Secrets of the Vineyard

June 12, 2019

Inside each vineyard there is a potential for greatness, but before the grape clusters are transformed into wine, they must first survive the elements. Insects, animals and weather all threaten the health of the vines and their ability to thrive and produce delicious grapes. Fortunately, wineries have a few tricks to protect their vineyards. From bud break to harvest, we uncovered the tactics most commonly used by wineries in Missouri. 
 
 
 
 
Bird Busters Birds love eating grapes as much as winemakers enjoy turning them into delicious wines. In an attempt to keep birds from creating too much damage in the vineyard, wineries use a variety of ploys, including reflective tapes, wind flappers, bird calls and moving owls. Noise scare tactics like popguns and predator calls can also be an effective way to keep birds away. Some Missouri wineries place nets over their vines. Secured tightly to eliminate any holes, this tactic even keeps birds from flying underneath the bottom of the net.
 
Good fences make great neighbors. Deer fences can be an effective way to keep animals out of vineyards. These fences are durable and tall enough to stop deer from jumping over them. Electric fences can also deter deer from wandering into a vineyard for a snack. 
 
Flower Power Although not as common of a practice as it used to be, some wineries plant rose bushes at the end of their vineyard rows. While the blossoms add beauty to a winery’s lush landscape, they also serve a special role. These plants can alert winery staff to issues taking place in the vineyard. Rose bushes tend to show stress first, so vineyard managers can act quickly to protect their vines. Roses and grapevines are susceptible to a couple of the same types of fungus. The flowers on a rose bush can also act as a deterrent to insects that find the grapes hard to resist.
 
Soap Secrets Deer have a very strong sense of smell. Surrounding vineyards with highly-scented, tallow-based soaps can be an effective way to keep those pesky animals at bay. This tricks tends to work better in areas where there are smaller amounts of deer. 
 

Hidden or in plain sight, wineries employ tactics like these to ensure a better selection of grapes at harvest time. With a winemaker’s steady eye and gentle coaxing, the grapes will begin their transformation into delicious wine. We hope you have the opportunity to explore their fabulous array of wines the next time you’re in Missouri wine country. 

Vidal Blanc Month

June 04, 2019

Vidal Blanc, pronounced vee-dahl blahnk, is a French-American hybrid grape that most often produces a dry to semi-dry wine with fragrances of a fresh summer garden. Clean, citrus fruit flavors of apples and lemon make this wine a summertime favorite.

There are nearly 140 acres of Vidal Blanc grapes in Missouri which account for 8.2% of all grapes grown in the state. These grape vines do well in winter months and are susceptible to mildew and several other fungus diseases.

Vidal Blanc pairs best with simple, fresh ingredients like basil and garlic, as well as seafood and poultry. Perhaps the most perfect pairings for Vidal Blanc are warm summer days and a patio.

Missouri Wines invites you to enjoy a glass of Vidal Blanc, simple like a summer day.

 

Past Lives: Wineries with Stories to Tell

May 23, 2019

 
 
If walls could talk, many of those within Missouri wineries would have interesting tales to tell. Several winery buildings have witnessed decades of change, while a couple date back to a century ago. These buildings have served a number of past purposes, including use as cattle barns, headquarters for fraternal organizations and automobile showrooms. Today, these wineries showcase delicious Missouri wines. We invite you to discover their fascinating history and stop by for a visit during your next excursion in Missouri wine country.  
 
1505 Genessee
Kansas City, MO 64102 
 
Amigoni Urban Winery is located in the Stockyards District of Kansas City’s historic West Bottoms. At the peak of the stockyard industry’s success, the area served as a place to hold cattle before they were loaded onto railroad cars. The winery is located in the former home of the livestock industry’s trade publication, the Daily Drover Telegram. When you stop by for a visit, look closely at the ceiling towards the back of the building and you may just spy an ink spot, a lasting remnant of an old printing press.
 
 
27150 Hwy 24
Waverly, MO 64096 
 
Baltimore Bend Vineyard’s tasting room has undergone a couple of transformations through the years. Originally built for an antique business, the building later became an apple cider production facility. The Schmidt family remodeled the building for their winery in 2003.
 
