A whole day dedicated to one of the world’s most beloved fortified wines? Port Wine Day! This gives us a fantastic opportunity to dive into the rich history and even richer flavors of this unique sip. While port wine hails from Portugal, that doesn’t stop us from creating a port style inspired wines here in the Show-Me State. 

The journey starts with carefully selecting Missouri grapes. Once they’re harvested, they go through the same initial steps as any wine, crushing and fermentation. This is where the grape juice begins its transformation into alcohol. But it has one more step! Before all the natural sugars from the grapes are converted into alcohol, a high-proof grape spirit is introduced. The “fortification” is key – it stops the fermentation process early, preserving that wonderful natural sweetness from the grapes and giving the wine a bit more of a kick. 

After that final step, the Missouri Port wine begins its aging process. It often rests in oak barrels, slowly developing deeper colors and more complex flavors, or matures in bottles, allowing its character to evolve over time. The result often comes out to rich, sweet, and a wonderfully warming wine that’s perfect for sipping by a fireplace or pairing with a delicious dessert. It’s a testament to the ingenuity of Missouri winemakers, taking inspiration from the old-world traditions and giving them a Missouri twist!