Missouri wineries are proud of the communities they come from and the family they share. Many of these wineries look for the chance to give back to causes that hit close to home. These wines can be purchased knowing that a portion of the proceeds benefit a cause that these generous wineries strongly support. Please note that these wines were gathered based on a recent survey and this is not an exhaustive list of all wineries that give back.

Joli Vin by Baltimore Bend

This blush blend of Vignoles, Chardonel and Chambourcin holds the French name of ‘beautiful wine’ and represents a beautiful cause. During the month of October, Joli Vin is on special with a portion of all sales given to the Lafayette County Cancer Coalition. Seek this wine during Breast Cancer month and find assurance in supporting this shared cause and the lives it can touch.

Renegade by Mallinson Vineyard & Hall

Dedicated to the Wayne City Landing and Port, this sweet wine benefits a piece of American history. This spot on the map near Independence served as a supply port for early pioneers traveling west. Mallinson’s main winery building is the oldest school house in Jackson County which is known as the Gilpin School. This property is located along the historic Lewis and Clark, Santa Fe, California and Oregon trails with two National Park markers nearby. Renegade benefits this preservation of history near the winery the Mallinson family calls home.

Ozark Hellbender by Stone Hill Winery

The Ozark Hellbender is a unique aquatic salamander native to Southern Missouri and Northern Arkansas Ozarks. This endangered species serves tell-tale signs of healthy streams and remains vital to healthy river ecosystems. When you purchase this red blend, A percentage of the proceeds is donated to the breeding and conservation efforts at the St. Louis Zoo’s Ron Goellner Center for Hellbender Conservation.

Catawba by Ladoga Ridge Winery

With the sweet pink color of this wine, it is only fitting that a portion of the proceeds from Ladoga Ridge Winery’s Catawba is donated to various breast cancer awareness programs. As resources allow, patrons will once again be able to make purchases of this wine during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October of 2022.

Foxy Lady and Old Glory by Top Hat Winery

With every purchase of this Missouri pink Catawba, Foxy Lady, a portion of the proceeds from each bottle goes to help fight breast cancer in the Independence area. Old Glory benefits homeless veterans in the Independence area. Donate to this important cause with each purchase of this Missouri Niagara semi-sweet wine.

Sweet Corky by Wenwood Farm Winery

This silky and sweet white ice-wine is named in honor of winery owners’ late winery dog, Corky. The label holds sentimental value representing the rainbow bridge of ‘dog heaven’ shown through the face of their sweet Corky. With the purchase of every bottle, a portion is donated to Unchained Melodies Dog Rescue in Columbia.

Wine has been an essential part of civilization since its origin around 6000 BC. Thousands of years of vintners’ efforts have led to the high-quality products created worldwide in our industry today. Let’s take today to celebrate this cultural staple with style! Here’s some unique and fun ideas you might enjoy:

1. Explore a new winery – make your plans to visit a winery you have never been to before! Maybe even make it a staycation! You can plan your trip with a little help here. You can always visit a local winery too. Find one near you. 

2. Open your favorite varietal at home – we know you have been sitting on that fancy bottle in your cellar. Pop it open and allow yourself to enjoy what you have been saving. What a perfect occasion – you can’t take it with you when you go! (We imagine heaven has all the best wines)

3. Learn something new - Expand your “wine mind” by learning some new terminology or learn what it takes to create award winning wines. 

4. Gift a bottle – Share one of your favorite wines with a friend. You could even plan a girl’s night with a white wine elephant exchange to make the trades interesting. Open and enjoy your bottle with friends afterward. Tips on wrapping here. 

5. Sharpen your skills – Put your senses to the test. Progress your wine tasting skills by utilizing the 5’s and practicing the best way to observe and enjoy wine. You can also learn best practices on handling wine at an event. Here’s a great refresh for your wine etiquette. 

6. Try a new wine – while you are grocery shopping, pick out a bottle of Missouri wine you have never tried before. Best way to know more about what you like is to try new things! You might just be surprised at what these varietals have to offer. Try celebrating this national holiday with a sparkling. Pick one with our guide. 

