Mardi Gras is celebrated worldwide, but it’s most famously celebrated in New Orleans. In fact, Louisiana is the only state that recognizes Mardi Gras as an official state holiday. It all started on March 3, 1699, when French explorers landed on a plot of land just south of New Orleans and named it “Pointe du Mardi Gras” when they realized it was the eve of the festive holiday. Mardi Gras, French for “Fat Tuesday,” reflects the tradition of enjoying rich foods on this day. With name like “Fat Tuesday,” having good food is the ideal way to celebrate it and good food deserves great wine!

New Orleans is known for its spicy Cajun and Creole foods, but you don’t have to leave the Show Me State to celebrate. Missouri wines pair perfectly with traditional Mardi Gras cuisine. When it comes to spicy foods, keep in mind “sweet cuts heat.” Wines that are high in tannins, typically red wines, may intensify the heat of spicy foods. Don’t worry though, we’ve compiled a list of recipes and paired Missouri wine with many variations of two classics.

• Spicy Chicken Andouille Gumbo - A glass of Vignoles will help keep the heat at bay when eating this signature dish.

• Seafood Gumbo - Concord wine is a great wine to pair with spicy seafood.

• Crawfish Gumbo - A Traminette will help tame the Cajun spices of this crawfish gumbo.

• Red Bean Gumbo - Try a glass of Seyval Blanc with this vegetarian style gumbo. 

• Turkey Gumbo - A Chardonel would be a great complement to this turkey gumbo.

• Cajun Jambalaya - This Mardi Gras favorite pairs well with Vidal Blanc.

• Creole Jambalaya - A Chambourcin is nice choice to pair with a Creole style jambalaya.

• Gumbo-laya - This combination of gumbo and jambalaya calls for a glass of Catawba.

Enjoy a glass of Missouri wine with a bowl of gumbo or jambalaya as you celebrate Mardi Gras this year. As for dessert, the highlight of many Mardi Gras events is King Cake, which pairs wonderfully with Missouri sparkling wine!