Some people like wine, some people like beer, and others like them both. Several Missouri wineries are also breweries. It makes a lot of sense if you think about it. Some of the equipment is the same and it’s a great way to offer consumers options. 

So, this Father’s Day, head out to Missouri wine country for a relaxing trip where you can enjoy handcrafted wine and beer. Or get a sampler of delicious local beverages for dad to sample at home. 

Charleville Vineyard Winery and Microbrewery – Ste. Genenvieve
Charleville is all about offering distinctive, hand-crafted wines and microbrewed beers in a relaxed atmosphere. They proudly offer an assortment of beer styles from their core year round beers (such as: Half Wit Wheat, Hoptimistic IPA, Tornado Alley Amber Ale, and Oatmeal Stout) to an extensive selection of seasonal beers (Box of Chocolate, Strawberry Blonde, Maibock… to name just a few) and limited release beers.

Crown Valley Winery, Brewery & Distillery – Ste. Genenvieve 
Visiting “Crown Country” offers a plethora of tasting options. They make a wide range of wines, including sparkling, while their brewmaster, Jeremy Gilbert, produces beer made in a state-of-the-art 15-barrel microbrewery. Some of their offerings include, Strawberry Cider, Farmhouse Lager, Wooden Nickel IPA, Gunslinger Double IPA, Big Bison Ale, and seasonal such as Peach Wheat and Blackberry Cider. They also have a distillate brand known for its line of “Missouri Moonshine”. Their Fizzy Izzy root beer has its own fan club as well. 

Bias Winery and Gruhlke’s Microbrewery – Berger
As the story goes… Gruhlke is a gnome who moved from Germany to the hill at Bias Vineyards & Winery in 1998. Gnomes, as you may know, live underground with their buried treasures. Gruhlke’s treasure is secret formulas for great microbrewed beer. Gruhlke has agreed to share his secret formulas and assist with the beer brewing in exchange for naming the microbrewery after him. They offer a variety of beers on tap, some of which include, Missouri Wheat, Naughty Ale, Black Lager, Chubby Stout, and Nate’s Tripel.

Windy Wine Co. and Blackbelt Brewing Co. – Osborn 
When Kraig Keesaman opened Windy Wine Co. he planted the idea of his brother, Kasey, having a brewery onsite. Last year, the dream became a reality when Blackbelt Brewing Co. was introduced. They offer a milk stout called Ninja Breakfast, a light rye ale called Rye-Kwon-Do, an India Pale Ale called Hop-Kido, an apple ale called Grapple, Brew-cha Libre, an agave-infused pale ale, and a Belgian golden called Crow Killer. 

Cave Vineyard – Ste. Genenvieve
Cave Vineyard is a family affair through and through. That extends from the winery operations to the beer brewed on site and sold on-draft in the tasting room. The son-in-laws (also affectionately referred to as the SIL’s) brew a variety of beer to be served on site only. You’re always in for a new and different treat from the classics to unique seasonal offerings when you visit the Cave. 

Beyond wineries making, serving and distributing their own beers, there are other partnerships between brewers and winemakers. Public House Brewery is building a brand new facility to expand its operation in conjunction with St. James Winery, and Broadway Brewery leases space from Les Bourgeois Vineyards in Rocheport. To take it a step further, many of the 125+ wineries in the state partner with local, craft brewers to offer beer in their tasting rooms. 

Missouri wine pairs well with Missouri beer. Drink local! 

It’s spring, you know what that means… new life! And that is exactly what is happening in the vineyards of Missouri wine country with “bud break”. Bud break is the start of the annual growing cycle for grape vines. It is quite an exciting time because it’s really the first sign of life in the vineyards.

So, what exactly is bud break? It’s pretty much what you might imagine from its name. Tiny buds on the vine start to swell and eventually shoots begin to grow from the buds, breaking through if you will. Buds are the small part of the vine that rest between the vine's stem and the petiole (leaf stem). From these buds will come all of the new cycle’s growth, and finally its bounty.

Like most plants varieties, every grape varietal has its own appearance during bud break, ranging from fairly plain to downright ornamental. Bud break on a Norton (the state grape of Missouri) vine is pictured.

