Bud Break is a very exciting time in the vineyards. It signals the vines awakening from their winter nap (dormancy). It’s the beginning of the grape growing season and holds the excitement of untapped potential.

Visit a local winery to witness the awakening of the vineyards and join us in celebrating this time of new beginnings!

We’ve all been there, a small drop of red wine spills onto your favorite shirt.  Will it ever come out? How should you treat it? Don’t let this ruin your day or your wine country adventure. A few minutes on Pinterest will yield hundreds of home remedies, but we took the extra step and put a few methods to the test. Most of the ingredients are common items you may already have in your kitchen. Read on for results.

Stain Removal Remedies

White Wine
If you are at a winery, white wine is readily available. Treat the area with white wine to help reduce the chance of a permanent stain. During our test this method did reduce the severity of the stain, but the wine was still present after it was washed. White wine was a good first step but we’d recommend further treatment of the stain before washing.

Table Salt + Boiling Water
Salt is typically within reach at the dinner table and may help absorb the wine and prevent it from spreading. Apply a heavy coat of salt and allow to sit for one hour. Place the clothing item over a bowl once you are home and pour boiling water over the area. This method was more successful in the center of the stain than the outer edges. We’d suggest salt as a quick fix if available then additional stain fighting methods before you toss it in the laundry.

White Vinegar + Detergent
Mix 1 Tbsp laundry detergent + 1 Tbsp white vinegar + 2 cups lukewarm water for this stain fighter. Instructions were to apply this solution to the stain and launder as normal. Results were less than outstanding with this mixture.

Dawn + Hydrogen Peroxide + Baking Soda
This method calls for 2 parts Dawn, 1 part peroxide and 2 tsp baking soda, mixed well. Apply this mixture to the stain and allow to sit for at least one hour. It didn’t take long to see visible results with this solution and it was the clear winner overall. Pro tip: Use a spray bottle for precise application and always test a small, discrete area for color fastness.

Helpful tips: Blot or dab the spill rather than rub which can make the stain worse. Dried stains are always tougher to remove. If possible keep the stain wet using water or white wine until you are home and able to treat it. When treating, it may be helpful to place a washcloth or towel between the layers of clothing to prevent the stain from bleeding to the other side during treatment. No matter which method you try the sooner the stain is treated the better your chances are of removing it completely. 

Feast Magazine and partners are at it again to showcase delicious, award-winning local wines alongside tasty treats from area restaurants and retailers. Missouri Wines is proudly sponsoring this event and wants to give you an opportunity to win a pair of VIP tickets.

At the 2017 Taste & Toast: Drink Local, guests will enjoy samples of locally crafted wines from more than 12 different wineries. These unique, delicious wines will be paired with food from more than ten beloved area restaurants and food vendors. All the while, guests will be treated to great live music.

This is the perfect night out for wine and food lovers! It’s a great opportunity for a fun date night, or to have a blast with your best pals.  

When: Friday, April 28, 2017 from 7-10pm – VIP Happy Hour starting at 6pm

Where:  Moulin, 2017 Chouteau Ave., St. Louis, Missouri

Click here to purchase tickets.

Click here to enter to win a pair of VIP tickets.

(Entry deadline: April 20, 2017 by 11:59pm CST) 

We’ll see you at the 3^rd Annual Taste & Toast! 

Fondue has an often disputed origin, but in 1930 it was named Switzerland’s National Dish, and it’s popularity has spread far and wide. There is something undeniably fun and communal about Fondue that makes it the perfect dish for sharing with a group. Traditional Fondue recipes include cheese, wine, herbs and garlic. Try this version featuring Missouri’s classic white wine, Chardonel.

Chardonel Fondue Recipe

Time: 15-20 minutes

Yield: 6-8 servings

Ingredients:

1  Fresh garlic clove

½ lb  Gouda cheese

½ lb  Swiss cheese 

1 cup  Missouri Chardonel- dry, white wine

¼ cup  Cornstarch

Salt

White Pepper

Directions:

Grate the cheese and coat with cornstarch. This recipe uses a double boiler method. You’ll need a heatproof bowl and a pan it will fit in without touching the bottom of the pan. Cut the garlic clove and rub it on the inside of the bowl to coat the bottom and sides. Place the bowl over the pan of water, bringing the water to a simmer. Add wine to the bowl and heat until warm but not too hot. (You’re looking for small bubbles, not a rolling boil.) Add the cheese a handful at a time stirring until melted. Once all of the cheese is melted, add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately with dippable delights such as bread, veggies, meat, or even apple slices.

The Fondue will thicken quickly if you don’t have a Fondue pot or small slow cooker, so eat up! Pair this delicious shareable dish with a glass of Chardonel. Cheers! 

The menu for Easter dinner varies from table to table, but we’ve compiled delicious wine pairing recommendations for some of the more traditional dishes. If you’re Easter dinner or brunch menu don’t include any of these items, you can always use our interactive food and wine pairing guide to find the perfect match.

