If your New Year’s resolution is to cut calories, you don’t need to ditch the wine!

According to Medical News Today, red wine may boost heart health, protect against certain cancers and prevent some types of vision loss. They also state that red wine can get rid of bacteria on the teeth, therefore preventing dental cavities.

As for the number of calories in wine, they vary. Below are approximate calories for your favorite wines.

White: 120-140

Red: 125-165

Rosé: 103-138

Sparkling: 87-100

Ice Wine: 385

Port: 150-160

Fruit Wine: 150-200

*Calories are based on a 5 oz serving

Calories in wine can be easily calculated by using “alcohol content x ounces x 1.6.” For example, a 5oz glass of wine with 11.4% alcohol content would have 91.2 calories. That’s less than a donut!

If your resolution is to become more familiar with Missouri wine (and we hope it is) here are some ideas to get you started!

Sign up to become an MVP: Make an easy resolution to visit Missouri wineries and earn rewards. Visit missouriwinemvp.com to sign up today!

Explore the Missouri wine trails: There are eleven different wine trails in Missouri wine country. Enjoy genuine hospitality at each winery on the trails. Plan ahead and spend a day or weekend sipping wine on each of the trails. Check out their websites for upcoming events and theme weekends.

Cook with Missouri wine: Have you ever tried cooking with Missouri wine? From sweet to dry, Missouri wines can enhance the flavor of any dish. Missouri’s fruit wines are incredibly food friendly when it comes to baking sweet treats. If you need some inspiration, click here to view our recipes.

Discover Missouri varietals: Have you tried all of the award-winning varietals? Wine tastings at wineries are a great way to experience the different types of wine Missouri has to offer. You may discover a new favorite wine! Click here to explore Missouri’s most popular varietals.

Take a Missouri winery tour: Discover how wine is made and get an up-close and personal tour of a Missouri winery. Some wineries even offer tours of their wine cellars.

Host your own wine tasting: Do you and your friends have an interest in wine? If so, get the group together and have some fun! A wine tasting is a great way to learn about wine and enjoy it with friends. 

We hope we’ve given you some inspiration for the new year. Cheers to tackling those New Year’s resolutions!

During the month of January, discover the red wine that stands out from the rest. Norton is a favorite among those who prefer a dry, red wine. Bold in nature, this Show-Me standout has an award-winning legacy that dates back more than a century ago.

Although the grape varietal was discovered in Virginia, it found a home and notoriety in Missouri. As early as the 1840s, Norton took root in Hermann, and it wasn’t long before Missouri’s signature red wine began garnering worldwide recognition. In 1873, a Norton vintage from a Hermann winery won gold at the World’s Fair in Vienna.

Today, Missouri winemakers carry on the legacy established by German settlers in Hermann. Their award-winning Norton wines are honored at the national and international level. Since 2011, the best Norton in the state has been awarded the C.V. Riley award at the annual Missouri Wine Competition. The award is named in honor of Charles Valentine Riley, the state’s first appointed entomologist who is credited with helping save the French wine industry. Riley discovered that American rootstock were naturally resistant to the Phylloxera, a pest that nearly decimated the vineyards in France.

C.V. Riley winners for best Norton

2011: Stone Hill Winery - 2009 Estate Bottle Norton
2012: Montelle Winery – 2009 Norton
2013: Stone Hill Winery - 2011 Cross J Vineyard Norton
2014: Stone Hill Winery - 2012 Cross J Vineyard Norton
2015: Chandler Hill Vineyards - 2013 Savage Norton
2016: Noboleis Vineyards - 2014 Norton
2017: Stone Hill Winery - 2015 Norton
2018: Augusta Winery - 2016 Norton Estate Bottled
2019: Stone Hill Winery - 2017 Estate Bottled Norton

Norton is a full-bodied dry, red wine with dark fruit and spicy oak flavors, complemented by aromas of dark berries and cherries. The All-American wine pairs excellently with beef, as well as a variety of other foods, including smoked cheeses, salmon and dark chocolate.

