Earth day is every day at wineries in Missouri. Many of these businesses, both small and large, take time out of their day to reduce, reuse and recycle. Taking care of the Earth is top of mind when it comes to growing grapes and vine management, but it is also reflected in the small business aspect too. One of these wineries is Baltimore Bend Vineyard and Winery in Waverly.

Manager Sarah Schmidt says they want to minimize their footprint however they can. The staff at Baltimore Bend Vineyards takes the time with their glass to recycle it twice a month at their nearby towns of Marshall at Marshall Municipal Utilities and Higginsville at Lafayette County Enterprises, Inc. Not only do they recycle their tasting room bottles, but they welcome customers to bring their empty bottles back to the winery and they will happily recycle for them.

There are many packaging materials that ensure the safe arrival of products sold in their gift shop, as well as with other winery necessities such as corks, bottles, labels, signage and shipping boxes. Sarah and her team reuse these however they can. Boxes are often offered to those who need them for moving or storage. They even recycle plastic and aluminum too. Water bottles and cans on site are sorted and taken with other recyclable materials.

As the winery has continued to grow, the priority of reducing their waste has grown as well. A local distiller in Rayville approached the winery for their leftover skins and seeds after crushing. Jim Pierce started Of the Earth Distillery in 2010 and utilizes the leftover pomace to make fruit brandies. Other wineries add these leftovers as mulch in the vineyards or share it with livestock producers to utilize as feed. This adds a dynamic angle to their recycling, especially supporting another local business owner and his product.

Baltimore Bend Winery is housed in what used to be a cider mill. The town of Waverly is home to Peters’ Orchards, the largest apple producers in the state. The Peters previously utilized the entire space but now share it with Baltimore Bend, with hope of purchasing it in the future. These plans were delayed by the COVID pandemic, but lots of ideas are waiting to be explored with this possible expansion.

Although it can often be cliché, taking care of the Earth and its resources is very important to those who produce crops or live off the product of the land. Wineries across the state take pride in supporting this cause and their communities. If your local winery embraces sustainability, give them a shout out on social media by tagging them and us @missouriwine and #missouriwine.

A home away from home, this winery has continued its growth through the years. 

The beautiful blufftop property overlooking a subtle bend in the Missouri river is tucked right along Interstate-70 west of Columbia, Missouri. Les Bourgeois Vineyards is a familiar place to many locals in mid-Missouri while being a popular attraction to tourists near and far.

Curtis (Doc) and Martha Bourgeois purchased the Rocheport property in 1974 and officially opened as Les Bourgeois Winery in 1985. They settled into the area living in the small A-frame structure, now known as The A-Frame Winegarden, while building a home on the property. They planted vines on the rolling hills and eventually began making wine in the garage of their home.

The opening season in 1985 was a huge success as they sold out of their wines very quickly. Expansion easily approached as they built the Bistro in the 1990s with intention to host weddings, University gatherings, family reunions and more. After outgrowing the wine making facility in their garage, they purchased the Pete’s Café building which housed their production facilities and tasting room. This setup was cozy and worked for many years. In 2011, the winemaking facility and warehouse was built next to the tasting room. Four years later, the Tasting Room expanded and continues to house the tasting bar and retail space.

In 2019, Curtis Bourgeois, son of the founding Doc and Martha, retired after 32 years of ownership. He passed the baton to two leaders who played influential roles at the winery for many years prior. Jacob and Rachel Holman, with the partnership of an outside investor, took ownership of the winery and turned a new leaf while still upholding the culture that the Bourgeois family cultivated for more than 3 decades.

Since then, the new owners purchased two guesthouses and renovated the house built by the Bourgeois family in an effort to present a destination that feels like home. They continue to strive to build a place that feels welcoming, comfortable and altogether, a place for guests to create the most memorable experiences. Their ultimate goal is to perfect the small details that make up big moments.

The property is nestled alongside the Missouri River with easy access to the iconic Katy Trail. Visitors can experience this beautiful piece of the Midwest while enjoying the quality wines grown and produced on property. Wines can be enjoyed at each location on The Blufftop from The Tasting Room to The Bistro and The A-Frame Winegarden. Guesthouses have been perfectly tailored to feel like a piece of home where guests can stay and experience The Blufftop.

Given the continued growth of the Les Bourgeois Vineyards, the overall experience you can receive in Rocheport has outgrown the winery name. With the expansion into distilling, premium wines, lodging and more, it was time for an all-encompassing name to better describe the overall experience.

Recently introduced, The Blufftop at Rocheport(hyperlinked) will showcase all the property has to offer. Visitors now have a trailside vineyard retreat where they can wine, dine, shop, stay and play. Les Bourgeois Vineyards will be sticking around as the well-established brand of their winery and wines.