1. Deviled Eggs + Traminette
2. Green Salad + Vidal Blanc
3. Lamb  + Norton
4. Ham + Chambourcin   *If the glaze on your ham is rather sweet, a Chambourcin rosé may be the way to go.

5. Duck + Norton
6. Roasted Vegetables and Potatoes + Chardonel
7. Spring Peas with Mint + Vidal Blanc
8. Lemon Meringue Pie + Late harvest dessert wine
9. Chocolate Bunnies:

Milk Chocolate + Fruit wine (Cherry, Blackberry or Raspberry)

(Fairly) Dark Chocolate + Chambourcin

(Really) Dark Chocolate + Norton

White Chocolate + Sweet sparkling wine

10. Marshmallow Peeps + Late h arvest dessert wine

Sip local as you celebrate this Easter! 

Chardonel… it may sound familiar, but the taste is truly original. It’s a hybrid grape varietal and derives its name from parent grapes, Chardonnay and Seyval Blanc. It was bred to thrive in demanding weather conditions like those we experience here in Missouri. The unique terroir (climate, soil, etc.) of the area results in a truly delicious, classic white wine with plenty of Show Me State flavor.

Chardonel is a versatile grape that winemakers can use to make a wide variety of wines, but is most commonly used for dry white wines. If the vintner chooses to age their Chardonel wine in oak barrels, it develops a rich, creamy character similar to traditional Chardonnays but with a subtle fruitiness all its own. When made in an un-oaked style, Chardonel features even more fruit notes of citrus and apple with a light, crisp finish.

As the temperature begins to rise, flowers bloom and grape vines awaken. We welcome a new season, and Chardonel is the perfect wine to sip in celebration of spring’s arrival. It’s a great wine for enjoying on its own, but pairs well with a wide range of foods. Try matching it with grilled chicken, mushrooms, smoked pork, creamy white cheeses and sauces, and bread pudding. If you’re looking for a great wine to cook with, Chardonel is a delicious choice.

Spring is a beautiful season of new life, and Missouri wine country is a great place to take it all in. While you’re exploring local, award-winning wineries, be sure to taste and discover Missouri Chardonel. Share your vino adventures with us on social media with #MOwine and #MOChardonel.

Cheers to Chardonel Month! 

Are you ready for a Missouri wine adventure? The Show Me State has 10 distinct wine trails to discover! A wine trail is a group of wineries that have come together to create fun, unique experiences. Some host themed food and wine pairing events, while others act as a mapped out vino adventure. Get familiar with each trail and check out some of the upcoming events.

1. Aux Arcs Wine Road

In the heart of the Missouri Ozarks along Highway 60, the Aux Arcs Wine Road is named from the original French name given to the region north of the northern-most bend in the Arkansas River. Stop by each winery along the trail and you can get a free souvenir glass at your last stop.  

2. Hermann Wine Trail

There is a rich winemaking tradition in the historic German town of Hermann that dates back to the 1830s. The Hermann Wine Trail is known for festive events featuring unique foods paired with delicious local wines.

• Wild Bacon Wine Trail Event – On May 6^th and 7^th, each winery along the trail will use bacon as the main ingredient in a delicious dish that will be paired with wine. 

3. Kansas City Wine Trail             

From the urban settings of central Kansas City to the farm life environment you’ll find in Lexington, the Kansas City Wine Trail forms a complete loop in the surrounding area just east of Kansas City.

4. Lake of the Ozarks Wine Trail

Located near one of the largest man-made lakes in the United States, the Lake of the Ozarks Wine Trail offers scenic views and an opportunity to sip wine on the water. Pair wine with gourmet food and visit one of the many attractions the area has to offer.

5. Mississippi River Hills Wine Trail

As you wind through the beautiful river hills countryside of Southeast Missouri, the Mississippi River Hills Wine Trail stretches 40 miles long and offers a wide selection of wines from family owned and operated wineries.  

• Taste of the Titanic Event – On April 15^th, you can enjoy a unique wine and food pairing at each winery along the trail based on foods that were served on the Titanic.
• Win a Weekend Getaway Package – Become an MVP, visit participating wineries, and earn points to enter the MVP sweepstakes for a chance to win a wine experience and one night stay for up to four people along the Mississippi River Hills Wine Trail.

6. Missouri River Wine Trail                         

In the center of the Show Me State, the Missouri River Wine Trail has stunning bluff top views of the Missouri River and State Capitol building. Central Missouri wineries offer award-winning wine, tasty food, and incredible views each in their own exclusive setting.

• Chill Out on the Wine Trail Event – On July 8^th and 9^th, you can enjoy ice cream pairings with wine this summer at each winery along the trail.

7. Missouri Weinstrasse                                

The Missouri Weinstrasse is located in America’s first ever designated American Viticulture Area, Augusta. The area has been praised for its unique soil, climate and German winemaking heritage.

