There’s nothing else quite like a getaway with your girlfriends. Whether it’s the side-cramp-inducing laughter, the overwhelming support or the everlasting memories made, we know time with your girlfriends is cherished. There is no better place to sit back and enjoy your favorite gals than Missouri wine country.

You can hit the trail, the wine trail that is, on one of Missouri’s ten wine trails. All different and wonderful in their own ways and offering everything from quaint town squares, to breathtaking views, to swanky city locales, to picturesque countryside. One of the wine trails even hosts an annual event honoring those female friendships that mean so much, Diva Weekend on the Route du Vin Wine Trail.

Often the journey is just as important as the destination. So why not make that part fun and exciting too? If you and your gal pals enjoy cycling, hop on a bike and explore the Katy Trail. There are many wonderful wineries along the way. Or take the train to wine country. Talk about a memorable way to travel! All aboard; next stop, wine country!

However you choose to get there, Missouri wine country has so much to offer. There are of course the award-winning wines to taste, winemakers to talk to, delicious food to pair with your new favorite wines and beautiful vineyards to see. Then on top of all that you’ll find shopping, from boutique to antique, near most wineries, and there’s no shortage of fascinating history in wine country.

There’s so much to do and see, you may need more than a day for your girlfriends’ getaway. So, where should you stay? There are several wineries that offer onsite accommodations. Or there’s always the exciting new trend of glamping (Yes, that means exactly what you think… glamorous camping!).

When planning your next adventure, look no further than Missouri. Wine country is calling; will you answer?

Vignoles is a very versatile grape, demonstrated by the fact that three different Best of Class categories at the recent Missouri Wine Competition were swept by Vignoles wines, claiming the honor of best dry white wine, semi-dry white wine and sweet white wine. This amount of variance in style and sweetness makes Vignoles a powerhouse of both flavor and pairing potential.

Dry Vignoles wines often retain the intense fruity aromas the grape is known for, but despite this fruitiness on the nose, they have a delightful dry, crisp flavor often with notes of pineapple and citrus fruits. Their vibrant acidity makes them delicious for summer sipping on the patio. Dry Vignoles wines pair perfectly with Swiss cheese and rich Mexican and Asian dishes that benefit nicely from the bright acidity. You’ve never met a better match for pineapple fried rice!

Semi-dry and semi-sweet Vignoles wines are full of fruit from start to finish. They maintain the pineapple, strawberry and citrus aromas expected from Vignoles and their slight sweetness carries the fruit forward flavors through to the end. Semi-dry and semi-sweet Vignoles wines are the perfect accompaniment to all your spicy food favorites such as Buffalo wings, Thai food, Indian favorites and Cajun recipes. Sweet cuts heat, and there’s just enough in Vignoles to make it the ideal pairing.

Sweet Vignoles wines share most of the same characteristics as the semi-sweet, but their residual sugar is higher, making them a great match for sweeter, fresh fruits like strawberries, apricots and peaches. Fruity desserts are also delicious paired with a sweet Vignoles.

August is Vignoles Month, and there’s certainly a lot to celebrate! Let us know what your favorite Vignoles pairing is on social media with the hashtag #VignolesMonth.

*BONUS*

Dessert Late Harvest Vignoles wines are not to be confused with sweet Vignoles wines. They definitely deserve their own category. They get their luscious, decadent sweetness and their name from how they are made. The grapes are allowed to ripen longer than others and harvested after they’ve developed extra sweetness. These wines are very full bodied and complex. You would be hard pressed to find a better match for rich desserts such as panna cotta, crème brûlée and cheesecake.

Harvest is a really big deal in wine country; and for good reason! It’s a year of hard work coming to fruition, and at the same time, it’s the beginning of another lengthy yet exciting journey from grape to glass (AKA the winemaking process). Grape harvests in Missouri generally begin in late August and continue through the middle of October. During this time, dedicated grape-growers spend long hours (candidate for understatement of the year) harvesting the fruit they’ve spent the last year nurturing so we can enjoy our favorite award-winning, delicious wines.

