Fondue is inarguably both delicious and fun to eat. Here’s an alternate version of this fun wine-infused recipe that is friendlier to those with food allergies. Before you get started on this recipe, here are a few tips to ensure you end up with the most delicious fondue possible.

1. Measure everything. Often in cooking it’s okay to estimate or season with your heart. In this recipe though, consistency is key and for that you need accurate measurements of all the ingredients.
2. Soak your cashews for easy blending. If you have a high-powered blender, you can get away with not soaking your cashews, but for a quicker and guaranteed creamy texture, soak your cashews at room temperature overnight or for at least 30 minutes in boiling water. 
3. Don’t skimp on the dippers. This fondue is creamy and flavorful, but a good fondue experience is all about the dippers. We recommend: sweet peppers, bread, pickles, apples, mushrooms, blanched asparagus, pretzels, radishes, and cherry tomatoes, but the list is practically endless.
4. Stick with a DRY Chardonel. Even if you tend to prefer sweeter wines to sip on, stick with a dry Missouri Chardonel for this recipe as it works better to give that cheesy flavor.

Ingredients:

1 cup raw cashews

¾ cup cooked potato (approximately 1 medium potato)

½ cup dry Missouri Chardonel

½ cup chopped onion (approximately ½ a small onion)

1 clove garlic, chopped

½ tablespoon olive or avocado oil

¾ cup unsweetened dairy-free milk

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoons sea salt

½ teaspoon ground mustard

3 tablespoons nutritional yeast

Instructions: 

1. Add your peeled and chopped potatoes to a pot of boiling water. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until soft.
2. Add the oil to a small skillet and sauté the chopped onion on medium heat until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chopped garlic to the onions and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the Chardonel to the pan with the onions and garlic. Cook until reduced slightly, 3-5 minutes.
5. When the potatoes are finished cooking, drain them and measure out ¾ cup into your blender.
6. Add all the ingredients into your blender and blend on hight until creamy and smooth.
7. Taste and add more salt to taste if needed.
8. If your fondue is a little thinner than you’d like, add back to a pot on the stove and let simmer stirring frequently until it has thickened to your preference. If you are using a traditional, lit fondue pot, this step is unnecessary.
9. Serve with lots of delicious dippers and enjoy with friends!

Cheese and wine are an amazing pairing and this deliciously dairy-free alternative to the traditional fondue is a wonderful way to enjoy the pairing without the pain. Cheers to fondue for everyone!

Explore the new and improved version of the Augusta trip planner. Wine, dine, stay and explore the locations listed on this clickable PDF. Download to save and utilize this tool to enjoy these highlights of Missouri wine country!

Whether you’re searching for a romantic evening or a fun night out for “Galentine’s Day” you’ll be sure to find an event you love at a Missouri winery. Here is a sampling of events in Missouri wine country.

Adam Puchta Winery Valentine’s Dinner

Friday, Feb. 10 and Saturday, Feb. 11

Tickets: $75/person

Adam Puchta Winery is hosting the perfect dinner to treat your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day. This dinner will feature four courses from their 1855 Cellar Bistro paired perfectly with their award-winning wines.

Chaumette Vineyards & Winery – Weekend Getaway Special

Friday, Feb. 10 and Saturday, Feb. 11

Prices available online.

Stay with Chaumette for Valentine’s Day. Get two adjacent nights for only $100 more when you book a two-night stay on Friday and Saturday. Valentine’s Villa add-on packages available (for additional cost) which include: a bouquet of roses, chocolates, a bottle of wine and a festive balloon. The Executive Chef is offering special features in addition to our regular menu, including Pork Ossu Buco, Prime Grade Filet of Beef Tenderloin, Baked French Brie and more.

Cave Vineyards Romancing the Grape, Vine to Wine Experience.

Saturday, Feb. 11, 11 a.m.-noon or 12:30 p.m.

Tickets: $35/person
Learn more about wine in a relaxed environment with this tasting experience. Staff will walk guests through growing Missouri grapes, winemaking and tasting wine. This experience also includes cheese and chocolate samples to help understand how food and wine complement each other.

Chandler Hill – Wine Club Valentine’s Dinner 

Saturday. Feb. 11, 7 p.m.

$50 deposit required with reservation

These exclusive events are another reason to join a wine club. Chandler Hill is presenting a romantic dinner pairing everyone's two favorite things: wine and chocolate. This year Chef Michael Brewer will be crafting a delicious chocolate inspired menu that will pair elegantly with a sommelier selected wine for each course.

Defiance Ridge Vineyards Valentine’s Day Dinner

Tuesday, Feb. 14, 6-9 p.m.

Reservations only; menu and prices available online

Join Defiance Ridge Vineyards this Valentine’s Day for a wonderful dining experience with your loved one. Reservations will be taken in time slots of: 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.

Valentines/Galentines Days at Edg-Clif Winery

Friday, Feb. 10, Saturday, Feb. 11 and Sunday, Feb. 12, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tickets: $5-20/person

Make a reservation for special wine tastings with chocolate treats and souvenir glasses to take home.