"We really are a big family here, and it's our hope that every guest who visits us will feel welcome and like this is a destination that feels like home for them," said Owner and CEO, Rachel Holman. "There is more than 35 years of history here on The Blufftop, and we look forward to continuing that legacy of growth and evolution with this brand expansion." 

Keep on the lookout for these exciting experiences with The Blufftop at Rocheport that you won’t want to miss.

We are all guilty of stocking up on those irresistible Girl Scout cookies, so it’s time to grab a box (or two) from your stash and pair them with a glass of Missouri wine. Use this handy pairing guide to make the perfect match with your favorite cookies and that once-a-year treat even more irresistible.

Let us know your go-to combination on social media @missouriwines or #MissouriWine

There is a great deal of unseen preparation that goes into a bottle of award-winning wine. The whole process starts on the vine. The year-round growing cycle is significant to the quality and quantity of the grapes that are harvested each fall, thus effecting the quality and quantity of wine produced from the given crop. Watch this brief overview of the lifecycle of a grapevine to learn a bit about the process of growing grapes.

Potato chips are a popular go-to snack, so why not pair them with your go-to Missouri wines? This guide will help you pair your favorite chips with award-winning wines. Remember to sip, bite, sip as you taste your way through this list.

 

Ruffles Original + Sweet Sparkling Wine

A classic crispy chip paired with a sparkling wine turns out to be a dynamic duo.

Kettle Sea Salt + Sweet Vignoles

This pair might come as a surprise, but it’s worth a try. Kettle cooked crunchy chips seasoned with sea salt pair nicely with this sweet Missouri favorite.

Ruffles Cheddar & Sour Cream + Chambourcin

This rich red wine finishes a bite of the popular cheddar and sour cream chips with ease.

Lays Stax Bacon & Cheddar + Chardonel

Think ‘loaded baked potato’ flavors and you’re well on your way to imagining the complex flavors that will unfold on your tongue with this pair.

Cheetos (Crunchy + Puffs) + Concord

Cheesy goodness from your choice of Cheetos compliment the jammy flavors of Concord with great satisfaction.

Lays Barbecue + Norton

This duo will instantly take your mind to a backyard BBQ with satisfaction guaranteed.

Fritos Honey BBQ Twists + Seyval Blanc or Dry Rosé or Dry Vignoles or Sweet Sparkling

We couldn’t decide on just one wine to pair because they were all too good! Try with one or all and tell us your top choice.

Sun Chips Garden Salsa + Vidal Blanc

This summertime chip should be enjoyed with a chilled glass of crisp and clean Vidal Blanc.

Doritos Nacho Cheese + Norton

These classic Doritos paired with a classic Norton are undeniably delectable.

Funyuns + Dry Rosé

This unique and fun choice of ‘chips’ will not disappoint with a glass of your favorite Dry Rosé.

Salt & Vinegar + Dry Vignoles

You either love them, or you don’t, but you’re sure to like salt and vinegar chips when enjoyed with a glass of Dry Vignoles.

Sour Cream & Onion + Vidal Blanc

The herbal flavors of this favorite chip are nicely complimented by the fresh and crisp taste of Vidal Blanc.

Doritos Spicy Sweet Chili + Catawba

This sweet and spicy duo will have your taste buds happy-dancing on your tongue.

Kettle Cooked Jalapeno + Traminette

This crunchy style Kettle Cooked spicy chip has a perfect match in the fresh and floral flavors of Traminette.

 

Let us know which pairings make it on your must-try list and tag us on social media @missouriwines or #missouriwines.

Are you stumped looking for ways to reuse and upcycle those empty wine bottles? Here is a simple 5 step process to turn one of your favorite bottles into an elegant vase hanger with an industrial touch. Watch the how-to video below or follow these instructions.

Materials

1 board (ours measured 15 x 5.5 inches)

3/8-inch x 4-inch carriage bolt

3/8-inch flat washer

3/8-inch hex nut

1-inch split ring hanger

Empty wine bottle

Picture hanging hardware

 

Tools

Tape measure

Pencil

Drill

3/8-inch drill bit

Pliers or 3/8-inch wrench

Phillips screwdriver

 

Instructions

1.Measure and mark the center of board and desired location of mounting the bottle on the board. Drill a hole through the board at this mark.

2.Place the bolt through the board so that the threaded end comes through the front. Add the washer to the bolt and begin threading the nut. Tighten the nut until firm.

3.Thread the split ring hanger onto the bolt until the butt of the bolt is flush with the inside of the ring.

4.Loosen the screw(s) on the split ring hanger and add the wine bottle. Tighten the screws until wine bottle is secure.

5.Add your desired picture hanging hardware on the back. Hang, style and enjoy!

Cold temperatures and busy schedules create the perfect storm for aches and stress. Unwind and relax in a hot bath with your favorite Missouri wines. Here are our suggestions on what to sip while you soak to maximize this self-care practice.

