While St. James, Missouri, may seem like a small town, there is plenty to see and do, especially if you enjoy the great outdoors. From hiking and biking to camping and grilling, the local parks are a must-see. 

Take a look at our printable trip planner and be sure to stop by the five Missouri wineries in town.  

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – seasonal wine release! Many fan favorites have jumped back on the shelves and some are joined by new arrivals. Grab a bottle, or case, of these delicious seasonal wines before they run out.

Baltimore Bend Vineyard

Baltimore Bend Vineyard will be releasing Kris Kringle in November. This is a semi-sweet light red wine is made from Vignoles and Norton, with added cinnamon. Yum!

Edg-Clif Vineyard, Winery & Brewery

Hollyberry Red Chambourcin was created specifically for use in Edg-Clif’s mulled wine recipe. Each bottle comes with a gift tag which includes mulled wine recipe. This wine is a dark, rich, semi-sweet red with a fruity nose and luscious blackberry flavor. The mulled wine recipe calls for warming the wine in a crock pot with cinnamon, cloves, ginger, fresh orange slices, honey and brandy. The warm aromas from the crock pot will fill your house with holiday magic.

Les Bourgeois Winery & Vineyards

Winter White has arrived! This seasonal, sweet white blend presents aromas of vanilla blossom and candied pear on the nose transitioning into layers of fruit notes of jammy peach, kiwi, melon and grapefruit zest.

Martin Brothers Winery

Just in time for the holidays, Martin Brothers Winery will be releasing a dry Orange Blossom Mead wine made from 100% orange blossom honey. Stay tuned as it will be coming in December.

Meramec Vineyards Winery

Meramec Vineyards Winery is excited to announce a new wine - Romance Red. A sweet and seductive Concord wine, Romance Red is a perfect way to celebrate love this holiday season!

 

They have also re-branded their sweet red wine blend and sweet white wine. Route 66 Red will give your out-of-town guests a taste of Missouri while Celebration Cove is a celebratory wine perfect for ringing in the new year!

 

Montelle Winery

Get ready for a delicious cranberry wine. Montelle’s Cranberry is semi-sweet with aromas of freshly picked cranberries and old-fashioned homemade cranberry sauce. The taste is crisp and full of fresh ripe fruit. Pair it with turkey, cranberry sauce, or serve with desserts. Want to make a Winetail? Serve this as a spritzer with crushed ice, or as a twist on the hot-toddy using equal parts Cranberry wine and apple juice with fresh cut apples and cranberries.

St. Wenceslaus is a ruby red sweet wine full of spice and ready to enjoy right out of the bottle. Just warm and serve. For extra flair, you can add lemon slices, orange slices, cinnamon sticks and apple juice.

Sand Creek Vineyard

Sand Creek Vineyard has bottled a new vintage of their Plank Road Red. This wine was named after the Old Plank Road that was traveled from Iron Mountain to Ste. Genevieve. The remains of that road are just yards away from the winery’s property. While Plank Road Red has typically been a semi-sweet blend, it is now a sweet Norton-Chambourcin blend at the request of many patrons.

Stone Hill Winery

Seasonal Cranberry wine is back for the Holidays! Bursting with the aroma and flavor of ripe cranberries, this wine will go quick so grab some while it’s available. Stone Hill’s Cranberry wine is perfect served with your favorite foods, poured over ice, or even used in the kitchen as part of a special holiday treat. Whip up a Cranberry Sparkler by mixing equal parts Cranberry wine and Demi-Sec Sparkling wine or a Crantini using three ounces Cranberry wine, one ounce vodka and a lemon or lime twist for garnish.

Van Till Family Farm Winery

Van Till Family Farm Winery is pleased to offer two very special wines for the holiday and gift-giving season. The always popular Chai Spice Wine is on the shelf again. It has often been described as "Christmas in a bottle." It is a sweeter red wine blend that is perfectly seasoned and ready to drink all winter long. Warm it up or serve it chilled. 

Also returning is What a Pear, which is a pear dessert wine. It is in a port-style that is fermented only, non-fortified, to preserve a fruit forward character.

West Winery

Who’s ready for a late fall release of the award-winning Signature Red? This Chambourcin-Syrah blend is waiting for you at West Winery.

