As the sun sets later and you spend more time outside, try making these DIY citronella wine bottle candles. They are a great way to keep away those annoying mosquitoes. These candles are not only stunning, but they’re also functional!

Supplies:

• Empty wine bottle 

• Replacement wicks 

• Citronella torch fuel 

• Marbles/Rocks

• Funnel 

• Box Cutter

Instructions:

1. Fill approximately ¼ full. 

2. Cut your replacement wicks to size, ensuring they’re long enough to reach the fuel, and come out of the bottle. 

3. Continue to add a few more rocks until the bottom of the wick is covered. This will help to dissipate the heat evenly and prevent the flame from becoming too high. 

4. Using a funnel, fill ¾ of the bottle with citronella torch fuel.  

5. Cut a hole into the top of the lid and weave the wicks through the hole. 

6. Light your DIY wine bottle citronella candles and keep bugs away!

Enjoy the nice weather and make these fun DIY citronella wine bottle candles! They are the perfect way to reuse those empty wine bottles while serving a practical solution for enjoying a bug-free evening outdoors! 

International Read to Me Day is a day to expand your knowledge and understanding of all things wine! We have put together a selection of must-read books that will deepen your understanding and appreciation of wine. So, pour yourself a glass of your favorite Missouri wine and explore the collection!

Become an Expert

Becoming a wine expert is a journey filled with delightful discoveries and a touch of whimsy. Here are two books that will guide you along the way:

• “The Essential Scratch & Sniff Guide to Becoming A Wine Expert: Take a Whiff of That”

By: Richard Betts

Get the Book! 

This playful and interactive guide takes a unique approach to understanding wine. Through scratch-and-sniff pages, it shares wine aromas and flavors, making it a fun and educational experience for everyone.

• “The Wine Snob’s Dictionary”

By: David Kamp and David Lynch

Get the Book! 

Decode the intimidating language of wine with this informative dictionary. It's an essential companion for anyone seeking to navigate the world of wine with confidence.

History

Understanding the history of wine can adds a layer of appreciation to every sip. Here are two fascinating read:

• “The Wild Vine”

By: Todd Kilman

Get the Book!

Discover the intriguing story of the Norton grape, the cornerstone of Missouri wine, and its journey from obscurity to prominence. This book is a tribute to the resilience and innovation of American winemakers.

• “Dying on the Vine: How Phylloxera Transformed Wine”

By: George Gale
Get the Book! 

Explore the devastating impact of the phylloxera pest on vineyards and how it reshaped the global wine industry. This book is a compelling tale of crisis, adaptation, and triumph.

Expand Your Knowledge

For those eager to delve deeper into the nuances of wine, these books provide an expansive view of the subject:

• “The Oxford Companion to Wine”

By: Jancis Robinson and Julia Harding
Get the Book! 

This comprehensive reference is a treasure trove of knowledge for wine lovers. With contributions from experts worldwide, it covers every aspect of wine, from viticulture to tasting.

• “Simply Wine: How to Choose Good-Value Wines to Enjoy Every Day”

By: Heidi Yorkshire
Get the Book! 

Simplify your wine selection process with practical advice on finding delicious wines that won't break the bank. This guide is perfect for those who want to enjoy quality wines daily.

Find wisdom in wine with these insightful books. These reads will enhance your appreciation and understanding of the wonderful world of wine. Cheers to your next great read and, of course, your next great glass of Missouri wine!

Share your read with us using #mowine

Spring has arrived, and Missouri Wine Country is blooming with events that you won't want to miss! Take advantage of the beautiful weather and plan your trip to Missouri wine country.

