Happy Concord Month! In July, as the summer sun shines bright, wine lovers in Missouri celebrate Concord Month!

Discovered in the mid-1800s, the Concord grape is cherished for its medium-sized clusters of juicy berries. As a “slip skin” grape, its skin separates easily from the pulp, making it ideal for wines with distinct aromas and flavors that are sure to capture your affection.

Concord grapes span about 112 acres in Missouri, making up nearly 7% of the state's vineyard area. Known for their sweet, candy-like aromas, Concord wines offer a robust, medium-bodied experience perfect for casual sipping and gourmet pairings.

Concord wine captures the essence of freshly pressed grape juice, balancing sweetness with jam-like notes, creating a nostalgic and comforting taste that’s certain to win over any wine enthusiast.

Serve Concord wine chilled to 45°F. Its sweet, robust profile pairs well with cheddar, aged cheeses, orange chicken, pork chops, and barbecue beef. It also complements desserts like candied nuts, poached pear, and grape pie.

Celebrate July with Concord wine recipes:

• Ice Cream
• Popsicles
• Concord Daiquiri
• Wine Barbecue Sauce
• No Free Lunch Wine Tails

This July, toast to Concord Month with Missouri's delicious wines. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer, explore local wineries to taste the Concord grape's rich legacy. Enjoy summer's warmth and the sweetness of Concord—where fun meets flavor. Cheers!

Get ready to raise your glasses and savor the flavors, because the Missouri Wines is rolling out the red carpet for wine enthusiasts at the Missouri State Fair! So, grab your friends, put on your walking shoes, and let’s dive into the delightful world of Missouri wines.

Missouri State Fair Wine Trail

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable day of wine exploration at the Missouri State Fair Wine Trail on Friday, August 8th, from 11 AM to 6 PM. This isn’t just any ordinary wine tasting; it’s a full-fledged adventure across the fairgrounds with ten spots to sample and purchase wines.

Here’s how it works: You can start your journey at any point on the trail—no need to follow a set path. Simply pick up a passport at your first stop, and let the exploration begin! Each location will offer unique wines to sample, providing a broad spectrum of flavors to delight your palate. The best part? Completing your passport enters you into a drawing for a chance to win fabulous prizes.

This event is the perfect blend of fun and discovery, offering a relaxed atmosphere to learn about local wines and perhaps discover a new favorite. So, whether you're meandering solo or with a group of friends, the Wine Trail is a must-do activity at this year’s fair.

Missouri State Fair Winery Showcase

If one day of wine isn’t enough, then the Missouri State Fair Winery Showcase is here to help with that! Taking place daily in the Agriculture Building from 11 AM to 6 PM, this showcase will feature a different winery each day, giving you a reason to return and explore more of Missouri’s rich wine culture.

Each participating winery will provide samples and have bottles available for purchase, allowing you to take a piece of the fair home with you. This is a golden opportunity learn about their craft and get insider tips on pairing wines with your favorite fair foods.

The Winery Showcase is more than just a tasting; it’s an educational experience that brings the winery to you, offering insights into the passion and hard work that go into every bottle. So, whether you’re looking to expand your wine knowledge or simply enjoy a leisurely afternoon at the fair, the Winery Showcase is the place to be.

Tips for a Great Day at the Missouri State Fair

• Stay Hydrated: While sampling all the delightful wines, remember to drink plenty of water.
• Take Time: There’s no rush. Take your time to enjoy each sample and savor the experience.
• Share the Experience: Wine tasting is always more fun with a companion to share the experience. Tag us in your journey using #mowine!

So, are you ready to embark on a wine-filled adventure at the Missouri State Fair? Whether you’re hopping on the Wine Trail or stopping by the Winery Showcase, these events promise to be both fun and educational. Cheers to discovering the best of Missouri wines while at the Missouri State Fair! 

Step on in, to a whole new world. Are you passionate about cooking or baking? Do you love the unique flavors of Missouri wine? Then I have some exciting news for you! Missouri Wines is sponsoring the “Cooking and Baking with Missouri Wine” contest on Thursday, August 7^th at 10 AM, and you’re invited to participate! 

This contest is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your culinary skills and creativity while highlighting the delicious wines produced right here in Missouri. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, this is your chance to shine. Imagine creating a dish that perfectly complements the rich flavors of Missouri wine and then sharing it with fellow food enthusiasts.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your recipes, sharpen your knives, and get ready to create something amazing! The Missouri State Fair is a recognition of all things Missouri, and this contest is the perfect way to kick off the beginning of a great 11-day celebration. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity. 

Sign up here!

We hope to see you there! 

Savor Vidal Blanc with a dish that brings fine dining to your kitchen. Mussels in a creamy Vidal Blanc broth, is the dish to elevate dinner at home. This recipe is perfect to celebrate Vidal Blanc month. Pair it with toasted bread and a glass of Vidal Blanc for a truly delicious experience!

Ingredients

• 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 ½ Tablespoons olive oil
• 4 large shallots finely chopped
• 8 cloves garlic thinly sliced
• 1/2 Tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 Tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 lemon juice and zest
• 2 ¼ pounds live mussels
• 1 cup Missouri Vidal Blanc
• 3/4 cup chicken stock
• 1/3 cup heavy cream aka whipping cream
• salt and pepper to taste
• lemon wedges for serving
• toasted bread for serving
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped, plus more for garnish

Instructions

1. Clean mussels and remove beards. Discard any open mussels, unless they close when tapped.
2. In a pot large enough to hold the mussels, heat the butter and oil over medium heat.
3. Once the butter is completely melted, add in the shallots and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until slightly softened.
4. Add in the garlic and cook for a minute. Then add in the crushed red pepper flakes and cook for one more minute.
5. Add in lemon zest and lemon juice and mix well to combine.
6. Add in the mussels, wine, and chicken stock. Stir well to coat, then increase the heat to medium-high and place a lid on the pot.
7. Cook, checking often, until the mussel shells have opened, about 3 minutes. Discard any mussels that don’t open.
8. Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, mixing constantly as you pour.
9. Stir in the salt, pepper, and parsley. Remove from heat and divide among bowls. Serve with lemon wedges, toasted bread, and your Vidal Blanc!

This recipe is sure to be beautiful, impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds! Try it out to celebrate Vidal Blanc month and share with us using #mowine