 

Whether you’re looking for a gift or treating yourself, take advantage of these special offers!

Winery	Specials
Augusta Winery	Pick up an Advent Pack – 12 bottles, 1 for every 2 days.   Kakao Truffle Pairing Pack $20.   November 27-29 – Wine Friday! Specials on cases, merchandise, winter rentals, private tastings and more.
Balducci Vineyards	20% off all wines every Sunday, starting November 22 through December 20.
Baltimore Bend Vineyard	Black Friday sale – 10% off all bottle purchases and 15% off cases.
Edg-Clif Vineyard, Winery & Brewery	12 Wines of Christmas – includes top 12 wines perfect to give as a gift. Available December 1 while supplies last.
Les Bourgeois Vineyards	Shipping special for online purchases of $50 or more (see website for more information.)   Discounted gift sets available in the apparel & gifts section of online store.   Custom holiday labels, available in-store and online - $5 each.   Weekly specials/deals throughout November. Posted on Social Media on Wednesdays. One being 12 Days of Christmas Case of Wine    Sunday Shopping - Gifts with purchase every Sunday in November, up to $65 worth!    December gift card bonus special. For every $75 purchased in gift cards, you will receive a bonus $10 gift card.
Meramec Vineyards Winery	10% off online wine purchases of $99 or more throughout the remainder of the year.
Noboleis Vineyards	Shipping special with the purchases of 3 or more bottles purchased from online story now through December 1. See website for more information.
Sand Creek Vineyard	Curbside Saturdays – place your order and pickup curbside.   25% off cases – mix and match.
Stone Hill Winery	10% off 6 bottles and 15% off cases – mix and match (includes a cloth 6-bottle carrying case).

 

 

In 2005, Bob and Lou Ann Nolan purchased 84 acres of land in Augusta and transformed it into the family-grown winery that patrons know and love today. Noboleis Vineyards is run by the Nolans, along with daughters Chris and Angie. The family gets to spend their days doing what they are passionate about – winemaking. 

Noboleis Vineyards opened their doors to welcome customers in 2010 and in the past 10 years they have not only expanded their portfolio of wines, but buildings as well. In 2017, a second building that housed warehouse space, offices, vineyard loft, bridal suite and barrel cellar was built. With the winery’s success and consistent customer demand, the family has planted additional vineyards of Norton and Vignoles grapes.

A standard line including a dozen wines was served when the winery first opened and the list grew significantly over the years. Noboleis Vineyards has since added a Reserve Line, Small Batch Series and expanded its dessert wine series. The winery’s 2014 vintage Norton was awarded the CV Riley in 2016, recognizing it as the best Norton in the state. The Reserve Line includes an Owner’s Reserve Cuvée that has received two gold medals with a 90-point ranking at both the 2020 Sunset International Wine Competition and the 2020 Sommelier Challenge International Wine Competition.

While the winery’s evolution and awards are noteworthy, so are the fond memories made by the family over the years. Each member of the family recalls many fond memories as Noboleis is truly family-owned and family grown.

When Bob & Lou Ann first purchased the property, the land was simply open fields and trees. Tricia Newbold, granddaughter to Bob & Lou Ann, can remember venturing out one weekend with her grandfather and best friend when she was about 13 to help him measure out the footprint of the current tasting room and winery. Now 28 years old and the marketing manager for the winery, Tricia is always in awe over the winery’s transformation from an 84-acre field to the vineyards and business it is today.

Angie Geis, daughter to Bob & Lou Ann and part-owner of Noboleis, remembers bringing her two oldest children out, three and six at the time, for hillside picnics during the early planting and building phases. Fast forward to today, her son, now 21, and daughter, 18, have both worked or interned in some capacity at the winery.

The Noboleis family, like many others, had to put anniversary celebrations on hold but they are hopeful that festivities can take place next year. Until then they want to give a very big thank you to all who have supported them throughout the last 10 years – this year especially. They have loved every minute of it and are looking forward to a bright future.

 

The leaves have changed colors and summer’s heat has been traded for crisp mornings and chilly evenings. Fall is a time to come together with loved ones and share – to share memories, to share laughs and to share the things you enjoy. This fall, Chambourcin is perfect for sharing.

