Missouri wine country is always growing. Since September 2020, Missouri has gained seven new wineries. Each unique in their own right, all of these wineries bring diverse ingredients and products that solidify the quality and integrity of Missouri wine today. Learn about these new wineries:

Located in downtown Ste. Genevieve, Brix Urban Winery and Market, LLC specializes in original fruit wines and small batch meads (honey wines) that are made and bottled on site.

ElderBlossom View is a working elderberry farm that produces bottled juice and wine. They also offer beverages and cocktails that feature elderberry products.  

G. Husmann Wine Co. honors Missouri wine heritage and history with the namesake of George Husmann “the father of the Missouri grape industry.” G. Husmann blends wine from their Missouri vineyards with vinfera from their sister vineyards in California, where Husmann also worked to start the Napa wine industry. His home and nursery at Hermann Farm and Museum can be found just down the road from the tasting room on East First Street in Hermann.

Inspired by an evening with wine and friends in the light of a full moon, Luna Umbra Winery came to life. Their wines boast rich complexity from grapes grown on Missouri’s Midwestern soil. Luna Umbra Winery is located on the historic town square in Butler.

Located in the Stover backwoods, Timber Ridge Winery offers a relaxing outdoor space where you will often see wildlife such as deer or turkey. The large outside seating area with a shaded yard and fire pit is perfect to enjoy their wide range of wines.

Twains Vineyard is located in the remote, picturesque Ozark Mountains. Their delectable and flavorful wines pay homage to the area’s hills and valleys. An abundance of native fruits and berries are key to their traditional mountain wines.

WeeksEnd Winery’s wines each tell a unique story about the owners’ love for wine, love for each other and love for their family. Several wine bottles even feature artwork created by family members.

Fall is a perfect time to plan a trip to visit these new wineries. Tag #mowine in your travels on social media.

Missouri wine country not only offers fantastic wines, it also is home to creative artisans who repurpose wine industry materials into home goods and custom gifts. Check out these talented artisans and the products that they offer in Missouri wine country.

Paul Cassimatis – My Big Fat Greek Candle

My Big Fat Greek Candle started almost by accident. Paul Cassimatis’ wife came to him with a Pinterest project – candles made from used bottles. The Cassimatis family has always been a big fan of Missouri wineries, Paul and his wife’s first date was to Stone Hill Winery in 1998, and today, she owns a business in the heart of Missouri wine country — Hermann, Missouri.  So, the couple thought the beautiful blue bottles used for certain Missouri wines, such as Vignoles, would be perfect to try their hand at candle making.

But, when Paul stopped into Hermannhoff Winery to ask for a couple leftover blue bottles he left with a trial order instead. Today, Paul’s candle creations are found in several Missouri wineries from Hermann to Augusta, Missouri, as well as a couple select retail locations and his online Etsy storefront.

Paul stops by each of his client wineries to collect bottles from some of their favorite wines. In his workshop, Paul carefully cuts and hand polishes the edges of each bottle before filling it with high quality wax and wick to make the perfect candle. His candle creations’ colors and scents are selected by Paul and winery staff to appeal to each winery’s patrons. Often, the candles reflect the wine bottle which holds it. For example, bright citrus scents are often used for candles in crisp, white wines with citrus tasting notes, while deep, dry red wine bottles often hold candles with more earthy tones.

Besides being inspired by the beautiful colors, shapes and smells of Missouri wines, and their bottles and labels, Paul hopes to capture some of the Missouri wine memories in each candle.

“I love the wine country and the wine people,” Paul says. “Just the spirit and the whole culture there is this warm, family surrounding; Missouri wineries just feel like family.”

When Paul isn’t creating candles, you may find him playing acoustic sets at some of the same wineries for which he creates candles. Needless to say, Paul loves helping wine lovers of all ages make memories at Missouri wineries, and he knows his candles are the perfect gift for friends and family to help recall those wonderful times spent together sipping their favorite Missouri wines.