 
1325 Odd Fellows Rd
Liberty, MO 64068 
 
The property surrounding Belvoir Winery is known as the Odd Fellows Home District. This area was established by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F), a secret society and one of the largest fraternal and benevolent orders in the United States. The society provided care and education for its elderly members and the orphans of Missouri Odd Fellows. A hospital, old folks home and school were located on-site. The winery is located in the former administration building which housed classrooms for the orphans. 
 
 
Cave Hollow West Winery
217 Cave Hollow Road
Hannibal, MO 63401 
 
Cave Hollow West Winery is located in the Mark Twain Cave Complex and formerly housed a dinner theatre. 
 
 
 
601 State Hwy 165
Branson, MO 65616
 
Curling Vine Winery’s location in Branson is just a couple of blocks off the strip. The building once housed a car dealership and has been remodeled and added onto multiple times since the late 1980s. 
 
485 Booneslick Road
New Florence, MO 63363
 
Curling Vine Winery’s location in New Florence is located near I-70. The building was the former site of a restaurant and dance hall. 
 
 
10035 Edg-Clif Dr
Potosi, MO 63664 
 
Edg-Clif Farms and Vineyard is located in a former dairy milking barn. The barn has served a few different purposes in the past. The building sheltered livestock including Hereford show cattle and pigs, then stored used tires. After undergoing extensive renovations, the barn became the winery’s tasting and barrel room featuring a wine shop, catering kitchen and restrooms.  
 
9364 Mitchell Trail
Lexington, MO 64067
 
In 2008, the Fahrmeiers expanded their family business to include vineyards and a winery. The family’s old cattle barn was converted into a rustic space where you can sip delicious wines while gathering with friends. 
 
 
595 Clinton St
Osborn, MO  64474
 
Grindstone Valley Winery is located inside the former meeting spot for local members of the American Legion. The winery owners purchased and renovated the building in 2014. The structure dates to 1950. Prior to that, the Bank of Osborn was located at the site. Built in 1909, that building was demolished after the devastating effects of the Great Depression. 
 
  
1829 McGee Street
Kansas City, MO 64108
 
KC Wineworks is located in a building within the Crossroads Arts District in Kansas City. The location once served as a showroom for the Kelly-Springfield Motor Truck Company. In 1912, Belfast Investment Company hired C.S. Smith, a well-known architect in the city, to construct the building in the area known as the McGee Street Automotive Historic District. The streetcar route originally ran down McGee Street so it passed right in front of the showroom’s windows. 
 
 
12847 W Hwy BB
Rocheport, MO 65279
 
Les Bourgeois Vineyards’ tasting room, located right off of I-70, is the site of a former restaurant named Pete’s Café. The restaurant was well-known for its huge dining room wall painting that replicated Leonardo Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.”
The winery’s A-Frame was a house located on the property when Curtis and Martha Bourgeois purchased the property. The couple lived in the building until they converted it into the A-Frame Winegarden and Patio.
 
 
57 N. Main St
Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670
 
Lewsi Winery moved to historic downtown Ste. Genevieve in 2016. The winery’s red brick building dates back to 1893 and has housed numerous businesses including a clothing store, beauty shop and an art gallery. The site is best known for housing Otte Cleaners, a dry cleaning business for 75 years.
 
 
5448 N Berry Lane
Springfield, MO 65803
 
OOVVDA Winery is located in a building that once served as a wood shop. The current owner purchased the property in 2003 and converted it into a winery.
 
 
502 Spring St
Weston, MO 64098
 
Pirtle Winery is located in an old German Lutheran Church. Originally built in 1867, the building also served as the bottling location for Royal Brewery from 1901 to 1919. The structure sat empty for years and was in danger of being torn down to make room for a parking lot. Fate intervened and the community fixture still stands. 
 
 
22200 State Rt 45 N
Rushville, MO 64484
 
Students once learned their reading, writing and arithmetic inside Riverwood Winery’s doors. The winery is the site of a former 1950s school building. Located along the east bank of the Missouri River, the school was part of the Weston School District. The school was designed by Joseph Radotinsky, a noted architect in the Kansas City area. The structure is a great example of the architecture during that time period. 
 
