June is National Seafood Month.  It's also Vidal Blanc Month in Missouri.  We thought this called for a Seafood and Wine Pairing guide.  Enjoy!

The holiday season is full of fun events both attended and hosted. While it’s a great time of family, friends and revelry, it can be busy, even exhausting at times. Make this very social season a little easier on yourself by stocking up ahead of time.

Missouri wine is the answer to all of these holiday entertaining questions:

1. What do I bring to so-and-so’s house as a host/hostess gift?
2. How do I take care of beverages for a crowd, easily and quickly?
3. What do I have on hand to please everyone’s palate?
4. How do I make my holiday soiree stand out?

1) Missouri wine makes the perfect host or hostess gift because not only are you showing your appreciation, but you’re also showing them you put thought and effort into their gift. It’s locally made and unique. Wrap the bottle of Missouri wine in a dish towel tied with a fun, seasonal ribbon to make your gift even more memorable.

2) Big-batch winetails like seasonal sangria or mulled wine are the perfect make-ahead beverages for serving a crowd. Plus, the presentation of sangria is beautiful and the aroma of mulled wine is fantastic. It’s a win, win!

3) There are countless Missouri wines and wines in general to choose from. So, how do you know what to have on hand to please everyone’s palate? First of all, it’s quite difficult to please everyone, but you can get pretty close by covering these four bases- a dry red, dry white, semi-dry white, and a sweet red or blush. A couple of options for a good mix:

• Chambourcin, Chardonel, Vignoles, Concord
• Norton, Vidal Blanc, Traminette, Catawba

4) Missouri winemakers like to have fun, just like you do. They make all sorts of fun seasonal wines that will be a hit at your next holiday gathering. Whether it’s cranberry, pumpkin, gingerbread, or chai spice, seasonal Missouri wines are a delicious conversation piece!

Do your future, slightly-overwhelmed self a favor; head out to Missouri wine country and stock up for all your holiday entertaining!

If the idea of soaking in the serenity of the great outdoors appeals to you, but the idea of sleeping on the ground and “living off the land” doesn’t, glamping is for you! Yes, glamping… as in glamorous camping. Whether you are planning a romantic weekend or a girls’ getaway, glamping offers all the creature comforts without so many actual creatures. 

The concept of glamping can be traced back to the popularity of safari expeditions in the mid-1800’s, but it’s emergence as a trend in America and Europe is fairly recent. Redefining the idea of roughing it, glamping makes enjoying nature much more accessible. A real (or close to it) bed and gourmet-on-the-go food are some of the amenities common on a glamping trip. And what classes up an outing more than a glass of your favorite Missouri vino around the campfire.   

For a pre-made glamping experience, check out these options right here in Missouri: 

Tree Houses and Cabins at The Cottage in Hermann (Wineries nearby: 8) 

Cozy Caboose and Deluxe Log Cabins along Historic Route 66 near Eureka (Wineries nearby: 10)

The Outpost Cabins and Yurts at the Lake of the Ozarks State Park (Wineries nearby: 5)

Camper Cabins at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park (Be sure to bring your favorite wines with you!)

Hand-Hewn Log Cabins in Silver Dollar City’s Wilderness (Wineries nearby: 3) 

Premier Glamping, Cowboy Style at Redbeard’s Ranch (Be sure to bring your favorite wines with you!)

*Check each location’s policies regarding alcohol and glass containers (Missouri wine in glass alternative packaging). 

You don’t have to stick with the pre-made glamping adventures. Blaze a new trail! You can set up your own glampsite anywhere camping is allowed. Just remember, it’s all about enjoying the outdoors without giving up all the comfort and convenience of home. The primary components of any glampsite are: 

A spacious tent, teepee, or trailer 

Comfortable sleeping arrangements (air mattress, memory foam, etc.) 

Delicious food and beverages (Don’t forget the Missouri wine!) 

Insect repellent 

Loved ones (It’s a lot more fun to glamp with people you can enjoy it with!) 

Check out these great camping hacks to help you plan your perfect glamping trip. You can also take a look at InspiredCamping.com for ideas and tips on being a great glamper. Still need inspiration, here are 31 photos of stunning glampsites to get your creative juices flowing. 

Missouri Wine pairs well with glamping! 

There’s a chill in the air. Fall is here, and to some that means one thing… PUMPKIN! Pumpkin everything. If you love pumpkin and local, award-winning wine, this blog post is for you. Let’s talk about some of the amazing pumpkin products out there and the Missouri wines that pair perfectly with them. There are also a plethora of scrumptious dishes you can make with pumpkin, each deserving a delicious wine pairing. After all… “A meal without wine is like a day without sunshine.” – Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin (famous food critic).