Scott Rombach – Basement Projects Woodworking

Scott Rombach’s love for woodworking started in an eighth-grade wood shop class, and his passion for Missouri wine blossomed from some gifted grape vines and visit to Wenwood Farm Winery. A couple years ago, Scott’s appreciation for woodworking and wine intersected when he started creating unique, one-of-a-kind pieces inspired by Missouri wines and the materials that make them.

While Scott works fulltime for UPS, he does enjoy using his talents for custom commissioned pieces or even for donated items for causes he supports through his woodworking shop he calls Basement Projects Woodworking.

Some of the creations Scott has made include: a wine map of Missouri that he and his wife, Tonya, pin the wineries they’ve visited, tea candle holder out of a wine staves, wine clock from the top of a barrel, wine table with the wine barrel as the base, wine holders and cork holders.

The Rombachs refer to Wenwood as their gateway winery. Scott still recalls their first visit, where they were greeted by the owner’s dogs — Corky and Shaggy. As avid dog lovers, the couple felt right at home. Tom Kalb provided the tasting that day at Wenwood, and he and Scott bonded over their previous and current UPS employment while Scott learned more about Missouri wines. Wenwood’s wine, winery, owners and staff, along with the experiences it provided made the Rombachs want to see what else was out there, so visiting Missouri wineries became the couple’s new pastime. When they enrolled in the Missouri Wine’s MVP program, the couple kicked it into high gear and started planning road-trips through Missouri wine country. Scott and Tonya enjoy Missouri wineries enough that they started documenting their experience on Rombach’s Missouri Winery Review Facebook page. “Visiting so many wineries gave me an idea to combine two things I love, woodworking and Missouri wine.”

Michele, Leslie and Lisa – Three Crafty Foodie Chicks

Three Crafty Foodie Chicks are best friends who love wine — especially Missouri wines, music and their families. When COVID-19 brought the world to a screeching halt, the friends found themselves with a lot more free time. Wine was always their beverage of choice, according to Michele Cohen, one of the Crafty Foodie Chicks trio. The women loved how enjoying wine was more than taking a sip it was an experience, so they found a way to preserve bottles they adored.

The friends started by creating wine servers before adding candles and flower vases to their offering. There was a lot to learn along the way, and there were a lot of nerves and broken glass before they perfected the process. Today, the trio offers unique serving pieces, flower vases, succulent planters and candles crafted from wine bottles in a way that preserves the beauty of the bottles’ labels. Three Crafty Foodie Chicks even offer custom products made from customers’ bottles holding special meaning.

“All of our pieces are cut and polished by us personally, and we take a lot of pride and take a lot of time to make sure that every piece is amazing,” Michele says.  “There is a unique and organic feel to each piece that we produce.”

The uniqueness of their products echoes the unique nature of each bottle of wine. The friends admire the many different flavor profiles, bottle shapes, colors and labels of each bottle of wine. They’re careful to preserve that when crafting their creations. Three Crafty Foodie Chicks think of sipping Missouri wines as an experience, and its one they like to share.

“We love the unique nature of the varietals that we have here in Missouri and the amazing wineries that produce them.  When we visit a winery, we love to hear the story, each wine has a story of how it was created and how it was named,” Michele says.

 You can follow the Three Crafty Foodie Chicks on their Facebook or Instagram. The trio often offers their creations at festivals and shows, as well as through social media. Their products are also available at the Blooming Daisy Marketplace in Cottleville, Mo.

Robert Tessaro’s childhood was filled with many fun memories on his family’s vineyard. He can still recall the feelings of pruning, picking and processing the Concord grapes that he and his large Italian family grew on their vineyard in St. James, Missouri.

St. James is a place many Italian immigrants found work producing Concord grapes for Welch’s grape juice and jelly.  Robert’s grandfather and great uncle took advantage of that opportunity, both choosing to farm grapes. The Tessaro family immigrated in the late 1890s, their log cabin (which still stands today) was built in 1902 and the vineyard was planted in 1921.

