrate the start of summer. 

This Missouri varietal is known for its hardiness in the vineyards given its ability to tolerate colder climates with a thicker grape skin. The grape was developed by a French grape breeder in the 1930s and has been prominent in Missouri wine country ever since.

Flavors of summer can be found in every glass, while pairing this crisp white wine will enhance your experience furthermore. Ideal pairings are grilled chicken and seafood, broccoli, asparagus, citrus and melon; the perfect items to top your menu this summer.

Celebrate Vidal Blanc month during June and enjoy this delightful Missouri wine that is perfectly simple like a summer day. Learn more about Vidal Blanc and find delicious recipes to try here.

Drinking wine is an experience for all of the senses. Mouthfeel refers mostly to the sense of touch, but with your mouth rather than your hands… ergo mouth-feel. It’s the way the wine feels while you are sipping and after. The primary components of mouthfeel are body, texture, balance, and finish. This infographic explains everything that goes into those pieces to make up the entire mouthfeel, which is a large part of the wine tasting experience.

Mark your calendars! We’ve partnered with the Kansas City Historic City Market to bring Missouri wine country to the Farmers Market this summer. Each date will feature a different winery from across the Show-Me state. Taste award-winning wines, discover new favorites, and purchase bottled and canned wine directly from the producers. 

Event Location:

City Market
5th & Walnut
Kansas City, MO 64106

May 21: Stone Hill Winery – Hermann

May 27: Adam Puchta Winery – Hermann

June 3: Edg-Clif Vineyard, Winery and Brewery – Potosi

June 24: Jowler Creek Winery – Platte City

July 1: Fence Stile Vineyards & Winery – Excelsior Springs

July 2: Baltimore Bend Vineyard – Waverly 

July 8: Augusta Winery, Balducci Vineyards, Montelle Winery, & Mount Pleasant Estates – Augusta

July 15: Viandel Vineyard – Mountain View 

July 22: St. James Winery – St. James 

July 23: Prairie Barn Winery – St. James 

Aug. 26: Noboleis Vineyards – Augusta

Sept. 9: Fountain City Winery – Kansas City

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about varietals and local growers, and destinations throughout Missouri for wine enthusiasts. 

Brisket is one of the most delectable cuts of beef, and a glass of Show-Me State Norton is perfectly enticing. Put the two together in this simple five-ingredient recipe and you will get tender, mouthwatering results.

Serves: 5-6 people

Prep time: 5 minutes

Marinade time: 3-4 hours (or overnight)

Bake time: 3 hours

Ingredients:

4-5 pound beef brisket

1 c dry red wine - we used Missouri Norton from Dale Hollow Winery

½ c chicken broth - substitute with other liquids as desired

1 medium to large onion - one half minced, one half sliced

3-4 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions:

1. Place beef brisket in a plastic bag or container that will accommodate meat and marinade. In a bowl, combine wine, broth, minced onion and garlic.
2. Pour marinade over brisket, seal or cover and place in refrigerator for a minimum of 3-4 hours or overnight.
3. Preheat oven to 325°F. Place brisket in a dish (dutch oven or small casserole pan is ideal), top with sliced onions and pour the marinade over top. Cover with lid or foil and place in oven.
4. Bake the brisket for 3 hours until tender. Check the level of the liquid halfway through the baking time and add water or broth, if needed, to prevent the brisket from drying out. 
5. Allow brisket to rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Slice across the grain of the meat. Add additional flavor with with sauce, salt and pepper or other ingredients as desired and enjoy!

This simple 5-ingredient brisket is sure to impress a crowd. Enjoy alongside a glass of Missouri Norton and say ‘Cheers!’ over a delicious meal.

Use your empty Missouri wine bottles to give Missouri’s smallest birds a little place to stop and sip with this beautiful (and simple) DIY Wine Bottle Hummingbird Feeder.

What You Will Need

• Clean, empty wine bottle with the label removed
• Copper wire
• Pliers
• Hummingbird feeder tube and stopper (Amazon has a few options)
• Hummingbird nectar (4 cups of water to 1 cup of granulated sugar — heated to combine and cooled to room temperature)

Step-by-Step

Step 1 – Cut two, 5-foot sections of copper wire. Fold in half. Take each wire and wrap the middle of the wire around the neck of the wine bottle, twisting the wires together near the neck of the bottle with the two ends sticking out from the bottle. Fasten each wire so the ends are on opposite sides of the bottle.

Step 2 – Take the end of each wire on the same side of the bottle, pull them down and together to form a small diamond shape, and twist them together. Do the same on the opposite side of the bottle. Continue taking one wire from each twist and combining them to make a new twist, down the side of the bottle to create a diamond, lattice-like pattern around the bottle. Adjust and straighten the wire as you continue to work, so the pattern is even and nice looking.

Step 3 – Once you have made it to the bottom of the bottle and fastened your final twist on that side, twist the remaining ends of the wires together to create one, thicker wire sticking out from the bottom of the bottle. Repeat this step on the opposite side, before taking each 2-ply wire and twisting them together in the middle to create a hanger.

Step 4 – Fill the bottle with hummingbird nectar. Carefully fill the feeder to near the brim of the bottle. Insert the hummingbird feeder tube and stopper, and make sure there are no air bubbles in the bottle, to avoid leaks.

Step 5 – Slowly flip the bottle over so the feeder/stopper is at the bottom, and it can be hung by the twisted copper wire hanger.

