Navigating the wine aisle can be pretty overwhelming with all the different labels and terms. It’s like stepping into a maze with rows of bottles that all seem to blur together. That is why we are here to help. Let’s break down a wine label in 6 easy steps! 

1. Producer – 
   1. The winery name is often prominent and easy to find, but sometimes you have to look for small text at the top or bottom of the label.  
2. Vintage – 
   1. The vintage indicated the year the grapes were harvested. If no vintage is listed, the wine is most likely a multi-vintage or non-vintage. 
3. Region – 
   1. The region can be as general as Missouri or American, or there may be a specific appellation listed. An appellation listed. An appellation is a recognized wine-making region known in the U.S. as an American Viticultural Area (AVA). Missouri has 5 designated AVAs. 
4. Varietal – 
   1. A varietal is the grape used in making the wine. If the name is unique, the wine is likely a proprietary blend of grapes. 
5. Estate bottled – 
   1. This designation means the grapes were grown and the wine was produced, aged and bottled by the winery listed. 
6. Scale –
   1. On the back of the bottles there sometimes is a dry to sweet scale. This is not required but is very helpful. 

By breaking down and understanding wine labels it can completely transform the way you perceive wine. It can allow the experience to be fun and delightful! Familiarizing yourself with key elements on a wine bottle allow you to make informed choices and discover new favorites. Remember try new things and enjoy the wine you like! Next time you are in the wine aisle, take a moment to read the labels and enjoy the journey of discovering great Missouri wines. Cheers! 

Save your screw caps and use them for your next DIY craft. Spice up your home with these cute screw cap pumpkins that are not only perfect for Halloween but the entire fall season! 

Supplies: 

• Screw caps 
• Glue dots or hot glue gun

Steps: 

1. Lay pumpkin design out on table. 
2. Apply glue dots sides of screwcaps while sticking them together. 
3. Go row by row starting from the bottom. 
4. Allow time for glue dots to adhere. 
5. Decorate with the finished screw cap pumpkins around your home! 

Share your final design with us using #mowineDIY

Have you ever wondered how to take your everyday meals from ordinary to extraordinary? The answer is definitely simpler than you might think, wine. Adding a Missouri wine to your dinner meal takes it to the next level! Enjoy #MoWine with cuisines from all different parts of the world. 

Here are a couple popular dishes and what Missouri wine they pair well with! 

American:

• BBQ Chicken Pizza + Catawba  
• Burger + Chambourcin 

Chinese:

• Vegetable Fried Rice + Sparkling Wine 
• Beef & Broccoli + Norton 

Thai:

• Pad Thai + Vignoles 
• - Thai Green Curry + Traminette

Italian: 

• Alfredo + Chardonel 
• Risotto + Vidal Blanc 

Brazilian:

• Acarajé + Norton 
• Picanha + Vignoles 

Cajun:

• Gumbo + Seyval Blanc 
• Jambalaya + Chambourcin

Greek: 

• Gyros + Norton  
• Souvlaki + Chambourcin 

Cheers to the unique food of the world and Missouri wine pairings! Be sure to tag Missouri wines using #MoWine and #wineandfoodpairings!

As the crisp autumn air begins to settle in and the leaves start to turn, there’s nothing quite like the comfort of a warm meal. This fall, let your crockpot become your best friend in the kitchen! Try out these Pork Chops with a White Wine & Mushroom sauce.

Ingredients: 

• 4 Boneless Pork Chops 
• Salt & Pepper to Taste 
• ½ c Missouri Dry Chardonel 
• ½ c Chicken Broth 
• ¼ c Heavy Cream 
• 2 Cloves of Garlic, Minced
• 1 tsp Dried Thyme 
• 1 c Sliced Mushrooms 
• Fresh Parsley, Chopped (optional, for garnish)

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6-7 hours low / 3-4 hours high 

Instructions: 

1. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper. 
2. In a bowl, mix together the white wine, chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, and dried thyme. 
3. Place the pork chops in the crockpot.
4. Pour the white wine mixture over the pork chops and top with mushrooms.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve the pork chops with the white wine and mushroom sauce from the crockpot, garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Serve with a refreshing glass of Chardonel and enjoy! 

Missouri port style wine can only be made better, with chocolate. Combine them and try out these decadent Port and Chocolate truffles!

Prep-time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 3 hours

Ingredients:

• 6 oz - Semisweet or Bittersweet Chocolate chips
• ½ cup - Heavy Cream
• 3 Tbsp - Missouri port style wine
• ½ cup - Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• ½ cup - Chocolate Almond Bark

Steps:

1. Combine chocolate chips and heavy cream in bowl and melt on low heat in microwave or saucepan, stirring frequently.
2. When melted add into a bowl with wine and combine.
3. Refrigerate or chill in freezer until mixture is firm.
4. Place wax paper on a baking sheet. 
5. With a spoon or melon baller, scoop a half inch to an inch diameter size truffle. Roll them in the cocoa powder and place on wax paper.
6. Melt almond bark on low heat, stirring frequently. Use a spoon to drizzle chocolate onto truffles.
7. Freeze for 10 minutes and then enjoy!

Keep in the fridge and enjoy them alongside a glass of Missouri port style wine. Try out these delicious and easy to make port truffles!