October 14, 2026
Missouri Wines is built on more than grapes, vineyards and bottles. Behind every vintage is a network of people pouring into the state’s wine industry.
One of those important partners is the University of Missouri’s Grape and Wine Institute (GWI), a collaborative partnership between the University of Missouri and Missouri Wine and Grape Board. Its mission is simple but significant, advance the growth and prosperity of the Missouri grape and wine industry through education and research.
GWI has a group of dedicated experts who work directly with Missouri’s grape growers and winemakers. Through the University of Missouri Extension, the institute provides research-based information, education and technical support to help industry members address challenges in the vineyard and wines. The team’s expertise spans viticulture and enology. This means that Missouri wine professionals have access to resources and knowledgeable specialists who understand the unique conditions and needs of producing wine in Missouri. Extension support is an important part of that relationship. From educational programs and workshops to research and one-on-one technical assistance, GWI helps turn university knowledge into practical resources that can be used by people working throughout Missouri’s wine industry.
The commitment to education and workforce development is growing with the NEW addition of a Fermentation Center at Mizzou. The new facility is designed to replicate the equipment and processes found in a commercial wine production facility. This gives industry members an opportunity to learn in an environment with professionals. For Missouri’s wine industry, the facility represents more than a new learning area. It creates additional opportunities to develop the next generation of winemakers, winery owners, vineyard managers, and other industry professionals while strengthening the connection between education and real-world wine production. We celebrated the new Grape and Wine Institute Fermentation Lab with a ribbon cutting on October 9th.
The support doesn’t just stop at education. GWI has a service lab that provides analytical testing for products. Missouri wineries can submit samples for analysis and receive analytical data that can help inform winemaking decisions, along with consultation support through GWI’s extension mission. Having this kind of testing and expertise available within the state gives professionals another resource for understanding what is happening in their wines and making informed decisions through the process. Quality and education are also a part of the WISE Choice program. WISE stands for Wine Industry Standard of Excellence, and wines that have earned this sticker are of the highest quality. Every Missouri wine with a WISE Choice sticker on its label has passed a thorough, two-part testing process by the Grape & Wine Institute.
GWI offers resources designed to keep people informed and connected. They offer educational opportunities through conferences, workshops, training programs, field days and newsletters.
The Missouri Wine industry is a large story of collaboration that allows the end results to be prosper for years!
Photo Credits to Schaefer Photography, LLC