Have you ever wondered how those delicious grapes make their grand entrance each year? It all starts with something called “bud break.” Think of it as the vineyard’s version of hitting the snooze button a few times before finally waking up for the growing season. 

After a long winter, as the temperatures rise, the grapevines start to stir. Tiny buds, begin to swell and burst open, revealing the first tiny leaves. That is bud break. It is a crucial time for the vineyards. Everyone at the winery are on high alert during this time because those tender buds are extremely sensitive to frost. One unexpected cold snap can damage the grapes’ delicate growth, potentially affecting the entire harvest. 

Bud break usually happens when daily temperatures are around 50°F consistently. Of course, all grape varieties and vineyard locations play a factor into the timing of bud break. Once those tiny little leaves emerge, the vines are officially ready to start their process toward producing grapes that will eventually become your favorite wine! 

Next time you’re sipping on a glass, remember the incredible journey that starts with this delicate and exciting time in the vineyard. If you find yourself at a winery, stroll through the vineyard and experience bud break with your own eyes. 

Can you imagine life without those furry friends? They’re not just pets; they’re our best friends, therapists with fur and possibly the reason we can’t have nice things! There isn’t anything we would change about everything they bring to our lives. Many of our wineries have pets that guard their property and inspire them to make something in their honor. 

Fence Stile Vineyards, Winery & Distillery in Excelsior Springs has done just that! 

Becca was their first winery dog. Unfortunately, she passed away a few years ago at 15 years old but had lived such a happy life and was loved by so many! Their Becca’s Blend wine is made in her honor. It is their top-selling white wine, so her legacy continues to shine on. If you enjoy a white wine with hints of green apple, pear and ripe melon with a floral nose, a light body and a crisp short finish this wine is sure to become your new favorite! 

Fence Stile Vineyards, Winery & Distillery has a new winery dog named, Kai! They didn’t want her to feel left out so she also has a wine made and styled after her. KAIscape is their ‘lite’ wine, a lower alcohol wine vinified in the Vinho Verde style. It is made from the Vidal Blanc grape giving off notes of lemon, herbs, green apple and fresh pears! 

Visit Fence Stile Vineyards, Winery & Distillery soon to try out their winery dog inspired wines and be sure to give Kai some extras pets!

Let’s not forget the everyday moments that make our bonds with our pets so extraordinary. Give your pet an extra squeeze, a tasty treat, or let them have the comfy spot on the couch – they’ve earned it! 

Check our website for pet friendly wineries. 

It is Mom and Pop Business Day. Missouri wineries thrive because they embody heart, passion, and spirit. Missouri wineries truly are the center of their communities!

Missouri wineries are not only focused on creating excellent wines but contributing to their communities. They do this through hosting events, community gatherings, and giving back in many different ways. 

Some wineries focus on sustainability. A few practices they utilize are recycling bottles and boxes, re-using all fruit remnants, and more sustainable vineyard management practices. Other sustainable practices include using solar energy, going paperless, and lowering water consumption. These sustainable efforts help Missouri wineries be responsible stewards of their communities.

Other wineries focus on charities or community events. They support local causes or even larger charities, donating a portion of sales, having discounts and other actions that raise money for those things that are important to the community. Wineries are also hosting numerous events throughout the year for community members to enjoy and interact with each other!

Missouri wineries are the heart of the community. They take care of their land, provide a place to meet with neighbors and friends, and are always there to support.

Missouri wineries work hard to champion and take care of their local community. Give them some love back and shop local on Mom-and-Pop Business Day. Shopping local is how you invest back into your own community. Your local winery owners are your neighbors, community members and care about your community, just like you!

Forget the Easter egg hunts and bunny ears! Adults should get to enjoy the holidays too. Here is the perfect Easter basket strictly for adults! We’re talking a curated collection of goodies that speaks directly to them. Get ready to create and gift a basket that’ll have them feeling like a kid again. 

Easter Basket Supplies:

• Basket 
• Missouri Wine
• Corkcicle
• Glasses 
• Adult Coloring Book 
• Fun Pens 
• Wine Bottle Candle 
• Hand Towels 
• Plant 
• Home Decorations
• Candy

So, ditch the predictable and embrace the personalization. With creativity and some thoughtfulness, you created the best adult Easter basket packed with goodies. Watch their face light up and relive their younger years. Happy Easter basket crafting!