7. Pick a pairing to try – Missouri wine varietals have a vast number of pairings! Check out which wine you want to pair with and create an experience that allows you to taste Missouri wine in a new way.

8. Cook with wine – whether it is from a newly opened bottle or one you enjoyed earlier this week, you can utilize Missouri wines beyond the sip. Try baking with wine or create a new dish that adds a new culinary element to your repertoire.

9. Enjoy and relax – However you best enjoy your wine, do that! Sip some while in a hot bath, share with a friend while binging the latest episode of your favorite show or have a wine night with your friends to balance your stressful schedule with some fun.

10. Take the time to recycle – get creative with your leftover corks and bottles and reuse them that empowers you and your environment. Take the time to finally create that cork craft you have been putting off. Try using a bottle to prop in your plant soil for gradual watering or buy some flowers and divide the bouquet into bottles to spruce up your living space.

11. Wine cocktails – not a fan of wine? Wine can still make some awesome cocktails. Get inspired by this Sangria recipe. Even create your own!

Share what you are doing for National Drink Wine Day with us on social media by tagging @missouriwine and #missouriwine.

Bill and Leslie moved to the Ozarks in 2010. Both originally from Chicago, they opted to uproot their city life and move to rural Missouri after being gifted eight acres of land in Brighton. This small farm allowed them to pursue their dream of founding an animal rescue. Eden Animal Haven, an all-cat, cage-free animal shelter became the first of its kind in Southwest Missouri. The Sawyer’s love for rural life grew and they quickly found their own shelter and solace at 7C’s Winery in Walnut Grove.

When they made their big move in 2010, the majority of their focus was on readjusting to their new home and developing a new business. They enjoyed their spare time traveling all over Missouri and soaking in the tourism the state has to offer. Both Bill and Leslie love visiting all types of wineries and even participated several years in the Missouri Wine Loyalty and Passport Programs.

“We just love Missouri wineries,” Leslie says. “Each winery has its own personality and its own story. Each setting is beautiful and different.” Leslie says learning the history behind them is their favorite part.

The Sawyers had visited 7C’s Winery prior to their move and absolutely loved it. This made it one of their favorite places to visit once they were settled in. They could even bring their dogs, which made it the perfect place to go enjoy their weekends. Friendships were quickly made with other winery-goers which turned into group social outings, clubs and lots of live music enjoyed together with friends.

Bill and Leslie became easy friends with Dwight and Jean Crevelt, the owners of 7C’s Winery. The Crevelts had parallels to the Sawyers. They had also moved to Southwest Missouri to follow their business dreams and they started their businesses around the same time. Their pups even became best pals – the Sawyer’s Dachshund, Cara, and the Crevelt’s Labrador, Coco, had a Missouri winery love story of their own.

“I cannot remember a time coming to the winery without at least one dog,” Leslie joked. Eve and Jackson are their other dogs, but Kara visits the winery the most. She is let off her leash, greets everyone and acts like she owns the place. All kinds are comfortable at the beautiful, rural setting at 7C’s Winery.

In 2015, Bill was diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer and needed immediate expert care in Texas. After his recovery and return to Missouri, Leslie and Bill went to 7C’s Winery to celebrate. “It was the only place he wanted to go,” Leslie said.

Bill and Leslie became engaged and started of thinking of places to hold their ceremony and celebration. They both quickly suggested 7C’s as the place that best represented their relationship and love, and where they wanted to celebrate their union. Bill and Leslie reached out to the Crevelts to see if weddings were an option at the winery. Weddings weren’t previously held there but Dwight was quick to say "We would love that!”

On October 1, 2016, Bill and Leslie got married and held their reception at the winery. It was just as they had imagined. They started a trend of many beautiful and unique weddings that have been held since at 7C’s Winery.

“Each is very different and do it yourself,” Dwight said. “They are all very special and we’re glad they want to celebrate here. However, I will never forget Bill and Leslie’s special day.”

This Missouri wine country love story transcends romance. Friendship, support, hospitality, and memories allowed the Sawyers to grow new roots in the Ozarks. They made their own addition to the history of their local winery. Their foundation sets the stage for other Missouri wine love stories to come.

Tag us on social the next time you visit 7C’s Winery with #missouriwine or @missouriwine.