 

Stone Hill Winery
1110 Stone Hill Highway
Hermann, MO 65041

Stone Hill Winery was established in 1847. Completed in 1868, the main winery building was used primarily for office and administrative purposes along with a warehouse wing. Prohibiton collapsed the winery. From 1923 to 1965, the cellars and the main building were solely devoted to growing commercial mushrooms. In 1965, Jim and Betty Held began on a very small scale to use one of the cellars to make wine, coexisting with the mushroom business for two years. The Held family lived in the upstairs portion of the main winery building residing there for the next 27 years. In 1967, Jim and Betty took over full ownership of the winery property and solely operated it as a winery. In 1992, the Helds converted the main winery building to administrative offices upstairs with tasting and sales rooms on the first level.


Stone Hill Winery's original carriage house and horse barn once housed hardworking horses and mules. In 1979, the Helds converted it into the winery's Vintage Restaurant. 

 

100 South Lynn
Dover, MO 64022 
 
Terre Beau occupies a chapel that once ministered to westward bound pioneers and frontiersmen. Built in 1858, the building served as a place of worship for two religious denominations throughout its history. Situated in the center of Dover, the church came away mostly unscathed during the Civil War, although a cannon ball fired from a river boat struck its tall steeple. Confederate sympathizers from Dover and the surrounding area were held prisoner in the church until they were transported to the Federal County House in Lexington. Historians believe several unknown Confederate soldiers are buried behind the building. The beautiful winery is located along the historic Santa Fe Trail. 
 
 
7325 N. Farm Rd 171
Springfield, MO 65803
 
Tyler Ridge Winery’s tasting room is located in an old farm house built in 1905. Several families have lived there through the years. The previous owners sold eggs and milked cows for a living. Cattle once grazed the area that now features the winery’s vineyard. The current owners bought the property in 1998 and planted their first grapes in 2004. 
 
 
8385 W. US 60
Mountain View, MO 65548
 
Located in the Ozark Mountain woodlands, Viandel Vineyard is located inside the former Apple House. The property featured an apple orchard and the previous owners sold apples and other fruits and vegetables to the public. The old farmhouse was remodeled into the winery’s tasting room and features the original fireplace.
 
 
1132 Brick Church Road
Bland, MO 65014
 
Wenwood Farm Winery is located on the site of an old dairy farm. The farm buildings have all been repurposed: the calf barn is now their tasting room, the dairy barn houses their wine production and the bull barn serves as the winery’s open air event pavilion.
 
 
107 Vine Street
Macon, MO 63552 
 
The building that now showcases West Winery’s wines has seen more than 100 years of history unfold from its storefront windows. Before the current owners gutted and renovated the century-old building, it served as a notions store and several menswear shops, including JP’s Mens Wear. JP Hartung, the previous owner of the building, works at the winery and likes to share Macon’s history with guests.  
 
 
We hope you take the opportunity to visit these beautiful wineries in Missouri wine country. While history has helped shape them, these buildings will continue to be defined by the local families who craft delicious Missouri wines and call these communities home.
 

Fruit Wine and Food Pairing

Beef Kabobs with Wine-Infused Dipping Sauce

May 14, 2019

This season, make the beef kabob and dip recipe that’s guaranteed to be a real crowd-pleaser. Grill mouth-watering morsels of sirloin steak along with your favorite fruits and veggies, then dip them into a delicious sauce featuring a dry, Missouri white wine. It’s easy to make so what are you waiting for? Watch our step-by-step video and fire up the grill today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0QZfuBSwGQ

 

Skewer ingredients
• 1 beef Top Sirloin Steak Boneless, about 1-1/2 pounds, cut 1 inch thick
• 2 tsp coarse ground black pepper 
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 tsp sweet paprika
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• Red Onion
• Pineapple
• Green, red or orange peppers

Dipping Sauce Ingredients 
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 14 oz oasted red peppers, rinsed, drained, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (Vidal Blanc)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 3/4 tsp dried thyme leaves, crushed or 2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme 
• 1 cup unsalted beef broth
• 2 tsp cornstarch 

Dipping sauce instructions

In a medium skillet, over medium heat, combine olive oil, onion, minced garlic, roasted red peppers, a dry white Missouri wine (we featured Vidal Blanc), tomato paste and thyme. Add beef broth and corn starch, then cook to desired thickness.

