Don’t worry; you read that correctly. January is National Bread Month, and Missouri Norton Month. What better way to celebrate these two delicious tastes than by putting them together? Norton, the official grape of the “Show Me” State, makes wines that are big, bold and complex. They pair well with smoked meats and strong cheeses, and you know what else pairs well with those things? Bread! 

We thought why not put these things together and see what deliciousness ensues… meet Missouri Wine Quick Bread. This recipe is easy and speedy! It’s great for having alongside a meal, as an appetizer with meats, cheeses and chutneys, and is even surprisingly good with peanut butter and jelly!

Missouri Wine Quick Bread 
Ingredients: 

• 3 cups         Sifted unbleached bread flour 
• 1 tbsp        Baking powder
• 2 tbsp        Sugar
• 1 1/3 cups    Dry Missouri wine (Norton works well*)
• 1 tbsp        Melted butter 

Directions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. 
2. Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Whisk to evenly distribute. 
3. Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients; pour in the wine.
4. Stir well until the mixture is mostly combined. 
5. Turn the dough and leftover flour mixture onto a flat surface dusted with light layer of flour. 
6. Knead the dough for 3-5 minutes to incorporate the last of the flour mixture and create smooth dough. Shape the dough into an oblong, bâtard shape and place it on a parchment lined cookie sheet. [You can do other shapes, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time accordingly as it won’t take as long with smaller shapes.]
7. Brush the loaf with melted butter and cut three ¼ inch deep scores diagonally in the top of the loaf. 
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until the crust is browned slightly. Let cool for at least five minutes before cutting and serving. 

* You can use any type of wine you like, but Norton adds a nice, strong flavor and aroma. If you choose to use a sweeter wine, omit the sugar in the recipe. This bread is best fresh and hot, but will keep in an air tight container for 3-5 days. 
Try this recipe out today for a delicious and unique treat! 

Norton is Missouri’s official state grape and we take the month of January to celebrate this all-American wine. Big and bold, Norton is a great wine to pair with rich foods such as smoked meats and dark chocolate. Use this pairing guide Infographic to help you pair locally crafted Norton wine with your favorite foods for a delicious culinary experience. 

 

Good food paired with great wine is an experience for your senses! We are proud to be one of the sponsors of the 14th Annual St. Louis Food & Wine Experience benefiting the St. Louis Repertory Theatre, and we want to share the love by giving away a pair of tickets to this one of kind event. 

What you could win: 
2 VIP tickets to the 14th Annual St. Louis Food & Wine Experience- VALUE $250

The VIP Reserve Room is the ideal destination for guests looking for something out of the ordinary, or those who appreciate the opportunity to freely taste a wide selection of super-premium wines. Download the free app to keep track of your favorite wines, find a floor map, locate food around the event, and more. Search for “STLFWE” in the App Store or Google Play Store. 

Tickets include

• A full day of open tasting from more than 200 Reserve Room wines and another 400+ on the Main Floor
• A commemorative Riedel wine glass to complement your fine wine selections
• Gourmet hors d’oeuvre selections
• General admission access to the Main Floor
• Access to the VIP Reserve Room Silent Auction to include exclusive and rare wines, one-of-a-kind winery experiences, fine dining, gift certificates and more

How to enter

1. Follow @MissouriWine on Instagram
2. Post a photo of your own food and wine pairing skills on Instagram with the hashtags #MOwine and #STLFWE by 5pm (CST) on Monday, January 25th, 2016. 

Things to note

• One entry per Instagram account.
• If your account is set to private, we won’t be able to see that you posted an entry. So, you’ll need to make your account public for the duration of the contest to be entered. 

The winner will be chosen at random from all qualified entries and contacted on Tuesday, January 26th by noon (CST) through Instagram. If the selected winner does not respond or meet the requirements within 24 hours of being contacted, a new winner will be selected. 

If you have any questions, please email missouri.wine@mda.mo.gov. 

Cheers and good luck! 

 

What’s your sign? More importantly, what’s your wine? Whether you check your horoscope daily or every now and then for fun, it’s always interesting to see what the stars have to say. Which Missouri wine matches your zodiac sign? Is it one you know and love or something new you need to give a try? 

Aries (March 21 – April 19) : Sparkling Wine 
Aries tend to be adventurous and energetic with confidence and a quick wit. The effervescence and excitement of an award-winning, Missouri sparkling wine is ideal for Aries! 

 

Taurus (April 20 – May 20) : Concord 
Taurus are patient, reliable and warmhearted, but can be a little self-indulgent. You can count on the candy-like sweetness of delicious Concord to be a great match, and for a true indulgence, try it with peanut butter.

 

Gemini (May 21 – June 21) : Vidal Blanc 
Gemini boast adaptability and versatility and are often youthful and lively. There couldn’t be a better pair than Vidal Blanc. Known for its ability to be delicious as a dry white wine, sparkling wine and decadent dessert wine, there’s a great Vidal Blanc for whatever mood strikes a Gemini. 

 

Cancer (June 22 – July 22) : Catawba
Cancers are emotional, loving, imaginative and intuitive. The sweet and light Catawba is a great match, and is wonderful with all kinds of seafood. 