Norton is the most popular grape grown in Missouri. Hardy and incredibly disease resistant, the varietal thrives on 300 acres in the state, accounting for nearly 18 percent of the overall total. It was designated Missouri's official state grape in 2003.

During the month of January, discover the bold, red wine that has delighted critics for more than a century. Experience Norton, the Show-Me Standout.

The new year is here and there are many things to look forward to in Missouri wine country. On our calendar, you’ll find several months dedicated to the promotion of our Show-Me State’s  grape varietals as well as important dates in the wine industry. As you enjoy the upcoming seasons, keep these Missouri wine-centric holidays in mind and celebrate accordingly – with a glass of Missouri wine, of course! 

As you sip your favorite wines, do you ever stop and think about the grapes in your glass? You might be surprised to discover that some of Missouri’s wines are made from American heritage grapes, varietals that grew in North American soil long before European settlers set foot on the shore.

Winemaking has evolved since French Huguenot settlers produced the first wine from an indigenous grape near Jacksonville, Florida in the 14th century. Through trial and error, viticulturists discovered that some native grapes, including Norton, Catawba and Concord, were more suitable for making wine, while others were not.

Today, winemakers across the Show-Me State produce high quality wines from native and non-native grapes. However, one Missouri winery makes wines solely from American heritage grapes, some of which fell into obscurity in the early 20th century. Why would anyone put so much stock in the unknown?

The answer lies in the book, Foundations of American Grape Culture, by Thomas Volney Munson, a horticulturist who devoted most of his life to studying and breeding American heritage grapes. Munson’s book, published in 1909, has long been regarded as one of the founding texts of American grape breeding. In it, he identifies some 31 genus of grapes, beyond the genus Labrusca, the same lineage that includes Catawba and Concord. Jerry Eisterhold, owner of Vox Vineyards, stumbled upon a rare copy of the book at a used bookstore in 1978. The rare, tattered book inspired Eisterhold, a museum planner and designer, to explore how Munson’s work could impact the current state of the American wine industry. Twenty years later, he established a vineyard on the Missouri River Bluffs near Weston. In 2015, he shared his first wines under the label TerraVox, with a small group inside his tasting room at Green Dirt Farm Creamery.

Eisterhold believes American heritage grapes hold the key to the future of America’s wine culture. Since his search for these obscure varietals began in 1996, Eisterhold has acquired more than 80 of the vines that Munson and others had been developing for wine production. Nearly 80 percent of these grapes are from a small university near Munson’s original vineyard in Texas. The winemaking team at Vox Vineyards has made wine from all of them, discontinuing their efforts on 20 varietals, while currently focusing on 20 and keeping another 20 in a probationary state. Inside the winery’s tasting room, visitors can discover wines from several heritage grapes including lesser known varietals, Albania, Cloeta and Wetumka. The winery’s 2018 Wetumka took top honors at the 2019 Jefferson Cup Invitational Wine Competition.

Even the wine label’s name, Terravox, is inspired by T. V. Munson. TerraVox means “voice of the land.” Eisterhold believes that Munson’s work was a “conversation” between the grapes and the land. Now, he and his team continue that conversation, nurturing varietals that once-lost are now being discovered by a new generation of wine consumers.
 

If you love wine and ice cream, try mixing them together. We served this peach wine ice cream at an event and it was a crowd pleaser!

Add a new tradition to your holiday season. Treat yourself to a delicious cocktail featuring a dry red wine from your favorite Missouri winery. With just a few ingredients, this crowd-pleaser is super easy to make. And to top it all off? Whipped cream – the pièce de résistance in this new festive favorite.

