Cold temperatures and busy schedules create the perfect storm for aches and stress. Unwind and relax in a hot bath with your favorite Missouri wines. Here are our suggestions on what to sip while you soak to maximize this self-care practice.

Epsom Salt & Sparkling

Whether it is a general Epsom salt or a scent you enjoy, such as lavender, it is the perfect starting place. Baths aren’t for everyone, but this one is great for many reasons. Epsom salts soothe aches and pains, relieving muscles and tension from winter or everyday life. Both your skin and mind will be softened by the magnesium and calming lavender scent. The addition of your favorite sparkling will make you feel like you’re at a spa day! Both a crisp brut or a floral demi sec will pair well with the notes of lavender. Now you’re set for a great night’s sleep!

Red wine bath & Chambourcin

Add a little of your red wine to your soak – we’re not kidding! Adding a glass to your bath can reduce inflammation and redness in your skin, helping slow the aging process. Can this be better than happy hour? Enjoy a Chambourcin to relax to your fullest!

Oatmeal bath & Fruit wine

Use a store-bought powdered oatmeal bath or take a scoop from your oats at home to create this soothing soak. Use a food processor to finely grind your oats or insert a cup of oatmeal into a pantyhose stocking and let your shower faucet drain over, reducing the mess. Dry, irritated, itchy skin is quickly soothed. This pro-tip is great for treating eczema, bug bites, poison ivy, sunburns and more. The delicious smell of warm oatmeal helps your mind retreat and pairs well with fruit wines. This makes bath time more exciting than breakfast time.

Baking soda & Traminette

Cheers to health! Reduce germs, fungus and reduce perspiration by adding anywhere from 1-2 cups of baking soda to your bath. Make sure it all dissolves before enjoying. Also known as a bicarb bath, this inexpensive and accessible soak also helps boost circulation and mitigate issues with eczema and psoriasis. Boost your immune system and your bath time by enjoying a chilled and refreshing glass of Traminette. The delightful floral and citrus notes will take you to a refreshing oasis.

Oils & Chardonel

Adding bath oil or essential oils to your soak will quickly take your bathing experience to the next level. Aromatherapy from scents like sandalwood, chamomile and eucalyptus allow you to calm and ease away from your work day. Pair this with a glass of crisp and clean Chardonel to upgrade your relaxation and allow you to savor your solo time. Other oils you can utilize are olive oil, coconut oil or grapeseed oil, which doesn’t clog your pores. Whichever you choose, this pairing will keep your skin and mind refreshed.

Rosemary & Vidal Blanc

This pairing is sure to boost your mood. Add a few sprigs to your bath to ease stress and increase circulation. Magnify your bathing return on investment with breathing exercises that improve lung health, focus and mental clarity.  Vidal Blanc’s crisp freshness parallels the sensations captured in this rosemary soak.

Rose water or rose petals & Catawba

Fresh flower petals add a beautiful aesthetic and smell to your bath. These gentle scents kindly complement the sweet, floral and woodsy notes experienced from a chilled glass of Catawba. Rose water and rose petals are antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. This sweet soak is heaven sent, just like your alone time.

Sage & Sangria

Here’s a pairing for the unique soul! The bright, cleansing aroma of sage will help declutter your mind. This mental opening allows you to enjoy the cool, refreshing spices and flavors of your favorite Sangria. Complex ingredients can be thoroughly enjoyed from the release of any heaviness or bad energy.

Milk and Honey & Concord

Rumor has it that Cleopatra bathed in milk to retain her youthful appearance. Lactic acid gently exfoliates your skin while soaking in this bath. Add honey to retain moisture and smoothness in your skin, as well as give it an anti-aging and antibacterial boost. This honeyed mixture can match the sweetness of Concord. Make this soak fit for a queen by enjoying a chilled glass of this fruity favorite!

Lemon (or citrus) & Seyval

Add slices of lemons, grapefruits, oranges or other citrus to highlight your chilled and crisp glass of Seyval Blanc. This stress-zapping favorite is an easy way to elevate your mood and energy levels. Make note of this perfect pairing parallel – the bath’s aromas expand and invigorate your senses, allowing the bright, crisp and citrus notes of Seyval Blanc to be fully enjoyed.

Tea bath & Tawny Port

Tone your skin by adding a few bags of tea to your hot bath. Perhaps an after-dinner soak is required? Skip dessert and substitute this dessert wine for a sweet pairing. While this bath lacks complexity, the intense flavor of this wine makes up in stride. Familiar dessert notes of caramel, chocolate, dried fruit or nuts can be the perfect night-cap to a long day. 

Vanilla bubble bath (or bath bomb) & Norton

A pairing of two classics is hard to resist. Classic Missouri Norton never disappoints and neither does a vanilla aroma. This familiar smell is soothing but doesn’t overwhelm the bold Norton, allowing relaxation to hit its prime. This big, bold dry red brings spice to every sip and is great for dissolving into your heated bathing haven.

Share the bath pairing experience that sounds like your favorite! Find more fun pairing info by following us on social media @missouriwine and #missouriwine.