In Missouri, there are 1,700 acres of grapes, tended by 425 grape growers. In a recent study, we were ranked in the top ten grape producing states in the U.S. Yields can vary greatly from year to year and vineyard to vineyard. On average each acre yields three to four tons of grapes. In 2013 this led to the production of 1.25 million gallons of wine. Impressive, right?

If you’d like a more in depth look at harvest in Missouri wine country, watch this episode of Feast TV in which you can go on a day of harvesting Norton grapes with Stone Hill Winery’s vineyard manager, Nick Pehle.

Harvest is a lot of long hours and hard work for those in the vineyards of Missouri wine country, but it’s often been said that nothing worth doing is easy. We certainly think the fruits of their labor are well worth it. How about you?

Family reunion season is upon us, and where could be a better place to catch up with loved ones than at a Missouri winery? The vast majority of wineries in Missouri are family owned and operated. And while every family is distinctly unique, so is every winery. With more than 120 wineries to choose from, there is sure to be one that is the perfect setting for getting reacquainted with close and distant relatives alike.

If your family reunion is a grand affair and spreads over several days, consider a winery that offers lodging on site. Are most of your relatives within a quick drive to Missouri wine country? Be sure to check out these wineries that offer delicious dining options. Whether your family wants to wine and dine at an elegant full-service restaurant or go casual with fresh wood-fired pizzas, Missouri wine country has the answer!

Many wineries have special indoor spaces and pavilions that can be rented for your next family gathering. Find the perfect Missouri winery for your next family reunion here.

Missouri wine pairs perfectly with family reunions!

The summer is a heavy travel season. Many of us are taking weekend trips and family vacations. If you’re traveling through wine country, you may find a bottle (or several) you want to take home with you. Traveling with bottles of wine (read: breakable, stain potential) isn’t the easiest thing in the world to do, but with these tips you can bring home your favorite vintages from vacation.

1. Shipping is easier than packing.

First things first, if the winery or wine shop where you purchase the wine can ship it for you, that eliminates the hassle and risk of traveling with it in your suitcase. Many states allow direct shipping of wine, but there are some that don’t. Visit the Wine Institute’s website for an interactive map indicating the laws and regulations by state.

2. Driving with wine.

If you know wineries are on your travel itinerary, bring a divided box along with you or ask the first winery you visit if you can have or purchase one from them. Remember that temperature can affect wine. If it’s sweltering outside, try not to leave your wine in the hot car for extended periods of time. If you know you might have to leave your wine in the car, consider bringing a cooler along for the ride.

3. Flying with wine.

The most important thing to remember is that you absolutely cannot pack bottles of wine in your carryon luggage (The may be obvious to frequent travelers, but is still well worth mentioning). You will have to leave that treasured, delicious bottle at security if you try.

However, there are several ways to pack wine in your checked luggage.

-          The socks, bubble wrap and a Ziploc bag trick as expertly demonstrated by Peaceful Bend Vineyards on their blog.

-          Wineskins are specially shaped wine shippers that can be purchased online or at many wineries. Tip- If you are going to use your wineskin more than once, seal it with duct tape after the first use because the seal won’t be tight after the first use.

-          Vinni Bags are also available for purchase online and at some wineries and specialty stores. They inflate around your breakables to provide custom-fit, leak-proof protection.

-          Keep in mind that nothing is 100% guaranteed to keep your bottle of wine from breaking, so don’t pack it with clothes you would be devastated to have wine-stained upon arrival.

-          If you are really serious about collect wine on your travels, there are specially designed wine suitcases that not only protect your wine from breaking and leaking everywhere, but also withstand the high temperatures of cargo holds during long flights.

For wine that is less than 24% alcohol by volume (most wines are), there is no restriction on how many bottles you can pack. Regular baggage fees do apply.