November is Chambourcin Month in Missouri wine country. Of all grapes grown in Missouri, Chambourcin accounts for 11.5% with nearly 196 bearing acres throughout the state. This French-American hybrid is a medium-bodied wine that perfectly balances fruitiness and earthiness with soft tannins.

Chambourcin is a versatile grape perfect for producing a variety of wines. Wineries across the state produce Chambourcin wines that vary in dryness, and some winemakers have released Chambourcin rosé wines for Missouri wine fans to share and enjoy. Chambourcin is a perfect introductory red wine and is sure to please a wide range of palates. Share Chambourcin at your next gathering and delight in its crowd-pleasing abilities.

Chambourcin pairs perfectly with bonfires, barbecues and holidays. Try this red wine with pork, burgers, red sauced pasta and mushrooms. Looking to pair Chambourcin with something on the sweeter side? Strawberries, berry-based desserts and chocolate cake are sure to please. Be sure to try this approachable and delectable dry red wine while visiting Missouri wine country this month and pick up a bottle for Thanksgiving.

Want to learn more about Chambourcin? Join the Feast Virtual Vine wine tasting on November 12th and sip along as host Cat Neville leads an exclusive live tasting and discussion with winemakers. If you’re around the St. Louis area, be sure to snag your ticket and receive four bottles of award-winning wine, along with perfectly paired snacks and swag. For wine lovers across the state, you can tune in for free and learn along with participants.

Now is a perfect time to visit Missouri wine country as the Show-Me State displays its finest fall foliage. Plan your next visit using the latest edition of the Missouri Winery Guide and pick up a bottle of Chambourcin to share this fall.

Looking for some spooky sips in Missouri wine country? A handful of wineries across the state are allegedly frequented by paranormal patrons.  Read on to discover which Missouri wineries claim to be haunted – if you dare.

Belvoir Winery – Liberty

The Odd Fellows Home District comprises the modern-day Belvoir Winery. This area was established by a secret society known as the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, one of the largest fraternal and benevolent orders in the country. The original property included a hospital, a retirement home and school for individuals cared for by the Odd Fellows. The winery is located in the former administration building which housed classrooms for orphans. Although this building ceased to exist for its original purpose in the early 1950s, some visitors and staff believe a few of the original residents still walk the halls.

Witnesses allege hearing footsteps and witnessing doors open and close without any rational explanation. An apparition was believed to have appeared in the office of the winery. Staff believe that their ghostly guests are friendly with a slightly mischievous side, playing pranks like unplugging cords and flipping light switches. If you’re feeling brave or looking for a chance encounter with the paranormal, Belvoir Winery offers lodging in the allegedly haunted building. Paranormal investigators and ghost hunting TV shows flock to the winery for overnight investigations.

Belvoir hosts their own paranormal investigations and murder mystery dinners on-site for guests to join. If ghost-hunting, otherworldly thrills and solving mysteries excite you, visit the winery’s events page to learn how you can be part of these experiences. You may not experience a paranormal encounter during your visit, but you’re sure to run into George, the resident skeleton in the winery.

Hermannhof Winery – Hermann

Hermannhof Winery was built in 1852 in the French section of historic Hermann. Hermannhof’s ten stone cellars and brick superstructure are among the 100 Hermann buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Winery staff have witnessed unexplained movements and spooky noises, including doors that open and close on their own and chairs that move across the floor.

Serenity Valley Winery – Fulton

Regina and Lee Ruppert, owners of Serenity Valley, believe a friendly ghost keeps them company at their winery. While you won’t see objects move or lights flicker inexplicably, the wafting smell of tobacco is what gives this spirit’s presence away. The Rupperts are still trying to figure out who still calls their winery home, but they suspect it could be a Native American or early pioneer who walked the rolling hills of mid-Missouri centuries earlier.

Mount Pleasant Estates – Augusta

Mount Pleasant Estates is the oldest winery in the Augusta appellation. The Muench brothers, who came to the United States from Germany, established the winery in 1859 as a commercial wine business. Although both George and Frederick died long ago, winery staff believe that at least one of the brothers still resides in the historic cellars the brothers built in 1881. Flash photography taken in the cellars sometimes captures mysterious white orbs. Staff members believe these orbs belong to one of the Muench brothers who continues to keep an otherworldly eye on the winery.

