In honor of International Ask a Question Day (March 14), we wanted to take some time to answer questions we get asked frequently. Most of these questions come to us during events where we are sampling local wines or Missouri Wine 101 classes. Wine is a broad subject with a great deal of information, and Missouri wine has its own long list of facts, figures and details.

Q: Aren’t all Missouri wines sweet?

A: Nope. With more than 125 wineries across the state, Missouri wines are as varied and unique as the people who make them. There are sweet wines, dry wines and everything in between.

Q: Why doesn’t Missouri have Cabernet and Chardonnay?

A: Many varietals of wine you may be used to hearing about or seeing on retail shelves are what you call Vinifera (originally European varieties). Most Vinifera simply can’t handle Missouri’s growing conditions (weather, primarily). So, local vintners focus on native varietals and hybrids that are more hardy and can handle our cold winters and humid summers. Bring on the Norton and Chardonel!

Q: How long is wine good after I’ve opened it?

A: “It depends” is the short answer. A slightly longer and more complicated answer is… it depends on which wine it is. Whites will last 3-5 days after being opened, reds 5-7, and port-style desserts wines for up to a few weeks. More info on how to preserve open wine can be found here.

Q: What kind of Missouri wine should I pair with _________?

A: We have an entire section on our website that can help answer this question! Food and wine pairing is tons of fun and all about trying new things, but this interactive guide is a great place to start.

Q: Why is it called fruit wine when a wine isn’t made from grapes?

A: This question totally makes sense. After all, grapes are a fruit too, right? Yes. However, in the wine world, a wine made from grapes is referred to as wine (plain and simple), and a wine made from other fruits (cherries, blueberries, pineapple, apple, etc.) is called fruit wine. (Don’t look at us. We didn’t make the rules.)

We hope this short Q and A has cleared up some things for you. If you ever have Missouri wine questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out on social media. We’re on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, and we are happy to be your resource for all things Missouri wine!