Step 6 – Enjoy watching some of the fastest and smallest birds take a sip from your beautiful feeder.

 Share your DI-wine with us on social media by tagging #missouriwine and @missouriwine.

There are many reasons to love Missouri wines, but don’t just take our word for it. We visited with fellow Missouri wine enthusiasts to see just what they loved about sipping wine in the Show Me State. Read the many reasons they love Missouri wine and take note of how you can elevate your experience in Missouri wine country.

Bask in the Beauty

Missouri wine country has no shortage of stunning vistas and getting there might be half the fun. Whether you arrive by plane, train, automobile or even trolley, Missouri wine country’s unique topography makes it worthy of sight-seeing. You can even plan a road trip to see some of these scenic drives available statewide. 

“Traveling Missouri’s highways and byways has created marvelous memories while leading us to the best wineries with picturesque views! Picnic, find a commonplace to meet friends, or surprise someone with a romantic getaway the possibilities are endless. Venture out and create memories with your person or crew, you might find another favorite winery.” — Scott Rombach, Washington, MO

Experience Missouri Wine

With more than 125 Missouri wineries to visit, you will be able to find the perfect fit for you. Look for local wineries using this interactive map or taste your way through a region with one of 10 Missouri wine trails.

“My husband and I love the friendly and relaxed environment of Missouri wineries! Whether it be sitting under a tree at Noboleis Vineyards or by the fire at Hermannhof Winery, we receive wonderful service and great wines!” — Denise D, Palmyra, MO

Explore Missouri Wineries and Vineyards

Missouri wine country is full of special events, festivals and celebrations to explore. Check out our  calendar for upcoming events or download a regional travel guide to see what the state’s well-known wine regions have to offer.

“Several years ago, when my husband and I were the chase crew for a hot air balloon pilot in the New Haven Balloon Race, the pilot led us down a gravel road when he landed in one of Kuenzel Valley Winery’s pastures. Now the vineyard is one of our favorites” — Christina G, Ballwin, MO

Appreciate Quality

Missouri wine country offers more than good views and good times, it is full of great wine! Did you know that Missouri’s own Augusta region was the first American Viticultural Area (AVA) recognized in the U.S. as a region that produced high-quality wine? This means Missouri wines were noted for their quality before California. Today, the Show-Me State boasts five AVAs — each with their own unique terroir. Check out the winners from Missouri’s own Governor’s Cup or top-ranking wines from contests around the country.

“Watching Missouri wines evolve for four decades has been head-spinning, but more’s the pleasure upon showing these wines to wine experts from other regions and countries. They’re shocked by the balance, the subtleties, the distinctive character now being coaxed from a variety of grapes. More than anything, people are wowed by our dry and off-dry wines.” — Doug Frost, Beverage Director, The Restaurant at 1900

Sample Missouri Varietals

Part of what makes Missouri wines so wonderful are the many unique varietals that thrive in the Show-Me State. These grapes, which grow well in Missouri’s climate and soil, can please a range of palates. Simply taste or pair your favorite Missouri varietal with a dish or dessert.

“Missouri definitely offers a wide variety of dry to sweet wines. The Norton wine stands out as one that is widely available across the state. As a person that enjoys a good steak, the quality of a Norton is a perfect pairing for bold and dry red wine lovers.” — Dearion B, St. Louis

Take a Weekend Getaway

From girls’ trips to family gatherings, make a weekend of it in Missouri wine country. These handy travel guides can help you plan your weekend getaway. Whether you want to curl up at a quaint B&B or camp out under the stars, there are plenty of place where you can stay and play.

“Each year my friends and spouses spend a weekend in Hermann enjoying the local wineries and atmosphere. The trip is a blast composed of creating memories and sharing laughs. The first year, one of the couples got engaged on the trip!” — Tessa B, Kansas City

Enjoying Wine at Home

You don’t have to leave your house to enjoy Missouri wines. Curl up on the couch with a good book. Add a splash of your favorite Missouri wine to your favorite recipe or find other inventive ways to cook with wine. Host an at-home tasting or have a DI-Wine night with your favorite upcycling bottle craft. Simply rest and relax with your favorite Missouri wine and while practicing a little self-care.

“Spending time with friends while sharing our favorite Missouri wine is priceless.  Truly the best wine is the wine we drink together.” — Melissa H, Rolla, MO

Variety is the Spice of Life

As you can see, there is no shortage of reasons to love Missouri wines. From the 125+ unique wineries to the regions that grow them, getting there may be half the fun, but we know you’ll want to stay. So, have a taste, there’s something for everyone to love.   

“The variety and personality of wineries in Missouri is almost overwhelming! We boast scenic views overlooking the Missouri River such as Oak Glenn in Hermann and Les Bourgeois Winery in Rocheport. We have remote settings like Jowler Creek Winery near Platte City with their fall hayrides and White Mule Winery outside of Owensville. We have destination area wineries like Lindwedel Winery and Bear Creek Winery near Branson and Shawnee Bluff and Seven Springs Wineries at Lake of the Ozarks. Missouri also features wineries in highly populated areas such as Amigoni Urban Winery and Fountain City Winery in Downtown Kansas City. Unique wineries include the haunted Belvoir Winery in Liberty and the Cave Winery outside of St. Genevieve.
Missouri has wineries to fit any mood you're in!” — David B, Louisiana, MO

Tell us in all the reasons you love Missouri wine — #missouriwine and @missourwine on social media.