Epsom Salt & Sparkling

Whether it is a general Epsom salt or a scent you enjoy, such as lavender, it is the perfect starting place. Baths aren’t for everyone, but this one is great for many reasons. Epsom salts soothe aches and pains, relieving muscles and tension from winter or everyday life. Both your skin and mind will be softened by the magnesium and calming lavender scent. The addition of your favorite sparkling will make you feel like you’re at a spa day! Both a crisp brut or a floral demi sec will pair well with the notes of lavender. Now you’re set for a great night’s sleep!

Red wine bath & Chambourcin

Add a little of your red wine to your soak – we’re not kidding! Adding a glass to your bath can reduce inflammation and redness in your skin, helping slow the aging process. Can this be better than happy hour? Enjoy a Chambourcin to relax to your fullest!

Oatmeal bath & Fruit wine

Use a store-bought powdered oatmeal bath or take a scoop from your oats at home to create this soothing soak. Use a food processor to finely grind your oats or insert a cup of oatmeal into a pantyhose stocking and let your shower faucet drain over, reducing the mess. Dry, irritated, itchy skin is quickly soothed. This pro-tip is great for treating eczema, bug bites, poison ivy, sunburns and more. The delicious smell of warm oatmeal helps your mind retreat and pairs well with fruit wines. This makes bath time more exciting than breakfast time.

Baking soda & Traminette

Cheers to health! Reduce germs, fungus and reduce perspiration by adding anywhere from 1-2 cups of baking soda to your bath. Make sure it all dissolves before enjoying. Also known as a bicarb bath, this inexpensive and accessible soak also helps boost circulation and mitigate issues with eczema and psoriasis. Boost your immune system and your bath time by enjoying a chilled and refreshing glass of Traminette. The delightful floral and citrus notes will take you to a refreshing oasis.

Oils & Chardonel

Adding bath oil or essential oils to your soak will quickly take your bathing experience to the next level. Aromatherapy from scents like sandalwood, chamomile and eucalyptus allow you to calm and ease away from your work day. Pair this with a glass of crisp and clean Chardonel to upgrade your relaxation and allow you to savor your solo time. Other oils you can utilize are olive oil, coconut oil or grapeseed oil, which doesn’t clog your pores. Whichever you choose, this pairing will keep your skin and mind refreshed.

Rosemary & Vidal Blanc

This pairing is sure to boost your mood. Add a few sprigs to your bath to ease stress and increase circulation. Magnify your bathing return on investment with breathing exercises that improve lung health, focus and mental clarity.  Vidal Blanc’s crisp freshness parallels the sensations captured in this rosemary soak.

Rose water or rose petals & Catawba

Fresh flower petals add a beautiful aesthetic and smell to your bath. These gentle scents kindly complement the sweet, floral and woodsy notes experienced from a chilled glass of Catawba. Rose water and rose petals are antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. This sweet soak is heaven sent, just like your alone time.

Sage & Sangria

Here’s a pairing for the unique soul! The bright, cleansing aroma of sage will help declutter your mind. This mental opening allows you to enjoy the cool, refreshing spices and flavors of your favorite Sangria. Complex ingredients can be thoroughly enjoyed from the release of any heaviness or bad energy.

Milk and Honey & Concord

Rumor has it that Cleopatra bathed in milk to retain her youthful appearance. Lactic acid gently exfoliates your skin while soaking in this bath. Add honey to retain moisture and smoothness in your skin, as well as give it an anti-aging and antibacterial boost. This honeyed mixture can match the sweetness of Concord. Make this soak fit for a queen by enjoying a chilled glass of this fruity favorite!

Lemon (or citrus) & Seyval

Add slices of lemons, grapefruits, oranges or other citrus to highlight your chilled and crisp glass of Seyval Blanc. This stress-zapping favorite is an easy way to elevate your mood and energy levels. Make note of this perfect pairing parallel – the bath’s aromas expand and invigorate your senses, allowing the bright, crisp and citrus notes of Seyval Blanc to be fully enjoyed.

Tea bath & Tawny Port

Tone your skin by adding a few bags of tea to your hot bath. Perhaps an after-dinner soak is required? Skip dessert and substitute this dessert wine for a sweet pairing. While this bath lacks complexity, the intense flavor of this wine makes up in stride. Familiar dessert notes of caramel, chocolate, dried fruit or nuts can be the perfect night-cap to a long day. 

Vanilla bubble bath (or bath bomb) & Norton

A pairing of two classics is hard to resist. Classic Missouri Norton never disappoints and neither does a vanilla aroma. This familiar smell is soothing but doesn’t overwhelm the bold Norton, allowing relaxation to hit its prime. This big, bold dry red brings spice to every sip and is great for dissolving into your heated bathing haven.

Share the bath pairing experience that sounds like your favorite! Find more fun pairing info by following us on social media @missouriwine and #missouriwine.