Wineries across the great state of Missouri offer delicious dessert wines, including Sherry, Port, and Late Harvest. They are typically sweet and rich, with complex flavors that are perfect for sipping after a meal.

Sherry

Sherry wine is made by adding brandy to a base wine. Winemakers have their pick of which base wine to begin with but  typically choose a lighter white wine or rosé. This wine can be diverse in its flavors, ranging from dry and light to rich and sweet. Sherry is aged through a traditional solera system, where younger wines are blended with older ones in a series of barrels.

Port-Style

Port-style wine is also made by adding brandy to a base wine. Missouri winemakers usually choose to make it from the Norton grape. Port-style wine is widely known for its rich, fruity flavors and is often served as a dessert wine. Legally to be called Port, it must be from Portugal. A few older Missouri wineries were grandfathered in to be allowed to call theirs Port. Port-style is aged in wood barrels for various lengths of time, with some varieties aging for decades to develop complex flavors.

Late Harvest

Late Harvest wines are made by grapes that have been left on the vine longer than usual. By letting them hang on the vine longer, it allows them to develop a higher sugar content. They are a sweeter wine with flavors of honey, apricot, and peach. Late harvest wines may be aged in stainless steel or oak barrels which can enhance their fruity characteristics.

Whether you prefer the nutty complexity of Sherry, the sweet richness of Port-style wines, or the luscious sweetness of Late Harvest wines, there is a wine to suit every palate and occasion. Which dessert wine will you try first?

Mardi Gras is a time of celebration, good food, and good fun. Back in Missouri, we have the perfect recipe to transport you onto the streets in New Orleans!

Shrimp Pasta in Garlic Wine Sauce

Prep Time: 10 minutes.

Shrimp – 2 lbs.

2 TBSP Garlic

1 TBSP Parsley

1 TBSP Lemon juice

16 OZ Linguine

1 TBSP Salt

5 TBSP Butter

1 ½ C Half & Half

½ C Parmesan

1 C White wine (We used Wild Sun Chardonel Reserve)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Bring a pot of water to boil and cook pasta according to package directions. Once cooked, set aside pasta.
2. Melt 2 TBSP butter in a skillet and place shrimp in pan. Cook shrimp on both sides until it reaches a pinkish color.
3. Add 3 TBSP of butter to pan and add garlic. Add white wine, half & half, Parmesan, salt, parsley, and lemon juice.
4. Combine sauce, pasta, shrimp. Stir together and serve!

Who is ready to watch The Kansas City Chiefs play in the Super Bowl? We can’t wait to support our team on February 11!

Watching the Super Bowl is a time-honored tradition for many Americans, and it's always more enjoyable with a few snacks and a glass of wine by your side.

If you're a fan of Missouri wine, you're in luck - there are plenty of delicious options to choose from. Whether you prefer a crisp white or a bold red, there's a perfect pairing for every snack you might have on hand. 

Vignoles + Buffalo Chicken Dip

Chardonel + Deviled Eggs

Traminette + Chicken Wings

Vidal Blanc + Chips and Guacamole

Catawba + Pulled pork (Bonus: Try Catawba Pulled Pork)

Concord + Cookies

Rosé + Nachos

Chambourcin + Sliders

Norton + Pizza

Now that you have your snacks figured out for the game, it’s time to focus on the wine. Chilling your wine before enjoying it is a very important step. To ensure your vino is the perfect suggested temperature for game day, check out our wine chilling cheat sheet!

Feel ready for kickoff on Sunday? You’ve got the snacks and wine, you can sit back and enjoy the game! Go Chiefs!

Planning your Valentine’s Day activities can be overwhelming, but don’t worry! We gathered a wide range of events across the state for you and your special someone!

Sugar Creek Winery – February 10

Join Sugar Creek Winery for a surprise pop-up bar with different photo booths for you to take pictures with your honey. If you are in the St. Louis area, stop by Sugar Creek Winery from 11am-5pm to enjoy some delicious Missouri wine.

Balducci Vineyards – February 10

Balducci Vineyards is hosting a special Valentine’s Day dinner. They will be offering their full menu and several dinner specials to celebrate the holiday. Good wine and good food – you cannot beat that! 

St. James Winery – February 10

Looking for a unique experience to do with your love? St. James Winery is partnering up with Public House Brewing Company for a progressive dinner. Enjoy a 4-course meal around different areas of the property.

