May is National Strawberry Month!

National Strawberry Month is celebrated each May, and it is a time to indulge in one of nature’s sweetest fruits. Strawberries are in peak season right now, making them especially juicy, flavorful, and plentiful. Missouri wine and wineries continue to use strawberries in winemaking and pairings in unique ways. Whether you're enjoying a strawberry wine, a strawberry-infused dish, or fresh strawberries, National Strawberry Month in Missouri offers a unique and flavorful celebration of this fruit, especially in Missouri Wine Country.

To celebrate, try this Strawberry Wine Cake!

Ingredients For Strawberry Wine Cake

• 1 box white cake mix
• 1 package vanilla pudding (3 0z)
• 4 large eggs
• 3/4 cup strawberry wine
• 1/2 cup strawberry jam
• 1/2 cup cooking oil
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped

Optional

• Fresh strawberries as garnish
• Top with Powdered Sugar
• Top with Sprinkles

Ingredients For Glaze

• 1 stick butter
• 1/2 cup strawberry wine
• 1 cup sugar

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Instructions:

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, strawberry wine, strawberry jam, and cooking oil. Mix well. To coat the pan, use melted shortening and a nut flour. Apply shortening with a brush all around the pan, and spread the nut flour in the pan, just before you add in the cake mix. Put chopped pecans into the bundt pan, making sure to spread evenly around the center cone. Then pour cake batter into bundt pan on top of pecans. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour, or until toothpick inserted into center of cake comes out clean. When cake is removed from the oven, heat glaze ingredients together until they come to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes. Pour glaze onto hot cake, which is still in the bundt pan. Let cake sit for 30 minutes to absorb glaze. Turn cake out onto plate to complete cooling process. 

Pro-Tip: Removing the Bundt Cake. After the cake comes out of the oven, use a flat plastic spatula to loosen the perimeter of the cake. The let it rest and cool for 5 minutes upside down, then 5 minutes upright. This should help release a beautiful and intact bundt cake!

Escape to wine country and enjoy the beautiful landscape Missouri has to offer. Find below a curated list of Missouri wineries who offer camping accommodations nearby. Make plans to visit just one, or turn this into a camping trip bucket-list. Regardless, we know you will enjoy fabulous Missouri wines and make memories to last a lifetime.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, always confirm plans by calling the winery before your planned arrival.

7C’s Winery
Pitch a tent or park your RV at 7C’s Winery for an unforgettable stay-and-play experience. Reserve your campsite or RV hookup through Hipcamp for a tranquil retreat.

Arcadian Moon Winery & Brewery
Enjoy lakeside RV sites equipped with 50-amp service at Arcadian Moon Winery & Brewery. Immerse yourself in peaceful views and indulge in fine wines and fresh food from the kitchen.

Baltimore Bend Vineyard
For a true ‘under the stars’ camping experience, Baltimore Bend Vineyard encourages primitive tent camping at the Baltimore Bend Conservation Area, just across the road from the winery.

Cave Hollow West Winery
Camp amidst the historic caves once explored by Mark Twain near Cave Hollow West Winery. Contact Mark Twain Cave Campgrounds at 573-231-1000 for reservations.

Keltoi Vineyard & Winery
Sip and stay at Keltoi Vineyard & Winery with convenient 30-amp RV hookups available for $10/day. Check in with staff upon arrival for parking instructions.

Prairie Barn Winery

Reserve your spot today with a Harvest Hosts membership.

Serenity Valley Winery
Harvest Hosts members can reserve a camping spot prior to their visit to Serenity Valley Winery.

Hermann City Campgrounds (Near Stone Hill Winery)
Adjacent to Stone Hill Winery, Hermann City Campgrounds offer full RV hookups and recreational amenities including a swimming pool and courts for various sports.

Twin Oaks Vineyard and Winery
Relax under the shade of twin oaks at this serene winery. Harvest Hosts members can reserve an RV spot for a peaceful overnight stay.

Wenwood Farm Winery
Set up camp at Wenwood Farm Winery and enjoy a night under the stars. Pitch a tent by booking through Venku or park your RV as a Harvest Hosts member.

Wild Sun Winery and Brewery
Camp at Washington State Park and spend time exploring before heading to Wild Sun Winery and Brewery for delicious food and wine.