7C’s Winery

• March 23: 7C’s Sip N Dip 

Adam Puchta Winery 

• April 11: Spring Wine Pairing Dinner
• April 12: Spring Wine Pairing Dinner 

Apple Creek Vineyard & Winery

• March 21: Murder Mystery Dinner

Arcadian Moon 

• March 26: Paint & Sip 
• May 9: Teacher Appreciation 

*Bingo on Thursdays & Trivia on Tuesdays 

Augusta Winery 

• March 22: Cabin Fever Festival 

Balducci Vineyards 

• March 22: Cabin Fever Festival 
• April 19: Community Easter Egg Hunt 

Beckett’s Winery

• March 27: Trivia 

Belvoir Winery & Inn 

• April 19: Whimsical Easter Fest with WYCO Sisterhood 

Cedar Lake Cellars 

• March 21: Wine-O Bingo 
• March 28: Trivia Night 
• April 18: Wine-O Bingo 
• May 3: Derby Day 

Chandler Hill Vineyards 

• March 22: Wedding Open House 

Charleville Winery 

• March 22: National Something on a Stick Day 
• March 23: National Puppy Day Celebration
• April 26: Blooms & Bubbly Pop-Up Market 

Christine’s Vineyard 

• March 22: Toast to 3 Years at Christine’s Vineyard 
• April 10: Downtown Webb City Sip & Shop 

Defiance Ridge Vineyards 

• March 21: 2000’s Trivia Night 
• March 28: Farmhouse Dinner
• March 29: Pound + Pour 
• April 11: Disney Trivia Night 
• April 18: Friends Trivia Night 

*Seek Bubble Brunch Series on Sundays  

Edg-Clif Vineyard, Winery & Brewery 

• March 22: Spring Fling

Fence Stile Vineyards & Winery 

• April 27: Laugh Foundation Wine Run/Walk 5k 
• May 17: Star Wine Tours 

Shamrock Hills Winery 

• May 17: Star Wine Tours 

Hermnannhof Winery

• March 15: Mixology Class, The Luck Series

Jowler Creek Winery & Vineyard

• March 22: Girl Scouts Cookie & Wine Pairing 

• March 29: Mimosa Madness

Les Bourgeois Vineyards 

• March 21: The Tasting Room: After Dark
• March 28: Tasting Room: After Dark

Mallinson Vineyard & Hall 

• March 20: Sip, Make & Taste

Mathany Family Vineyards 

• March 21: The Winery Comedy Tour 

Montelle Winery 

• March 22: Cabin Fever Festival 

Mount Pleasant Estates

• March 22: Cabin Fever Festival

Noboleis Vineyards 

• March 30: Cork & Fork: Port Class 

Persimmon Ridge Vineyards

• April 12: Vineyard Egg Hunt 

Pirtle Winery

• May 3: 9 Annual Weston Wine Fest 

Prairie Barn Winery 

• March 28: Tacos & Trivia 
• April 19: Sip & Paint 
• April 25: Tacos & Trivia 
• May 23: Tacos & Trivia 

Primitive Olde Crow & Winery 

• April 26: Spring Junkfest

*Check event calendar for Bingo nights

Riverwood Winery 

• March 28: Date Night Special 
• April 12: Adult Easter Egg Hunt 
• May 2-4: Derby Day 

Serenity Valley Winery 

• March 30: Sunday Funday Bingo

St. James Winery 

• April 5: Disc Golf Tournament 
• April 11: The Winery Comedy Tour 
• April 19: Gardens Opening 
• April 19: River of OZ Art Fair & Wine Tasting 

Stone Hill Winery 

• March 21-23: 44^th Annual Hermann Wurstfest 
• April 26: The Artisan Cheese Market

TerraVox Vineyards

• March 29: Wine Run 5k      

The Peculiar Winery 

• March 23: Paint & Sip 
• March 30: Roll-A-Picasso GLO Wine & Paint Event
• April 13: Royals Wreath Class 
• April 26: The 2025 Annual Peculiar Winery Crawfish Boil
• May 3: Celebrate the Kentucky Derby 
• May 16: Serial Killers: The Experience 

*Check event calendar for food truck days

Timber Ridge Winery 

• March 22: Cork & More Wine Walk 
• April 26: Benton County Community Foundation Wine Stroll

