Missouri Wine Month is here! The Show-Me State has a rich winemaking history that dates back to the 1800s. Missouri was the second largest wine producing state in the U.S. before Prohibition. Pretty cool, right?

What makes Missouri wine “just that good”? The unique terroir that varies across the state of Missouri that provides great conditions for grape growing. Missouri is home to 5 American Viticultural Areas (AVA) with Augusta being named the first ever in the US. Then there are passionate winemakers dedicated to crafting wines that show respect to each individual winery. From dry to sweet, red to white, there is a Missouri wine for every palate. Not to mention fun and exciting events. 

But don’t just take our word for it. Head out to one of Missouri’s beautiful wineries this month. Explore the rolling hills, friendly tasting rooms, and most importantly, delicious wine. Trust us, it’s just that good. You won’t be disappointed when visiting Missouri Wine Country. 

Since Missouri wineries are just that good, we want to reward the wineries along with each and every one of you. When you visit ten wineries and check in during the month of September you will be able to receive a puzzle. This challenge is part of our loyalty program, Rewards Uncorked! You must redeem points for this reward. 

We invite you to celebrate Missouri Wine month by visiting Missouri wine country and experiencing why it’s just that good! Remember to share your photos with us using #MoWine!

As the days become shorter and a crispness fills the air, there’s no denying that fall is coming! Here in Missouri Wine Country, the leaves will soon be turning and creating even more of a picturesque landscape. Cooler weather invites us to slow down and enjoy the simpler pleasures in life.

Take a look at some of our favorite DIY projects that we’re crafted and bookmark them for you to try this fall season. 

Light Up The Night!

Wine Lavel Serving Trays

Screw Cap Pumpkins

Screw Cap Stepping Stone

Special MOment Tags

Hook, Line and Sinker

Cork Board

Cork Ball

Grab crafting supplies, your favorite bottle of Missouri wine, your friends and family, and let’s make this fall season the most creative and memorable one yet!

Fall is just around the corner. With fall comes one of the most beautiful and eventful seasons to visit Missouri Wine Country! Check out our list of 60+ upcoming fall events and plan your trip to wine country today.

Adam Puchta Winery – Hermann

• 9/12: 170 Years of Puchta
• 10/3: Steak night & Fish Fry

Arcadian Moon – Higginsville

• 10/25: Monster Mash Bash

Augusta Winery – Augusta

• 9/13: Second Saturday Sips – Grapes and Grains
• 10/11: Second Saturday Sips – Grapes and Grains
• 11/15: Doe’s Days Out

Balducci Vineyards – Augusta

• 9/12: Pasta Friday

Belvoir Winery – Liberty

• 10/26: Sip and Shop Event
• 11/1 & 11/7: Paranormal Investigations of the Odd Fellows Compound

Canterbury Hill Winery and Restaurant – Holts Summit

• 9/12: Dueling Pianos
• 11/6: Murder Mystery

Cedar Lake Cellars – Wright City

• 8/30 and 8/31: Balloon Fest
• 9/5: Harvest Season Kickoff Party
• 9/13: Chrome & Corks Car Show
• 9/20: Pyromania 2025
• 10/10: Boots, Blue Jeans & Boogie
• 10/11: Fall Fest
• 10/17: Wine-O-Bingo

Charleville Vineyard Winery & Craft Brewery – Ste. Genevieve

• 9/5: Canvases N Corks

Chateau Ste. Genevieve – Ste. Genevieve

• 9/20: Autumn Sip & Shop
• 10/17: 1^st Anniversary Celebration

Christine’s Vineyard – Webb City

• 8/31: Paint & Sip
• 9/13: Downtown Webb City Sip & Shop
• 9/25: A Night at the Opera Gala
• 10/10: Witches Night Out

Defiance Ridge Vineyards – Defiance

• Every Sunday: Sunday Bubble Brunch

Fence Stile Vineyards, Winery & Distillery – Excelsior Springs

• 8/29, 8/30, 8/31, 9/1: Harvest Grape Stomp
• 9/20: Star Wine Tours

Independence Uncorked - Independence 

• 9/13: Winefest Independence Uncorked

Jowler Creek Vineyard & Winery – Platte City

• 8/31: Sounds of Summer & One Hit Wonders Music Bingo
• 9/5 and 9/7: Annual Grape Stomp
• 9/6: Grape Stomp and Dueling Pianos