Servings: 2 to 3

Ingredients
• ½ cup dry red Missouri wine
• ¾ cup mixed berries
• 1 tsp sugar
• Ice 
• Whipped cream
• Cocoa powder

Blend together the wine, mixed berries, sugar and a handful or two of ice. (Although we incorporated a medium-bodied dry red wine into the recipe, a full-bodied Norton is also an excellent choice.) Take a break from the blender and taste test your cocktail concoction. Add a little more of this or that from the recipe list until you’re happy with the results. Place the mixture into the freezer for a few minutes, then remove and pour the cocktail into a glass. Top with whipped cream and, for a festive touch, add a sprinkle of cocoa powder. Enjoy!
 

If you’re brainstorming ideas on how to decorate your place this holiday season, we have the perfect project for you. Turn your empty bottles of wine into a decorative centerpiece. Although there are a plethora of ideas online, we’ve included a select few that are fairly simple and don’t require a ton of art supplies to get you from start to finish.

Winter Wonderland Display

Source: carolaucourant.com/diy-wine-bottle-christmas-display

Craft supplies
• 2 to 3 wine bottles
• Epsom salt
• Spray adhesive
• White primer

Even if it’s not a winter wonderland outside, you can still create the perfect snow setting. This easy-to-do craft requires only a couple of craft items and wine bottles. An ornament and candle will add a nice touch to your beautiful display. Pro tip: consider featuring different sizes and styles of wine bottles for a more visually interesting look.

The Grinch Wine Bottle

Full tutorial @ leapoffaithcrafting.com/diy-grinch-wine-bottle-tutorial

Craft supplies
• Wine bottles
• Green paint –chalk or glass enamel
• Yellow enamel paint
• Foam brushes
• Santa hats
• Sharpie markers (black)

If you’re a fan of the Grinch, give this whimsical project a Whoville whirl. You’ll end up with a fun craft that will quickly become the talk of your holiday get-togethers.

Wine Bottle Lights

Craft supplies
• Small lights
• Empty wine bottles

One of the easiest DIY wine bottle projects only involves a wine bottle and sprig of lights. This project captures the magic of the holiday season in an elegant, understated way. Of coure, you can always up the "wow" factor by adding a little pizazz to your display.

Menorah

Source: ideas.evite.com/slide/beautiful-diy-menorahs/

Craft supplies
• 9 wine bottles
• 9 candles
• Spray paint

Celebrate Hannukah this year with your very own Menorah. Spray paint empty wine bottles and top them with candles. Whether you choose to go with a silver or gold motif, this craft will be a lovely centerpiece during the festival of lights.

Feeling more ambitious? Go online for additional projects that will test your creative skills. From Santa’s signature red suit to candlesticks and even a wine bottle Christmas tree, a little time and effort can help make your holidays merry and bright.
 

Another year has flown by and the holiday season is upon us. In-between the mad dash for shopping deals and feasting on delicious meals, treat yourself to a delightful time at one of your favorite wineries. The following wineries are just a few hosting seasonal events in the Show-Me State, arranged by order of date.

Les Bourgeois Vineyards
Holiday Cheer at the Bistro

December 6
Holiday Buffet
11 am to 3 pm, 5 to 8 pm

Tree Lighting
6 to 8 pm

December 7
Holiday Buffet
11 am to 3 pm, 5 to 8 pm
 
December 8
Brunch with Santa
10 am to 3 pm

Enjoy a weekend full of holiday cheer and festive fun for the entire family at the Bistro, December 6 through 8. A special tree lighting will take place on Friday evening featuring carolers, the new #LBVMagicTree and delicious, cold-dispelling beverages. The event is free and open to the public. Reserve your seats now for the delicious holiday buffet during lunch or dinner on Saturday. Or, head to the Bistro for their holiday buffet brunch on Sunday. Children can visit with Santa and see the giant gingerbread house be unveiled. Visit the winery’s website to make reservations.

Baltimore Bend Vineyard
Holiday Open House and Barrel Tasting
December 7
11 am to 6 pm

Sample wines perfect for the season during Baltimore Bend Vineyard’s Holiday Open House and Barrel Tasting. The winery will release its Port of Waverly and Norton Reserve on Saturday, December 7 from 11 am to 6 pm. Kris Kringle, a great addition to those holiday get-togethers, will be on sale. Enjoy tours of their production facility and tastings straight from the barrel. Click here for more event details.

