Gotta get away? It’s easier and closer than you think. Spend a few days in the heart of Missouri wine country and you’ll feel transported and rejuvenated. Whether you’re looking for a romantic get away with your sweetheart or a fun trip with some close friends, Missouri wine country has all you need to enjoy a fun, relaxing retreat.

If you’re looking for a quick day trip, look no further. There are 129 wineries in the state for you to explore, there’s sure to be at least a few in your own backyard.

However, if you are looking for a weekend or even a long weekend trip, there are several areas in the state to visit with a high concentration of wineries. Each area has its own unique history and atmosphere, making it easy to find the one that suits you.

The easiest place to start planning a trip to Missouri wine country is to check out the ten wine trails. If you want to blaze your own trail, keep these areas in mind.

Hermann, MO is a town with a ton of character. From its German history to its quaint shops and restaurants, it exudes small town charm. There are six wineries in Hermann to explore and five more within a very short drive.

Augusta and Defiance, MO are two adorable neighboring towns that offer the perfect amount of Midwest charm. You’ll find lovely Bed & Breakfasts, primo antiqueing and gorgeous scenery everywhere you look. There are six wineries in Augusta, three in Defiance, and one in Dutzow which is only a stone’s throw away. That’s ten wineries to explore all within a few minutes of each other in the lovely Missouri countryside.

Ste. Genevieve, MO is steeped in a rich heritage and considered America’s original French Colonial village. You can explore historic homes, visit specialty stores and sample delicious local cuisine. This picturesque town has a lot to offer, including seven wineries. Just next door to Ste. Genevieve in Farmington you’ll find an additional three wineries.

Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or just a break from the day to day, Missouri wine country is the perfect place. Wine country is calling. Will you answer?

It doesn’t have to be five o’clock somewhere to enjoy a delicious glass of Missouri wine. The idea of brunch, a portmanteau of breakfast and lunch, is thought to have been around since the late 1800s and can be as casual or elegant as you like. One thing is sure, adding Missouri wine to your next brunch is a must!

The mimosa is a classic brunch beverage. The most basic mimosa is one part sparkling wine to one part orange juice, but there are a number of delicious variations using grapefruit juice, pureed peaches, etc. You can even create a make-your-own mimosa bar where guests can customize their own beverages. For a list of award-winning Missouri sparkling wines, click here.

The savory stars of the brunch table such as bacon, quiche, and potatoes are great when paired with a glass of Missouri wine.

• Bacon, ham and sausage all pair very well with Chambourcin.
• Vegetable quiche or egg casseroles pair well with Vidal Blanc or Seyval Blanc.
• Cheesy hashbrowns are well suited for a glass of oaky Chardonel or Norton.
• Croissants are a perfect pair for a glass of sparkling wine.

Fruit, both fresh and in jams and jellies, commonly makes an appearance on brunch menus and can be a little tricky to pair with wine. Here are some suggestions:

• Fresh berries, such as blackberries, blueberries and raspberries, pair well with sparkling wine or Norton.
• Fresh strawberries pair well with sparkling wine, Chambourcin or Vignoles.
• Fresh citrus and melon pair well with Seyval Blanc or Vidal Blanc.
• Fresh and cooked apples pair well with Chardonel.
• Darker jams and jellies, such as blackberry, currant and fig preserves pair well with fruit forward reds such as Chambourcin.
• Lighter jellies and jams, such as strawberry and apricot, pair will with a lighter, semi-sweet Vignoles or Traminette.
• Grape jam is perfectly complemented by a glass of Concord.

Sweet treats are often abundant on brunch menus. Remember when pairing sweet dishes that the wine you pair should match the sweetness level of the dish or it can taste sour or bitter. Baked favorites such as scones, muffins and donuts pair well with a light, fruity white such as Vignoles or Traminette or a sweeter sparkling wine.

Whatever you fill your next brunch plate with, be sure to accompany it with a glass of perfectly paired Missouri wine.

Missouri wine pairs well with brunch!

Every year on March 17th St. Patrick’s Day is observed, which may have begun as a religious feast day for the patron saint of Ireland, but has become a day to celebrate Irish culture. Whether you’re Irish or just Irish-at-heart, traditional Irish foods are a great way to celebrate this festive holiday, and pairing them with Missouri wines adds some local flavor.

Corned beef and cabbage is probably the most traditional dish served on St. Patrick’s Day. This recipe is a very traditional method, but it includes brining. So, you’ll need to start the process the day before your celebration. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s a little less labor intensive, this is it… slow cooker corned beef and cabbage. Whichever recipe you choose, a glass of Norton is the perfect pair for this classic Irish dish. Lamb stew is another favorite for celebrating St. Pat’s, and Norton is the ideal complement for lamb.

Colcannon potatoes are a favorite side dish on St. Paddy’s. So popular in fact they are sometimes used as the main dish! The recipes tend to range slightly from family to family, but here’s one that is sure to please (It has bacon in it. You can’t really go wrong with bacon). Pour yourself a glass of delightful Missouri Chambourcin or a fuller bodied Chardonel to go with these rich, hearty potatoes.