 

Leo (July 23 – August 22) : Vignoles 
Leos tend to be generous, creative, and expansive. They have big personalities and the Missouri Vignoles is perfect for them because it comes in a variety of sweetness and styles, matching their every whim. 

 

Virgo (August 23 – September 22) : Seyval Blanc 
While Virgos are often modest and a little shy, they are meticulous and intelligent. A Missouri Seyval Blanc may not be loud, but has subtle, delightful notes Virgos will take the time to appreciate. 

 

Libra (September 23 – October 22) : Dessert Wine 
Libras are diplomatic and charming, they’re also romantic and idealistic. They are a balance of what might seem like contradictions. The complexity of decadent Missouri dessert wines is perfect for Libras. 

 

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21) : Chambourcin 
Powerful and passionate, Scorpios can be a force to be reckoned with. They are determined and have magnetic personalities. It’s no surprise the earthy and jammy Chambourcin is a great match for them. 

 

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21) : Rosé Wine 
Optimistic, freedom-loving, and good-humored are some of the traits of a Sagittarius. With those qualities, there’s no better pair than a glass of Missouri rosé. 

 

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19) : Chardonel 
Capricorns tend toward the practical and are often reserved, but they’re also ambitious and humorous. This balance of traits, hands down, calls for Chardonel. 

 

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18) : Norton 
Honest, original and independent, Aquarius are inventive, intellectual and loyal. Norton (AKA Cynthiana), the Missouri state grape, is a Native American varietal like none other, and is ideal for Aquarius. 

 

Pisces (February 19 – March 20) : Traminette 
Pisces tend to be compassionate, selfless and intuitive. They are imaginative and sensitive, and they deserve a delicious wine like the delicate and floral Traminette for all they do. 

 

What’s in the stars for your future sipping? Locally crafted, award-winning Missouri wine, that’s what! 

Are you a die-hard Missouri wine fan? We know how you can celebrate your love for local, award-winning wine all year long. The Missouri Wine Lover’s Calendar, because for some of us, everyday is Wine Wednesday!  Click the image above for a closer look!

The first secret… Missouri makes delicious, award-winning sparkling wine! Not everyone knows about it, but now you do. The next secret… sparkling wine and champagne are similar but not the same; so, let’s clarify that first. After an international trade agreement made in 2006, no new sparkling wines can be called Champagne unless made in a particular style with grapes grown in the Champagne region of France. There are a few American sparkling wines that were grandfathered in, but for the most part Champagne is from France. 

Missouri’s sparkling wines range from dry to sweet and are absolutely delightful! They are great for sipping on their own and make everything feel more festive and celebratory. This brings us to secret number three… sparkling wine makes the best cocktails! 

The bubbles add a luscious texture to cocktails that you just can’t beat. Dry sparkling wines have great acidity that can complement simple syrups and sweet mixers perfectly. While sweeter sparkling wines add the effervescence and act as the sweetening component of a cocktail. 

Try adding local bubbly to your favorite traditional cocktail recipe or try one of these…

Sugared Cranberry Ginger Mimosas would be fantastic made with either dry or sweet sparkling wine. 

This “Show Me” State take on the classic Moscow Mule is delicious with a dry Missouri sparkling wine. The Missouri Mule should definitely be on your cocktail bucket list!

Sparkling wine punch is always a hit and is perfect for serving a crowd. Try this Sparkling Elderflower Punch with a dry Missouri bubbly or use a sweet sparkling wine and leave out the sugar. 

If you’re looking for something a little different, this recipe for the 23 Skiddoo adds in a unique flavor by using Thyme. A dry Missouri sparkling wine is ideal for this cocktail.

For a truly simple sparkling cocktail, try this Ruby Red Grapefruit Fizz with a bottle of local, hand-crafted bubbly. 

Cheers to Missouri bubbles and why we love them!

Where does that glass go? How about this tiny fork? Table settings can be a little confusing sometimes, especially when you throw multiple courses and accompanying wines in the mix. These dining diagrams will help you impress your guests and keep all your dinnerware straight. 

Casual Dining

This is a simple and totally functional setting that covers most dining situations. The utensils consists of a salad fork, main fork, knife, spoon and dessert fork or spoon depending on what sweet treat you’re serving. The forks are arranged on the left side of the plate with the entrée fork being closest to the plate. To the right of the plate, place the knife (sharp side pointing toward the plate, then the spoon. The dessert fork or spoon goes above the plate. The water glass goes directly above the knife and the wine glass (use a general, all purpose glass that can work for either white or red if you’re giving your guests more than one wine to choose from) goes to the right of the water glass. The napkin goes on top of the plate or in the space where the plate will be if you are not setting it out prior to the meal.

Semi Formal Dining

To take it one notch up the fancy ladder, add another knife closest to the plate (a sharper knife such as a steak knife is preferred), place both a fork and spoon above the plate for dessert, and have both a red and white wine glass to the right of the water glass (from right to left: water, white wine, red wine). 

