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.

Terr…what? Terroir (pronounced terr-war) is a French term meaning sense of place, the total natural environment of a viticulture area. There isn’t one word in English that imparts the same meaning. The terroir of an area is more than the soil, the elevation, the average temperatures, the frequency of fog. It is the combination of all of these factors and it is paramount to grape-growing. There isn’t one ideal terroir, but rather there are ideal terroirs for different varieties of grapes.

Have you ever wondered why you don’t see much cabernet sauvignon, merlot and pinot grigio coming out of Missouri wineries? It’s because our state’s terroir isn’t necessarily suited for those grape varieties, often called vinifera grapes. However, that does not deter the vintners of the area from growing great grapes and making delicious wine. Instead, it has created a culture of innovation and experimentation in the Missouri wine industry.

When you drink wines made out of grapes with names like Vidal Blanc, Norton, Vignoles, Chardonel, Chambourcin and Traminette (the list goes on), you are tasting wines made with grapes chosen specifically for the benefits and challenges of the local terroir. They may sound a little odd at first and wineries are happy to help with the ever-challenging issue of pronunciation. Just remember, they are made specifically with you in mind by winemakers and grape-growers who have spent years getting to know the soil, climate, and all the other components that make up the terroir of what is essentially your backyard.

The arrival of spring is near and with it comes fresh beginnings, new growth and much desired warmer temperatures. It’s time to break out of the winter doldrums and revitalize your spirit! And what better way to toast the new season than by exploring the wonderful world of Missouri white wines! From clean and bright to robust and fruity, Missouri’s whites are a perfect complement to the onset of spring!

You might be familiar with Missouri’s Vignoles, the darling of the whites. It’s a favorite for a good reason! Vignoles (pronounced veen-yole) is an extremely versatile hybrid grape that produces wines ranging from dry to sweet, which makes it pleasing to any palate. This wine goes great with spicy foods and rich, creamy desserts like cheesecake.

Traminette is another versatile grape, and can also be made into a sweet, semi-dry or dry white wine. The wine has a natural, light sweetness that is backed by a depth of flavor and floral aromas. Traminette pairs well with Asian-influenced cuisine, rich cheese like Gorgonzola and fresh fruit.

Two varietals that create more semi-dry to dry white wines are Vidal Blanc and Seyval Blanc. Vidal Blanc creates a full-bodied wine with fruity characteristics and clean, citrus notes of lemon and grapefruit. This wine pairs well with white meats, pasta in a white sauce, grilled veggies and light seafood items. Seyval Blanc grapes create a clean, crisp, medium-bodied wine with an herbal, fresh flavor. This wine pairs well with light meats such as pork, chicken and turkey, as well as light, flaky fish.

Chardonel is a cross between two popular grapes: Chardonnay and Seyval. Chardonel creates a dry, full-bodied wine. Depending on the fermentation process, this wine can exude notes of oak, butter or citrus fruits. This wine pairs well with smoked or grilled fish, pork and chicken.

One of the wonderful things about Missouri wines is that they are so diverse! Each wine tells its own story and varies in taste and flavor. One of the best ways to experience these wines and discover your favorites is to visit Missouri wine country. Wineries are happy to let you taste their delicious creations and lead you on your own wine journey. So enjoy the new season by enjoying the white wines of spring!

Since the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire, Mexican food has emerged as a complex fusion of European and Mesoamerican cooking styles. The cuisine heavily surrounds cultural traditions, including Day of the Dead and religious holidays.

This Sunday, many will celebrate Cinco de Mayo. The day recognizes May 5, 1862, when the Mexican army unexpectedly defeated the French in the Battle of Puebla. In the state of Puebla, May 5^th is an official holiday. However, Mexico does not observe the date as a national holiday. Many Americans confuse Cinco de Mayo with Mexico’s Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16^th.

Cinco de Mayo originated in the U.S. when Mexican-Americans honored the first five years of battles for freedom during the American Civil War. Today, it is an international celebration of Mexican pride. There are many fiestas thrown, highlighting cultural traditions and food.

With soulful and earthy flavors, Mexican cuisine has become a favorite in the American food scene. There are iterations of it throughout the Southwest, most notably in Texas (Tex-Mex), and home-cooks have shared easy spins on Mexican classics. Cinco de Mayo is the perfect time to try out your Mexican favorite, whether it be tamales or enchiladas, there’s always something for everyone!

This modified enchilada recipe is perfect for easy entertaining. It requires few ingredients, and is served like a casserole right out of a skillet. Add your favorite accoutrements like sour cream, cilantro or guacamole and serve. It’s a healthier alternative and pairs wonderfully with a semi-dry white, like Traminette. For the margarita-love, substitute white wine for tequila in this recipe. Pair with a sweeter white like Vignoles to bring out the citrusy flavor.