Every year on March 17th St. Patrick’s Day is observed, which may have begun as a religious feast day for the patron saint of Ireland, but has become a day to celebrate Irish culture. Whether you’re Irish or just Irish-at-heart, traditional Irish foods are a great way to celebrate this festive holiday, and pairing them with Missouri wines adds some local flavor.

Corned beef and cabbage is probably the most traditional dish served on St. Patrick’s Day. This recipe is a very traditional method, but it includes brining. So, you’ll need to start the process the day before your celebration. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s a little less labor intensive, this is it… slow cooker corned beef and cabbage. Whichever recipe you choose, a glass of Norton is the perfect pair for this classic Irish dish. Lamb stew is another favorite for celebrating St. Pat’s, and Norton is the ideal complement for lamb.

Colcannon potatoes are a favorite side dish on St. Paddy’s. So popular in fact they are sometimes used as the main dish! The recipes tend to range slightly from family to family, but here’s one that is sure to please (It has bacon in it. You can’t really go wrong with bacon). Pour yourself a glass of delightful Missouri Chambourcin or a fuller bodied Chardonel to go with these rich, hearty potatoes.

Irish soda bread is dense and hearty, and oh so delicious. It is wonderful served alongside your St. Pat’s meal or you could use it to create an Irish inspired sandwich for something a little different.

Desserts aren’t particularly popular in Irish culture. Why not cap of your evening with a glass of Missouri port-style dessert wine or late harvest wine?

Oh, and don’t forget to wear your green!

Missouri wine pairs well with St. Patrick’s Day!

Port is a style of fortified dessert wine that has been around for more than 300 years. To make port-style wine, brandy is added to fermenting wine. The high alcohol content of the brandy ends the fermentation process early, and some of the natural sugar from the grape juice is retained. 

Not all port-style wines are called Port for the same reason not all sparkling wines are Champagne. A 2005 wine trade agreement between the US and the European Union stated that American wines could no longer use the name Port on new wine labels. Existing brands were allowed to continue use of the name under a grandfather clause. So, many Missouri wineries make wines in the port-style that may not be called Port on the label. 

The fortification of these wines gives them a heavier body and sweeter, stronger flavor than your typical table wine. Port-style wines offer a truly unique experience on their own and even more so when paired with complimentary foods. 

A truly classic pairing, blue cheese and port-style wines have long been found side by side. The saltiness of the cheese and the sweetness of the wine are strong enough to stand up to each other and while on opposite sides of the taste spectrum, complement one another in a remarkable way. Other cheeses that pair well with port-style wines are stilton, aged cheddar, camembert and mature gouda. 

Chocolate, especially dark varieties with a high percentage of cacao are also well matched by the bold, sweet flavors of port-style wines. A rich flourless chocolate cake for example is perfectly paired with a port-style dessert wine for a truly decadent experience. 

In addition to cheese and chocolate, port-style wines also pair well with dried fruits and nuts, making them the perfect accompaniment to any well appointed cheese board. Add one to the offerings at your next gathering.  Find tips for setting up a cheese & charcuterie spread here. 

What is your favorite thing to pair with a Missouri port-style wine? 

The Academy Awards, known commonly as The Oscars, are often called Hollywood's biggest night. Since 1929, the star-studded event has been all about glamorous red carpet fashion and the anticipation of finding out who will win a coveted gold statuette, nicknamed Oscar. 

Films are the focus of the Academy Awards ceremony, but after the show, food and beverage get the spotlight. The official after-Oscars festivities take place at the ritzy Governors Ball. Master Chef Wolf Gang Puck treats the gala's 1,500 guests to a spectacular selection of hors d'oeuvres, small-plates and nearly 4,000 bottles of wine. Don't let the stars have all the fun! Missouri's award-winning wines paired with some gourmet appetizers from the Governors Ball's menu will add glitz to your at-home Oscars celebration.