Plan your trip and take time to discover nearby attractions and additional wineries to complete your itinerary. Share your adventures with us using #MOWines. Cheers to outdoor escapades and unforgettable moments in Missouri wine country!

Support Missouri cattle farmers when you craft something delicious with a likewise nutritious product. There is no denying that adding Missouri wine to the mix will elevate your experience altogether. Get inspired by these recipe ideas to fit your desired menu while you enjoy a variety of beef cuts and your favorite Missouri wines to pair.

Elegant Inspiration

Create an elevated menu curated from delicious recipes with pairings to impress your guests.

• Smoked Strip Steaks with Seyval Blanc Blue Cheese Wine Sauce paired with a glass of Seyval Blanc
• Norton Marinated Grilled Flank Steak boldly paired with Missouri Norton
• Norton Braised Short Ribs served with Missouri Norton
• Beef Curry over Almond Rice ideally paired with a glass of Traminette
• Garden Grill Tri-Tip paired with Chardonel

Casual Ideas

• Mushroom Merlot Burgers with Chambourcin perfectly paired with a bold Chambourcin
• Steak Street Tacos paired with your favorite Vignoles
• Sweet Hawaiian Beef Sliders served alongside a glass of Vignoles
• Greek-Style Beef Pita accompanied by Vidal Blanc
• One Pot Lasagna Pasta paired with Chambourcin

Quick and Easy

• Beef Jerky and Spinach Pasta paired with Vidal Blanc
• Beefy Sweet Sloppy Joes alongside a glass of Catawba
• Spy Thai Beef paired with a glass of Traminette
• Fresh Tomato, Beef & Penne Pasta paired with Norton
• Spicy Steak & Avocado Bruschetta served with your favorite Vignoles

This recipe collection can be found along with hundreds more from Beef. It's What's for Dinner. Get creative cooking your favorite beef dishes and be sure to add Missouri wine to the mix. Tag us in your cooking adventures at @missouriwine. 

Sparkling wine is often enjoyed in celebration, but who is to say you need a special reason to pop the cork on a bottle of Missouri sparkling wine anytime? The satisfying fizz that can be found in every sip sounds especially refreshing as we head into warmer seasons. Find a sparkling wine that you can enjoy for your next occasion, extra special or not, from one of these Missouri wineries.

Adam Puchta Winery

Expect hints of apricot, golden delicious apple, and ripe melon from every sip of Adam Puchta Winery’s sparkling white wine, Bubbly. 

Amigoni Urban Winery

“Bollicine” is Italian for bubbles and Amigoni offers three different options of effervescent refreshments. 

Belvoir Winery

The Three Graces Collection is named after the three granddaughters of the winery founders, these effervesent wines bring a wide range of flavor.  

Eagles’ Landing

Made from 100% Chambourcin grapes, sample their Rosalia sparkling made utilizing the French Saignée method next time you are in the St. James area. 

Fence Stile Vineyard, Winery and Distillery

Fence Stile’s Chambourcin Piquette is a lower-alcohol, fizzy wine alternative that is uniquely crafted from pomace.

G. Husmann Wine Co. 

The Cuvée of Hermann harmoniously blends Missouri Vidal Blanc and California Chardonnay, offering an enticingly floral and fruity bouquet. This wine pays homage to George Husmann's pioneering spirit and his significant contributions as the “father of the Missouri grape industry” to Hermann and Missouri's wine heritage, encapsulating a taste of legacy and innovation in every sip.

Hermannhof Winery

Produced using their estate-grown Vidal Blanc grapes, the Brut Reserve from Hermannhof is made utilizing the traditional méthode champenoise fermentation process. 

KC Wineworks

Produced in-house by hand using the traditional method, KC Wineworks is proud to offer a Sparkling Rosé that consistently sells out each year. Stay tuned for their latest vintage that you will not want to miss.

Les Bourgeois Vineyards

Indulge in two finely crafted sparkling options both made in the méthode traditionnelle. The Brut and Brut Rosé both wonderfully highlight Missouri grown grapes.

Mount Pleasant Estates

Nestled in the historic heart of charming Augusta, MO, Mount Pleasant Estates presents their Ten Bucks sparkling wine. The delightfully sweet bubbly is a great companion with fruit and cheeses making every sip a celebration of flavor. 