Formal Dining

If you’re going for a practically regal affair, a formal dining setting includes a gamut of utensils and glassware. You’ll want to set the following forks from left to right: Salad, fish, main (1), main (2). Above the forks is where the bread plate and butter knife will find their home. In the center you’ll place the charger plate and napkin. Above that place the dessert fork and spoon as well as the guest’s escort card. To the right of the charger plate place the steak knife, main knife, fish knife, salad knife, and soup spoon. The water glass finds its place above the leftmost knife and traveling to your right you’ll place the champagne flute, white wine glass, red wine glass, and dessert wine glass. 

The important thing about planning your table setting is to customize it to the meal you are serving and the environment you hope to foster. These guides are a good starting point, but be sure to make the table your own. 

Cheers!

Did the holidays sneak up on you? Time sure does fly. Christmas is almost here, and if you still have gifts to purchase and wrap, don’t worry! Missouri wine has the answer. Buying a case of Missouri wine instantly takes care of 12 people on your list. And we even took care of wrapping with these festive, printable bottle tags.

There are more than 125 wineries in Missouri and many of them are bringing home big awards from national and international wine competitions. Head to a winery near you, enjoy a tasting, and go home with your holiday shopping complete. We’re not sure it gets much easier than that. Purchasing at the winery has the perk of getting to taste the wines before you buy, but you can find Missouri wine at many local retailers too.

Take the stress out of last minute shopping with local, award-winning wines and fun bottle tags! Cheers to a Merry stree-free Christmas!

Photo by Adrianna Adarme of Fresh Tastes blog on PBS Food.

Sipping on delicious, local wine is wonderful, but it gets even more exciting when you use those wines to create unique cocktails. A signature cocktail is a great way to make your soiree stand out this holiday season. Make an impression with one of these mouthwatering wine-tails! 

Stunning Sips- These cocktails are best made to order. The fun part about that is making the preparation of the beverage an experience for each guest. Talk about memorable!

• Sparkling Rosemary Cocktail: Ideally made with an award-winning Missouri bubbly! 
• Orange, Pomegranate, White Wine Cocktail: Perfection with a crisp, citrusy Vidal Blanc. 
• Norhattan: A bold take on a classic made with the state grape, Norton! 

Serve a Crowd- These make-ahead, big batch cocktails are both delicious and convenient. Make a pitcher with a festive garnish, pre-pour and serve on a decked out tray, or have a self-serve punchbowl of one of these signature sips for your holiday gathering. 

• Mulled Wine: A classic winter sipper that will warm your guests on a chilly night. Delicious when made with the earthy, spicy Missouri Chambourcin red wine. 
• Sparkling Pomegranate Punch: This cocktail has a beautiful presentation and is a tasty treat made with late harvest dessert wine and sparkling wine. 
• Spiced Cranberry Sangria: Festive and seasonal, this wine-tail is a great option to make before your event and is sure to please your guests, especially when made with a Missouri dry rosé wine. 
• Late Harvest & Campari Cocktails- The color is almost as lovely as the flavor. This recipe is perfect when made with a Late Harvest Vignoles. 

Try your hand at a signature cocktail this holiday hosting season. They’re fun, festive and delicious. Cheers!

Reuse leftover wine bottles and corks to create crafty holiday decorations that will get everyone in the spirit of the season. Here are nine ideas to get your creative juices flowing. Let the Missouri wine flow too. After all, you’re going to need some empty bottles!

1. Let it snow! Spray a clear bottle with adhesive and roll it in Epsom salt for a super simple snow glass effect.  Click the image below to learn more!

Photo: camelotartcreations.com

 

2. Dreaming of a white Christmas? Deck out your holiday table or mantle with these snow-kissed bottles.  Click the image below to learn more!

Photo: realcoake.com

 

3. Silver season’s greetings. These faux mercury glass wine bottles are great for the holidays, and classic enough to carry you through the New Year.  Click the image below to learn more!

Photo: thefrugaltree.blogspot.com

 

4. Make a golden Menorah! Create a beautiful and easy Menorah with spray painted wine bottles just in time for the beginning of Hanukkah.  Click the image below to learn more!

Photo: littlemisspartyplanner.com

 

5. Light it up! Put Christmas lights inside empty wine bottles for a twinkling mantelpiece.  Click the image below to learn more!

Photo: ehow.com

 

6. There’s no place like gnome. Add some holiday cuteness with these gnome wine bottle toppers. They’re great for decorating or gifting.  Click the image below to learn more!

Photo: livelaughrowe.com

 

7. Spread the joy! These simple DIY burlap bags look great as decoration and are perfect for wrapping a special bottle of Missouri wine for the wine-lovers on your list.  Click the image below to learn more!

Photo: myhomesweetblog.com

 

8. Adorn the door. This wreath made from wine corks is slightly understated and lovely.  Click the image below to learn more!

Photo: goodhousekeeping.com

 

9. Trim the tree with corks. These star ornaments from recycled wine corks are an easy, quick and inexpensive way to decorate your Christmas tree.  Click the image below to learn more!

Photo: virginiasweetpea.com

 

Let’s get crafting and make everything merry and bright with Missouri wines! Cheers!