Defiance Ridge Vineyards
Defiance Christmas Festival
December 7
11 am to 5 pm

Tis the season for the 10th annual Defiance Christmas Festival on Saturday, December 7 from 11 am to 5 pm. Special activities will take place throughout the beautiful town, including the Christmas Parade that begins at Defiance Ridge and ends in the downtown area. Join the winery for live music, S’Mores, hot chocolate and mulled wine. Visit the winery’s website for full event details.  

St. James Winery
Holiday Open House
Saturday December 7
11 am - 5 pm  

Shop local at the St. James Winery Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 7. Find unique gifts from local vendors, sip seasonal wine cocktails and savor desserts infused with the winery’s delicious wine. Discover more event details on the winery’s Facebook page.

Stone Hill Winery
Kristkindl Markt
December 7
10 am to 5 pm

December 8
10 am to 4 pm

Shop at a traditional German Christmas market in the winery’s heated Sherry House. Purchase crafts and Christmas goodies, while enjoying the lovely sounds of carolers. Hot soups and mulled wine will be available for purchase. There is no admission charge.

Hermann Wine Trail
Say Cheese Wine Trail
December 14 – 15

Sip wine and sample cheese pairings, from the classic to the creative, at wineries on the Hermann Wine Trail. Purchase your trail tickets online. The event coincides with the town’s popular Kristkindl Markt, an old-world holiday market.

Peaceful Bend Vineyard
Holiday Dinner & Concert
December 21

Romjul Brunch
December 28 – 29
10 am to 3 pm

Listen to the music of the Burney Sisters while you enjoy a delicious holiday dinner buffet at Peaceful Bend Vineyard on December 21. Then come back for the winery’s Romjul Brunch on December 28 and 29. Romjul is the term that Norwegians call the week between Christmas and New Year’s. It’s a great excuse to enjoy hearty food with friends and family. Visit the winery’s website for additional details.    

LaChance Vineyards
New Year's Eve Dinner
December 31
5 to 11:30 pm

Celebrate New Year's Eve at LaChance Vineyards. Reserve your spot today by calling 636-586-2777.

You’ve built up quite the wine collection but you’re not sure how to keep it fresh. We’ve got some tried-and-true wine storage tips for you!  

To chill or not to chill? Both red and white wine can be stored between 45- and 65-degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range allows the flavor to improve while keeping other harmful chemical reactions in check. It is important to keep wine at a constant temperature. Even the shortest exposure to extreme temperatures can cause chemical reactions that will ruin wine. What does that mean for storing wine in the refrigerator? While most fridges are typically too cold for wine storage, storing wine here may be fine for a couple of months. The average fridge eliminates humidity as it cools and can dry out a wine’s cork. When the cork dries out, air gets in and spoils the wine.

Lay it down or stand it up? – Keeping bottles on their side helps keep the cork moist and is a space-saving way to store your wines.

Near a window? It is important to keep wine from heating up. This can happen when it’s in direct sunlight or next to bright interior lights. Wine is best kept in a dark, cool place so be strategic when adding a wine display.

So where is the best place to store your wine, if you don’t have a cellar? A dry, fairly cool basement is ideal. Some suggest putting a cupboard under the stairs. If you do not have access to basement storage, your best bet is a wine rack that is located in a cool place.

If you’re planning to store an opened bottle of wine, remember to recork it promptly and tightly. You can place some wax paper around the cork and slide it back into its original position. The wax will ease the cork into the top and also ensure that no stray parts of the cork drop into the bottle. Rubber corks or a wine vacuum pump are good options if the original cork is not viable. Opened wine should also be stored upright. This reduces the surface area in the bottle that is exposed to oxygen and will help the wine stay fresh longer.

Whichever storage option you choose, we hope Missouri wines are in your collection!