Les Bourgeois Vineyards – Rocheport

• 9/29: The A-Frame Summer Music Series
• 9/19: Let’s Dance Party

Mallinson Vineyard and Hall – Sugar Creek

• 8/29: Smoke & Barrels - Infusions

Mathany Family Vineyards – Lake Ozark

• 9/3: Paint the Town
• 9/20: The Winery Comedy Tour
• 10/19: Halloween Cookie Class

McKelvey Vineyards – Leslie

• 9/12: Karaoke with Pirate Deb
• 9/19: Line Dancing
• 9/28: Military Appreciation Day
• 10/17: Line Dancing
• 10/25: Autumn Festival
• 11/15: Doe’s Day

Mount Pleasant Estates – Augusta

• 9/7: Sunday Brunch
• 10/7: Sunday Brunch
• 11/2: Sunday Brunch

Musket Cellars & Vineyards – Pleasant Hill

• 9/7: Paint and Sip
• 9/21: Petals & Pumpkins

Noboleis Vineyards – Augusta

• 9/6: Wine with Friends
• 9/12: Films in the Vines
• 10/10: Films in the Vines

Old Farm Winery – Catawissa

• 9/14: Craft and Vendor Fair
• 9/19: Paints & Pints

Peaceful Bend Vineyard – Steelville

• 10/25: Hands-On Herbal Tea Blending Class

Pennington Wines – Carthage

• 9/6: Read Between the Wines

Persimmon Ridge Vineyards Winery – Barnhart

• 9/27: Vineyard Vendor Market
• 10/18: Monster’s Ball 2025

Prairie Barn Winery & Christmas Tree Farm – St. James

• 8/30: Hot Summer Nights Car Cruise-In
• 8/31: Open Mic: Poetry, Comedy, Music
• 9/20: Books and Bingo
• 9/27: Autumn Car Cruise-In
• 10/25: Fall Nights Car Cruise-In
• 11/1: St. James Wine and Wings Festival
• 11/15: Autumn Wine Tasting Event

Primitive Olde Crow and Winery – Clinton

• 9/13: Fall Junkfest

Serenity Valley Winery – Fulton

• 9/4: Paint the Town

Shamrock Hills Vineyard and Winery – Excelsior Springs

• 9/20: Star Wine Tours
• 9/29: Dueling Pianos

Spencer Manor Winery – St. James

• 927 & 9/28: 2-Year Anniversary Celebration
• 11/15 & 11/16: Autumn Wine Tasting Event

St. James Winery – St. James

• 9/13: Crush Festival

Stone Hill Winery – Hermann

• Every Friday: Sunsets at Stone Hill
• 8/30: Harvest Festival
• 9/20: 60^th Anniversary Jubilee

Stonehaus Farms Vineyard & Winery – Lees Summit

• 8/28: Wine and Pizza
• 10/11: Oktoberfest

The Peculiar Winery – Peculiar

• 9/6: September Vendor Fair
• 9/14: Yoga
• 9/20: Chunky Blanket Class
• 9/21: Autumn Vibes Paint Party
• 9/27: Sip and Succulents
• 9/28: Scarecrow Wreath Class
• 10/4: Oktoberfest Celebration
• 10/11 & 10/12: Tractor and Engine Show
• 10/12: Pumpkin Patch and Highland Sass Paint Party
• 10/25: Halloween Hog-Roast

Timber Ridge Winery – Stover

• 9/20: Timber Ridge Market and More

Twin Oaks Vineyard & Winery – Farmington

• 9/28: Canvases N Corks

Viandel Vineyard – Mountain View

• 8/28: Air Clay Workshop
• 9/3: Painting Workshop

Villa Antonio Winery – Hillsboro

• 8/29: Rock, Pop and All That Jazz

Walnut Creek Winery – Holt

• Every Thursday: Texas Hold’em Poker Nights
• Every Sunday: Mimosa Brunch
• 8/28: Sip and Paint
• 9/5: Teacher Happy Hour
• 9/12: Hero Happy Hour
• 9/20: Star Wine Tours

Weston Wine Company – Weston

• Scavenger Hunts
• Trivia Nights

Pick out which events sound like fun, and plan your trip to Missouri Wine Country today!

Succulent chicken with mushrooms, basked in Vignoles and a splash of cream. That sounds like the perfect dish for your next dinner!