Puck's recipe for chicken pot pie with black shaved truffles gets a standing ovation every year. This luxurious take on a classic comfort food is delicious with a full-bodied Chardonel. Another celebrity favorite are the mini burgers topped with aged cheddar cheese and creamy remoulade sauce. Enjoy these flavorful bites with a glass of big, bold Norton. Sparkling wine is a hit with the soiree's signature Oscar-shaped blinis with smoked salmon. Of course, bubbly will also compliment the evening's elegant desserts like chocolate-dipped strawberry cheesecake and citrus panna cotta garnished with chunky caramel popcorn. At the end of the night, the ball's A-list attendees take home miniature, dark chocolate Oscars that are covered in edible gold. If you want something equally applause-worthy, try gold-dusted bittersweet chocolate truffles with a decadent Missouri Port or dessert wine.

Missouri wine is the perfect co-star for an exciting night of honoring the best in movies.

Missouri wines pair well with the Oscars!

Being snowed in sounds like a bummer, right? It doesn’t have to be. Yes, it is an interruption of your regularly scheduled life, but if you’re stuck, you might as well make the most of it. First things first, pour yourself a glass of wine. Ah, now isn’t that better? 

Now let’s talk about how you can have a pleasurable snowed-in experience. If you have a fireplace, get it going for a toasty and pleasant atmosphere. (Tip: You know all those documents you’ve been meaning to shred, but the pile just keeps growing? Multi-task and use them to help start your fire.) If you don’t have a fireplace, break out those cozy wool socks and your favorite old sweatshirt. The general idea… get warm. Then the fun can begin. 

Awesome activities to do on a snow day: 

Strictly for fun: 
(Bonus- a glass of wine makes all of these even more fun!)

1. Bake. Not only can you warm up the house a bit by using the oven, but you also get a lovely treat when you’re finished. 
2. Curl up with a good book. If you didn’t manage to get to the library or the bookstore before the storm hit, be sure to check your local library’s website. Many libraries have eBook’s available for checkout directly to your smartphone, tablet or eReader. 
3. Watch a movie or catch up on a favorite TV show. This is an oldie, but a goody when it comes to being stuck in the house.
4. Get crafty with some DIY projects you’ve wanted to try. Check out these great ideas using leftover wine corks and bottles.
5. Play a game. Dust off that scrabble box or break out a deck of cards for some old fashioned fun. 
6.  Write a letter. You know, the kind with pen and paper.

Because you might as well be productive, right? 

1. Rearrange a room (or two). You’re stuck inside… so, make inside more fun. Use this time to rearrange the furniture and décor in the living room or guest room. 
2. Clean out the junk drawer. Something you’d literally never think of if you weren’t going a tad stir crazy in the house all day. 
3. Tackle one tough cleaning task you’ve been avoiding. And when you’re finished, reward yourself with a delicious, warming glass of Missouri wine!
4. Make a master calendar for upcoming gift-giving dates, and shop ahead online. 
5. Do the mending and ironing you’ve been putting off since 2010 (Yeah, that was really 5 whole years ago. Hard to believe, we know.) 

If you’re brave enough to face the outdoors: 

1. Bundle up and take a stroll in the snow. It really is beautiful, isn’t it?
2. Find the nearest steep hill or closed street and go sledding. It’ll make you feel like you did when you were 10 and they called a snow day! Don’t have a sled? Here’s how to create an easy make-shift one. 
3. Make fresh snow ice cream. 
4. Snow paint. Put some water and food coloring in squirt bottles and become a snow VanGough. Be sure to take pictures. Your creations won’t last long!

Whatever you decide to do on your snow-day, remember that it is what you make it. So, make it great!

Missouri wine pairs well with being snowed-in! 

Mardi Gras is a French term that directly translated means Fat Tuesday. And what would a celebration called Fat Tuesday be without good food? And what is good food without good wine? Incomplete! Spice up your Mardi Gras celebrations with delicious food and wine pairings.