 

Fall is the perfect time to visit Missouri wine country. For those who prefer less fright and more delight, Missouri wineries offer breathtaking views that accompany award-winning wines. Plan your next adventure in Missouri wine country and make sure you’re getting the most out of every visit with the Missouri Winery Visitors Program (MVP) – learn more about how you can get rewarded for exploring wine country here!

Pork and Missouri wine are a perfect pair. Juicy pork tenderloin cooks in an herb crust and mingles with a flavorful sauce made from dry Chambourcin wine. This easy and quick dish is sure to please any crowd. Check out this quick video to see just how easy it is to make this delicious dinner.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqyNuy33rlg&feature

Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Chambourcin Sauce Recipe

Time: 45 minutes  | Serves: 4

Ingredients:

3 tbsp. – Salted butter

1 tbsp. – fresh rosemary, chopped

2 tbsp. – marjoram, divided

1 tbsp. – steak seasoning

3 tbsp. – minced garlic

1 lb. boneless pork tenderloin

Olive oil

Balsamic vinegar

1 lb. baby bella mushrooms (sliced)

½ yellow onion (thinly sliced)

¾ cup Chambourcin

Garlic salt

Salt

Pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400^oF. In a small bowl, melt butter and add rosemary, 1 tbsp marjoram, steak seasoning and minced garlic. Stir together until evenly mixed and set aside.

In a large baking dish, brush the tenderloin with the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Brush the butter and seasoning mixture onto the pork tenderloin until completely covered.

Add the mushrooms and onions to the baking dish, filling in the open space on either side of the tenderloin. Season the mushrooms and onions with 1 tbsp marjoram, garlic salt, salt and pepper. Pour red wine into the baking dish, covering the mushrooms and onions.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature of the tenderloin reaches 145 degrees.

Slice tenderloin and serve medallions topped with the Chambourcin mushroom sauce.

Want to save this recipe for later or share with a friend? Print the recipe card below!

In 1970, Jim and Pat Hofherr reinvigorated the local Italian wine heritage by opening St. James Winery, a place where wine could be enjoyed with friends and family. The winery sits right along Interstate 44 in the Meramec Highlands. If you’ve driven along this stretch you may have seen the original St. James Winery sign, chosen by Jim and Pat and still greeting visitors 50 years later.

The Meramec Highlands provide unique grape-growing conditions. The region’s distinctive weather patterns, along with the unique soil in the vineyards, are exactly what St. James Winery needed to make award-winning wines that fans know and love. Jim Hofherr used these conditions to make 8,000 gallons of wine in his very first year – that’s about 3,000 cases.

On opening day in November of 1970, St. James Winery made over $100 and Jim knew he and his family could make a living doing what they loved. Over the years Pat and Jim continued to grow the winery and worked with other families to pave the way for future growth of the Missouri wine industry. The Hofherr family values were centered around leaving the world better than they found it and improving the wine industry.

Today, Jim and Pat’s son, Dr. Peter Hofherr, runs the winery. He is the Chief Executive Officer of St. James Winery, as well as Chairman of the Missouri Wine and Grape Board. He sits on several national boards and, like his father, works hard to consistently improve the industry. Agriculture is near and dear to him, as he was once the director for the Missouri Department of Agriculture.  

It’s no surprise that the Hofherrs’ dedication to family values and commitment to the industry have led to the tremendous growth of St. James Winery over the last 50 years. What was once a team of two is now a staff of 130, some of whom have relocated from abroad and brought international perspective to the Missouri winery. Being a part of the wine industry has attracted global talent and enabled them to become US citizens over the years. Andrew Meggitt, executive winemaker at St. James, is from New Zealand and now calls St. James his home.

Other changes include adding additional warehousing, vineyards, a Branson location, restaurant, a family-friendly outdoor space and more. St. James Winery partnered with Public House Brewing Company and built a facility next door in 2014. It is a place for patrons to enjoy freshly brewed craft beer, a vision of Jim’s that Peter brought to life, as well as a farm-to-table menu, live music and other events. Just two years later The Gardens, a pet and family-friendly outdoor space between the winery and restaurant, opened for its first full season. 