Triple 3 Vineyards 

• March 20: Wine BINGO
• April 6: STL Wedding Crawl 
• April 17: Wine BINGO
• May 22: Wine BINGO

Walnut Creek 

• April 4: Teacher Happy Hour
• April 11: Hero Happy Hour
• May 2: Teacher Happy Hour 
• May 9: Hero Happy Hour 
• May 17: Star Wine Tours 

*Bottomless Mimosa on Sundays 

Weston Wine Company 

• April 11: Paint & Sip – Sunflower 

*Check event calendar for fun trivia and themed murder mystery nights  

Wild Sun Winery & Brewery 

• April 13: Words on Wood 

Wildlife Ridge Winery 

• March 20: Paint the Town 
• April 24: Paint the Town 
• May 22: Paint the Town

Spring events in wine country provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation, exploration, and unforgettable experiences. Don’t forget to tag us in your Missouri Wine Country pictures using #mowine! 

You all loved the riddles the first time, so we are back for round two. Take the challenge and crack each code to solve for a Missouri winery. 

1. On weekends, music fills the air, 

   And pizza's aroma is beyond compare.
   When you're here, the world feels far away, 

   Yet right off I-70, you can easily stay.

    

   In a realm where rustic meets the sublime, 

   Four lakes encircle this haven divine.
   With wines dry and views so grand, 

   This enchanting land command.  

    

   Saturdays and Sundays, let live tunes take flight, 

   With Italian delights to savor each night. 

   A venue for love, celebrations, and more, 

   What moonlit name does this vineyard implore?

    2. On eighty-four acres of rolling hills so grand, 

        In the first AVA, where winemaking takes a stand.

        Gaze upon vistas of Augusta's historic grace, 

        Where award-winning wines find their birthplace.

       Pack a picnic or taste pizza under the tent,

       With live music's sweet notes, your time is well spent.
       From April to October, tunes fill the air,

       In this vineyard of wonders, beyond compare.

       What enchanting name does this lush estate claim,

       Where nature and melody play a harmonious game?

   3. Amidst fields where the winds gently sway, 

       In a barn painted by nature's palette each day.
       Where vines flourish under the sun's golden charm, 

       Such a delightful Christmas tree farm.

       With wines crafted from grapes in their prime, 

       And a setting that echoes the passage of time.

       On weekends, when laughter and joy intertwine, 

       What name does this pastoral winery define?

   4. In foothills where the rolling landscape lies, 

       A vineyard where seven hidden waters arise.
       Between Camdenton and Osage Beach's embrace,

       A winery's charm in a picturesque place.

      With Missouri wines and sangrias so fine, 

      And microbrews for those who seek a new line.

      A porch covered, a patio grand,

      A gazebo where memories expand.

     For receptions and meetings, a haven so bright, 

    Just a short drive from the lakes light.

    Come for the wine, stay for the view,

    What name does this winery claim, known to you?

5. In a garden where stories unfurl,

    A family crafts wines with a gentle swirl.
    From vine to sip, perfection's pursuit, 

    What name does this boutique winery suit?

   With each glass poured, tales take flight,

    In a charming garden, under starlight.
   With less than 100 cases, each lot's unique, 

   Both humble and chic. 

   Award-winning flavors, yet uncomplicated and fine, 

   Where every bottle tells a tale divine.

   A city that echoes with Greek history's grace, 

   In a land where wine and myth embrace.

   What is the name of this vineyard so small, 

   Where family and wine are the heart of it all?

6. In the heart of Missouri, where history is deep, 

    On a hilltop so grand, where memories keep.
    Once the nation's second, then turned to gloom, 

    Through Prohibition's shadow, it found a new room.

    A mushroom's domain in times of despair,

    Now a vineyard with medals beyond compare.
    More than four thousand since '93, 

    A testament to quality for you and me.