Irish soda bread is dense and hearty, and oh so delicious. It is wonderful served alongside your St. Pat’s meal or you could use it to create an Irish inspired sandwich for something a little different.

Desserts aren’t particularly popular in Irish culture. Why not cap of your evening with a glass of Missouri port-style dessert wine or late harvest wine?

Oh, and don’t forget to wear your green!

Missouri wine pairs well with St. Patrick’s Day!

Port is a style of fortified dessert wine that has been around for more than 300 years. To make port-style wine, brandy is added to fermenting wine. The high alcohol content of the brandy ends the fermentation process early, and some of the natural sugar from the grape juice is retained. 

Not all port-style wines are called Port for the same reason not all sparkling wines are Champagne. A 2005 wine trade agreement between the US and the European Union stated that American wines could no longer use the name Port on new wine labels. Existing brands were allowed to continue use of the name under a grandfather clause. So, many Missouri wineries make wines in the port-style that may not be called Port on the label. 

The fortification of these wines gives them a heavier body and sweeter, stronger flavor than your typical table wine. Port-style wines offer a truly unique experience on their own and even more so when paired with complimentary foods. 

A truly classic pairing, blue cheese and port-style wines have long been found side by side. The saltiness of the cheese and the sweetness of the wine are strong enough to stand up to each other and while on opposite sides of the taste spectrum, complement one another in a remarkable way. Other cheeses that pair well with port-style wines are stilton, aged cheddar, camembert and mature gouda. 

Chocolate, especially dark varieties with a high percentage of cacao are also well matched by the bold, sweet flavors of port-style wines. A rich flourless chocolate cake for example is perfectly paired with a port-style dessert wine for a truly decadent experience. 

In addition to cheese and chocolate, port-style wines also pair well with dried fruits and nuts, making them the perfect accompaniment to any well appointed cheese board. Add one to the offerings at your next gathering.  Find tips for setting up a cheese & charcuterie spread here. 

What is your favorite thing to pair with a Missouri port-style wine? 

The Academy Awards, known commonly as The Oscars, are often called Hollywood's biggest night. Since 1929, the star-studded event has been all about glamorous red carpet fashion and the anticipation of finding out who will win a coveted gold statuette, nicknamed Oscar. 

Films are the focus of the Academy Awards ceremony, but after the show, food and beverage get the spotlight. The official after-Oscars festivities take place at the ritzy Governors Ball. Master Chef Wolf Gang Puck treats the gala's 1,500 guests to a spectacular selection of hors d'oeuvres, small-plates and nearly 4,000 bottles of wine. Don't let the stars have all the fun! Missouri's award-winning wines paired with some gourmet appetizers from the Governors Ball's menu will add glitz to your at-home Oscars celebration.

Puck's recipe for chicken pot pie with black shaved truffles gets a standing ovation every year. This luxurious take on a classic comfort food is delicious with a full-bodied Chardonel. Another celebrity favorite are the mini burgers topped with aged cheddar cheese and creamy remoulade sauce. Enjoy these flavorful bites with a glass of big, bold Norton. Sparkling wine is a hit with the soiree's signature Oscar-shaped blinis with smoked salmon. Of course, bubbly will also compliment the evening's elegant desserts like chocolate-dipped strawberry cheesecake and citrus panna cotta garnished with chunky caramel popcorn. At the end of the night, the ball's A-list attendees take home miniature, dark chocolate Oscars that are covered in edible gold. If you want something equally applause-worthy, try gold-dusted bittersweet chocolate truffles with a decadent Missouri Port or dessert wine.

Missouri wine is the perfect co-star for an exciting night of honoring the best in movies.

Missouri wines pair well with the Oscars!

Being snowed in sounds like a bummer, right? It doesn’t have to be. Yes, it is an interruption of your regularly scheduled life, but if you’re stuck, you might as well make the most of it. First things first, pour yourself a glass of wine. Ah, now isn’t that better? 

Now let’s talk about how you can have a pleasurable snowed-in experience. If you have a fireplace, get it going for a toasty and pleasant atmosphere. (Tip: You know all those documents you’ve been meaning to shred, but the pile just keeps growing? Multi-task and use them to help start your fire.) If you don’t have a fireplace, break out those cozy wool socks and your favorite old sweatshirt. The general idea… get warm. Then the fun can begin. 

Awesome activities to do on a snow day: 

Strictly for fun: 
(Bonus- a glass of wine makes all of these even more fun!)

1. Bake. Not only can you warm up the house a bit by using the oven, but you also get a lovely treat when you’re finished. 
2. Curl up with a good book. If you didn’t manage to get to the library or the bookstore before the storm hit, be sure to check your local library’s website. Many libraries have eBook’s available for checkout directly to your smartphone, tablet or eReader. 
3. Watch a movie or catch up on a favorite TV show. This is an oldie, but a goody when it comes to being stuck in the house.
4. Get crafty with some DIY projects you’ve wanted to try. Check out these great ideas using leftover wine corks and bottles.
5. Play a game. Dust off that scrabble box or break out a deck of cards for some old fashioned fun. 
6.  Write a letter. You know, the kind with pen and paper.