 

St. James Winery now produces 250,000 cases of wine per year and is sold in 18 states across the U.S. It is the third most-distributed winery east of the Rockies. Customers can choose between 45 different wine varieties, including the recently released Sparkling Fruit Wine in a can. Peter is especially proud of Velvet Red, one of the original wines offered at St. James, because it was his father’s first product. It was made as a tribute to the local Italian community who made very similar wines. Peter added that Velvet Red continues to be the top selling sweet red wine in the state year after year. Today, St. James Winery produces the most gallons of wine in the state and is one of the most-awarded wineries in Missouri.

Running a winery takes a lot of hard work, but for Peter it’s worth it as the winery is part of his family. Looking back, he remembers being deeply involved in the family business at a young age, so much so that he chose a college with a late-September start date each year that would allow him to work alongside his father during harvest. For Peter, winemaking is a natural process, based on nature, that lends itself to the cycle of life. Sharing the experience from start to finish creates such a strong bond with family. Next year that bond will continue to grow as Peter’s daughter returns to the winery.

In addition to many family traditions, St. James Winery hosts a variety of annual community events as well. Every spring, the winery celebrates Earth Day and its commitment to sustainability. The winery also has an annual harvest festival and a grape stomp. The grape stomp tradition was started in the early ‘70s by Pat as a way to bring the community together.

Aside from celebrating 50 years, there are additional milestones and accomplishments Peter is proud of. In the mid 1990s, St. James Winery was named by Bon Appetit as having produced one of the top 50 wines in the world – that wine being Seyval Blanc. More recently in 2014, St. James was recognized as the 14^th most awarded winery in the world. Receiving four Governor’s Cup awards and five International Wine Competition wins for best red or white wine are further points of pride for the winery family.

While the St. James Winery family and friends wanted to celebrate the momentous 50^th anniversary, the current pandemic has delayed events to November of next year. Peter and his mother Pat are excited to commemorate the 50-year mark and are patiently awaiting the chance to share the winery’s history, introduce a special anniversary wine and so much more. Stay tuned for details to come next fall. For now, we can all celebrate the 50^th anniversary by sipping a delicious glass of award-winning St. James wine, knowing that the future is bright for this family-owned winery.

 

Tucked away in the bluffs on the Osage Ridge just outside of Augusta, Montelle Winery offers breathtaking views and unique experiences for its customers. Over the last 50 years, Montelle may have changed ownership, names and locations, but the dedication to excellent service has remained unwavering.

The original stone house on Osage Ridge.

The original Montelle Winery was opened by Clayton and Nissel Byers in 1970 under the name Montelle Vineyards. A small A-frame tasting room sat perched on the bluff overlooking Augusta, while the main wine production facility could be found on the Augusta bottom road. The couple took on partners, Bob and Judy Slifer, and ran the winery together until 1984. After Clayton’s passing, the Slifers and partner Forrest Peak ran the winery as Osage Ridge Winery until 1998.

Tony and Cindy Kooyumjian (pronounced Coo-yum-gin), who were currently operating Augusta Winery in downtown Augusta, purchased Montelle Winery in 1998. Tony remembers his first time visiting the Montelle property for a wine trail meeting, and reveling in the spectacular views of the farmland and valley below the blufftop. He was on a small deck attached to a house on the property, and saw enormous potential with the hidden gem on the bluff. The Slifers later approached the Kooyumjians about buying the winery, and requested that the couple continue to produce quality wine using grapes from the appellation.

Montelle Winery Owners Tony and Cindy Kooyumjian (2009).

Since they became owners 22 years ago, the Kooyumjians have expanded the winery for continued growth. What was once a roughly 500 square-foot tasting room and small patio area has now been transformed into an expansive tasting area, kitchen and multilevel outdoor deck. An event center now welcomes up to 150 guests for celebrations or private events. In terms of infrastructure, additional storage space was added and a warehouse was built on the property. This property is kept running smoothly by the Kooyumjians and their staff, which includes a team of full-time members and anywhere from 45 to 60 part-time employees.