Sirloin steak seasoning instructions

Add salt, course ground black pepper, sweet paprika and minced garlic to sirloin steak, then add your favorite fruits and veggies. Grill to perfection!

 

Behind the Label: Cave Hollow West Winery's Satire

May 09, 2019

Cave Hollow West Winery features an entire wine series that pays homage to Mark Twain. The winery is located across the street from the Mark Twain Cave Complex in Hannibal, the boyhood home of the legendary author. 

Satire, the winery’s newest dry white wine, is dedicated to Mark Twain’s legendary dry wit. The author, known for his satire, knew how to weave a good tale – some tall and unbelievable - others he swore were true, including the story of his birth. Twain claimed that Haley’s Comet passed overhead as he was born in 1835 and prophesied that he would die as it passed again. Twain died when earth passed through the tail of Haley’s comet on April 21, 1910. 

Satire’s label features an illustration of Mark Twain’s face and an excerpt from his short story entitled, “Captain Stormfield’s Visit to Heaven.” This was the last story Twain published during his lifetime. Kaitlyn Puskarich, the label artist, grew up in Macon, Mo. She designed the wine label in collaboration with Linda Coleberd, a historian and owner of the Mark Twain Cave Complex.  

Cave Hollow West Winery opened in 2011 and is owned by Chris and Jen West who also own West Winery in Macon. 

 

Upcoming Events in Missouri Wine Country

May 07, 2019

Spring is in the air and we couldn’t be happier! Missouri wine country is stunning this time of year with the bright flowers and bud break in the vineyards. Our wineries have a lot of upcoming events that we know you will enjoy.

 *This information is based on wineries that responded to a survey so it may not include all Missouri winery events.

Amigoni Urban Winery
Celebrate your mom and the release of Sparkling Syrah Rosé over Mother’s Day weekend, May 11 and 12. Amigoni will celebrate their first ever sparkling wine in style with new t-shirts, pink macaroons and specialty truffles. A portion of all sales will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Visit the winery’s Facebook page for more information.

Edg-Clif Winery, LLC
Listen to live music by TNT Acoustics on May 11 from 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Celebrate mom on May 12 by treating her to brunch and wine!

Author Luella Gregory will offer a cooking demonstration and sign copies of her book, Luella’s Front Porch Farm Kitchen cookbook, on May 19 from 12:00-4:00 p.m.

Grindstone Valley Winery
The 5th annual Car, Truck and Motorcycle show is happening Saturday, May 11! This popular car show benefits the Rose Lowenstein Foundation for Childhood Cancer Awareness. Your entire $20 entry fee will be donated to the foundation. There will be vendors on site and live music at 7:00 p.m. For more information, visit Grindstone Valley Winery’s Facebook page.

Jowler Creek Vineyard and Winery
Nothing says Mother’s Day like chocolate and wine! For just $15 you can pair each of Jowler Creek’s eight wines with exquisite dark and milk chocolate, truffles, cake bites and other chocolate desserts designed to pair perfectly for each wine. This event takes place on Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and the cost includes a free "Make Your Mother Proud" wine glass to take home as a souvenir Mother’s Day present. Purchase tickets here.

Les Bourgeois
Cheers to mom on Sunday, May 12 from 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. at the Blufftop Bistro with a delicious brunch. This all-you-can-eat buffet is $28 for adults, $12 for children 12 and under, while youth ages 5 and under eat free. Make your reservation online or call 573-698-2300.

Lost Creek Vineyard
It’s a jeep thing on Saturday, June 15 at Lost Creek Vineyard’s inaugural Jeep Show and Shine, a fundraiser benefitting the Wounded Warrior Project. Enter your ride whether you like to make them shine or show off the dirt, rock-rash and trail scars! Don’t drive a jeep? No problem. Come check everything out while enjoying live music, wine tastings, signature sangria and a food truck.

