Love the Wine You’re With

It seems like many people have a love/hate relationship with the holiday Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re a fan or not, you can’t go wrong by pairing Missouri wine with this ultimate day of love. Call up your spouse, date, new love, or best friend and make plans to venture out to Missouri Wine Country this V-Day. There are lots of options and more than enough love and wine to go around!

A Taste of Chocolate, February 21 & 22, Mississippi River Hills Wine Trail

Nothing helps spark romance more than chocolate. Apple Creek Vineyard & Winery, Hemman Winery, Hunter Valley Winery, and The Barrens Winery are hosting a two-day wine and chocolate pairing that is certain to bring an air of romance to the Mississippi River Hills Wine Trail. Each ticket includes a souvenir glass, and if you make it to each of the four wineries you’ll be enter to win prizes! 

If you’re wondering which winery would be good to have lunch at, allow me to suggest Apple Creek Vineyard & Winery.  Start with the Bread and Olive Oil and meet in the middle of any of their delicious pizzas!

Be Wine with Wine, February 13 & 14, Serenity Valley Winery

This will be the 4^th year Serenity Valley Winery throws its Be Wine with Wine dinner. The meal will include 6 sweet and savory tapas paired with 6 of their award-winning wines. When it comes to creating perfectly paired dishes, I have never been disappointed at what Serenity Valley has come up with. Seating is limited, and reservations are required.

Serenity Valley Winery offers the perfect backdrop for cuddling up with someone special to watch the sunset over their beautiful lake and rolling landscape.

Chocolate Wine Trail, February 21 & 22, Hermann Wine Trail

Chocoholics take note! This event includes 7, yes 7, decedent chocolate pairings. If that doesn’t get your heart racing, I’m not sure what will. Adam Puchta Winery, Bias Vineyard and Winery, Dierberg Star Lane, Hermanhof Winery, OakGlen Winery, Röbller Winery, and Stone Hill Winery have each come up with some very intriguing recipes to pair with their fantastic wines.

You’re chocolate lover will not be disappointed! Chocolate Lasagna and Mousse Cannoli really caught my attention.

Romancing the Grape, February 14 & 15, Route du Vin Wine Trail

Is your date an adventurous foodie? Say no more. The Route du Vin’s Romancing the Grape is the perfect balance of exploration and fine cuisine. Sainte Genevieve Winery, Charleville Winery, Chaumettte Winery, Twin Oaks Winery, Cave Vineyard, and Sand Creek Winery have each concocted unique tasting sized bites to pair with their top-quality wines. The dishes that really caught my eye include the Bacon Sriracha S’mores and Indian Winter Spiced Chicken.

Spend the afternoon exploring wine country or make a whole weekend of it. There’s so much to see and do in the Ste. Genevieve area including great antiquing and breweries!

Staying home for Valentine’s Day??

Even if you don’t plan on going out to celebrate Valentine’s Day, Missouri wineries can still help you plan a romantic date at home. Start off with some “Hill Berries” from Canterbury Hill Winery. Valentine’s Day isn’t complete without chocolate covered strawberries. Canterbury Hill Winery can also add balloons, wine or gift cards to your order.

Don’t forget, nothing pairs better with chocolate covered strawberries better than sparkling wine! I am a huge fan of Missouri sparkling wines and indulge in them whenever possible. My go-to list includes Mount Pleasant’s Ten Bucks, St. James Winery’s Sparkling Blush, Adam Puchta Winery’s Sparking Brut, Crown Valley’s Moscato, and my all-time favorite, Les Bourgois Vineyard’s Brut. You can find some of these sparkling wines in your local grocery stores, but most you’ll have to order online or from the winery directly.

Happy Valentine’s Day!