The team at Montelle Winery works to offer every guest an outstanding experience during their visit to the winery. Tony reminds the Montelle team that they are in the hospitality business, where customers are treated with respect and educated about Missouri wines and the surrounding Viticultural area. After traveling to many wineries throughout the country, the Kooyumjians were surprised to find that many tasting room employees struggled to provide information about wine; this discovery caused the owners to focus efforts on employee education and training. Montelle Winery goes above and beyond to help their employees offer next-level service and provide guests with an educational experience. The Montelle team gathers for an annual sales meeting that offers employees an opportunity to learn more about Montelle’s wine offerings and develop a posture of hospitality and service. Throughout the year, team-building events allow employees to connect, increase their wine knowledge and celebrate successful seasons on the production side of the business.

Montelle Distillery spirits.

Under previous ownership, 53 wines were produced at one time. The Kooyumjians decreased that offering to a more manageable 27 wines. From ice wines to reserve wines, sweet to dry, there’s a wine that will please nearly every visitor. In addition to a modified wine offering, the Kooyumjians opened a distillery on the property in 2000 to begin offering fruit brandy and grappa (a grape-based vodka). This microdistillery was the first in Missouri, and Montelle Winery was the first Missouri winery to also have a distillery on-site. Besides adjusting the wine offerings and adding spirits to the lineup at Montelle Winery, the Kooyumjians have been proud to open and operate the Klondike Café, which offers a full menu of appetizers and entrées that are selected to complement the wines offered in the tasting room. The idea of a restaurant occurred to Tony after seeing customers visit the winery with fast food or convenience-type foods that didn’t pair well with Montelle’s wine selection. The Kooyumjians wanted to offer healthy, fresh and well-paired food options and opened the restaurant in 2000. The menu offerings grew from meats and cheeses to fresh salads, pizzas, wraps and fresh-baked bread.

Enjoy a bottle of wine and fresh-baked pizza from the Klondike Café.

Some of Tony’s favorite events and traditions include annual holiday and Appellation Day celebrations at the winery. In honor of Montelle Winery’s 50th anniversary, a special Napoleon brandy release and other events can be expected. The winery is also collecting visitor stories and photos to be shared in commemoration of Montelle’s golden anniversary.

Expanded, paved outdoor seating allows for a scenic view of the valley below.

Producing exemplary wines and providing visitors with a great experience has always been at the heart of Montelle Winery’s mission. Tony is proud of how Montelle has grown to offer breathtaking views, live music, award-winning wines and carefully-selected food pairings. For the Kooyumjians, seeing visitors return year after year and share their memories is one of the most rewarding parts of operating Montelle Winery. Visit the hidden gem on the blufftop, enjoy a meal from the Klondike Café with your favorite wine and toast to another 50 years of success and service at Montelle Winery.

 

Looking for a unique way to display corks from your Missouri wine country adventures? Warm up your hot glue gun, find some festive foliage, and pick out your favorite corks. A wreath is an easy way to spruce up any door or wall, and a wine-themed wreath makes a perfect addition to any wine lover’s abode. For under $30, you can make this wreath in five easy steps!

Supplies needed:

Hot glue gun and glue

Wire wreath frame

Burlap ribbon

Wine corks

Seasonal foliage

 

Step 1: Wrap the burlap ribbon (a standard spool should be plenty) around the wire wreath frame, ensuring that no bare metal is exposed (see photos). Secure the ends of the ribbon with hot glue and let dry. We used a 12” wreath frame, but feel free to select a larger wire frame if you’d like a larger wreath.

    

Step 2: Hint - It may be helpful to pre-arrange your corks on the wreath frame before gluing them. Using the inner track of the wreath frame as a guide, glue wine corks to the burlap ribbon (see photos). Leave the width of approximately 1-2 wine corks empty at the top of the wreath. We used 50 intact corks for this wreath, but you may need more corks if you select a larger wreath frame.

    

Step 3: After the first ring of wine corks have been glued and dried, begin gluing a second ring of wine corks to the outer edge of the burlap ribbon (see photo). Between each cork, glue a decorative item of your choice (we used berries) to the burlap ribbon. Similar to Step 2, leave space at the top of the wreath. Let the glued corks dry, then add other decorative pieces to the wreath. We used flowers, leaves and berries from fall stems found at a local craft store – we also suggest using decorative filler (found at local craft stores), buttons, or artificial grape leaves. The possibilities are endless!