McKelvey Vineyards
Enjoy half-price specials every Friday from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Sit back, relax and listen to live music on the weekends. Check out their website for a list of performers.

OOVVDA Winery
Grab your lawn chair and attend the free lawn concert featuring local band, Techs and The Roadies, on Saturday, May 25. Event will take place from 5:00-9:00 p.m.

Peaceful Bend Vineyard
Enjoy live music? Peaceful Bend Vineyard hosts live music every Saturday from 2:00-5:00 p.m. If the weather is nice the festivities will be outside; if Spring rain makes an appearance, entertainment will be moved indoors.

Father’s Day is right around the corner! Treat your dad to a delicious lunch at Burger Bash on Sunday, June 16 at the winery. Meet four local chefs and listen to live music.

Pirtle Winery
Don’t miss the 4th annual Weston WineFest on Saturday, May 18 from 12:00-7:00 p.m. There will be ten wineries, food trucks and a live band in attendance. Tickets for this springtime favorite are $25 and can be purchased here.

Riverwood Winery
Sit back, relax and enjoy live music every Friday evening starting at 5:30 p.m. and Saturday afternoons starting at 1:00 p.m. Check out the list of performers here.

Viandel Vineyards
What better place to learn the art of alcohol ink then at the Vineyard?! Alcohol inks are vibrant, fluid and unpredictable but they truly create unique and one-of-a-kind pieces. Guest artist, Dolores Winkler, will teach this amazing art technique at the Alcohol Ink Trivets or Coasters class. For $25, you’ll be able to make and take home a set of 4 coasters or 2 trivets! You will also receive a beverage of your choice. Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 9.

Wenwood Farm Winery
Wenwood Farm Winery is kicking off their Second Saturdays events on Saturday, May 11 from 6:00-10:00 p.m. Celebrate the Winemaker’s Limited Series release of Sweet Corky, an ice wine with pear honoring their late winery dog. You can also enjoy the first of their delicious family-style Everyday Table farm dinners from Everyday Good Life and live music by Mercer and Johnson. A portion of the proceeds from Sweet Corky will benefit Unchained Melodies Dog Rescue.

West Winery
JP Hartung will serve up pork-on-a-stick with delicious sides for a suggested donation of $10 at the annual Vintage Vinyl Night, Saturday, May 11. All proceeds from this event go to the VCVC Gravel Grinder, a benefit for the Macon Co. Emergency Food Pantry.

Treat mom to a delicious made-to-order crepe from Maple Tree Crepes and special recipe mimosas this Mother's Day, May 12, from noon-3:00 p.m. Reservations are not required.

We hope you are able to attend some of these great upcoming events. Check our calendar often, as it is always being updated with more fun things to do in Missouri wine country!

Wine-a-Ritas

May 02, 2019

Skip the crowded restaurant and sip your Cinco de Mayo Rita at home. Mix up your cocktail recipe this year by adding wine. Here are four recipes that are sure to impress your guests:

Sunset Wine-a-Rita
*Recipe courtesy of Edg-Clif Farms & Vineyard
 
What you will need:
4 oz Sunset Rosé Wine
1 oz Triple Sec
2 oz margarita mix
Ice
Sugar
Watermelon wedges

Instructions:
1. First, wet the rims of two margarita glasses in lime juice and then dip them in sugar to cover the top of the glasses.
2. Fill glasses with ice. (Be careful to avoid knocking sugar into glass)
3. Add wine, triple sec and margarita mix to a glass and stir.
4. Pour into glasses and finish with a watermelon wedge.

Frozen Red Wine Margarita

What you will need:
8 oz tequila
12 oz margarita mix
2 oz lime juice
3 oz Triple Sec or Grand Marnier
1 bottle of light and fruity red wine
1 pinch of kosher or flaky sea salt

Instructions:
1. Pour the entire bottle of red wine into an ice cube tray and let freeze for at least 6 hours.
2. In a blender, mix tequila, margarita mix, lime juice, red wine ice cubes and triple sec until slushy.
3. Pour, sip and enjoy!

Optional: Before pouring your Red Wine Margarita, wet the rim of your glass with a lime wedge and sprinkle rim with salt.  