COST: $75/person

  Christine’s Vineyard – February 10

 Dance the night away for ‘Galentine’s Day’ at Christine’s Vineyard in Webb City, MO!   Enjoy a wonderful selection of food and beverages specifically for the special holiday.      Make sure you bring your dancing shoes, so you can bust a move or two.

COST: $5/person

Edg-Clif Winery – February 10

Edg-Clif Winery is hosting a ‘Galentine’s Day’ tasting with chocolate treats and souvenir glasses to take home. There will be a Valentine’s photo op for you to take advantage of. If you are near Potosi, MO, you won’t want to miss this sweet event.

COST: $20/person

Meramec River Wine Trail – February 10

Want to visit more than one winery with your sweetheart? Join the Meramec River Wine Trail for a fun winter wine tasting. Peaceful Bend Vineyard, Eagles’ Landing, St. James Winery and Prairie Barn Winery are the stops on this trail. On this flavorful journey, receive a souvenir wine glass, complimentary tastings and exclusive discounts. Purchase your tickets now – they are going fast!

COST: $30/person

Serenity Valley Winery – February 10

Enjoy a Valentine’s Day Wine Pairing at Serenity Valley Winery – located in Fulton, MO. Taste several of SVW’s delicious wines with some festive treats. This event is very limited – so make sure you RSVP.

COST: $25/person

Mathany Family Vineyards – February 14

One of Missouri’s newest wineries is hosting a Valentine’s Day Wine Pairing Dinner starting with hors d’oeuvres at 6pm.  They are partnering up with Swallowtail Foods – a local farm-to-table food truck – to bring this magical night to life.

COST: $150/person

Riverwood Winery – February 14

Smooth jazz, sweet wine and extended hours… Riverwood Winery knows how to celebrate the holiday of love. The winery will be open 12pm-9pm and Max Levy will be playing 5pm-8pm, so make sure you swing by 22200 MO-45 N, Rushville, MO!

Defiance Ridge Vineyards – February 14

Defiance Ridge Vineyards is well-known for its ‘Farmhouse Dinners’. This intimate multicourse dinner is curated by their Executive Chef, Kris Maurer. With Linguini Shrimp Pasta and Cajun Flank Steak on the menu, this dinner is not one to miss.

COST: $115-150/person

Apple Creek Vineyard & Winery – February 14

Indulge in a romantic evening at Apple Creek Vineyard & Winery. A 4-course meal and a bottle of wine are included in this Valentine’s Dinner. Reserve your spot so you don’t miss this delectable meal.

COST: $140/couple

Les Bourgeois Vineyards – February 14

Celebrate love with a special menu at The Bistro at Les Bourgeois Vineyards. Oysters, Lobster Bisque and Flat Iron are just some of the delicious dishes at this event. End the evening with a Dark Chocolate Cream Puff or a Coffee-Soaked Angel Food Cake.

COST: $75/person

KC Wineworks – February 14

Get creative with KC Wineworks and Pottery Pub at a Sip & Glaze Valentine’s Day event. Choose a pre-made pottery piece, pick your glaze, enjoy a glass of wine and decorate!

COST: $50-65/person

Charleville Winery – February 16

Enjoy a beautiful view with a 4-course meal prepared by Charleville Winery’s chefs. This dinner includes a bottle of wine for you and your special someone. Reserve your spot early!

COST: $150/couple

Willow Spring Mercantile – February 16

Join Willow Spring Mercantile for a romantic evening in an intimate cellar and bistro setting. Enjoy a 4-course meal paired with red, white and sparkling wine.

COST: $85/person

Montelle Winery – February 17

Who doesn’t love a family-friendly brunch? Montelle Winery is hosting a Valentine’s themed brunch. Grab a glass of wine, savor your favorite breakfast and lunch dishes, and relish the time spent with your loved one(s).

COST: $20/person

Villa Antonio Winery – February 9, 10, 14

Have a romantic evening at Villa Antonio in Hillsboro, MO. This 5-course dinner has Cherry Bourbon Brisket, Ceasar Salad in A Parm Bowl and for dessert, a Chocolate and Vanilla Bean Crème Anglaise.

COST: $65/person

Adam Puchta Winery – February 9, 10, 16

Join the Adam Puchta Winery family for a romantic meal in Hermann, MO. With several options of dates and times, you are sure to find a time for you and your special someone. Enjoy a four-course meal paired with Adam Puchta Winery’s finest wines. This event is very popular – reserve your spot early!