Next time you’re at the grocery store, look for these items and the Missouri wines that go with them:

Pumpkin Spice Latte M&Ms +Traminette

Pumpkin Spice Almonds + Concord

Pumpkin Tortilla Chips and Salsa + Norton

Pumpkin Spice Caramel Corn + Sweet Sparkling Wine

Pumpkin Spice English Muffins (or bagels) and Pumpkin Cream Cheese Spread + Sparkling Wine (Maybe even a Mimosa...Cheers to Fall brunch!)

Often when people think of pumpkin recipes they think of sweets and desserts, but there’s potential for savory dishes is boundless. Try these recipes, and be sure to remember the Missouri wine!

Pumpkin, Beef and Black Bean Chili + Traminette

Thai Pumpkin, Coconut and Lentil Soup + Vignoles

Chicken, Bacon and Pumpkin Gnocchi + Chambourcin

Pumpkin, Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells + Seyval Blanc

Pumpkin-Sage Cream Sauce + Vidal Blanc

Enjoy Pumpkin Season (oops, Fall) with Missouri wines!

Fall in Missouri wine country is utterly fantastic. The breathtaking colors of the changing leaves are a sight to be treasured, and the cool, crisp air is ideal for snuggling up with a glass of your favorite local wine. These are some seasonal favorites we think should be on your Fall bucket list.

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1. Visit a wine trail. There are 10 in the state and they all have something different to offer. Several of them have unique events planned for this fall such as the Diva Weekend on the Route du Vin in Ste. Genevieve, Holiday Fare on the Hermann Wine Trail, Sip & Soup on the Missouri River Wine Trail, Taste of the Holidays on the Missouri River Hills Wine Trail, and Harvest Food Truck Event on the Missouri Weinstrasse.
2. Taste a seasonal wine. Several of the 120+ wineries in the state make limited run, small batches of seasonal wines that range from Pumpkin Pie, to Cranberry, to Gingerbread. They are most often only available at the wineries and for a limited time. It’s almost a treasure hunt to find and taste these fun seasonal varieties.
3. Try mulled wine (AKA Gluhwein). A traditionally German recipe, served warm, of spiced wine and fruit. It’s unique and delicious. Whether you try your hand at making it at home or enjoy it at a winery, it’s a must as the weather cools down.
4. Savor the beautiful colors of the changing leaves. A scenic drive to a winery, a marvelous view from a winery’s outdoor seating, or hiking/biking the Katy Trail from winery to winery… there are lots of options for getting out and really appreciating the beauty of this season of transition.
5. Create a Fall inspired sangria with your favorite Missouri wine. It’s easy to build your very best sangria with this guide.
6. Listen to live music at a winery. Before the chill in the air gets too cold, enjoy some live music at a winery. Many wineries feature bands on the weekends.
7. Go to a Fall Festival. There are many at wineries, other where wineries are in attendance, all are a great time. Check out this list of Fall festivals in Missouri for some ideas.
8. Add wine to your favorite Fall baking recipe. Incorporating wine to your baking can add a unique flavor and richness. This guide will help you figure out the best way to wine-up your recipes.
9. Sip your favorite Missouri red wine, fireside. Fall is bon fire season and there is nothing better than enjoying a bon fire with a glass of warming, red wine.
10. Pair the first batch of chili with the perfect Missouri wine. Chili season is so close we can taste it, and that first batch always tastes the best. Doesn’t it? Be sure to pick up the ideal wine to go with it. This wine and food pairing guide will help you choose.

There are way more fun things to do in wine country this time of year than just what we have listed here, but we hope this is a good start to your “Fall in Missouri Wine Country Bucket List”!

October 8th is National Poetry Day and we think this famous quote from Scottish novelist and poet, Robert Louis Stevenson, pretty much covers it!

Glass is pretty lovely on its own, but it also works incredibly well as a clean, crisp canvas for your creativity. Whether you’re looking to liven up your own glassware collection or make a unique gift for a friend, there are tons of wonderful DIY glass projects from which to choose.

Before you get started on a decorative glass project is right for you, we have a few tips and tid-bits to share.

1. It’s important to prep your glass! Clean your glasses thoroughly. Consider using rubbing alcohol to eliminate any oil or grease from the surface. Other tips on “How to Paint Glass”, here.
2. Different paint types produce different looks on the final product. Here’s a guide to help you decide which type of paint will work best for the end result you’re wanting.
3. The bowl of a wine glass is round, making it a challenge to get a line that looks straight. A great trick is to put water in the glass and use the water line as a guide.

Paint–

For something easy and quick that doesn’t take advanced artistic ability, try this tutorial for a cute dotted design.

An option for the slightly more artistically inclined is this tutorial for a red daylily painted wine glass. The person using the glass gets the best view of this unique design.

For the true artisté or anyone willing to give it a try, this tutorial for hand painted peacock feather wine glasses breaks the project down step by every little step. The results are absolutely beautiful!

Technically chalkboard paint is still paint, right? Create customizable wine glasses with this easy dip and sip tutorial or use this tutorial for a more refined version.