    

Step 4: Use your remaining burlap ribbon, or any ribbon on hand, to make a loop for hanging your wreath. Tie this ribbon in the open space at the top of your wreath, and cover the exposed ribbon with your seasonal decorations. We wrapped sunflower stems around the wreath frame, but other decorative options could include artificial leaves or a festive bow.

Step 5: Display your new wreath!

Missouri wine country encompasses breathtaking views and award-winning wines. While multitudes of visitors patronize the state’s 125+ wineries, there are some Missouri wine fans who take their loyalty and exploration to the next level. The Missouri Winery Visitors Program (MVP) rewards Missouri wine lovers for their exploration of Missouri’s wine country. Members of MVP have access to exclusive experiences, reward items and perks. Besides the tangible benefits of MVP membership, participants form friendships, make unforgettable memories and discover all that Missouri wine country has to offer. Learn more about the MVP experience from three enthusiastic participants.

Scott Rombach and his wife, Tonya, have been members of MVP since 2016. The couple started their Missouri wine journey after being gifted Chambourcin and Cayuga vines for their backyard vineyard. Scott connected with the staff at Wenwood Farm Winery and considers it to be the “gateway winery” into his Missouri wine adventures.

After visiting a few Missouri wineries sporadically, Scott heard about the MVP program and learned about the 100+ wineries scattered throughout the state. Scott and Tonya began planning road trips across Missouri to taste award-winning wines and collect points at MVP participating wineries. The couple planned vacations around visiting new wineries, and Scott recounts some of his favorite parts of the exploration aspect of MVP, including the numerous photo opportunities and the ability to talk one-on-one with winemakers and winery owners.

“… meeting people and making friends from all over Missouri and the United States, winning awards, and learning new ways to taste and enjoy wine” are just a few of the benefits of being an MVP member, Scott says.

Conrad Bowers and his wife, Linda, have been members of MVP since 2017. The couple made it their mission to visit every Missouri winery and ended up writing a book that detailed their experiences. Along the way, Conrad was introduced to MVP and became a member. During Conrad’s travels across Missouri wine country, he and his wife were able to visit new areas of the state and learn more about the art of winemaking in Missouri. Conrad notes that one of his favorite parts of being an MVP member is getting to visit with winery owners and build his Missouri wine knowledge.

“I would encourage people to join [MVP] because of the communications, the monthly newsletter is so informative and the staff is responsive any time I have a question,” Conrad says, “It’s a tremendous resource for anyone who enjoys Missouri wines and enjoys visiting Missouri wineries.”

Melissa Hill has been a member of MVP since 2016 and advocates for the program everywhere she ventures in Missouri wine country. Melissa began her Missouri wine adventure after returning from living out-of-state for a decade and realizing the breadth of Missouri’s wine industry. She joined a wine club in the Augusta region and first learned about MVP. The ability to earn points for visiting new wineries and frequenting familiar favorites intrigued Melissa, and she appreciates the regular communications from the program outlining upcoming events and featured participating wineries. Melissa states that being a member of MVP has enhanced her wine experience and helped her to travel to new parts of Missouri wine country. She has also taken the initiative to facilitate a wine tasting group in the Rolla area and often brings friends and group members to participating wineries for tastings.

Some of Melissa’s favorite memories as an MVP member have been attending exclusive, members-only experiences like the MVP Extravaganza, and connecting with fellow Missouri wine lovers at wineries across the state. The friendships developed throughout her wine country travels, the hospitality imparted by MVP participating wineries, and personalized service from tasting room staff make Melissa feel valued and as if she’s part of a larger wine community. She is enthusiastic to promote the program to any and all who will listen, and encourages winery patrons to take advantage of MVP benefits.

“I just think everyone should be making the most of their time at Missouri wineries by being an MVP member,” Melissa says. “Where else can you earn rewards for just visiting a winery, and you get the chance to attend special events where you’re able to talk to winemakers and other wine lovers.”

The MVP experience is one filled with exploration, friendship, and making lifelong memories. Scott, Conrad, and Melissa all agree that being a member of MVP has expanded their Missouri wine horizons and opened doors to once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Want to learn more about MVP or sign up? Visit www.missouriwinemvp.com today.