4. Traveling by train with wine.

The same basic rules that apply to flying with wine also apply to riding on a train with wine. However, if you will be traveling in a sleeping car, you can bring a bottle on the train to enjoy during your trip. Don’t forget the corkscrew!

So, plan your next vacation to Missouri wine country, now you know how to get your favorite vintages back home safely.

Missouri wine pairs well with traveling!

An abundance of rivers, lakes and streams means Missouri is full of great spots to relax with your reel in the water. Whatever may be biting, there’s a local, award-winning wine to go with your catch of the day. Try out these recipes and pairing ideas:

Trout-  

Trout Stuffed with a Crab is delicious with a crisp, citrusy Vidal Blanc; and Uncle Dean’s recipe for whole trout on the grill is perfect with a Seyval Blanc.

Crappie-

This recipe for Crappie Francaise is a great way to dress up crappie. Use Chardonel in the recipe and then enjoy a glass with the finished dish. Delicious! Pecan Crusted Crappie makes for a great dinner and pairs well with a glass of dry Vignoles.

Carp-

If you like spicy food, try this recipe for Cajun Carp and don’t forget the Traminette. Another easy and delicious way to enjoy carp is marinated, skewered and grilled, like in this recipe for Asian Carp on a Stick. Sip on some Vignoles with this slightly sweet and spicy dish.

Bass-

This Bass, Bacon and Arugula Sandwich is a great way to enjoy your latest catch, especially alongside a glass of Chardonel.

Walleye-

Walleye works really well thinly sliced, lightly crusted with a cornmeal mixture and fried to crispy deliciousness. The bubbles in a sparkling wine pair perfectly with this recipe.

Catfish-

Catfish is great fried, but take it one step further with these Catfish Tacos and grab a glass of rosé to make it complete.

Missouri wine pairs well with fresh caught fish!

The baseball season is underway and the Royals are up to bat. Are you Forever Royal? On your way to or from your next game at Kauffman Stadium, why not stop at one of these nearby wineries? There are two wine trails in the Kansas City area, each boasting unique wineries to visit.

Kansas City Wine Trial Wineries

• Albonee Courtry Inn & Winery
• Amigoni Urban Winery
• Arcadian Moon Vineyard & Winery
• Baltimore Bend Vineyard
• Fahrmeier Family Vineyards
• La Bella Vineyards & Winery
• Odessa Country Winery
• Stonehaus Farms
• Terre Beau Winery

Great NW Missouri Wine Trial Wineries

• Belvior Winery
• Fence Stile Vineyards and Winery
• Jowler Creek Winery
• Ladoga Ridge Winery
• Pirtle Winery
• Riverwood Winery
• Van Till Family Farm and Winery
• Weston Wine Company
• Windy Wine Company

When the Royals are away, you still watch them play, right? Bring a bit of the ballpark home with classic baseball foods and a glass of delicious Missouri wine, paired perfectly of course.

• Hot Dogs with Mustard + Traminette
• Peanuts + Concord (think adult PB& J)
• Spicy Nachos + Vignoles
• Popcorn + Sparkling Wine

Cheer on the Royals with an oh-so-appropriate blue sangria! This recipe is perfect with a Missouri Vignoles and makes plenty to serve a crowd of fellow fans who are Forever Royal too.

Missouri wine pairs well with Royals Baseball!

The baseball season is underway and the Cardinals are up to bat. Are you a member of Cardinals Nation? On your way to or from your next game at Busch Stadium, why not stop at one of these nearby areas? Each area offers several unique wineries to visit.