Noboleis Vineyards

Sip the crowd favorite Brut Rosé with its elegant pink hue, beautifully crafted from Chambourcin grapes. In an exciting expansion of their sparkling offerings, stop by to celebrate the debut of their Brut White style this coming weekend. 

Pirtle Winery

Weston’s Pirtle Winery is known for their unique effervescent wine offerings. Their bubbly lineup includes a rosé, blueberry and a mead. Be sure to plan a visit to try all three. 

Shamrock Hills Vineyard

A sparkling Moscato will soon hit the tasting room as the first sparkling vintage from Shamrock Hills Vineyard. Keep an eye out and give this sweeter style sparkling wine a sip. 

St. James Winery

The newly released Bubbly expands the sparkling lineup from St. James winery. Head to the winery to experience all the wonderful choices that range from sparkling blush, to canned sparkling offerings to lightly sparkling fruit wine options.  

Stone Hill Winery

Offering a lineup of three méthode champenoise sparkling wines, Stone Hill Winery presents a sparkling wine for every palate:

• Blanc de Blancs: Dry, Crisp, Biscuit, Delicate. 42mo sur lie
• Brut Rosé: Dry, Pink, Fruity, Vibrant, Pleasant Acidity. 42mo sur lie
• Demi-Sec: Semi-Sweet, Floral, Melon, Citrus. 13mo sur lie

Reserve Cellars of Hermann
The Brut Sekt is a meticulously crafted sparkling wine that pays homage to Hermann's deep German roots with its effervescent charm and crisp, refined flavor. This elegant offering embodies the traditional German Sekt style, providing a sophisticated and bubbly experience that celebrates the rich heritage of its origins.

Wild Sun Winery

Stellar is a great name and description of the hand-crafted sparkling Brut Rosé from Wild Sun Winery. This exquisite creation is a crisp refreshing way to celebrate any occasion. 

Celebrate life’s small and big moments with sparkling wines made right here in Missouri. Raise a glass, make a toast, and enjoy every sip.

Gather your friends and raise your glasses filled with one of these delicious Margaritas all crafted with your favorite Missouri wines. Whether you prefer yours shaken, stirred, or blended, Wine-a-ritas are a great way to enjoy complex flavors for Margarita lovers and wine enthusiasts alike. 

Sunset Wine-a-Rita

Recipe courtesy of Edg-Clif Farms & Vineyard

What you will need:

Lime

Sugar

4 oz Sunset Rosé Wine

1 oz Triple Sec

2 oz margarita mix

Ice

Watermelon wedges

Instructions:

1. First, wet the rims of two margarita glasses in lime juice and then dip them in sugar to cover the top of the glasses.
2. Fill glasses with ice. (Be careful to avoid knocking sugar into glass)
3. Add wine, triple sec and margarita mix to a glass and stir.
4. Pour into glasses and finish with a watermelon wedge.

Frozen Red Wine Margarita

What you will need:

1 bottle of light and fruity red wine

8 oz tequila

12 oz margarita mix

2 oz lime juice

3 oz Triple Sec or Grand Marnier

1 pinch of kosher or flaky sea salt

Instructions:

1. Pour the entire bottle of red wine into an ice cube tray and let freeze for at least 6 hours.
2. In a blender, mix tequila, margarita mix, lime juice, red wine ice cubes and triple sec until slushy.
3. Pour, sip and enjoy!

Optional: Before pouring your Red Wine Margarita, wet the rim of your glass with a lime wedge and rim with salt.  

Citrus Wine-a-Rita

What you will need:

1 bottle Vidal Blanc

12 oz can of limeade concentrate

2 cups orange juice

1/2 cup (or more) quality tequila

Water

Sea salt 

Lime or orange slices (optional for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a large pitcher, combine the wine, limeade, orange juice and tequila.
2. Fill the empty limeade can with water twice and pour into the pitcher.
3. Stir to combine all ingredients.
4. Wet the rim of each glass with a lime wedge and dip into sea salt to coat.
5. Pour Citrus Wine-a-Rita over ice.

Garnish with lime and/or orange slices and enjoy!

