Missouri wineries are known for scenic landscapes and delicious wines. But there's something else wineries share with customers: their adorable, four-legged friends. From playful dogs to curious cats, these pets bring warmth and hospitality to the wine-tasting experience. Meet some of these vineyard companions and pour yourself a glass!

Adam Puchta Winery – Hermann

At Adam Puchta Winery you will find no shortage of cats. These cats are rescued and spoiled rotten by customers and the staff! They also have a couple of pups to help manage the vineyard!

Musket Cellars & Vineyard – Pleasant Hill

At Musket Cellars and Vineyard, you will find Cooper!

Prairie Barn Winery and Christmas Tree Farm – St. James

Visit Prairie Barn Winery and Christmas Tree Farm to meet Captain and Aries. Their winery cats!

Ozark Viking Meadery – Salem

If you head to Ozark Viking Meadery, you will get to meet pups Bear-Reguard and Rihannon. They double as vineyard assistants and man’s best friends!

Serenity Valley Winery - Fulton

If you want to visit some unique winery pets meet the ducks of Serenity Valley Winery!

Shamrock Hills Winery and Vineyard – Excelsior Springs

Shamrock Hills Winery and Vineyard is home to Chloe and Finnigan. Two winery pups that are the best door greeters!

Next time you are out in Missouri Wine Country be sure to visit these furry friends!

If you are looking for pet friendly wineries check out our website and use the Pets Welcome filter!

Share the winery pets you have met with us using #mowine

As National Beer Day approaches, many beer enthusiasts are looking for the perfect way to celebrate. What better way to enjoy this special day than by visiting Missouri Wine Country? Known for the picturesque landscapes and rich history, Missouri is also home to a growing number of wineries that have embraced the art of brewing beer. This unique combination offers visitors a chance to enjoy both wine and beer, making for an unforgettable experience. 

Add these wineries to your Missouri Wine Country travel plans. 

• Arcadian Moon Winery & Brewery – Higginsville 
• Charleville Vineyard Winery & Brewery – Ste. Genevieve 
• Edg-Clif Farms & Vineyards – Potosi 
• Hermannhof & Tin Mill Brewery – Hermann 
• Ozark Viking Meadery – Salem 
• Shamrock Hills Vineyard and Winery – Excelsior Springs
• Wild Sun Winery & Brewery – Hillsboro 

Traveling to Missouri Wine Country is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local culture and meet fellow enthusiasts. Whether you’re a wine or craft beer lover, or simply looking for a fun day out, Missouri Wine Country has something for everyone. 

This National Beer Day, consider taking a trip to Missouri Wine Country. With its stunning scenery, exceptional wines, and innovative brews, it’s the perfect destination to celebrate and enjoy the best of both worlds. Cheers! 

Springtime is here with warmer weather and longer days. While any Missouri wine is perfect to sip year-round, April is Chardonel month! Spring into the season with a glass of Chardonel!

Chardonel (shar-doe-nel) is a hybrid grape made from Seyval Blanc and Chardonnay. Chardonel is a late ripening white wine grape that produces a high-quality and full-bodied wine. It is distinguished by its superior wine quality combined with high productivity. The grape’s cold hardiness is superior to its acclaimed parent, Chardonnay, which you may have heard of. This wine can be fermented in oak or stainless-steel barrels. The Chardonel grape was developed in 1953, and the varietal was released in 1990. 

7.2% of the grapes grown in Missouri are Chardonel. This varietal produces wines with delightful flavors of pear, apple, and apricot, often enriched with an oaky undertone when aged in barrels. Chardonel is known for its full-bodied, rich, and complex profiles, and also offers a crisp finish. 

Serve Chardonel chilled at an ideal temperature of 44-55°F to fully appreciate. It pairs beautifully with creamy white cheeses, grilled chicken and fish, mushrooms, almonds, pasta in cream sauce, and desserts like vanilla cake, banana bread, and apple dishes. 

Explore the flavors of Chardonel with these recipes:

One-Skillet Smothered Pork Chops

Cheesy Chardonel Bacon Mac & Cheese Recipe

Butterscotch Blondies with Chardonel

Lemon Butter Seafood Pasta

Moscow Mule with Wine

Chardonel Wine Cocktail Recipe

Apple Cider Sangria

Chardonel Fondue

Stargazer Cocktail

Share your favorite Missouri Chardonel with us using #mowine

As we gear up to celebrate National DIY Day, let’s take a joyful stroll down memory lane and revisit all the epic DIY projects that have sparked our creativity and turned our homes into personal wonderlands! From repurposing wine bottles into trendy statement pieces to whipping up colorful crafts that bring a smile, every DIY adventure is a chance to unleash our inner artists. It’s all about the thrill of making something unique and special with our own hands. Let’s reminisce about the DIY magic that makes every project a celebration of creativity and fun! 

Citronella Candle 

Wine Label Serving Trays 

Frosty Bottle Flair 

Pumpkin Screw Caps

Screw Cap Stepping Stone 

Wine Cork Planter

Wine Bottle Bouquet

Wine & Music Bottle 

Wine Bottle Serving Tray

Let’s keep the DIY momentum going into the next season, inspire each other, and continue to transform our spaces with our personal touches. Here’s to many more fun and fabulous DIY adventures ahead!

Missouri's family-run wineries thrive because they embody tradition, passion, and innovation. On this special day, we honor the families behind these businesses who pour their heart and soul into every bottle.

Each family winery represents dedication and a shared vision. Family members often work from sunrise to sunset doing multiple jobs throughout the day. Here are a few of the labor-intensive tasks you may not have had:

1. Planting and Pruning Vines: Family members nurture the vines, ensuring they thrive.

2. Label Design: Some wineries have their own family members design the labels, making them unique and each telling a story.
3. Bottling: This process often involves the entire family.
4. Events: Families host community events, from festivals to tastings, to connecting with customers.
5. Harvest: Families unite during harvest, celebrating the fruits of their labor.
6. Tasting Room: Here, they share their passion and knowledge, offering a personal touch.
7. Wearing Multiple Hats: In family businesses, roles can overlap, ensuring smooth operations.

Missouri family-run wineries are made special not only by the work that involves the entire family, but also the legacy and passion they share.

Multigenerational Legacy: Many wineries are passed down, preserving unique winemaking traditions.

Hard Work and Passion: These wineries thrive on dedication and a commitment to quality.

Drive to Succeed: More than just profit, these families pursue their lifelong dreams through excellence.

Lifelong Dream: Running a winery is often a cherished dream, realized through hard work and love for the craft.

On this Mom and Pop Business Day, we raise our glasses to the families that make Missouri wines exceptional. Their dedication and passion are the heart of our wine industry. Cheers to these mom-and-pop businesses!

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