Servings: 6

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4-5 strips of bacon/pancetta, chopped
• 8 chicken pieces on the bone, legs
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 tbsp minced garlic
• 2 cups mushrooms, halved
• 2/3 of a bottle of dry Missouri Vignoles
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Handful flat leaf chopped parsley

Instructions 

• Cook bacon or pancetta in a tablespoon of olive oil. Skip oil if bacon is too fatty. Remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
• Salt and pepper the chicken pieces and brown them in bacon fat over medium-high heat. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate.
• Cook chopped onion over low heat for 5-7 minutes, add garlic when the onion is tender and translucent and cook for an additional minute. Add cooked onion and garlic to the same plate as chicken and bacon.
• Place mushrooms into the pan and brown them for 3-5 minutes over medium-high heat. Return chicken, onion, garlic and bacon to the pan, pour Vignoles over the dish, bring to a boil, then lower the heat to low and simmer for 40 minutes.
• Add cream and simmer for 10 minutes longer. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

This recipe is sure to be delicious and impress your guests. Share it and your own wine recipes with us using #mowine!

Wanting an escape from home? Look no further because Branson, Missouri has several wineries worth visiting. Not to mention the dining, shopping and experiences are short to none. If you’re dreaming of an ideal weekend of adventures, rest assured your itinerary is already set for you! 

Branson Wineries: 

• Bear Creek Wine Company 

• Lindwedel Winery 

• St. James Winery – Branson 

• Ozark Hills Winery

Wineries Nearby: 

• 7C’s Winery 

• Tyler Ridge Vineyard Winery

Dining: 

• Lambert’s Cafe

• Downing Street Pour House 

• Mr. Gilberti’s Place 

• Catina Lardeo 

• Arnie’s Barn 

• Salt Grass Steak House 

*Many wineries also offer dining experiences

Shopping: 

• Dick’s 5 & 10
• Branson Landing
• Tanger Outlets
• Battlefield Mall
• Relics Antique Mall 

Lodging: 

• Hotels
• Camping

Experiences: 

• Wonders of Wildlife 

• Bass Pro Shops 

• Fantastic Caverns 

• Silver Dollar City 

• Branson Helicopter Tours 

• Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail 

• Copperhead Mountain Coaster

• Sight & Sound Theaters

• Dolly Parton’s Stampede 

• Titanic Museum 

Annual Events: 

• Branson Landing Winter Wonderlanding
• Branson Music Fest

Transportation: 

• Branson Transportation

Get ready for an unforgettable experience in Branson, Mo! Our interactive trip planner transforms exploring Missouri’s Wine Country into a seamless adventure. Discover more destinations here. Share your wine country journeys with us using #mowine.

Grape harvest is here! Which means that new vintages of your favorite Missouri Wines are on their way. Have you ever wondered about the harvesting process? What goes into it? Hand harvest vs machine harvest? Keep reading to dive into the full process and learn more!

Grape harvest happens between August and October. The exact timing depends on the grape variety, desired wine style, and vineyard conditions. Factors like grape color, sugar levels, and acidity also influence when a winery decides it is time to harvest! 

Veraison happened not too long ago. To learn more about this stage of the vine, click here!

There are a few more factors that go into deciding when the grapes are ready to be picked:

• Sugar content: Grapes are typically harvested when they reach a specific sugar concentration, measured in brix.
• Acidity: Depending on the type or style of wine, grapes may be harvested earlier with a higher acidity.
• Weather: Cool, dry days are ideal for harvesting, as with most crops.
• Varietal: Different grape varietals will be ready for harvest at different times.

While we have mechanical harvesters available, some wineries still use hand harvesting. Keep reading to find out why!

Hand harvesting is preferred for quality control. It is also used when geography makes it dangerous or not possible to use a mechanical harvester. For example, those vineyards that are on steep hills or in a valley. Mechanical harvesting is definitely faster, but is not suitable for all grape varietals, or wineries. Hand harvest uses different tools like clippers, pruning shears, and grape razor forks.

After harvest they sort the grapes and underripe grapes are removed. The grapes are then stored in bins, ready to be pressed!

Now that you know the entire harvesting process, get excited, your favorite Missouri Wines are in the works!

The Missouri State Fair is back, and this year we’re taking your taste buds on a wild ride! Forget the same old fair food routines – we’re pairing new must try foods with Missouri wines for an experience you won’t believe. 