Sangrita Swirl

What you will need for the sangria swirl:

1 cup red frozen red wine (freeze in ice cube trays)
1 oz of Triple Sec
½ oz fresh lime juice  
Juice from half of an orange

What you will need for the margarita:

6 oz. frozen limeade concentrate
3 oz tequila
1.5 oz Triple Sec
1 cup ice
Straw (optional for swirling)

Instructions:

1. First, wet the rims of your two margarita glasses in lime juice and then dip them in either kosher salt or sugar to cover the rim of the glasses.
2. Blend the frozen red wine cubes with the triple sec, lime juice and orange juice. Pour into a glass and set aside (or store in freezer).
3. Add frozen limeade concentrate, tequila, triple sec and ice to the blender. Blend until slushy.
4. Pour the margarita mix into the two glasses and then pour the sangria mixture on top. Swirl together with a straw.

*Recipe makes 2 servings. Double and use the entire can of frozen limeade to make 4 servings.

Give these delicious Margarita recipes a try and have fun mixing them up with your favorite Missouri wines! 

Savor the flavors of Missouri Chardonel in this selection of delectable recipes. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a culinary enthusiast, these dishes delve into a world of Chardonel-infused cuisine.

One-Skillet Smothered Pork Chops

This comforting dish combines tender pork chops with a savory Chardonel-infused sauce, creating a delicious blend of flavors.

Cheesy Chardonel Bacon Mac & Cheese

Indulge in a creamy, decadent macaroni and cheese infused with the irresistible flavors of Chardonel wine and crispy bacon.

Butterscotch Blondies with Chardonel

Treat your taste buds to the sweet and salty combination of butterscotch and Chardonel wine in these delightful blondies.

Lemon Butter Seafood Pasta

Elevate your pasta game with this exquisite seafood dish infused with the vibrant flavors of lemon and Chardonel wine.

Moscow Mule with Wine

Put a refreshing twist on the classic Moscow Mule by incorporating Chardonel wine into the mix. This cocktail balances the kick of ginger beer with the smoothness of Chardonel, resulting in a drink that's as refreshing as it is sophisticated.

Apple Cider Sangria

Welcome the flavors of fall with this delightful Apple Cider Sangria infused with Chardonel wine. 

Chardonel Fondue

Dive into a pot of creamy Chardonel fondue, where every dip is a gourmet experience that's sure to impress.

Chardonel Fondue (lactose-free version)

Enjoy the delectable Chardonel fondue without the dairy. This lactose-free version offers all the creamy goodness of traditional fondue.

Stargazer Cocktail

Mix up this fun Chardonel Cocktail that can be enjoyed on any occasion. 

Whether you're enjoying a cozy dinner at home or hosting a festive gathering with loved ones, let the exceptional qualities of Chardonel wine elevate every moment. Cheers to savoring every flavor!

The Parson’s House sits high on a hill in the heart of Defiance, Missouri, overlooking the scenic Missouri River Valley. The historic home was built in 1842 by Thomas and Phoebe Parson, who had ventured west from Virginia in 1840. Their family settled high on the ridge and farmed more than 1,000 acres of land there long before the town of Defiance was established.

Their grandson, William Lee Parson, Sr., played a key role in establishing the town of Defiance. The tale is told that the town’s name would have been Parsons, if it hadn’t been for a Parsons, Kansas, already founded along the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad (now known as the Katy Trail).

Complete restoration of the historic brick house commenced in 1986 when the property was no longer owned by the Parson family and since has served the community as a Bed & Breakfast. Today, Norm Kellar, a dear friend of Defiance Ridge Vineyards, owns and operates the Parson’s House. Norm is fond of Chardonnay wine which attributes to using the Parson name for this Chardonel label. 

The team at Defiance Ridge Vineyards enjoys commemorating the history of their town by naming wines after cornerstones of their community. Some of these wines include Katy Traminette, named after the nearby iconic Katy Trail, Falling Leaf Off-Dry Vignoles, dedicated to the local Falling Leaf Farm, and of course, Parson House Chardonel.

Guests visiting Defiance can book their stay at the Parson’s House by contacting Norm at 314-280-3555. Enjoy a getaway to the Defiance area and be sure to complete your trip with a stop at Defiance Ridge Winery and a glass of Parson House Chardonel.

Chardonel (shar-doe-nel) is a classic varietal in Missouri and may sound familiar to wine enthusiasts all over the world. It is a hybrid between Chardonnay and Seyval Blanc grapes. Depending on how it was aged, this tasty varietal may have the butteriness of Chardonnay or the crispness of Seyval Blanc.