It was an unusual and remarkable year to plant a vineyard as it was in the early years of Prohibition. This vineyard turns 100 this year.

Robert remembers harvest fondly. His father was one of 10 children and the Tessaros had a lot of grapes to grow and harvest, often needing help outside of their direct family. Robert recalls how neighbors, friends and hired hands were needed during harvest. “There were grapes everywhere,” Robert joked. He recalls when loading the grapes, helpers could impressively toss crates across three rows of the vineyard safely. The grapes were then loaded on the Crisco Railway to the newly built Welch’s processing plant in Springdale, Arkansas.

The beautiful property featured the original two-story log cabin, which has a stone foundation, dirt floors and rough finished exterior. It used to boast a big porch that Robert would sit and spend time with his grandfather after long days of work. They utilized the two hand-dug stone wells for water to the house, garden and vineyards as needed.

Another house on the property also stands, owned by Phyllis Meagher. The Tessaros eventually sold the vineyard to the Cardetti family. However, the Tessaro family kept managing the property and continued to grow Concord grapes. Phyllis became interested in the Cardetti vineyard in the late 70s.

Phyllis, who lived in St. Louis at the time, found her soul growing tired of the corporate world. She decided to purchase the vineyard and property in 1980. In 1981, Phyllis decided she wanted to take a year to decide if working a vineyard full-time is something she wanted to do. She ended up opening Meramec Winery along the highway in St. James, as well as selling her Concord crop to Schnucks and other local grocers, which used her supply nationwide. She was also instrumental in starting the Missouri Grape Growers Association and testified before the legislature to support the tax establishing an advisory board for the Missouri wine industry.

Phyllis ended up selling the winery and vineyard several years ago, but still lives on the property and is active in keeping a few vines of her own. Chris Wright purchased the vineyard from Phyllis and notes she is the “hardest working person in this countryside.”

Years ago, Chris attended a wine event where Phyllis was pouring her wine, which was his first introduction to Missouri’s unique varietals. He became captivated by Missouri wine and knew he wanted to be involved somehow. Ironically, he ended up purchasing the vineyard from one of the people who taught him to love the wine he is now helping make. The vineyards today still produce the Concord varietal, but also include Niagara, Seyval, Stark Star, Vignoles and Norton. Chris notes that Norton is his favorite.

“It was so beautiful. That was what sold me on it,” Chris said. “I had to have it.” Chris cites the Japanese Wabi-Sabi philosophy when it comes to this vineyard: View or thought of finding beauty in every aspect of imperfection in nature. Chris retired from the Navy and he hopes to continue finding joy in his retirement by working these vines for years to come.

This vineyard has provided happiness for these owners. Chris looks forward to the future of these historic vines and what they will continue to produce. Phyllis still loves pruning and taking pride in her vines, reminiscent of the days she spent caring for what the Tessaro’s planted. Robert says he wouldn’t trade the world for the memories made with his family and friends on this vineyard. Most people find happiness through enjoying wine. In this case, happiness was given to those caretakers of this centennial farm for those who grew grapes and made it into what it is today.

 

Missouri wine country offers unique opportunities, delicious wines and endless beauty. We are calling all photographers, regardless of experience level, to help us capture the beauty of Missouri wine country in our inaugural Missouri Wine: Through the Glass photo contest.

Images submitted during the contest will be used in promotional settings throughout the year to showcase all that Missouri wine country has to offer. Share these details with any photographers in your life and grab your camera before heading out this fall.

The winner of the contest will be announced November 23 and will receive a Missouri Wine prize pack and 2 tickets to the Missouri Governor’s Cup presentation at the Governor’s Mansion in Jefferson City where the winning image will be displayed during the event. All entries are due November 5, 2021 at midnight. A panel of Missouri wine industry representatives will choose top entries which will then be shared on social media for public voting from November 15-19.

Carefully review all rules and complete the submission form upon entry. Enjoy Missouri wine country this fall and good luck!