    Explore ancient cellars with arches so grand, 

    Taste award-winning wines from this storied land.
    What name does this historic winery hold, 

    Where old-world charm and rich tales unfold?

7. Amidst the whispers of gentle vines, 

   Where pecans and raisins craft unique wines.
    A nutty, smooth, buttery delight, 

    A taste that lingers, day and night.

   In a garden where views are vast and grand,

   Sit back, sip, and let time stand.
   What is the name of this winery so fine,

   Where infinite sunny days and flavors intertwine?

Riddles are a fantastic way to challenge our minds and keep our thinking sharp. Whether you cracked them all or got stumped by a few remember to go out and explore Missouri Wine country! Email victoria.washburn@mda.mo.gov with your answers for a chance to win some Missouri Wine swag. 

Spring is just around the corner so add these easy Pineapple BBQ Meatballs to your weekly dinner rotation and you are sure to quickly become the fan favorite! This recipe incorporates the perfect blend of tangy and sweet that will leave everyone wanting more.

Ingredients:

Meatballs

• 1 pound ground beef 
• 1 large onion (chopped) 
• 1 cup of finely cut pineapple or canned crushed pineapple
• 1 large egg 
• 1 scallion (finely chopped) 
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic  
• 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs 
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds 
• 1 handful cilantro (chopped) 
• Salt and pepper to taste 
• Oil 

Instructions: 

• Preheat oven to 410 degrees. 
• Place all ingredients into a large bowl besides the oil. Using a handheld mixer, mix very well until everything is evenly incorporated and sticks together. 
• Shape meatballs and place them on a lightly oiled baking sheet. 
• Bake the meatballs for 10-12 minutes or until browned (165 degrees) and no longer pink in the middle. 

Ingredients:

      Sauce 

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 
• 1/3 cup diced shallots 
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic 
• 2 tablespoons chili powder 
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard 
• 1 cup red wine (concord) 
• 1 cup ketchup 

Instructions: 

• While meatballs are cooking place olive oil and shallots into a saucepan set to medium heat until translucent. Turn down heat if you see browning. Add garlic and cook for 2 additional minutes. Stir occasionally and watch out for browning. 
• Into the saucepan add the chili powder, cayenne pepper and dry mustard and stir constantly, for one minute. 
• Add in the red wine and turn heat up to high. Bring the wine to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. 
• Add ketchup and bring back up to a simmer again while stirring for about 5 minutes then remove from heat.
• Pour on top of meatballs and serve. 

Serve these as an appetizer or a main course. The combination of juicy pineapple and rich BBQ sauce creates a delightful flavor that is hard to resist. So, as the days get longer and warmer, bring a taste of summer to your table with these delicious meatballs.

Have you ever heard someone swirl a glass of wine and comment on its "legs"? You might wonder if wine has legs like we do, and what they could possibly signify.  Join us as we swirl, observe, and find out about those streaks on the inside of your glass. 

To see your wine's legs, pour your favorite Missouri wine into a glass, swirl, set it down, and observe the wine as it gracefully cascades down the side of the glass. Are the legs far apart? Are they thick or skinny? How fast do they fall? The sight can be mesmerizing, almost like watching a tiny, elegant dance.

Despite their captivating appearance, wine legs are not an indicator of much. Many believe that the size, distance apart, and speed of wine legs can signify a lower or higher alcohol content. While occasionally the legs might provide a hint, they are not a reliable way to determine alcohol content. If you're curious about the alcohol content of your wine, the most straightforward method is to simply check the label!

At the end of the day, we may not learn much from wine legs, but they remain a fascinating phenomenon to many wine enthusiasts. 

Next time you pour a glass and swirl, don't stress about what wine legs might mean. Instead, admire their beauty and enjoy the sensory experience of your wine. Let each glass be a moment of relaxation, a pause in the rush of life, and a celebration of the simple joys.

Share a picture of your wine’s legs using #mowine