It’s an exciting and beautiful time to get out to Missouri wine country. If you’re interested in seeing bud break in action, contact a local winery. Some offer vineyard tours, but hurry because this phase won’t last long before we’re off to the next.

Yes, traditionally Easter baskets and the sweet treats they contain are for youngsters, but just because you’re a grownup now, doesn’t mean you can’t have an holiday treat of your own. Whether there is a piece or two leftover from assembling your little ones’ baskets or indulging in a reward just for you, try pairing these Easter candy favorites with Missouri wine.

•  Chocolate Easter Bunnies of all shapes, sizes and flavors have a Missouri wine that pairs perfectly!

White Chocolate + Sweet Sparkling Wine

Dark Chocolate + Norton

Milk Chocolate + Your favorite Missouri fruit wine (We recommend Raspberry or Cherry.)

•  Cadbury Crème Eggs + Blackberry Wine
• Peanut Butter and Chocolate Eggs + Concord (think adult PB&J)
•  Jelly Beans + Catawba
•  3 Musketeers + Chambourcin
•  Marshmallow Peeps + Late Harvest Wine
•  Starburst + Vidal Blanc

Missouri wine pairs well with a sweet Easter treat!

Many Missouri wineries make quality, award-winning fruit wines, and they're not just great for sipping. Try using them to shake up the traditional cocktail or take your baked goods to the next level. Does the term "fruit wine" have you a little confused? Fruit wine covers pretty much any wine made with fruit other than grapes.

The temperatures are finally rising after what seemed like a never-ending winter. As the bright colors of Spring begin to emerge and the light breeze wafts the smell of new growth past, you know it’s about that time… time to once again enjoy the outdoors. Is your patio, deck or porch ready for the new season? Here are some great DIY ways to take your outdoor entertaining to the next level:

Pallet Wine Rack – Repurposing wooden pallets is all the rage. Why not join in the fun with this useful and outdoor friendly wine rack. (Source: Virginia Sweet Pea)

Recycled Wine Bottle Bird Feeders – Prep your patio for ultimate bird-watching enjoyment with these beautiful and eco friendly bird buffets. (Source: The Garden Roof Co-op)

Mountable Wine Bottle Torches – The days may be getting longer, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had after dark, especially when you have these awesome wine bottle torches to light the way. (Source: Design Sponge)

Wine Barrel Ice Chest- This DIY project isn’t as difficult as it sounds. The hardest thing may be getting your hands on a wine barrel. It’s totally worth it though, because not only will it keep your beverages cold as the temperatures begin to rise, but it also serves as a great conversation piece for those backyard get-togethers. (Source: BobVila.com)

Wine Bottle Candle Covers – There is just something wonderful and whimsical about candlelight. Keep your candles lit outside with these candle covers made out of recycled wine bottles. (Source: Invite & Delight)

Outdoor Wine Glass Holders – Ever feel like you could really use a third hand. This super simple DIY project will provide just that while you enjoy spending some time with Mother Nature. (Source: Catch My Party)

Missouri wine pairs well with DIY projects and getting back outside!

Did you know wine is produced in all 50 states? That’s right, wine country is closer than you think. And just like different countries offer unique styles and varietals of wine, so do different regions. Often the styles of wine you’ll find in a specific area or state are defined not only by the climate and growing conditions, but also by the winemaking style local vintners have developed over the years. For example, Missouri wine doesn’t taste like California or French wine or any other kind of wine. It tastes uniquely like Missouri wine, and has been garnering national and international acclaim for years. Similar stories can be found in many states in the Midwest.

Regional wine markets have grown exponentially. The number of wineries in the US has quadrupled in the last 10 years according to research done by the University of Missouri. With this growth, attention is being paid to the exciting offerings available in different areas of the country. Whether it’s a Missouri Norton, Michigan Riesling, Ohio Ice-wine or Indiana Traminette, regional wine with a local flare is making waves. DrinkLocalWine.org, a non-profit organization, was founded in 2008 with the purpose of telling the story of local wine. Its founders, Jeff Siegel (A.K.A Wine Curmudgeon) and Dave McIntyre (wine columnist for The Washington Post) are dedicated to the LocaPour movement, encouraging wine-lovers to support their local wineries through campaigns such as Regional Wine Week, held annually in the late fall.