Download Form Here

Rules:

1. To participate, complete an entry from with your name, address, phone number and email and upload form with photo entry to https://cellar.missouriwine.org/ in the drag and drop section.
2. You are required to provide a unique title and description for each image submitted.
3. You must be 21 years of age or older to enter. No purchase necessary.
4. Photography entry must be taken in Missouri wine country.
5. Limit one entry per person.
6. If photo features a person, the entrant and photo subject, releases rights to photo.
7. The photograph must not contain obscene, provocative, defamatory, sexually explicit, or otherwise objectionable or inappropriate content.
8. Photographs must be a single work of original material taken by the entrant. Entry will be disqualified if there is significant digital manipulation.
9. By entering the contest, the entrant represents, acknowledges and warrants that the submitted photograph is an original work created solely by the entrant, that the photograph does not infringe on the copyrights, trademarks, moral rights, rights of privacy/publicity or intellectual property rights of any person or entity, and that no other party has any right, title, claim or interest in the photograph.
10. When photographing the work of others, it must be as an object in its environment and not a full-frame close up of another person's art.
11. All submissions to the contest remain the property of the entrant; however, as a condition of entering the contest the entrant grants to the Missouri Wine and Grape Board and Missouri Department of Agriculture a perpetual, royalty-free, fully transferable, unconditional, non-exclusive, worldwide right to reproduce any submission an unlimited number of times in any and all media for any editorial, commercial, promotional, or trade purposes. Additional terms and conditions for submissions will be included in the submission process.

Looking for new ways to enjoy your favorite wines? We have just the solution! Check out these unique and fun recipes made with wine, all submitted by Missouri wineries.

This Moonlit Cider from Edg-Clif Farm & Vineyard is a fall treat! It serves 8-10 people and is perfect for your next bonfire or small gathering.

Adam Puchta Winery’s recipe for brownies is easy and very tasty! Replace water with Berry Black wine in the box recipe to add a fruitier flavor to your go-to dessert.

Another stress-free recipe is Hummingbird Vineyard and Winery’s Nectar Milkshake. Just blend ice cream with their Nectar Wine and enjoy!

The Hot Cicada Summer Cocktail is sure to cool you off! This unique beverage features Martin Brothers Winery’s Orange Blossom Mead Wine and was created by Randy Boyce of the Blue Duck Restaurant in Maplewood, Missouri.

Enjoy a MO-garita – a Missouri wine margarita to be exact. Featuring Noboleis’ Blanc Wine, this drink is sure to become a new favorite.

Simple and classic! Combine Serenity Valley’s Spring Blossom wine with your favorite caramel vodka for your Wine-tini.

These Raspberry Chipotle Ribs from Endless Summer Winery will have your mouth watering! Enjoy pairing them with their Raspberry Chipotle wine or another of their fruit wines.

Stone Hill Winery's award-winning White Chocolate Strawberry Cake will be your new favorite dessert. Try this elaborate cake which features their Vignoles wine.

Small Batch Winery’s Cherry “Elle” Wine Sauce will take the flavor of your favorite cut of beef to the next level.

Wine can be enjoyed so many ways! Whether it is in cooking, baking or just sipping in a glass, Missouri wine is a household staple. Share your recipes and results with us by tagging #mowine.

Cooler temperatures and colors of autumn are on the way and we are here to help you get prepared to explore Missouri wine country this fall. Wineries across the state have big things planned for you. There’s no better time get out and explore all the beauty during changing seasons, changing colors and the hustle of harvest time. Don’t forget to pack your camera to snap your best shots in the vineyard countryside and enter your best one in our photo contest.

Please note these events were collected from a survey. For a full list of events in Missouri Wine Country, please see our events calendar.

September 10-12

Volks in the Valley at Serenity Winery

VW Busses will roll in starting Friday, September 10th with DJ music for a Ladies Night Out. On Saturday, September 11th, enjoy evening music by Those Guys from 6-9 pm. Attendees will be able to enjoy live music and visit the VW owners all weekend long.

 

September 11

Hummingbird Vineyard and Winery

Enjoy wine, food and live music by Becky Denton in the Vineyard. 