8. The Northwest Missouri Wine Trail

As you travel through some of the charming towns just north of Kansas City, the Northwest Missouri Wine Trail has unique wineries, picturesque countryside views, gourmet foods and friendly mid-western hospitality.

9. Ozark Mountain Wine Trail

Down in southwest Missouri, the Ozark Mountain Wine Trail takes you through the scenic countryside and rolling hills of the Ozarks. The trail offers a diverse selection of locally crafted wines, including fruit wines and honey wines known as mead.

10. Route du Vin Wine Trail

In Ste. Genevieve County, just southeast of St. Louis, the Route du Vin Wine Trail has deep French influences that date back to the 1700s. Historic architecture, rolling hills, green fields and a natural cave are just some of the sights you’ll see while exploring the trail.

• Jour de la Terre Event – On April 22^nd, celebrate Earth Day by enjoying wines paired with cuisine inspired by other countries at each of the wineries along the trail.

What are you waiting for? Attend a wine trail event or create or own wine trail experience at one of the 10 wine trails throughout the state. Share your wine trail experiences with us on social media by using the hashtag #MOwine.

Cheers to Missouri wine adventures!

So, how do you recognize that acid is what you taste and feel? As far as a flavor goes, acid in wine comes across as a tart or sour taste. It can cause a variety of sensations ranging from a tingling on the sides of your tongue, to a more prominent pucker, and can even cause your mouth to salivate – literally mouthwatering. An often-used comparison is the flavor and sensation of drinking fresh-squeezed lemonade.

White wines generally have more acidity than reds, but there are always exceptions. Take Chardonel for example, if it’s aged in oak it goes through something called malolactic conversion changing the way the acid in the wine tastes and feels. An unoaked Chardonel will have brighter acid than that of an oaked Chardonel. This conversion is one of the reasons red wine tends to have less acid than white. The length of time the grapes spent on the vine also affects how much acid a wine will have. The riper a grape, the less acid and more sugars it will have.

Acid is an important factor to consider when selecting a wine to pair with specific food. If a dish is high in acid such as a salad with citrus vinaigrette, pairing it with a low-acid wine would make the wine taste dull and flat. If your dish is acidic, finding a wine with a comparative acidity is key. Sweetness, saltiness and fat are all complementary flavors that pair well with acidic wines. That’s why sparkling wine is so delicious with fried chicken.

Winemaking is a balancing act and acid plays a primary role. Next time you’re at a Missouri winery doing a tasting, keep in mind the taste and mouthfeel of acidity to help identify which local wines are your favorite.  

Wine is the ultimate accessory… just ask Rihanna! Missouri wine is once again a proud sponsor of the VIP experience at the annual Fashionation event in Springfield. 417 Magazine puts on the most fabulous fashion event of the year, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of it.

If you would like to attend this one-of-a-kind event featuring a two-hour fashion show, live musical performances, dancing and exclusive shopping opportunities, you can purchase a ticket here. You can also enter for a chance to win a pair of VIP tickets courtesy of Missouri Wines by clicking here. Fashionation will take place on April 8, 2017 at the Springfield Expo Center in 417 Land.

*Pro-tip* The earlier you purchase your tickets, the better your seat! And if you’re the lucky winner of a pair of VIP tickets from Missouri Wines, you’re guaranteed a great view of all the fashion action… so enter today! 

The days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer, which means spring season is on its way. The first day of spring officially began on March 20^th, so wineries throughout the state may begin to extend visiting hours. Spring is the perfect time to visit Missouri wine country. Have you ever seen a vineyard just after bud break as the flowers begin to grow? The vineyard views can be very picturesque! In fact, the drive to a winery can be just as pretty since flowers are beginning to bloom. Aside from the scenic settings a winery can offer, let’s not forget about all of the delicious Missouri wine there is to try!

If you need another reason to visit Missouri wine country, sign up to earn rewards through the Missouri Winery Visitors Program, otherwise known as MVP. That’s right; you can get rewards as an MVP just by visiting Missouri wineries! For each participating MVP winery you visit, you’ll earn points, which may be redeemed for rewards. Track your vino adventures with a wine journal or keep your wine chilled with a neoprene wine carrier. There are plenty of MVP rewards and experiences to choose from. You can even use your points for a chance to win the MVP quarterly sweepstakes. The current MVP sweepstakes is a weekend getaway package that includes lodging for up to four people along the Mississippi River Hills Wine Trail. Then again, you might want to use your points to redeem two tickets to the MVP Extravaganza. This special event includes gourmet food and wine pairings and is the ultimate reward for the most dedicated of MVPs.

Score more MVP points by spending a day exploring a Missouri wine trail! Each wine trail has something different to offer visitors and will often host special events. There are 10 Missouri wine trails choose from. Which wine trail will you discover?

We invite you to explore Missouri wine country and become an MVP to begin earning rewards for visiting wineries. MVP is a voluntary program for both consumers and wineries, so be sure to check the MVP participating winery list before visiting. Cheers to sipping wine during the spring time in Missouri wine country!