The Missouri Wine and Grape Board sponsors two different cooking contests at the fair. The Cooking with Missouri Wine Contest where contestants prepare an entrée with Missouri wine, and the Cooking with Missouri Wine – Just Desserts Contest where contestants make dessert dishes with local wines. The entries are tasted and judged by industry experts. The top three entries receive cash prizes and have their recipes featured on missouriwine.org.

The Missouri Wine Tent:

Located near the grandstand, the Missouri Wine Tent is a great place to escape the heat and discover new, award-winning local wines. A 15-foot tall inflatable wine bottle will let you know you’ve arrived (and is the perfect selfie spot in our opinion). The Missouri Wine Tent features a wide range of wines crafted in the Show-Me State, and has an impressive selection of the winners from the recent Missouri Wine Competition. It’s a great place to relax with friends and a must stop on your trip to the fair.

Missouri Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Classes:

During the MO State Fair on Thursdays and Fridays at 12 and 2pm, Saturdays at 12pm, and 12pm on the first Sunday of the fair we offer fun, interactive wine tastings in the Missouri Wine Tent. This year we will walk participants through the best way to taste wine and how to pair local wine with local cheese and chocolate with samples of each. Classes fill up fast, so be sure to sign up at the Missouri Wine Tent. Cost is $5 per person.

Missouri Wines at the Leisure Travel Showcase:

On the second Thursday of the fair, August 16, we will participate in the Leisure Travel Showcase with a booth offering information about the local wine industry as well as goodies to giveaway, and in the afternoon a tasting. Be sure to get your wristband for the tasting while they last!

Fair Food and Wine Pairings:

Hamburgers + Norton

Corndogs + Traminette

Pulled Pork + Chambourcin

Cotton Candy + Blackberry Wine

Turkey Leg + Chardonel

Vignoles + Funnel Cake

See you at the MO State Fair!