Carrollton Wine and Beer Walkabout

Join in on the fun at the 5th Annual Wine and Beer Walkabout on the Carrollton Square. Live music will play from 4-10 pm with food and vendors all day.

Independence Uncorked – Independence, Missouri

People will gather from miles around to enjoy music, wine, food and fun for the all-day festival. See a full schedule here. Join us for Wine 101 tasting classes that will take place at the festival.

 

September 17

Adam Puchta Winery

A special release party will take place from 6-9 pm as they reveal their Mull It Over edition of mulled wine.

 

September 17-18

Augusta Harvest Festival

Enjoy a variety of activities for the whole family at this year’s Augusta Harvest Festival. Events will be held at Honey Bee Vineyard, Town Square, Augusta Katy Trail Head and Schultz Farm. See the full schedule here.

 

September 18-19

Les Bourgeois Vineyards

Join in on the fun at the annual Crush Festival. Find more details here. 

Missouri’s Great Northwest Winefest

Happening in Mound City on September 18th, local artisans, wine enthusiasts, food and more will flood Griffin Park. Award-winning Missouri Wines will be served at the festival. Grab your tickets before it’s too late!

 

September 21

Spend an entire day connecting with nature as you escape from the chaos of everyday things and refuel, refresh and restore yourself. Learn more about this event in Excelsior Springs.

 

Oktoberfest

Visit Hermann any weekend of October and you will find events spread throughout the town and countryside. Each year Hermann celebrates Oktoberfest and brings people together to enjoy the beautiful colors of autumn, wine, German cuisine and live music. See all upcoming events here.

 

October 2-3

33rd Annual Weston Applefest Celebration

Weston is home to three Missouri wineries and the town will be flooded with a family-friendly festival along Main Street the first weekend of October. Enjoy delicious fall foods and vendors with arts and crafts. Find kid-friendly entertainment like pony rides, pumpkin painting and other fall games.

 

October 3

Hemman Winery

Put your stomping abilities to the test in the Grape Stomp Contest in Brazeau, Missouri. 

 

October 9

Hummingbird Vineyard and Winery

Enjoy wine, food and live music by Travis Feutz and Stardust Cowboys. Learn more here.

 

October 24

Serenity Valley Winery

Run in the Beer vs Wine 5K to raise money for the Boys and Girls Club in Columbia, Missouri. Sign up online. 

Enjoy Missouri Wine Country this fall and share your captured moments with us on social media using the hashtag #mowine.

 

Who doesn’t love getting rewarded for doing things they enjoy? If you love visiting Missouri wine country, you’re in luck.

The Missouri Winery Visitors Program (MVP) is a free program that rewards members for exploring Missouri wine country and visiting participating wineries. By patronizing Missouri wineries, MVP members earn points that are redeemable for exclusive rewards and experiences. Thousands of members from across the country have logged over 121,000 visits to wine country and have earned exclusive rewards and experiences in exchange for their exploration of the state’s wineries.

Back by popular demand, MVP has been extended through 2022! For current members, this means more time to rack up points for redemption on exciting reward items and take advantage of the recent MVP point reset. For those who haven’t signed up for this incredible program yet, the program extension means you have a chance to join in on the excitement and adventure.

How do I earn and redeem points?

It’s as simple as stopping into a participating Missouri winery (there’s more than 100 that participate in MVP), receiving a ticket from the tasting room before your departure, and entering that ticket into the MVP website.  As your points accumulate, you can redeem them for accessories or experiences that fit your taste. To learn more about earning, entering and redeeming points, click here.

What rewards are available?

There’s something for everyone and every lifestyle in our rewards lineup, ranging from wearables to drinkware and wine accessories. Members can also redeem tickets for exclusive tasting experiences, accommodations and events at participating wineries. We are continuing to update and add to the MVP rewards offerings, so be sure to check our lineup often!

Not an MVP member yet?

