There’s something about fall in Missouri Wine Country that makes a glass of wine taste just a little bit better. As the leaves begin to turn shades of red, yellow and orange, Missouri’s vineyards and rolling hills transform into one of the most beautiful backdrops. From the blufftop views overlooking the Missouri river to the panoramic lake views at the Lake of the Ozarks, fall is the perfect season to slow down, sip Missouri wine and take in the views. 

You can almost always bet on the fall color typically showing up toward the end of September, with peak colors occurring in mid to late October! Use this fall leaf finder to plan your trip around when the colors will be in peak! 

Grab your favorite sweater, gather your friends and start planning a fall wine country getaway. Here are a few sports where the views are just as memorable as the wine. 

Augusta

• Montelle Winery
• Noboleis Vineyards
• Mount Pleasant Estates 

Hermann

• Stone Hill Winery
• OakGlenn Vineyards & Winery
• Adam Puctha Winery

Rocheport

• Les Bourgeois Vineyards
• Beckett’s Winery

Lake of the Ozarks 

• Mathany Family Vineyards
• Shawnee Bluff Winery
• Seven Springs Winery
• Dale Hollow Winery

Excelsior Springs

• Shamrock Hills Vineyard & Winery
• FenceStile Vineyards & Winery
• VanTill Family Farm Winery 

Branson

• Lindwedel Winery
• Bear Creek Wine Company

Sainte Genevieve

• Charleville Vineyard Winery & Craft Brewery
• Chateau Sainte Genevieve 

The best part about taking trips to Missouri Wine Country? You don’t have to choose between beautiful scenery and great wine. Share your Missouri Wine trips with us using #mowine! 

When you think of Missouri wine, you might picture a glass overlooking rolling hills, but what really makes Missouri wine unique? The grapes.

Missouri’s climate creates the perfect environment for a collection of hardy American and French American hybrid grapes. The result is a group of wines with flavors and styles you won’t find anywhere else.

Catawba is a North American hybrid grape best known for producing pink and rosé wines. Catawba offers sweet, fragrant strawberry aromas with floral and woodsy notes.

Chambourcin is a French American hybrid produces rich, deeply colored red wines, but also rosé. Look for cherry and dark-fruit flavors, earthy notes and soft tannins.

Chardonel is a Missouri favorite and a cross between Chardonnay and Seyval Blanc. Depending on how it’s made, Chardonel can range from crisp and fresh to rich and oaky, with notes of pear, apple and apricot.

Concord is for you if you love the classic flavor of grape juice, you’ll recognize Concord. This American grape creates a sweet, fruity, medium-bodied wine with that unmistakable Concord character.

Norton is Missouri’s official state grape, Norton produces bold, dry red wines with layers of berries, cherries, spice, vanilla and chocolate. It’s one of the grapes that truly defines Missouri wine.

Seyval Blanc is another French American hybrid that produces clean, crisp white wines ranging from dry to semi-dry, with fresh and herbal flavors.

Traminette is floral, aromatic and versatile, Traminette can range from dry to semi-sweet. It’s a great choice when you’re looking for something with plenty of character and bright acidity.

Vidal Blanc produces crisp, clean wines with flavors of pear, apple and citrus. It can be made dry or semi-dry and is also popular for dessert wines, sparkling wines and ice wines.

Vignoles is one of Missouri’s most versatile white grapes, Vignoles can be made into everything from dry and semi-sweet wines to late-harvest dessert wines. Expect tropical fruit, peach, apricot, citrus and floral notes.

Whether you prefer a bold red, a crisp white, a sweet dessert wine or something in between, Missouri’s varietals offer plenty to explore. And because these grapes are particularly well-suited to Missouri’s climate, they help give our state’s wine industry its distinctive character.

So, the next time you’re visiting a Missouri winery, don’t just ask for a red or white, ask about the varietal. You might discover a new Missouri favorite.

Football season is here, which means it’s time for tailgates, great food, and good company. And what better way to celebrate than by pairing your favorite game-day foods with Missouri wines?

From savory snacks to sweet treats, there’s a Missouri wine for every tailgate favorite:

 Hot Dog + Catawba

Nachos + Chardonel

Bratwurst + Traminette

Pulled Pork Sandwich + Concord

Jalapeno Popper + Vignoles

Chocolate Chip Cookie + Norton

Hamburger + Chambourcin

So, as you plan your next tailgate, think beyond the cooler and bring a taste of Missouri to the table. Good food, great wine, and football, are a winning combination. 

Missouri Wine Country is a beautiful place to explore, where every vineyard feels like a puzzle waiting to be solved. Whether you’re supping a red or white, there’s always something new to discover. Can you crack the riddles?

1. In Missouri's heart, where history flows, a family's legacy continues to grow. Since 1855, generations have thrived, keeping a dream alive. Along a winding creek, this winery stands, with historic buildings on its lands. Over 30,000 gallons, a yearly feat, award-winning wines that can't be beat. From cellar bistro flavors to music's sweet sound, a peaceful setting where joy is found. In the oldest family farm winery's domain, Can you name this place?

    

2. Where the river bends, a tale unfolds, of a vessel named Baltimore, in waters cold. A welcoming place with wines to share, whether novice or connoisseur, you'll find something rare. In a fun, inviting atmosphere you’ll see, Missouri wines crafted expertly. Cheeses & sausages, a delightful treat, and a gift shop with finds both unique & neat. Discover the events that fill our year, what vineyard am I, that's full of cheer?
   
    

3. In a place where history and nature intertwine, nestled in gardens and patios fine. With views that take your breath away, a farmhouse restored, a perfect display. Named for a creek where settlers first laid claim, with soils and climate that brought grape-growing fame. Echoing the heritage of a German past, creating wines of tradition, built to last. In Missouri’s embrace, where the best wines thrive, what winery am I, where history comes alive?

    

4. In the heart of Cass County, where the land is wide, a Sicilian family's passion does abide. Ninety acres purchased, dreams take flight, Old World meets Midwest, a pure delight. Crafted with care, their wines are renowned, award-winning flavors, in every bottle found. Where heritage blends with a modern flair, can you name this vineyard, with wines beyond compare?
   
    
5. In a valley where rivers once did flow, below the hills where shamrocks grow. Layers of history beneath your feet, in limestone and rock, stories meet. Opened in April, a dream took flight, on acres wide, in morning's light. With vines aplenty, yet still so young, a tale of wine has just begun. Where Denise and Mike invite you in, to sip, to savor, and to begin. With camaraderie and views to thrill, can you find this vineyard on the hill?
   
    
6. In a haven close to St. Louis' heart, a scenic drive takes you to a rustic art. A country estate where elegance reigns, and flavors in wine are the finest gains. When winter chills, no need to fear, for heated seats bring warmth and cheer. Where nature's beauty and peace align, this winery beckons, a true gem to find. Where am I, with tranquility's song, and fine wines that make you feel you belong?
   
    
7. Amidst the rolling fields where the breezes flow, a winery with a twist invites you to show. Founded by a farmer of the sixth generation, where bold flavors spark your imagination.From Peanut Butter & Jelly to Mango Chili Lime, each bottle crafted to surprise, every time. A place where creativity and tradition meet, in Osborn, Missouri, find your retreat. Where wine is for joy, not to intimidate, and spirits arise from the distillery's gate. With a family-friendly vibe and a dog-friendly space, can you name this winery, a welcoming place? What is the name of this delightful company, where wine and warmth are in harmony?

By the time you finish your glass, you’ll be wondering which ones you got right! Email victoria.washburn@mda.mo.gov with your answers to see if you got them all correct. If you did, we will mail you a pair of Missouri Wine sunglasses!