Edg-Clif is offered a weekend special, "Wine Lovers Bouquet of Rose Wines", buy a dozen pink wines and get two free (includes Rose, Sunset and Twilight). Call ahead and just drive up for car-side delivery. Romantic couples or party friends can also buy a gift certificate for a VIP Tours and tastings.

Fence Stile Vineyards, Winery & Distillery – Four Valentine’s Events

Friday, Feb. 11, Saturday, Feb. 12, and Tuesday, Feb. 14, various times

Tickets: $28-59/person

Fence Stile offers candlelit wine, cheese and chocolate pairings all weekend (Feb. 11-12) in the wine cave. They also have a special wine cave tour and candlelit tasting on Valentine's Day with chocolates and sparkling wine.

Self Love Pop-up Event - KC Wineworks

Friday, Feb. 10, 6-9 pm

Treat yourself to an evening of self-care with local vendors. Get linked with jewelry, have your tarot cards read or pick up a bath bomb for later all while enjoying a glass to Missouri wine.

KC Wineworks – Wine is my Valentine

All February long
For the entire month of February enjoy a Valentine’s themes cocktail alongside their regular wine tastings. No reservations required.  

Les Bourgeois Vineyards/The Blufftop at Rocheport – Couples Wine + Chocolate Pairing

All February long, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Tickets: $25/couple

Enjoy a sample of four distinct wines, each expertly paired with artisan chocolates.

Les Bourgeois Vineyards/The Blufftop at Rocheport - Wine Lover's Tasting and Tour for Two

Wednesday, Feb. 1 – Thursday, Feb. 16, Contact tasting room for times

Tickets: $40/couple

Romantic candle lit tour of the cellar and winery with a Port and artisan chocolate tasting.

Les Bourgeois Vineyards/The Blufftop at Rocheport – Romantic Four Course Dinner

Tuesday, Feb. 14, 5-9 p.m.

Tickets: $95/person, reservations and payments required in advance

Special prix fixe four course meal with a complementary glass of Brut with live harp music in our Bistro dining room that has magnificent views of the Missouri River.

McKelvey Vineyards  — Adult Cookie Decorating Class – Valentine’s edition

Thursday, Feb. 9, 6-8:30 p.m.

Tickets $45/person

Decorate six shortbread cookies with Heidi Ramspott from Birdie’s Bakeshop. The bar will be open and food is available to sip and snack while you decorate.

Valentine's Date Night at McKelvey Vineyards

Tuesday, Feb. 14, 6-9 p.m.

Tickets: $65/person

Wine, dine and dance with a two-course meal (steak, chicken and vegetarian options) while listening to some live jazz and blues music. Arrive at 6 p.m. to kick off your romantic evening with light appetizers and a cash bar.

Shawnee Bluff Winery Valentine’s Paint & Pour

Friday, Feb. 10, 5-7pm
Tickets: $35/person, includes all materials and 1 glass of wine
Enjoy an evening painting at Shawnee Bluff Winery 2430 Bagnell Dam Blvd. Email info@shawneebluffwinery.com for tickets.

St. James Winery Progressive Valentine’s Day Dinner

Saturday, Feb. 11, 6-9p.m.

Tickets: $60/person

Meet at St. James Winery Tasting Room to do something fun and unique with your special someone for Valentine’s Day. The Progressive Valentine’s Dinner is a gourmet four-course dinner, wine and beer pairings throughout the evening, and guided tours of the winery and brewery.

Terravox Art & Wine at the Mansion

Tuesday, Feb. 14, Check-in at 4 p.m., festivities begin at 6 p.m. and check-out is 10 a.m. Feb. 15

Tickets: $400/package for two

TerraVox will be pairing their wines to the Kansas City Art Institute's current display of artwork at the historic Oak Street Mansion. Join them for a coursed dinner, wine pairings, the presentation and a stay for two at the hotel.

Valentine’s Day at TerraVox Winery - Couples Taste & Tours

Multiple dates

Tickets: $95/package of two

TerraVox Winery and Christopher Elbow are teaming up to bring you an unforgettable afternoon exploring the delectable world of Port wine and chocolate!

Weston Wine Company - Tarot Readings by Veil and Vow

Sunday, Feb. 12, Noon-5 p.m.

Readings: $20, reservations can be made online

Grab a glass of wine from Weston Wine company to sip during your reading, which is perfect whether you want to know what’s going on in your love life, get guidance about your career or look deeper into what is holding you back.

Willow Springs Mercantile – Valentine’s Four Course Wine Dinner

Friday, Feb. 17, 7-10 p.m.

Tickets: $85/person

An intimate dinner in a wine cellar enjoying wines from around the region that is paired perfectly with culinary fare to showcase the best flavors of the food and wine together. This dinner includes a delicious dinner with Missouri's Norton wine.  Dessert will include a delectable chocolate decadence paired with award winning Port.