Sharpies can also be used to create functional masterpieces. This tutorial demonstrates several ideas for using sharpies (metallic in this case) to dress up wine glasses.

Glitter undeniably makes everything fancier. The challenge is making sure the glasses are still washable while maintaining the shine that makes glitter so fun. This tutorial says a couple coats will do the trick. While this tutorial says it’s all about sealing it off. Take your pick and sparkle on!

Etched glass is the epitome of class. Don’t you think? With limited supplies you can create some beautiful glassware with this easy to follow tutorial. If you have a Silhouette Design or Cricut, you can take this idea to the next level!

A gilded base is a great way to dress up a champagne flute. This tutorial uses a gold paper doilie and mod podge to make two simple things look exponentially more glamorous.

Choose which project sounds right to you and don’t forget to toast with some Missouri wine in your masterpiece when it’s complete.

Missouri wine pairs well with crafting!

Rosé wines are a bit of a mystery to many people. Let us shed some light on the subject of this delicious category of wine. First off, we need to bust the myth that all rosés are made by mixing white and red wine together. This is not the most common method. Secondly, we need to clarify one hugely important fact: Most wine grapes have clear juice, regardless of the color of the skin. The color of wine comes from the must (skins and seeds).

The majority of rosé wines are made via the skin contact method where red grapes are crushed and the skins are allowed to remain in contact with the juice for a short period, often called maceration. This time period can range from a few hours to a few days. The must is then pressed and discarded, unlike with the red wine making process in which the skins remain with the juice throughout fermentation.

Rosé wines can vary in color greatly, but they are generally some shade of pink, sometimes with a hint of orange or purple. The longer the juice macerates with the skins, the darker the color. The type of grape also affects the color of the resulting rosé wine. Whatever the shade, they are a pleasing pink color which has garnered them a fair amount of popularity all over the world (and definitely here in Missouri).

The unique flavors, aromas, and characteristics of rosé wines vary based on the grapes used, but overall they are light and fruity. This is due to the winemaking process. Their light, fruity nature makes them a great pairing for many different foods such as salads and vegetables, fish, spicy foods, barbecue, and cheeses. The versatility of rosé wines is another reason they are a crowd favorite.

You may have heard the term “blush” wine and wondered, “Is that the same thing as rosé?”. Well, the answer is a tad complicated. Rosé is a term with a long history whereas the term blush is rather new. A blush wine generally refers to a sweeter rosé wine. Yes, that means not all rosé wines are sweet. In fact there are many dry rosés. Rosé wines can run the entire gamut of sweetness from very sweet to bone dry. Don’t judge a wine by its color.  It’s always a good idea check the sweetness level of a rosé you’re purchasing.

So, we’ve covered how rosé wines are made, where they get their color, unique characteristics and pairings, and sweetness level. What have we missed? Oh, yes. Age! Because of the short time rosé wines spend on the skins, they are meant to be enjoyed young. If you’re used to hearing the-older-the-better with wine… forget it. In the case of rosés, the fresher the better!

Missouri winemakers are no strangers to rosé wines. Due to the nature of rosé wines (enjoy young, remember!) it’s difficult to have a comprehensive list of rosés made in the state, but here’s a start if you’re looking to track down some locally made rosé wines. Another great place to look is our trophy case where you can find award winning rosé wines.

It’s the perfect time of year to explore rosé wines; perhaps with your Valentine?

Missouri rosé wines pair well with Valentine’s Day!

October 1^st is National Homemade Cookie Day, so we decided we should round up some recipes for delicious cookies made with the only thing that could make cookies better… wine! Baking with wine adds depth to the flavor and richness to your sweet treats. Try these cookie recipes with your favorite local wines, and maybe enjoy a glass while they’re in the oven. You’ve earned it!

These traditional Italian Wine Cookies are great made with your favorite dry red wine and dipped in coffee, hot chocolate or even in a glass of wine.

Try this recipe for a fun take on Ciambelline Cookies made with white wine, and topped with a super simple white wine glaze. If you’re not an anise fan, substitute it with vanilla. The resulting cookies are still quite delicious.

If you’re looking for something a little different, these spicy Dutch Soetkoekies are perfect for you. Make them with a Missouri port-style dessert wine.

As the weather cools down, make some mulled wine with your fave local red wine and save some to bake these Mulled Wine Cookies. They are a soft, fluffy cookie with a delicious mulled wine glaze!

Are you a chocolate and red wine lover? We’ve got the answer… these Dark Chocolate and Red Wine Cookies are decadent and delicious, and perfect with a Missouri Norton wine.

Looking for something a little lighter? White Wine + Lemon Cookiesdefinitely fit the bill. Make them with a citrusy Vidal Blanc.

If you have a favorite cookie recipe, try adding wine to the mix. Baking with wine is rather easy. Here’s a guide to help!

Happy Homemade Cookie Day; enjoy!