Now is the perfect time to sign up and get rewarded for exploring Missouri wine country. Even if you only visit wineries a few times per year, your points won’t expire and can help you earn some pretty sweet rewards. Sign up for free today and get started!

Each September we celebrate Missouri Wine Month! Join us in commemorating the bicentennial of the state of Missouri, as well as Missouri wine country’s impressive past and future potential with our theme “Rich History, Promising Future.”

Here are some notable facts about wineries throughout the state:

• Lewsi Winery, located in Historic Downtown Sainte Genevieve (the first permanent settlement west of the Mississippi River) is now a National Park. They are one of the largest art communities in Missouri and feature art in their building built in 1893. They are often featured in local ghost tours and ghost pub crawls.
• In addition to an amazing pre and post-prohibition history, Stone Hill Winery has the largest series of underground arched cellars in North America. These hand-dug cellars were started in 1847 and are still a key part of wine production today. Stone Hill’s Cross J Vineyard was originally a winery owned by, potentially, the nation's first female vintner circa 1870.
• Missouri has two wineries that feature beautiful caves and caverns. Add Cave Hollow West in Hannibal and Cave Vineyard in Sainte Genevieve to your travel list.
• Keltoi Winery is an Irish-themed winery with murals, a 1-mile walking trail and a park with Celtic inspired features.
• Baltimore Bend Vineyard was the first winery in Lafayette County where grapes, peaches and apples all thrive. It was named aptly for the bend in the Missouri River where the Baltimore sank. The winery also sits near historical river towns including Lexington and Waverly, both with rich Civil War history.
• Vox Vineyards, located just north of Kansas City, grows American Hertiage Grape varieties by American viticulturalist T.V. Munson in the 1800s.
• Hemman Winery is a step back in time setting. The tasting room home is set in an 1850 country store. The Brazeau village is unique with several buildings from the early 1900s.
• Several Missouri wineries are allegedly frequented by paranormal guests. Read about the haunted wineries here.
• Belmont Vinyards in Leasburg is located on Historic Route 66.
• Jowler Creek Vineyard & Winery uses a herd of sheep to maintain the grass in their vineyards in efforts to be more sustainable.

Come see what these unique wineries offer firsthand! Share your findings with us on social with the hashtag #mowine.

Longing for an old-fashioned camping adventure? You can find it in Missouri wine country! The Show-Me State’s beauty and hospitality can be experienced in a unique way through camping or bringing an RV on your journey. We’ve got a list of 24 wineries that offer camping and/or RV accommodations.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, all information is based on survey responses and should be verified by calling the winery before arrival.

 

7C’s Winery encourages guests to pitch a tent or park their RV at the winery for the ultimate stay-and-play getaway. Campsites and RV hookup reservations can be made through Hipcamp.

Arcadian Moon Winery & Brewery welcomes guests to stay overnight in one of their two RV sites, both equipped with 50-amp service. Stay and enjoy the peaceful lakeside view, and enjoy fresh food and wine from the kitchen.

Baltimore Bend Vineyard has tent camping available across the road from the winery, at the Baltimore Bend Conservation area. Please note that this is primitive camping only.

Cave Hollow West Winery is situated between two caves explored by Mark Twain himself. Relive the adventure by pitching a tent or bringing the RV for a stay – just call the Mark Twain Cave Campgrounds at 573-231-1000.

Cave Vineyard offers camping for those who reserve a spot before their visit.

Keltoi Vineyard & Winery welcomes guests to sip and stay. The winery offers a 30-amp receptacle for only $10/day, and asks overnight guests to check in with staff for instructions on where to park.

Just a few minutes away by foot from Stone Hill Winery lies the beautiful Hermann City Campgrounds, where guests can take advantage of a swimming pool, tennis/pickle ball/basketball courts and full RV hookups. Visit the campground website for more information.

Twin Oaks Vineyard and Winery is home to scenic views and peaceful sipping spots beneath their namesake trees. Harvest Hosts members are welcome to reserve an RV spot to stay.