If you don’t see an event listed with your favorite winery, contact them for their Valentine’s plans. This list was compiled using survey results, so not all Missouri wine events are listed.

The process that occurs after grapes are harvested and before wine is enjoyed in your glass is quite extensive. From ripening grapes to bottling and labeling finished wines, here is a simplified visual to illustrate the many steps that take place throughout the winemaking process. We appreciate the hard work winemakers put in to bring fabulous Missouri wines to the table.

Cook with color and add a burst of flavor to your favorite mix of fresh vegetables with this wine reduction sauce made with Missouri Norton. Change up this combination of vegetables to suit your palate.

For the roasted vegetables:

We used the following ingredients, but feel free to switch things up and use your favorite fresh veggies.

• ½ large red onion
• 2 bell peppers
• 3 small zucchinis
• 3 yellow squash
• 3 – 5 potatoes
• 2 shallots
• 6 – 10 plum tomatoes
• 5 tbsp avocado oil
• 1 sprig rosemary
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Norton Wine Reduction:

• 1 tsp unsalted butter
• 1 shallot, minced
• 1 c Norton
• 1 c vegetable stock or broth

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Prep vegetables to desired size based on your preferred taste and texture. Place in a large bowl and drizzle with avocado oil, add salt, pepper and rosemary.
3. Spread vegetables evenly over 2 large baking sheets and avoid crowding.
4. Roast for 20 minutes, tossing vegetables and rotating pans once. Remove rosemary once complete. Transfer vegetables to desired dish and set aside.
5. Begin wine reduction while vegetables are roasting. Over medium heat, melt butter in a small saucepan and add shallots.
6. Sauté shallots for several minutes until aromatic. Add Norton and vegetable stock.
7. Bring pan to a boil and reduce by half. Simmer until desired consistency is achieved.
8. Carefully pour reduction over vegetables. Add seasoning to taste and enjoy!

Add some color and Norton to the dinner table with this recipe. Start cooking with Missouri wine and share with us on social media @missouriwine.

It’s no secret that popcorn and wine make a dynamic duo. Elevate your pairing experience when you enjoy these Missouri Grown popcorns with the following Missouri wines.

Choose from this list of popcorn flavors that includes everything from classic butter kettle to spicy buffalo ranch all selected from local Missouri businesses: Osage River Popcorn (Osage Beach and Hannibal), GOPO Gourmet Popcorn (Fulton) and Ready Popped (Jefferson City).

Movie Theater Butter + Chardonel

Imagine the smooth and buttery taste of classic movie theater popcorn when it meets the smooth and buttery notes of Missouri Chardonel.

White Cheddar + Catawba

This sharp and salty cheddar flavored popcorn delectably meets the fruity notes of Catawba wine.

Butter Kettle + Sparkling

Try a traditional butter kettle popcorn with a sparkling dry to off-dry wine and be ‘wowed’ with the enhanced experience of both.

Signature Cheddar + Concord

Cheddar and Concord pair up nicely, yet again. The smooth and sweet jamminess of Concord wine is sure to delight your taste buds when it meets the boldness of this signature cheddar popcorn.

Loaded Baked Potato + Chambourcin or Seyval Blanc

If you like the smokey bacon flavors that are offered by a loaded baked potato, then try this popcorn with Chambourcin. Become amazed by a totally different sensation when you pair this same popcorn with a Seyval Blanc and pick up strong notes of the green onion and chives.

Bacon Cheddar + Chardonel

The rich flavors of bacon and cheddar together are mingled perfectly with a sip of rich Chardonel.

Caramel + Traminette

The floral notes of Traminette are a match made to please with a traditional caramel popcorn.

Cookies n’ Cream + Port Style

The popcorn alone is delicious, but give it a try with a rich and smooth red Port style wine for a heightened appreciation of the two together.

Chocolate Caramel + Chambourcin

Caramel coated popcorn drizzled with milk chocolate and accompanied by a glass of Chambourcin is a pair hard to beat. Give it a try with other dry reds and see how it changes the strength of the chocolate versus the caramel.

Peanut Butter + Blackberry

Salty meets sweet with this savory popcorn and blackberry wine.

Caramel Apple + Vidal Blanc

A taste of this caramel apple popcorn followed by a sip of Vidal Blanc will have you questioning how a wine can transform a food to this extent. The crisp Vidal Blanc melds the flavors together.

Buffalo Ranch + Chardonel

Bring on the heat of this spicy buffalo ranch popcorn and follow it with a taste of smooth Chardonel.

Garlic Parmesan + Traminette

Pick up on the herbaceous notes from this popcorn when you enjoy it with a side of Traminette.

Cajun + Seyval Blanc

Smooth the heat from the spices of chili and paprika with a light Seyval Blanc.

Elevate your wine pairing experience when you try these combinations. Let us know which pair stands out above the rest by tagging us on social media @missouriwine or #MissouriWine.