Citrus Wine-a-Rita

What you will need:
1 bottle Vidal Blanc
12 oz can of limeade concentrate
2 cups orange juice
1/2 cup (or more) quality tequila
Water
Sea salt 
Lime or orange slices (optional for garnish)

Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the wine, limeade, orange juice and tequila.
2. Fill the empty limeade can with water twice and pour into the pitcher.
3. Stir to combine all ingredients.
4. Wet the rim of each glass with a lime wedge and dip into sea salt to coat.
5. Pour Citrus Wine-a-Rita over ice.

Garnish with lime and/or orange slices and enjoy!

Sangrita Swirl

What you will need for the sangria swirl:
1 cup red frozen red wine (freeze in ice cube trays)
2 tbsp of triple sec
1 tbsp fresh lime juice  
Juice from half of an orange

What you will need for the margarita:
6 oz. frozen limeade concentrate
2 shots of tequila
1 shot Triple Sec
1 cup ice
Straw (optional for swirling)

Instructions:
1. First, wet the rims of your two margarita glasses in lime juice and then dip them in either kosher salt or sugar to cover the rim of the glasses.
2. Blend the frozen red wine cubes with the triple sec, lime juice and orange juice. Pour into a glass and set aside (or store in freezer).
3. Add frozen limeade concentrate, tequila, triple sec and ice to the blender. Blend until slushy.
4. Pour the margarita mix into the two glasses and then pour the sangria mixture on top. Swirl together with a straw.

*Recipe makes 2. Double and use the entire can of frozen limeade to make 4.

We hope you try one (or more) of these delicious Wine-a-Rita recipes and that you enjoy them as much as we did. Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Discover Delicious Wines and Food at these Missouri Wineries

April 25, 2019

 
 
During your next excursion to Missouri wine country, please your palate with delicious wines and food. Chefs at several Missouri wineries offer patrons incredible dining experiences. Enjoy culinary masterpieces, ranging from traditional German fare to artisanal pizzas, and perfectly-paired wine at these wineries. 
 
 *The information in this article is based on wineries that responded to a survey so it may not include all Missouri wineries with restaurants.
 
 
 
 
14020 West Hwy BB
Rocheport, MO 65279
 
Chef David Cabañas
 
Les Bourgeois Vineyards' Blufftop Bistro sits above the Missouri River and offers a feast for diners' eyes as well as their palates with a breathtaking view and delicious food. Executive Chef, David Cabañas, has spent the last 15 years honing his craft in the kitchens of many establishments across mid-Missouri. While he never planned to become an executive chef, his talents and passion for creating culinary experiences have propelled him to the top spot in the LBV Bistro kitchen. He defines his style as comfort food with a Mediterranean flair and is often lauded for preparing "the best steaks." Cabañas is always looking for new and interesting ways to incorporate LBV's award-winning wines through sauces, wine-poached fruit and inspired pairings. He enjoys seeing all of the organization and preparation come to fruition through a great meal service. Cabañas recently updated the Sunday Brunch menu at the Bistro and hopes diners enjoy every bite!   
 
1942 Highway T
Steelville, MO 65565
 
Chefs Endi and August Roluf
 
Peaceful Bend Vineyard's chef, August Rolufs, is a recent graduate of Mizzou's hospitality program. Along with his wife Endi Rolufs, August manages all aspects of the winery’s eatery operations. August is well-versed in classic French cooking techniques, but has a passion for southern cooking as well. He credits the use of quality, local ingredients as the base for the multi-layered flavors and textures of his creations. His vision makes the winery’s cuisine a unique offering that appeals to anyone who walks through the door, whether they are looking for down-home comfort food or something more adventurous. His burgers are made from beef raised across the street from the winery and receive high praise from anyone who orders one; however, street-style tacos are his favorite dishes to make and are quite popular in the area. Top off any entrée with desserts from pastry-chef and restaurant manager, Endi, to end your meal with a true touch of elegance.
 
1110 Stone Hill Highway
Hermann, MO 65041
 
Chef Josh Piacentini
 
Josh Piacentini enjoys creating dishes that bring families and people together for holidays and other occasions. Piacentini, the Executive Chef at Stone Hill Winery’s Vintage Restaurant, worked in three major PGA tournaments, including the championship held at the Bellerive Country Club in 2018.  He mentored under the Executive Chef at the country club for 12 years.
 
