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 4th 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!