Augusta/Defiance (on a map)

• Augusta Winery
• Blumenhof Vineyards & Winery
• Chandler Hill Vineyards
• Montelle Winery
• Mount Pleasant Estates
• Noboleis Vineyards
• Sugar Creek Winery & Vineyards
• Yellow Farmhouse Winery

Ste. Genevieve/Farmington (on a map)

• Cave Vineyard
• Charleville Vineyards Winery & Microbrewery
• Chaumette Vineyards & Winery
• Crown Valley Winery
• Sand Creek Winery
• Genevieve Winery
• Twin Oaks Vineyard & Winery
• Weingarten Vineyard

When the Cardinals are away, you still watch them play, right? Bring a bit of the ballpark home with classic baseball foods and a glass of delicious Missouri wine, paired perfectly of course.

• Hot Dogs with Mustard + Traminette
• Peanuts + Concord (think adult PB& J)
• Spicy Nachos + Vignoles
• Popcorn + Sparkling Wine

Cheer on the Cards with an oh-so-appropriate red berry sangria! This recipe is perfect with a Missouri Vignoles and makes plenty to serve a crowd; not the whole of Cardinals Nation, but at least a few of your fellow fans.

Missouri wine pairs well with Cardinals Baseball!

Would you like fries with that… wine? Yes, please! French fries are a guilty pleasure for many of us, a nice salty treat that just hits the spot like nothing else can. While you might not immediately think of a glass of wine when you think of French fries, they are a remarkably delicious pair. Next time you have the hankering for some fries, add a glass of local, award-winning wine to the mix. These French fry match ups are sure to please:

French Fries + Sparkling Wine –The crispy, salty goodness of classic fries pairs perfectly with the acidity and effervescence of sparkling wine. You know what they say… opposites attract!

French Fries with Ketchup + Rosé – Whether a sweeter rose like Catawba is your preference or you lean toward a drier Chambourcin based rosé, the light body and freshness will match well with French fries and ketchup.

Seasoned Fries with Ranch Dressing + Chardonel – Full flavor fries call for a fuller bodied white wine like Chardonel that will hold its own and complement the garlic and onion flavors.

Sweet Potato Fries with Aioli + Traminette – Sweet potato fries may not be traditional, but they certainly are tasty. Ideal with the slight sweetness of these fries and the garlicy goodness of aioli is a glass of Traminette.

Chili Cheese Fries + Norton – Missouri’s state grape makes bold, full-bodied red wine that is great with the heartiness of chili and the bite of cheddar cheese on a plate of savory chili cheese fries.

If you’d like to take your French fry and wine game to the next level, try this recipe for red wine French fries that calls for the potatoes to actually be par-cooked in wine before they are fried. Or check out this recipe for rhubarb ketchup made with Port and red wine vinegar. Missouri wine pairs well with French fries!

Halloween is just around the corner, and it would be truly scary if you ran out of Missouri wine at your spooky soiree. You can simply pick up your favorite local wines and serve them with fun, thematic names like Witch’s Brew, Bat Wing Juice, Spider Venom, etc. (free printables from TheElliBlog.com here).  Or try one of these Hallowine cocktail recipes:

• Blood Red Sangria made with Missouri Chambourcin is a great, big-batch cocktail you can make ahead of time.
• The Red Witch cocktails couldn’t be simpler with only two ingredients. An award-winning Missouri sparkling wine for one, cherry vodka for the other. Rim the serving glasses with red or black sugar crystals to add even more Halloween flare.
• Mulled wine is a classic and a great option for any Halloween or harvest gathering, and is particularly good when made with Missouri Chambourcin.
• Blood Letter Trinidad Sour is a great Halloween cocktail for those who are looking for something not-too-sweet. Perfect with a high-tannin red like Missouri Norton.
• A Ghostly White Wine Spritzer is a light and crisp cocktail made with tonic ice cubes. Red wine usually dominates Halloween beverages because of its color, but a local Vidal Blanc is a great choice for this out-of-the-norm white wine cocktail.
• A Bloody Bitter cocktail made with red wine (an oaky Norton is a good choice here), rye whiskey and bitters will be a hit with your guests. Make it even more fun by garnishing the serving glass with a marshmallow ghost.