June is National Seafood Month. Summertime is the perfect season for preparing seafood because it is a versatile food that can be prepared numerous ways and offers plenty of flavors and seasonings. And all that variety means plenty of wine-pairing options too.

At one time, it was believed that only pairing white wines with seafood was acceptable. But as mentioned before, some rules are meant to be broken – at least in the food-and-wine-pairing world. Red wines can complement various types of seafood just as well as whites.

Although, there are a few guidelines by which to stand – no one wants complete culinary chaos. The concept that a full-bodied wine goes well with a full-bodied fish still holds true. The preparation technique of the fish can also impact which wine pairs best. For example, a roasted fish will result in a heartier texture therefore will pair well with a more robust wine, like Chambourcin. A fish poached in olive oil will create a softer texture, which will pair better with a light-bodied wine, such as Vidal Blanc. Rosé is also a nice match for various seafood fare.

It’s no secret that Missouri is landlocked, but you can find fresh seafood at almost any grocery store or restaurant. Be sure to keep an eye out for locally raised fish from Troutdale Farm.

If you don’t have time to test various pairings, it’s a good idea to keep a bottle of Vidal on hand. It will pair well with most seafood dishes, particularly lean white fish.

As always, the best food and wine pairing is the one that you like. These recipes will get you started. Enjoy!

Roasted Salmon with Tomato Jam: This recipe produces a flavor-packed result. It’s easily simplified by omitting the vermicelli and following the “easy” (i.e., quick) method of making the jam.
Pair with Chambourcin.

Fried Beer-Battered Fish: A classic! Skip the fries, and whip up a fresh salad with Missouri-grown produce for a nutrient-rich side.
Pair with a Sparkling wine.

Poached Scallops: Scallops have a natural, slightly sweet flavor that is highlighted in this recipe. Served with green beans, you’ve got a perfect midsummer’s night meal.
Pair with Vidal Blanc or Chardonel.

Spicy Coconut Fish Curry: This dish packs some heat along with plenty of sweet and spicy flavor.
Pair with Vignoles.

Shrimp in Garlic Sauce: These tasty shrimp can be served as an appetizer or as a main dish. The recipe combines garlic, spicy olive oil, lemon juice and plump shrimp. What’s not to love?
Pair with an oaky Chardonel.

Sushi Bites: Follow these steps for a creative take on a traditional sushi roll. This recipe is quick, easy and delicious – it’s the perfect summer appetizer!
Pair with a Sparkling wine.

Creamy Seafood Risotto: Shrimp and crab folded into a creamy combination of clam base and risotto will delight your taste buds. This dish can be filling, so it’s perfect to serve to a crowd at a summer get-together.
Pair with Traminette.

The time has come to trade the socks for sandals and the scarves for sunscreen. Longer days and warmer temps means that it is finally pool season! Grab a book, a snack or two and soak in some vitamin D while you savor a glass of your favorite wine.

Missouri white or sparkling wines pair well with basking poolside. Missouri’s white wines can range from dry to sweet and medium- to full-bodied. Try a Vidal Blanc, full of fruity characteristics, while you’re relaxing by the pool. Additionally, St. James Winery recently introduced a liter pouch of wine (that’s six glasses!), which is perfect for poolside enjoyment.

If you feel like getting creative, try this punch-like, Brazilian-inspired cocktail by combining Chambourcin with fresh blackberries or strawberries. Or how about mixing just-squeezed orange juice, dry sparkling wine and a sprig of mint for a refreshing mimosa?  The pool is also an ideal setting to sip on Missouri fruit wines. Blend strawberry wine with fresh squeezed lemons and a little sugar to create the perfect poolside lemonade.

Feel like packing a few snacks for your afternoon in the sun? Light finger-foods are the most convenient to take to the pool. Try these easy-to-make apple sandwiches (think apple slices, almond butter and granola). Or, pick up some local nuts, fruit and cheese next time you’re at the store or farmers market.

Keep in mind that certain pools may have rules in place against bringing in your own drinks and food. If that’s the case, make a day out of your “mini-pool vacation.” Lounge in the sun for a few hours (don’t forget the sunscreen) before packing up and heading to a Missouri winery for a late lunch.

The time has come to dust off the grill: Barbecue season is here. Celebrate the warmer weather by creating delicious meals atop the hot coals. In addition to the main course, there are seemingly endless possibilities for tasty side dishes, some of which can be cooked alongside your burgers and brats. Here are a few ideas for summer side dishes and the Missouri wines that pair best.