Pair these classic Mardi Gras dishes with the perfect Missouri wine:

• Gumbo with Chambourcin if you’re a red wine fan or Chardonel if you prefer white wine

• Jambalaya with Norton or Concord wine

• Seafood Étouffeé made with and paired with Seyval Blanc wine

• Muffalettas with Catawba wine

• Oyster Po’ Boy Sandwiches with dry sparkling or Vignoles wine

• Shrimp and Grits with Vidal Blanc wine

• Red Beans and Rice with Chambourcin wine

• Crab Cakes with Remoulade Sauce with Traminette wine

• Beignets with sweet sparkling wine

• King Cake with Catawba wine

Many of these classic Mardi Gras dishes tend to be on the spicy side. You can of course customize the level of heat if you’re making them at home, but remember this handy rule if you’re going for the fiery version… “Sweet cuts heat!” A wine with some level of sweetness will help cool the burn of spicy food.

Missouri wine pairs well with Mardi Gras!

Chocolate is decadent and delicious. Wine is rich and robust. Put them together and you get perfection! Pair the best Missouri wine with your (or your sweetheart’s) favorite chocolate using the guide found here.

Norton, the official state grape of Missouri, is known for its ability to age well. Ever wondered why, or how aging wine changes it?

Aging wine can potentially improve the quality of a wine through complex chemical reactions involving the wine’s sugars, acids, and phenolic compounds (i.e. tannins). However, aging wine doesn’t automatically improve it, and there is such a thing as too old when it comes to wine. Different wines age at different rates and once they’ve peaked they can start to deteriorate.

Norton, while delicious now, is often a good candidate for aging because of its tannic structure and acidity. The ability of a wine to age well can be influenced by the grape variety, vintage, viticulture practices, wine region, and wine making style. So, while many Missouri Norton wines age gracefully, it’s always good to take the winemaker’s cellar life recommendations into consideration.

What happens to a wine when it’s aging? First of all, there’s a needed distinction here. We’re talking about bottle aging orcellaring. Missouri winemakers often age Norton wines in barrels prior to bottling. Barrel-aging imparts its own unique and compelling characteristics on the wine. Bottle-aging can alter the aroma, color, mouthfeel, and taste of a wine.

As wine ages, the harsh, young tannins give way to a softer mouthfeel; the color fades (from an inky dark to a light red brick color, for example); the bouquet becomes more developed and multi-layered; and the flavor becomes more complex. At its peak, an aged Norton wine can be a wonderful experience, completely different from that of a young Norton.

There are always exceptions, but as a general rule, Missouri Norton wines age slowly for the first 5 years, reaching their peak in 8-10 years with a suggested aging limit of 15 years. Some recommendations for a good wine aging environment:

• Bottles laid on their sides to keep the corks from drying out.
• A cool (approximately 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit) temperature is best for storing wine while aging.
• A dark area is best as the ultra violet rays from sunlight can lead to premature oxidation.
• Avoid vibration and heat fluctuation as they can hasten deterioration in the wine.

So, the next time you’re purchasing a bottle of Norton, consider buying a couple extra to cellar. If you have the patience, it can certainly be a fun experience to see how they change over the years. Missouri Norton pairs well with your cellar.

Sandwiches are easily one of the most customizable dishes you can create. Use this guide to build your best sandwich and pair it with the perfect Missouri wine.

When there is a chill in the air there is nothing better than a steaming bowl of soup to warm you up. Here are some soup and wine pairing suggestions, because what is better than soup on a frigid winter night? Soup and a glass of wine!

• French Onion Soup + Norton
• Broccoli Cheese Soup + Vidal Blanc
• Minestrone + Chambourcin
• Black Bean + Vignoles (especially if your black bean soup is spicy)
• Potato Leek + Chardonel
• Butternut Squash Soup + Traminette
• Tomato Soup + Norton
• Vegetable Soup + Seyval Blanc

There are countless soup recipes out there for everything from the traditional chicken soup to the most adventurous stew, and you’ve probably perfected a few of your own. Have you ever tried using wine as an ingredient? Cooking with wine can add depth and richness. Here is a selection of delicious soups made with wine.