Because you might as well be productive, right? 

1. Rearrange a room (or two). You’re stuck inside… so, make inside more fun. Use this time to rearrange the furniture and décor in the living room or guest room. 
2. Clean out the junk drawer. Something you’d literally never think of if you weren’t going a tad stir crazy in the house all day. 
3. Tackle one tough cleaning task you’ve been avoiding. And when you’re finished, reward yourself with a delicious, warming glass of Missouri wine!
4. Make a master calendar for upcoming gift-giving dates, and shop ahead online. 
5. Do the mending and ironing you’ve been putting off since 2010 (Yeah, that was really 5 whole years ago. Hard to believe, we know.) 

If you’re brave enough to face the outdoors: 

1. Bundle up and take a stroll in the snow. It really is beautiful, isn’t it?
2. Find the nearest steep hill or closed street and go sledding. It’ll make you feel like you did when you were 10 and they called a snow day! Don’t have a sled? Here’s how to create an easy make-shift one. 
3. Make fresh snow ice cream. 
4. Snow paint. Put some water and food coloring in squirt bottles and become a snow VanGough. Be sure to take pictures. Your creations won’t last long!

Whatever you decide to do on your snow-day, remember that it is what you make it. So, make it great!

Missouri wine pairs well with being snowed-in! 

Mardi Gras is a French term that directly translated means Fat Tuesday. And what would a celebration called Fat Tuesday be without good food? And what is good food without good wine? Incomplete! Spice up your Mardi Gras celebrations with delicious food and wine pairings.

Pair these classic Mardi Gras dishes with the perfect Missouri wine:

• Gumbo with Chambourcin if you’re a red wine fan or Chardonel if you prefer white wine

• Jambalaya with Norton or Concord wine

• Seafood Étouffeé made with and paired with Seyval Blanc wine

• Muffalettas with Catawba wine

• Oyster Po’ Boy Sandwiches with dry sparkling or Vignoles wine

• Shrimp and Grits with Vidal Blanc wine

• Red Beans and Rice with Chambourcin wine

• Crab Cakes with Remoulade Sauce with Traminette wine

• Beignets with sweet sparkling wine

• King Cake with Catawba wine

Many of these classic Mardi Gras dishes tend to be on the spicy side. You can of course customize the level of heat if you’re making them at home, but remember this handy rule if you’re going for the fiery version… “Sweet cuts heat!” A wine with some level of sweetness will help cool the burn of spicy food.

Missouri wine pairs well with Mardi Gras!

Chocolate is decadent and delicious. Wine is rich and robust. Put them together and you get perfection! Pair the best Missouri wine with your (or your sweetheart’s) favorite chocolate using the guide found here.

Norton, the official state grape of Missouri, is known for its ability to age well. Ever wondered why, or how aging wine changes it?

Aging wine can potentially improve the quality of a wine through complex chemical reactions involving the wine’s sugars, acids, and phenolic compounds (i.e. tannins). However, aging wine doesn’t automatically improve it, and there is such a thing as too old when it comes to wine. Different wines age at different rates and once they’ve peaked they can start to deteriorate.

Norton, while delicious now, is often a good candidate for aging because of its tannic structure and acidity. The ability of a wine to age well can be influenced by the grape variety, vintage, viticulture practices, wine region, and wine making style. So, while many Missouri Norton wines age gracefully, it’s always good to take the winemaker’s cellar life recommendations into consideration.

What happens to a wine when it’s aging? First of all, there’s a needed distinction here. We’re talking about bottle aging orcellaring. Missouri winemakers often age Norton wines in barrels prior to bottling. Barrel-aging imparts its own unique and compelling characteristics on the wine. Bottle-aging can alter the aroma, color, mouthfeel, and taste of a wine.

As wine ages, the harsh, young tannins give way to a softer mouthfeel; the color fades (from an inky dark to a light red brick color, for example); the bouquet becomes more developed and multi-layered; and the flavor becomes more complex. At its peak, an aged Norton wine can be a wonderful experience, completely different from that of a young Norton.

There are always exceptions, but as a general rule, Missouri Norton wines age slowly for the first 5 years, reaching their peak in 8-10 years with a suggested aging limit of 15 years. Some recommendations for a good wine aging environment:

• Bottles laid on their sides to keep the corks from drying out.
• A cool (approximately 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit) temperature is best for storing wine while aging.
• A dark area is best as the ultra violet rays from sunlight can lead to premature oxidation.
• Avoid vibration and heat fluctuation as they can hasten deterioration in the wine.

So, the next time you’re purchasing a bottle of Norton, consider buying a couple extra to cellar. If you have the patience, it can certainly be a fun experience to see how they change over the years. Missouri Norton pairs well with your cellar.