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!

Cooking with wine can add flavor and depth to your dishes. (Not to mention it gives you an excuse to open a bottle of wine and enjoy a glass while you’re cooking.) September is National Chicken Month as well as Missouri Wine Month; talk about a perfect pairing!

Wine is used in three primary ways when cooking… as a marinade ingredient, a cooking liquid (think simmer or braise), and flavoring in finished dishes (sauces, primarily). Some things to remember when cooking with wine:

• The golden rule of “Drink what you like” extends to cooking. Don’t cook with a wine you wouldn’t drink. Cooking a wine is going to intensify the flavors, and if you didn’t like it before, you certainly won’t after.
• Adding wine to a dish just before serving it can result in harsh flavors. Allow your wine to cook with the dish for at least a few minutes.
• If you’re using the wine in a marinade, acidity is key. Be sure to select a wine with a decent amount of acidity to get the benefit of tenderizing the meat as well as adding flavor and complexity.

Try out these recipes that show the simple, classic ways to use wine to transform and enhance chicken dishes:

• It’s grilling weather in Missouri and this recipe for Wine-Marinated Grilled Chicken is a must-try. Use a dry Missouri Vidal Blanc wine for the acidity and citrus flavors.
• Braise chicken in red wine (You read that correctly; white wine and white meat is not a hard and fast rule) with this Classic Chicken in Red Wine A Missouri Chambourcin is perfect! Once the dish is served, pair with the same Chambourcin you cooked with or shake it up with a Chambourcin rosé wine.
• Simmer chicken in white wine in this simple, one-pan Skillet Chicken A Missouri Chardonel is the ideal choice for this dish, both for cooking and sipping alongside the meal.
• This recipe for Chicken in a Creamy Parmesan and Sundried Tomato Sauce is a great example of adding wine as a flavor enhancer. Try it with your favorite dry Missouri white wine.

Chicken sometimes gets a bad reputation as boring or plain, but that’s just not true… if it’s prepared well. Chicken is a lean protein that offers mild flavor that can be used as a blank canvas for truly delicious culinary creations. Adding Missouri wine to the mix is a way to ensure a tasty meal. Try it out and enjoy!

Missouri wines are as unique as the people who make and enjoy them. They range from bone dry to decadently sweet and everything in between. You’ll find earthy, savory flavors in some and light, bright acidity in others. The broad variances are part of what make Missouri wines so great with food. There’s a Missouri wine to go with any and all of your favorite fare. Use this infographic as your guide when pairing food and wine. Happy Missouri Wine Month!

Halloween is just around the corner. If you haven’t figured out your costume yet and you love wine, these easy, DIY ideas are for you.

A Bunch of Grapes

Some balloons, felt and creativity is about all you need for this costume… and strong lungs. Get the instructions here.

Bacchus (Roman)/Dionysis (Greek)- God of Wine

A DIY toga out of a sheet is the classic last minute costume. Amp it up with fake grapes and leaves and accessorize with a wine goblet or empty wine bottle.

Wine Barrel

This is maybe a little more work than some other last-minute DIY costumes, but it’s a functioning wine barrel and will impress everyone. If you’re up for the challenge, get the instructions here.

A Wine Snob

Grab that blazer from the back of your closet, throw on an ascot (a scarf tied and tucked into your shirt works too) and an oversized glass of red wine and you are good to go!

Your Favorite Bottle of Wine

Print or recreate an oversized label from your favorite bottle of (Missouri) wine, attach it to the front of burgundy clothes and make a cork hat. Done and done!

Enjoy Hallowine. Cheers!

Missouri is home to 10 great wine trails, but with more than 125 wineries in the state, there are additional wine regions worth putting on your radar. Labor Day weekend is nearing, and we are featuring a few wine itineraries to help you plan your escape. So grab some friends, relax and get away to Missouri wine country!

The Metropolitan Triangle Tour

Many of Missouri’s 125+ wineries are in the backyard of the state’s major metropolitan areas. Start your journey on the east side of the state in St. Louis then travel southwest to Springfield and Branson and end up at the western border in Kansas City, Missouri. While making your way through this triangle of food, music, and city life, be sure to venture into the nearby wine countries of these metro areas. Click here for the full wine-tinerary.

The Great River Road Tour

Discover life on the Mississippi River through prominent historic sites and quaint Missouri wineries nestled along the river. Formed in 1938 from a network of roads and highways, the Great River Road allows travelers to follow the Mississippi River from Minnesota to Louisiana. One of the greatest sections of this river road is its path through the Show-Me state. Click here for the full wine-tinerary.

The Heart of Missouri Tour

Discover unique small towns and the hidden treasures they offer on this tour through the heart of Missouri. A journey through the area’s wine country is worth making. The Missouri River Wine Trail, featuring eight wineries and special events, passes through quaint Mid-Missouri towns across the state’s central section of the river. Many of Missouri’s greatest towns and historical sites are located along the route. Click here for the full wine-tinerary.

Whether you use these wine-tineraries or blaze your own trail, now is the time to explore Missouri wine country!

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.