In 1953, the Chardonel grape was developed at Cornell AgriTech. The fruits were observed for the first time in 1958 and then later propagated. Cornell described this varietal as ‘vigorous and productive [with] large clusters’ (“Chardonel” Grape, n.d.). Chardonel was officially released in 1990 and now accounts for 7.2% of acres of grapes in Missouri.

Chardonel can be enjoyed by itself, but it is phenomenal when paired with various foods. The next time you pour a glass of this hybrid wine, try it with Gouda, grilled chicken, bass, a cream sauce pasta or even a scoop of bread pudding. 

If you are looking to utilize this wine in a recipe, we highly recommend the Cheesy Chardonel Bacon Mac & Cheese - it is oh-so-easy. 

This varietal is not only outstanding but also award-winning. The Montelle Winery 2022 Chardonel was the 2023 Missouri Wine Competition’s Best Chardonel. This wine has aromas of apple, pear, and fig with a medium body and lingering finish. 

Whether you want a buttery or a crisp finish, Chardonel has an original taste that cannot be forgotten. When shopping for your next bottle of wine, make sure you grab a Missouri Chardonel. 

SOURCE:

“Chardonel” Grape. (n.d.). Www.hort.cornell.edu. Retrieved March 4, 2024, from https://www.hort.cornell.edu/reisch/grapegenetics/bulletin/chardonel.html#:~:text=

Spring is in full swing throughout Missouri wine country. Make your way to these events to make
the best of the beautiful spring weather that is headed our way.

Glasgow Wine Walk - April 13
Enjoy an afternoon of food, fun, music, and wine in downtown Glasgow Missouri! Come stroll beside
the river and enjoy this outdoor event filled with dining, wine’ing, and dancing. Purchase tickets here.

Adam Puchta Winery Spring Wine Dinner - April 19-20
This dinner will feature a four-course meal prepared by Chef Alex Blattel, with wines presented by 7th-generation Parker Puchta. Hosted in our 1855 Cellar Bistro, there are three seatings available. Tickets can be purchased here.

Big Day on the Ridge at Timber Ridge Winery - April 20
Enjoy the Big Day with live music by the Otis Money Blues Band, food trucks, and sign up for a Basket Making or Painting class.

The Gardens Seasonal Opening at St. James Winery - April 20

Find fun for the whole family as St. James opens the Gardens this year. They will have live music, delicious food, local vendors, a bounce house and more. Find the full agenda here.

Live Music at Dale Hollow Winery starting April 20
Enjoy live music while sipping fabulous wines on these upcoming dates.
Kennedy Brothers Kickoff | 4/20 from 2pm-5pm
Frank Rardon Live and Grape Planting | 4/27 from 2pm-5pm
Derby Eve Fancy Hat Karaoke | 5/3 from 5:30pm-8:30pm
John Kennedy Live | 5/11 from 2pm-5pm

McKelvey Vineyards Annual Car Cruise - April 20
Drive into the Annual Car Cruise and find free registration for all cars. Multiple People’s Choice Categories will be awarded. Visitors can enjoy the sights and sounds of many unique cars. 

5K Walk/Run at Fence Stile Vineyard, Winery & Distillery - April 21
Soak up the scenic views and amazing wines whether you are looking to run, walk or simply enjoy the experience. Learn more about the event here.

Artisan Cheese Market at Stone Hill Winery - April 27
With free admission, you will have the chance to explore several artisanal cheese vendors and hand crafters at this upcoming Market event. Learn more here.

Mother’s Day Out with the Excelsior Springs Chamber Trolley - May 4
Celebrate Mother’s Day a little early this year with a day of pampering. See what is on the agenda, which includes brunch and bubbly at Shamrock Hills Vineyard Winery, and reserve tickets here.

Wild Bacon Wine Trail | Hermann Wine Trail - May 4-5
Enjoy the smoky, savory and always delicious, bacon that will be the star ingredient in the foods paired with wine at the Wild Bacon Wine Trail. Participating wineries include Adam Puchta Winery, Curling Vine Winery, G. Husmann Wine Company, Hermannhof Winery, Reserve Cellars, and Robller Vineyard. Purchase tickets here.

Sip n Shop at 7Cs Winery - May 11
Enjoy delightful sips while you shop and enjoy live music by the Rusty Rose from 10-2.

Be sure to tag us at @missouriwines in your wine country adventures this spring.