Vegetables with Walnut Dressing: Liven up routine grilled veggies by adding a walnut dressing. Instead of toasting in the oven, wrap the walnuts in foil and toss them on the grill grate or on top of the coals.
Pair with: A dry, full-bodied Chardonel

Grilled Corn with Aleppo Pepper Aioli: There is nothing quite like fresh, grilled sweet corn on the cob. This recipe is a twist on a classic summer barbecue side. The Aleppo pepper flakes, used largely in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking, add a distinct flavor and can be found at your local grocery store.
Pair with: A fruity Vignoles

Braised Cucumbers with Dill: For this simple side dish, we step away from the grill. Cucumbers braised in a little butter and mixed with fresh dill create a straight-from-the-garden side.
Pair with: A semi-sweet Vignoles

Spicy Maple Baked Beans: This baked bean dish is packed with flavor. The maple syrup, dark ale and cayenne create a marriage of sweet and spice. Add bacon and all-beef hot dogs to the mix, and you’ve got a stellar side dish that just might rival your main course.
Pair with: A crisp Sparkling wine

Herbed Potato Salad: No barbecue is complete without the potato salad. Rather than a traditional creamy salad that can be heavy in the summer heat, this recipe lets the yellow potatoes and fresh herbs do the talking.

The day never ends in Spain. There, the cyclical rhythm of work and leisure is powered by an intense love of life and, more notably, food. Spanish cuisine has formed over the centuries as more ingredients have become accessible. At the root of every authentic dish lies down-to-earth flavors and ties to its region of origin.

For Spaniards, there are traditionally seven food breaks throughout the day; the largest meals are la comida (lunch) and la cena (dinner). These breaks are part of life in Spain, as is the siesta, which is a period of time that shops and businesses close for people to relax. Bars and restaurants remain open during meal times, but close around 4 p.m. till 8 p.m. for their own siesta.

Lunchtime in Spain doesn’t involve picking up a salad and returning to your desk. Instead, it is a social event. Locals will stop what they are working on at 2 p.m., return home or meet friends and family for lunch. There is a substantial first course, main course, wine, dessert, and coffee. As Ernest Hemmingway noted on a visit to Spain once, “You have to drink plenty of wine to get it all down.” Dinner, which usually occurs around 10 p.m., is a time for Spaniards to congregate again for a lighter round of eating. These meals are traditionally fish and eggs (but still observe a three-course round-up).

This Cultural Craving post celebrates the Spanish way of life. The lifestyle might not mirror the practical Missourian way, but the simplicity of authentic Spanish dishes matches Missourian’s easygoing spirit. Like Spain, there isn’t a set “Missourian” cuisine (unless, of course, you consider Kansas City BBQ a genre). Common national dishes include paella, gazpacho, flan, and potato omelets. Their most famous wine is sherry, which originated in the Southern regions.

Pollo al ajillo (chicken in garlic sauce) has become a national treasure of Spain. It is found on most menus and is akin to Southern fried chicken in the U.S. Naturally, many arguments have ensued over the best recipe, but this one is an easy alternative that still offers a little bit of heat. Pair it with Traminette for a slightly sweet flavor to offset the spice. Or, enjoy it with Chambourcin to accentuate the seasoning of the chicken.

Be innovative this St. Patrick’s Day and offer guests a fresh white wine sangria that will get everyone excited for spring. Irish food can be filling, especially when bogged down with a hearty stout. Sangria is the perfect alternative to complement rich Irish flavors and appease both wine and punch enthusiasts. Although some St. Patty’s inspired sangrias will include Irish whiskey, the easiest and most enjoyable recipes stick to the classic fruit and white wine combination. This recipe has peaches and raspberries brighten up the beverage while the wine balances out every sip. Traminette pairs well with fresh fruit and would make a wonderful base for a white wine sangria recipe. You can garnish every glass with fruit or, if you’re feeling festive, drop some green food coloring in to pay homage to the holiday. Enjoy and may you have a lucky St. Patty’s Day!      

There’s an obvious and easy gift for any wine-lover on your list… a bottle of their (or your) favorite Missouri wine. Wine makes a great present, but it is not the easiest to wrap. Get creative and crafty with these unique DIY gift-wrapping ideas for wine bottles.

Add a country-chic touch to your gift with these super simple burlap gift bags. The corks attached to the end of the drawstring are a detail that is sure to make your gift stand out.

Not a fan of waste? Wrap one gift in another for instant eco-karma. A dishtowel and a little ribbon make for a pretty, petal-like packaging for the wine you’re gifting. Or keep the bottle cozy by wrapping it in a cute pair of knee socks.

One man’s trash… (as they say) Use the sleeve of an old, ill fitting or snagged sweater to reduce waste and increase the seasonal cuteness of your gift.

Felt is used in countless crafts. Wrapping gifts in the soft fabric seems so perfect. This project is as easy as pie and takes a lot less time to make.