COST: $70/person

TerraVox Winery – February 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

TerraVox is calling all love birds to 19310 NW Farley Hampton RD, Kansas City, MO for an intimate tasting of their unique wines as well as a tour of their vineyard and production facility. Couples will receive a charcuterie board as well as some Christopher Elbow Chocolates.

COST: $100/couple

Stone Hill Winery – February 10 & 17

Enjoy a 4-course meal paired with three wines at Stone Hill Winery’s Vintage 1847 Restaurant. This meal is bound to be delicious.

COST: $55/person

Chaumette Vineyards & Winery – February 10 & 11

Celebrate your love at The Grapeville Grill for a 4-course Prix Fixe menu. Select from New Zealand Rack of Lamb, Norton Braised Beef Shortribs and Fresh Diver Sea Scallops. You will not want to miss this delicious fare. Additionally, spend a night at the Villas and get the second night for free.

COST: $95/person

Prairie Barn Winery – February 17 & 18

Join Prairie Barn Winery with a Murder Mystery Event – Dry Wine, Sweet Love and a Red Murder. Couples will enjoy a meal that is to die for as well as participate in solving a murder.

COST: $45/person

Hermann Wine Trail – February 24 & 25

The Hermann Chocolate Wine Trail is making a return this year. Sip and sample chocolate treats with the select wine at each winery. Each ticket receives a souvenir wine glass. Advance purchase is required and is likely to sell out.

COST: $35/person

Wherever Valentine’s takes you, make sure you support local businesses by heading to one of these amazing Missouri wine country events.

Berry Be Mine Petite Cakes are filled with the sweet taste of strawberries and sparkling wine. They are guaranteed to win over your heart.  These wine cakes are the perfect treat for the upcoming holiday.

INGREDIENTS:

For Cake:

1 Box Strawberry Cake Mix

1/3 C Vegetable Oil

3 Large Eggs

1 ¼ C Sparkling Strawberry Wine (we used St. James Winery’s Sparking Strawberry can)

1 Container White Cake Frosting

For shell:

1 Package Chocolate Melt Wafers

(OPTIONAL) Edible Gold Paint

(OPTIONAL) Sprinkles

(OPTIONAL)

SUPPLY LIST:

Rectangular cake pan

Large mixing bowl

Cooking spray

(OPTIONAL) Food-Safe Paint Brush

(OPTIONAL) Silicone mold

INSTRUCTIONS:

For Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Spray cake pan with cooking spray and set aside.
3. Mix cake mix, oil, eggs and sparkling wine until smooth.
4. Pour batter into square cake pan and cook for 30-35 minutes.
5. Let cake rest and chill.
6. Crumble cake squares in a bowl and add frosting.
7. Cover and chill for 2 hours or longer.
8. Place a sheet of parchment/wax paper on baking tray.
9. Add 3 tablespoons of the cake mixture and shape it into hearts (we used a silicone mold to shape mixture – be sure to use oil mold).
10. Place hearts on the tray and chill for 2+ hours.

For Shell:

1. Microwave or double boil to melt wafers per bag instructions.
2. Get hearts from fridge and dip into mixture.
3. Place dipped hearts onto baking tray and allow them to harden.
4. Use a food-safe paintbrush to paint on your cake. Let your imagination run wild.

So, whether you're celebrating with a significant other or having a Galentine's Day with your besties, these cakes are sure to impress. Give them a try and let us know what you think! Happy Valentine's Day!

National Baking Day is a perfect opportunity for you to experiment with new baking recipes and techniques. If you're a fan of baking bread, why not try making a delicious loaf using Norton wine? It is the perfect opportunity to showcase our official Show-Me State grape. This wine is known for its rich and fruity flavor profile, which makes it a perfect addition to bread. When combined with flour, yeast, and other ingredients, Norton can add a unique depth of flavor to your bread, making it stand out from the rest.

PREP TIME: 5 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

3 C sifted unbleached bread flour

1 TBSP baking powder

2 TBSP sugar

1 1/3 C Norton wine (*Any dry Missouri wine works too)

1 TBSP melted butter

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Whisk to evenly distribute.
3. Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients; pour in the wine.
4. Stir well until the mixture is mostly combined.
5. Turn the dough and leftover flour mixture onto a flat surface dusted with light layer of flour.
6. Knead the dough for 3-5 minutes to incorporate the last of the flour mixture and create smooth dough. Shape the dough into an oval shape and place it on a parchment lined cookie sheet.
7. Brush the loaf with melted butter and cut three ¼ inch deep scores diagonally in the top of the loaf.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until the crust is browned slightly. Let cool for five minutes before cutting and serving.