Wild Sun Winery and Brewery is located just 15 minutes from the Washington State Park in DeSoto. Guests can camp overnight and make the short trek to the winery for a day of great food and wine.

Many Missouri wineries have an option to camp thorugh Harvest Hosts, which is a service that accommodates camping reservations at the wineries listed below. Sign up for a membership to reserve your camping spot today! 

St. James Winery - St. James, MO
Meramec Vineyards - St. James, MO
Wenwood Farm Winery - Bland, MO
White Mule Winery - Owensville, MO
Canterbury Hill Winery - Holts Summit, MO
Seven Springs Winery & Vineyard - Linn Creek, MO
McKelvey Vineyards - Leslie, MO
ElderBLossom View - New Bloomfield, MO
Serenity Valley Winery - Fulton, MO
Curling Vine Winery - New Florence, MO
Leaky Roof Meadery - Buffalo, MO
Twin Oaks Vineyard - Farmington, MO
Chaumette Vineyards and Winery - Ste. Genevieve, MO
Durso Hills Winery and Bistro - Marquand, MO
Primitive Olde Crow - Clinton, MO 

Use our trip planning resources to find other attractions and nearby wineries to complete your itinerary, then pack up and head to wine country! Make sure to share your photos with us using #mowine.

Unplug and unwind over the extended weekend. There’s no doubt that you’ve been working hard, and a little rest and relaxation is the perfect remedy. Here are a few great tips for some self-care, which will leave you feeling refreshed and recharged. Don’t forget, a sip of Missouri wine always pairs well with relaxation.

Take a hot bath – Whether you are mentally or physically exhausted, taking a bath is a great self-care practice. Include Epsom salts to soothe the ache, a bath bomb for aromatherapy, tranquil music, a good book then add a glass of Missouri wine for the perfect recipe for relaxation.
Unplug to recharge – Mental health concerns increase with the use of digital technology and dependence on social media, according to a 2016 study published in the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction. In fact, having your phone close by 24/7 has been linked to various concerns – insomnia, distraction, burnout and deteriorating in-person social skills. That’s why one of the quickest ways to recharge is to unplug. Set screen time limits. Don’t sleep with your phone nearby and set boundaries when it comes to checking work emails and correspondence when you’re off the clock.
Sniff before you sip – Familiar and soothing smells are also a great way to relieve stress according to some researchers. Smells are strongly tied to memories, so a familiar smell can remind you of a fond memory. Sniffing your favorite wine as it swirls around your glass will bring its share of happy thoughts. So, take a sniff, then a sip of your favorite Missouri wine to “wine” down over this Labor Day.
Get your nutrients - Let’s take a sip to health! Wine is loaded with antioxidants and is proven to lower the chance of cardiovascular disease and heart attacks. You can also try cooking your favorite dishes or baking with wine as well. Eating comfort foods (especially paired with Missouri wine) is a great way to relax.
Meditate a myriad of ways – Did you know that there are several forms of mindfulness and meditation, and most of them don’t require you to hum, “Om?” You likely practice some form of meditation without even knowing it. Meditation quite literally means to contemplate and reflect, so you can meditate during your spiritual practices such as prayer, while you’re taking a stroll, while writing, coloring or crafting and even while you sip a glass of wine. Some wineries even offer yoga in the vineyard as a way to be one with the grape -- check our calendar on September 12 for details on Goat Yoga at Adam Puchta.
Just get it done (with wine) – Wellness comes in many forms. We always think of relaxing techniques when it comes to self-care, but it can come in other forms such as studying, paying bills, cleaning your house or organizing the project you have put off for months. Grab your favorite glass of wine and get your checklist completed.
Reconnect in wine country - Taking time to reconnect with your loved ones is another great way to press the reset button. We’ve done the thinking for you and your crew with these great trip planners.
Stay and Play - Consider an overnight in wine country as part of you relaxation plans. Refine your search using the amenities tool on our winery list to find the perfect accommodations.

No matter how you plan to relax and recharge we hope your plans include Missouri wine.