Jeff and Dave aren’t the only wine enthusiasts heralding the importance and benefits of regional wine. The movement is growing, and slowly but surely, more people are giving local wine a chance. Another excellent opportunity for regional wine to strut-its-stuff is through the Jefferson Cup Invitational, hosted by renowned wine expert, Doug Frost (MS/MW). From its creation 14 years ago, the goal of this wine competition has been to create a more equitable contest for wineries from less-famed states to compete, culminating in the showcase of America’s best wines. The Midwest consistently brings home Jefferson Cups, supporting the reality of increasing quality and notoriety of regional wines.

Do you have a thirst for local wine? Join the LocaPour movement by supporting your local wineries. Drink local!

What does sustainability mean to you? Does it mean recycling those Missouri Wine bottles when you’re done with them or buying local products?

Merriam-Webster dictionary defines sustainable as involving methods that do not completely use up or destroy natural resources or as able to last or continue for a long time. Whatever sustainable means to you, we can all agree that we want Missouri Wine around for the foreseeable future.  Missouri Wineries are employing lots of different kinds of sustainable practices to ensure just that.

It starts from the ground up. Many wineries in the state have re-purposed and refit existing structures rather than building new. Wineries can be found in buildings that claim past lives as everything from homesteads to churches, schools, barns and even orphanages. Some wineries that are building new structures have considered sustainability when from the start by incorporating energy efficient equipment and geothermal heating and cooling while building.

When it comes to the vines themselves, there are so many different things that are done in Missouri vineyards to ensure good stewardship of the land, it’s impossible to list them all. Some wineries choose earth-friendly weed control despite the extra time and effort it can require. Others employ sophisticated moisture sensors and irrigation to discourage wasted water. Many have composting programs, but one of the most important things that most wineries and vineyards in the state do is grow grape varieties that are suited to our demanding weather patterns.

The sustainable practices don’t stop in the vineyards. Whether it’s a company-wide recycling initiative, using solar power, or buying locally sourced and made barrels, many Missouri wineries are committed to making choices that are good for the environment and their customers.

Missouri wine pairs well with sustainability.

Most people know the story of a young George Washington not being able to lie to his father about cutting down a cherry tree. This popular tale started a tradition of people eating cherries on February 22 to honor Washington's birthday, a holiday now observed on the third Monday of the month. February is also National Cherry Month. What better way to celebrate the fruity festivities than with a glass of Missouri cherry wine?

Cherry is a predominant flavor profile found in many red wines. You're likely to discover the aroma and flavor of cherries in earthy Chambourcin. Cherries are also the main ingredient in some of Missouri’s well-known fruit wines. Wineries such as Pirtle, Sainte Genevieve, St. James and Wenwood Farm produce award-winning cherry wines that have become favorites for their distinct flavors. Each winery that produces cherry wine has a little bit of a different spin on it, such as Hermannhof's cherry wine that is sweet and crisp, while OOVVDA Winery offers cherry wine with intense, spicy characteristics. Montelle Winery's award-winning cherry brandy is great for gourmet cooking, and sipping before or after a meal.

The pairing of cherries with luscious milk chocolate is delightful. Ladoga Ridge Winery's award-winning Chococherry Kiss wine blends the sweetness of black cherries with the decadent flavor of chocolate. The chocolate cherry dessert wine from Riverwood Winery has hints of cinnamon and clove.

In addition to chocolate, cherry wines are a good match for grilled pork, Thai food, curry and sushi. Cherries marinated in red wine that is seasoned with orange peel and cinnamon are tasty with ice cream. Or try pairing your favorite Missouri varietals with cherry dishes. For example, the richness of a full-bodied Norton is excellent with a sauce of dried cherries and port over lamb chops. Sweet Catawba compliments a slice of cherry angel food cake well.

If you're looking for a fresh way to enjoy Missouri wines, try cherry!

Missouri wine pairs well with cherries!