White Wine Chicken Soup: Talk about a traditional winter meal. Chicken soup is good for the soul, as they say. It’s even better when made with a rich, oaky Chardonel wine. Tip: The longer this recipe cooks, the better it tastes, but it’s really simple. Make it on a day when you’ll be around the house for awhile.

Red Wine Beef Stew: This stew recipe is pure comfort and will warm you on even the most frigid of days. A dry Chambourcin wine works especially well with the beef, mushrooms and thyme in this recipe. Serve it with crusty bread or over rice to take advantage of the rich gravy.

“Dad’s Favorite Seafood Stew”: And that’s really saying something as the recipe author’s family was in the retail fish and seafood business for almost 80 years! This is a fantastically bright seafood stew that will warm you up without weighing you down.  A dry Seyval Blanc wine serves this recipe well.

Silky Leek and Red Wine Soup: This lush leek soup is creamy and comforting. The firm structure of a Norton wine lends this recipe an extra level of flavor, and the presentation is fantastic.

Soupe au Vin Blanc (White Wine Soup): This recipe has rustic roots, but with its creamy, rich flavor, it can stand up to even the most discerning of palates. A light, crisp Vidal Blanc wine is the perfect choice when making this delicious dish.

It’s the perfect time of year to try new things. If you have friends with an interest in wine, why not start your very own wine tasting club. A wine tasting club (not to be confused with a wine club, which is a membership with different benefits offered at many wineries) is a lot like a book club, but the focus is on wine. There are lots of ways you could go about organizing your wine tasting club. There is no singular “right” way, but here are some suggestions to get your started. 

Host the 1st Meeting: 

• Decide on the guest list. Inviting 6-10 people to start with is a good number. The group will most likely grow naturally as it progresses. So, you don’t want to start too big. (Remember: The more people, the more wine, food, glassware, and space needed.) 
• Send an invitation with all the details for the 1st gathering. Depending on your group’s preference, this can be a traditional or digital invitation. Focus on fun and education in the invite. You want to avoid intimidating anyone. (Tip: Ask the guests to bring their calendars to help when planning future events.) 
• Use the first meeting to get organized: 
  • Decide on a schedule. Do you want to meet monthly/bi-monthly? Consider alternating the hosting responsibility/privilege. Once you’ve decided on a schedule, setting up an online calendar that all members can access is a great way to stay on the same page. Another option is to set an automatic date such as the 2nd Thursday each month. 
  • Choose how you’d like to purchase the wines. Would your group prefer to have the host purchase a flight of wines to taste and reimburse at the event? Or would each member prefer to select and bring a bottle according to a previously chosen theme? (Tip: Set a price limit on the wines to keep everything as fair and affordable as possible.)
  • Brainstorm what types of wine you’d like to taste. The wine world is vast. Brainstorming ideas for themes of future meetings will allow each member the opportunity to explore something they in which they are particularly interested. (Examples of themes: Sweet Red, Dry White, Varietals, Areas, Wines Under $10… )
  • Select the scoring method. One of the most fun aspects of a wine tasting club is getting to discuss the wines you’ve tasted. This is made a great deal easier if everyone is using a streamlined method of evaluating them. You can create your own score cards as serious or as silly as you’d like, or check out these free printable options. (If your group decides to bring in the wines individually, it can be a fun component to see who has the “winning” wine of the evening.) 
  • Don’t forget the food! Wine and food go together. Whether your group wants to approach the food pot-luck style or have the host provide the nosh, keep in mind what wines you will be tasting. (Here’s a handy Missouri wine and food pairing guide to get you started, but the whole idea of a wine tasting club is to experiment. So, have fun with it!). *There are Wine Tasting Kits available to make hosting and organizing a wine tasting club even easier, such as this one from a local Missouri company called Belle Bash, or this one available on Amazon.

A wine tasting club is a great way to have fun with friends and learn about wine while you’re at it. There are no rules. Your club can be as serious or as casual as you’d prefer. Make it your own and have fun. 

Missouri wine pairs well with good times and great friends!