*Any dry wine works but we recommend using Norton wine as it adds a nice, strong flavor and aroma.

Pair with this fun cinnamon butter.

INGREDIENTS:

1 C salted butter, room temperature

1 C powdered sugar

½ C honey

2 TSP cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Stir together until butter consistency.
2. Spread on butter, enjoy!

So next time you want to bake a delicious treat, try making a loaf of Norton bread. Happy baking!  

If you are a Missouri wine enthusiast, you may have heard the term ‘pruning’ when discussing grapevines. Pruning is a crucial part of maintaining a healthy and productive vineyard as it is essential for producing quality grapes. Whether you are a casual wine sipper or a connoisseur, understanding the importance of pruning can enhance your appreciation of the wine in your glass.

The purpose of pruning is to get the maximum yields of juice and to have adequate vegetative growth for the upcoming season. Dormant vines are pruned in late January until March. If pruned too early, a hard frost can damage the buds and canes.

Several different pruning techniques are commonly used in Missouri: Cane Pruning, Spur Pruning and Machine Pruning.

Cane pruning involves cutting the vine down to at least one cane that will produce new shoots in the upcoming season. The canes that are cut will not be fruitful.

Spur pruning involves retaining two to four buds off young canes. When pruning, the spurs should be spaced out evenly. Old canes will not be fruitful and not kept.

Machine pruning is a technique that has gained popularity in recent years. It involves the use of specialized equipment to trim grapevines, usually during the dormant season. The machine prunes the vines by cutting off the old growth and shaping the remaining canes. This method is efficient and cost-effective, as it saves time and labor compared to manual pruning.  

If left unpruned, the number of grape clusters would be excessive. The vines would be unable to sustain the growth. Additionally, the vines would become unruly and tangled. Grape clusters would become hidden under thick layers of leaves, making it so that the grapes would not ripen. If the vines are not tended to, the clusters will be enjoyed by wildlife and not in a bottle of vino. 

Pruning grapevines is an essential aspect of growing healthy and productive grapevines. The next time you open a bottle of Missouri wine, thank those working in the cold to ensure we can enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Want to learn more about the lifecycle of a grapevine? Click here to watch the video!

New Year resolutions are a time-honored tradition that many people use to mark the beginning of a new year, and to set goals for self-improvement. One resolution that might surprise you is to try more Missouri wine! With more than 125 wineries and vineyards scattered throughout the state, there's no shortage of variety when it comes to Missouri wine.

If your resolution is to become more familiar with Missouri wine (and we hope it is) here are some ideas to get you started!

Sign up for Rewards Uncorked: Visit wineries, earn points and get rewarded. It’s that easy!

Cook with Missouri Wine: Missouri wines can greatly enhance the taste of your favorite food dishes. Dry or sweet wines can help bring out new flavors. Missouri’s fruit wines are incredibly food friendly when it comes to baking sweet treats too.

Explore one of the 9 Wine Trails: Missouri offers 9 different wine trails. Plan the perfect trip by visiting one of the wine trails and seeing all that it has to offer, including wine tasting, food and amazing vineyard views.

Try a new Missouri wine varietal: Trying a new Missouri wine varietal can be an exciting and enjoyable experience for wine enthusiasts. With a variety of grape cultivars grown in the region, there is always something new to discover and savor. Whether you prefer red, white, or rosé, the Missouri wine scene has something for everyone to explore.

Host your own wine tasting: Hosting your own wine tasting can be a fun and educational experience. You can invite friends over and have them bring a bottle of their favorite wine to share. It's a great opportunity to learn about different types of wine, how to properly taste and pair them with food, and to enjoy the company of friends.

Try a new winery: Visiting a new Missouri winery can be a wonderful experience for wine enthusiasts and novice tasters alike. From the stunning scenery of the vineyards to the rich flavors of the wine, each winery offers a unique and memorable experience.

Attend Wine Country Events: Attending events in Missouri wine country is an exciting way to explore the region and learn about its rich viticultural history. You can join the winery events and participate in grape harvests, wine tastings, and vineyard tours to get a hands-on experience of the winemaking process. Additionally, you will get the opportunity to try various wines made with locally grown grapes and meet other wine enthusiasts who share your passion.

Cheers to 2024 in Missouri wine country!