Boki Food Service

• Curly chip potatoes + Sparkling
• Philly cheesesteak sandwiches + Chardonel 

Freund Family Foods 

• Cajun Cheese Curds + Vignoles
• Garlic Cheese Curds + Chardonel
• Fried green tomatoes + Dry Vignoles

J’s Firehouse BBQ

• Texas Twinkies + Vignoles

Missouri Pork Producers

• Pulled pork mac & cheese + Chambourcin
• Sloppy pig sandwich + Concord

Quality Food International 

• Jambalaya + Traminette

Talagios Pizza 

• Margherita + Vidal Blanc
• Hawaiian + Concord
• Chicken Alfredo + Chardonel
• Pepperoni + Norton

Uncle Kristi’s Doughnuts

• S’mores + Chambourcin
• Maple bacon + Chardonel
• Fruity Pebbles + Catawba 

Yoder’s Fried Pies

• Apple + Vidal Blanc Icewine
• Cherry + Norton
• Peach + Seyval Blanc
• Blackberry + Sparkling

So, come to the Missouri State Fair and get ready to indulge in some seriously fun food and wine pairings. Trust us, it’s a flavor adventure you won’t want to miss! If you try out some new and exciting pairings be sure to tag us in them using #mowine. 

This year the People’s Choice Award went to Shamrock Hills Vineyard & Winery for their Sweet Backroads White. You voted for it, now take a peek behind the label and learn the story of how it came to be!

Mike and Denise Riley discovered and bought the property in 2019 because they felt it was a hidden gem on the backroads of Ray County.  With its beautiful, wooded areas, an old homestead hidden on the back of the property, creek beds and Missouri Rock bluffs, they had found the perfect spot.

Fast forward to the beginnings of the winery a few years back, they headed to Augusta for a Grape Growers Field Day, and they were seeing all of these beautiful wineries outside of Augusta off the beaten path.  

Denise then mentioned to Mike that whenever they visit wineries, whether it’s Italy, Oregon or Missouri, the hidden gems are always off the beaten path and the back roads. To honor those hidden gems, they came up with the wine, named Sweet Backroads White.  The picture is a sketch of the old barn hidden on the property that was built in the 1800’s.

When Mike created Shamrock Hills Vineyard & Winery, he knew it was off the beaten path but that makes it even more special.  Together they built something they want people to come out and enjoy.  Not only award-winning wines but the ambience of the property, and the fellowship of others.  Offering plenty of food and live music Spring through Fall on the weekends, micro brews in addition to our wines and of course slushies, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy!

Plan a trip to Excelsior Springs and visit Shamrock Hills Winery & Vineyard today!

August is all about Vignoles! As a versatile white grape and a Missouri favorite, Vignoles (veen-yole) shines.  This hybrid grape makes wines across the spectrum, from dry and sweet, to late harvest and dessert wines. It can also be the go-to for a fantastic white wine blend.

This medium-bodied, crisp and flavorful wine will give you a taste of tropical fruits like pineapple, peach and apricot along with citrus and floral notes. A glass of Vignoles is the perfect summertime pairing! 

Vignoles grapes are hardy enough to handle the Show Me State winters and are one of the earlier ripening grape varietals in the state. Vignoles crowd-pleasing capabilities and versatility make it an incredibly popular choice among the wine-buying public.

Adam Puchta Winery’s, 2024 Dry Vignoles won this year’s Governor’s Cup Award!

Food Pairing Suggestions: 

• Spicy cheeses
• Asian or Mexican dishes
• Buffalo wings
• Berries and tropical fruits
• Cheesecake 

Recipe Ideas: 

• Spicy Lemon Garlic Shrimp
• Peach Vignoles Granita
• Coconut Vignoles Fruit Dip
• Peachy Vignoles Sangria 

Whether you are celebrating Vignoles month by sipping a glass or trying a new recipe be sure to use #mowine in all of your adventures!

Veraison is the first sign of the grapes ripening. During this stage both the color and appearance of the grapes change. For red grape varietals, this is arguably the most beautiful and unique stage of their lifecycle on the vine. Take a deeper look into this stage of the process from vine to wine.

Veraison in grapes indicates the beginning of maturation, meaning harvest is coming soon! Not only does this stage get us closer to wine, but it actually shifts the entire focus of the grapevine. 

The grapevine will now focus on ripening the grapes rather than growing new leaves. You may also notice grape clusters with both purple and green grapes. This is a sure sign veraison is happening!

During veraison, the chlorophyll in the grape skins break down. This allows the other pigments to become visible. The grapes will also start to become softer, ripening and getting ready to be harvested. While this stage is unique and fun to look at, there is a lot more going on than meets the eye.

Sugar levels increase, acidity decreases, then flavors and aromas start to fully develop. All of which are key to getting the grape ready to harvest and make into the wine we all enjoy!

Keep an eye out for veraison while you are in Missouri Wine Country, and share your pictures with us using #mowine !