However you choose to wrap the wine you are gifting this year, remember to drink local (and gift local!). Not sure which wine to buy? Check out these award-winning Missouri wines for a great place to start.

Missouri wine pairs well with gifting!

Like any good wine-lover, you probably have an ever-growing collection of wine corks, and you’re wondering what to do with them. Whether you want something decorative, useful or a little of both, there are many ways to upcycle natural cork for yourself or as gifts for your fellow wine-enthusiasts.

The first step in deciding which gloat-worthy DIY cork project to tackle is taking an inventory of the corks you have to work with. There’s nothing worse than running out of supplies half-way through. Needing more corks for your next crafty adventure is a great reason to buy and enjoy more Missouri wine, but if you need A LOT more corks, see if friends and family are willing to contribute to your stash. Recycled corks are also available for purchase on eBay or Amazon  in quantities ranging from 50 to 500.

Once you have enough corks for your task, you’re ready to get crafty!

There are so many wine cork projects to choose from, but here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Coasters or a trivet will be a hit the next time you have friends over. They also make a great, from-the-heart housewarming gift. Helpful tip: Coasters and trivets often support very warm containers. Choose a glue or adhesive that can stand the heat, like superglue.

Decorative letters are all the rage. Can you think of a better statement piece for your kitchen or bar?

Wine cork key chains are cute and useful. Fun fact: Cork floats! So, unless your key ring resembles a school-janitor’s, you won’t have to worry about keys falling to the bottom of the pool, lake or bathtub. Too bad cork can’t make keys float to the top of your purse.

Making a jewelry cork board is a unique way to display (and organize!) your accessories.

Get crafty, and remember… Missouri wines pair well with craft night!

Bonus tip: Write a date, occasion or quote on wine corks to recall special times as you collect them. When you make crafts out of them later, you’ll have an even more personal and unique piece.

Planning a wedding is such an exciting time. From the sincerity of the ceremony to the fun of the reception and all of the events surrounding, it’s one giant celebration. Whether you are coordinating the shower, the rehearsal dinner or doing it all, Missouri wine country is the perfect destination. Every couple is different and special in their own way, and a unique couple deserves a distinct venue. There are more than 120 wineries in Missouri, each with a one-of-a-kind experience waiting for you.

Whether you are planning one of the smaller ancillary events or the BIG day, Missouri wineries offer a naturally romantic setting with award-winning wines, delicious food and breathtaking scenery.

If you are in charge of planning a soirée for the bachelorette, a shower to prepare the couple for their life together, or a rehearsal dinner, many wineries have space available for an intimate gathering any time of the year. Private tastings and winery tours are fun and creative activities for wedding parties and loved ones.  Or your group can take an adventure along one of Missouri’s nine wine trails and maybe even stay at a bed and breakfast on-site or nearby.

Thinking more about the BIG day? Numerous wineries offer stunning views for an unforgettable ceremony, gourmet fare for a mouthwatering meal and a great space for everyone to celebrate the newlyweds at the reception. If you are lucky enough to live near one of Missouri’s beautiful wineries, it is the perfect location. If not, why not make the wedding a (more accessible) destination affair?

Once the dust has settled from all the wedding excitement, it’s time for what many say is the best part … the Honeymoon! Consider a relaxing, romantic and intimate trip to Missouri wine country. You’ll find serene settings, delicious food and wine, and comfortable accommodations, all in your backyard. You can’t ask for much more.

No matter what you have planned for the wedding weekend and beyond, Missouri wine country will exceed your expectations and help make it more than memorable.

Don’t let your social life leave with the warmth of summer. As the temperature drops, a game night is a great way to spend quality time with the people you care about and have a blast while you’re at it.

Card games have been around for ages and they’ve withstood the test of time because they are cheap, easy and endless entertainment. Not to mention the number of players necessary is flexible. Check out this vast list of card games with rules and instructions.

The classics are still a hoot. Break out Pictionary where it’s actually more fun when you can’t draw. Test your friends’ acting skills with Charades. Dominoes are always a good choice, and shake, rattle and roll with Yatzee. If you’re having a more intimate, two person game night, try chess or backgammon.

If you are a fan of board games but would love to be able to try before you buy? Hasbro games has a demo site where you can test games before purchasing them. Want to show off your wine knowledge? Why not go for Wine-opoly or Wine Smarts? Or you could have the ultimate wine game… a blind, brown bag tasting. Have friends each bring a bottle of wine in a brown bag, and everyone can try to guess different characteristics about it (varietal, region, vintage, etc.).

Consider getting together a game night rotation with a group of friends. Rotate the responsibility for location, games, snacks and of course you can’t forget the Missouri wine.