Piancentini credits his grandmother, a great baker, as being the person who first inspired his culinary dreams. From an early age, he took an interest in watching and reading about chefs. Piancentini enjoys making all types of food, but his favorite dish to create is soup. He specializes in contemporary world cuisine, including German specialties at Vintage Restaurant.
 
13986 Highway C
Rayville, MO 64084
 
Chef Marc Auriemma
 
A Kansas City native, Chef Marc Auriemma graduated from the Arizona Culinary Institute in 2003. Marc cut his teeth at Aixois, a French bistro in Brookside, and honed his craft working as a contractor at Cerner. Influenced by his Italian grandmother's cooking, Marc was drawn to working with producers of fresh ingredients and fine wines. Marc started at Van Till Family Farm Winery on Valentine's weekend in 2017 when he impressed visitors with his four-course sweetheart dinner. Marc enjoys flexing his creativity with artisanal pizzas, featuring creations such as Lemon Pancetta Pizza and Spicy Blood Orange Sirloin Pizza. 
 
  
 
 

American Viticultural Areas

April 23, 2019

A bottle of wine tells many stories. The first chapter revolves around the origin of the grapes. Many regions around the world are historically known for their grape growing and the quality wines they produce. Napa and Sonoma are two of the most recognized appellations or American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) in the nation.  But did you know that the honor for the first AVA was bestowed on Augusta, Missouri?

An American Viticultural Area (AVA) is a designated wine grape-growing region in the United States. An AVA is distinguished by geographic features, with boundaries defined by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). Missouri is home to the country’s first designated AVA.

Viticultural areas allow winegrowers to more accurately communicate the origin of their wines to their consumers. 

Federal regulations require 75 percent or more of wine be derived from grapes grown within the TTB-established AVA boundaries in order to designate a wine with the name of an AVA. The wine must be fully finished within the labeled appellation.

AVAs in Missouri include:

Augusta AVA
The first AVA in the United States was accorded to Augusta, Missouri on June 20, 1980. Seven California districts and one in Oregon had filed applications with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; however, the honor went to the 15 square mile area surrounding Augusta. The bureau cited the unique soil, climate and wines, as well as Augusta’s long history as one of America’s oldest and foremost grape and wine districts.

Ozark Mountain AVA
The Ozark Mountain AVA was established on August 1, 1986 and covers a vast 3.5 million acres in southern Missouri, extending into northwest Arkansas and northeast Oklahoma. The Ozark Mountain AVA is so large, several smaller AVA’s lay within its borders, including Augusta, Hermann and Ozark Highlands. It is the sixth largest AVA in the United States.

Hermann AVA
The Hermann AVA was recognized on February 27, 1987 and consists of 51,200 acres in the Hermann area between St. Louis and Jefferson City, Missouri. German immigrants settled the Missouri River Valley area in the 1830s and began planting vineyards in what is today one of the most historic wine regions in the nation.

Ozark Highlands AVA
The Ozark Highlands AVA was designated on September 30, 1987; although the grape growing tradition goes back to the 1870s. The fourth accorded AVA in Missouri encompasses 1,280,000 acres in south-central Missouri, covering portions of eleven Missouri counties including the town of St. James, Missouri.

Loess Hills District AVA
The Loess Hills District AVA was established on April 4, 2016 and consists of 12,897 square miles of loess-based hills comprising a long, narrow region along the western banks of the Missouri and Big Sioux Rivers in western Iowa and northwestern Missouri. The topography is characterized by rolling to steep hills. The deep loess enables grapevine roots to reach deeply into the soil and allows water to drain quickly.

Any person or group can file a petition for a new or modified AVA. The TTB has created an AVA Manual for Petitioners that provides guidance on preparing a petition and collecting and evaluating information regarding distinguishing features. Establishing a new AVA can take years to complete and requires both patience and persistence from both the petitioner and the TTB.

Next time you’re shopping for Missouri wine, check out the labels to see which ones originated in one of the five AVAs.

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