Wine Review - St. James Winery: Pioneer Red

St. James Winery's - 2012 Pioneer Red

St. James Winery's  Pioneer Red is a blend of Norton, Chambourcin and Rougeon with 12% alcohol and .03% residual sugar.

The color could be best described as a deep crimson plum. The aroma is full of berries, plum and a hint of yeast. When tasting the wine, you start with a tart burst that makes your lips pucker, quickly followed  by a smooth, peppery finish.

Neither of us are huge Norton fans, so this wine provided a mellower option that was very easy to drink. I would love to pair it with salami or lasagna, but it would also be a nice wine to drink by a fireplace on a romantic night. Overall, we are big fans of the Pioneer Red and will need to stock up to ensure we always have some to serve guests.

Side Note: This wine was created to honor Missouri wine pioneers, St. James Winery founders Jim and Pat Hofherr.   CHEERS TO THEM BOTH!

Missouri Wine Festival

If you are looking for something to do this weekend, look no further than the Missouri Wine Festival happening in Excelsior Springs, MO on June 21-22.

This annual festival is held in Excelsior Springs during the summer time and celebrates over 50 Missouri wines, live music, over 30 art and craft vendors, hosts wine and cheese classes, and cooking demonstrations.    The cost is $5 for the festival or $20 in advance for 10 wine samples ($25 at the gate).  You can buy your tickets online

Here is a list of the wineries that will be participating:

Baltimore Bend Vineyard
Cooper's Oak 
Fence Stile Vineyard and Winery
Jowler Creek 
Ladoga Ridge Winery
Les Bourgeois Vineyard
St James Winery 
Serenity Valley Winery
Stone Hill Winery
Wenwood Farm Winery
Westphalia Vineyard
Windy Wine Co.

For accommodations  check out the map of local hotels.  Note that you are not far from Kansas City, but staying local would be the best route for safety reasons (wouldn't want that wine getting the best of you).

For more information and for registration, check out the event home page: Missouri Wine Festival