The Missouri Wine Lover's Bucket List

There are a few things I believe every Missouri wine lover should experience in his or her lifetime. Get out there and experience all Missouri Wine Country has to offer!

1. Go on a Missouri Wine Trail Event
With over 125 wineries in Missouri, you may feel a little overwhelmed when you start to plan your excursion. Luckily, there are 9 very different wine trails that make planning a winery hop fun and easy, including The Hermann Wine Trail, Route du Vin, The Great Northwest Missouri Wine Trail, Missouri River Wine Trail, Kansas City Wine Trail, Missouri Weinstrasse, Ozark Mountain Trail, Mississippi River Hills Wine Trail, and Aux Arcs Wine Road. These trails host fun events throughout the year that usually involve theme wine and food pairing. It’s barhopping, winery style!

2. Visit Wineries Off the Beaten Trail

Trails may make planning a winery outing easy, but don’t limit yourself to only trail wineries. Some of the state’s hidden gems will take some hunting to find, but they are well worth the effort. Visiting these lone wineries will give you a chance to take in the Missouri country side and possibly discover new and exciting sites. Plan a road trip to Frankfurt, MO, and you’ll be delighted to find one of the state’s smallest wineries, Claymalnay Vineyard & Winery. It may be tiny, but the friendly owners and distinctive wines will leave a lasting impact.

3. Step Outside your Tasting Comfort Zone

My favorite part of visiting Missouri wineries is the chance to sample new wines. This isn't something you can do at the grocery store or even most restaurants, so you should take full advantage of tastings opportunities. Don’t be afraid to challenge your palate and indulge in a wine you don’t usually drink. Each winery leaves its own special characteristics on different varietals. Taste outside your comfort zone and discover how your preferences may change over time. Ask questions and engage with the person pouring your samples. They just might be the wine maker, like at Horst Vineyards.

4. Take Part in a Grape Stomp
This is your chance to become part of the winemaking process and all you need is a clean pair of feet! After harvest many wineries throw grape stomp celebrations and invite people to actively participate. You haven’t lived until you've had your feet dyed purple from Missouri grown grapes! Many of these events are free or the proceeds are donated to charity. Les Bourgeois Vineyards and Cave Hollow West Winery are just two of the wineries that throw large crush festivals.

5. Plan a Winery Weekend Getaway
Many wineries in this state have much more to offer than just wine. For example, a weekend at Chaumette Winery can be complete by renting out one of their classy villas, pampering yourself at the spa, sun bathing by the pool, dining at the Grapevine Grill, and of course sampling their wines in the tasting room. Don’t be afraid to book a room at a B&B, and explore what all a winery town has to offer. Your trip may start with wine, but it will end with an adventure!

6. Tour a Wine Cellar or Vineyard
Vineyards offer a spectacular view and perfect backdrop for a romantic picnic date. Take the time to experience where the wine you are drinking started its long journey to your glass. Most wineries that have vineyards are open to giving tours or allowing visitors to wander through their rows of vines. Historic wine cellars also give you an intimate glimpse into the wine making process as it dates back to pre-Prohibition times. Stone Hill Winery, Hermanhoff Vineyards, and Mount Pleasant Estates each have captivating cellars and offer tours. You may even get lucky and receive a barrel sample.

7. Join a Wine Club
If you love Missouri wine, the best way to capitalize on it is by joining a wine club. Wine clubs help you ensure your wine cabinet is always stocked with your favorite Missouri varietals. They come with great discounts, special offers and exclusive events. Many clubs offer the option for home delivery in case you don’t live near your beloved winery and who wouldn't love seeing a package of wine show up at their doorstep on a monthly or quarterly basis?

If you're looking for a club that offers a more hands on experience, I suggest Edg-Clif Farms & Vineyard's "Grape Friends" Wine Club.  Members are given the opportunity to volunteer and work in the vineyard alongside the owners and wine maker. The club also always access to wine making tutorials, opportunitiers to purchase grapes or juice (as available),  complimentary wine tastings, and many other perks.


Feel free to use my Bucket List as a jumping off point or create your own. Cheers!

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!

Missouri Wines Century Club Dinner

We did it! One-Hundred Missouri wineries visited in 2013. We cannot lie, we are very proud of ourselves. It was by far one of the most enjoyable yet challenging goals we have ever accomplished. The Level 4 prize for the Missouri Wines Passport Program was an exclusive dinner for all of the participants who made it to at least 100 wineries. This Century Club Dinner took place May 31st at the Missouri Theatre in Columbia, MO. The event was superb!

The evening started with a cocktail hour in the lobby of the theatre. We had a large selection of familiar Missouri wines to choose from and delightful appetizers to snack on as we mingled with the other Missouri wine lovers. We ran into some familiar faces including  Kraig and Becky Keesaman, owners/winemakers of Windy Winy Company, and Jacob Holman, head winemaker at Les Bourgeois Vineyards. We made the acquaintance of a couple fellow Missouri Wines Passport conquerers, Brandon and Erin Wisemore. They reside on the West side of the state, so it was interesting discussing their thoughts on our local wine trails and vice versa. It was also great being able to chat about wineries with people who have been to as many as you. The level of passion for Missouri wines was extremely high in the room, and we knew the night was off to a great start.

The dinner was served on the stage of the theatre with Missouri winery owners or makers placed at each table. We had the honor of having Tony and Cindy Kooyumjian, owners/winemakers of Montelle and Augusta Wineries at our table. It's always a pleasure getting to converse with some of our favorite winery owners. We were served a stellar three course meal with each dish paired with a Missouri wine. We started with a salad made of baby greens and lollo rosso laced with a Les Bourgeois Vineyard sparkling wine vinaigrette served next to a fried Goats Beard cheese that gave the salad great texture and added tremendous flavor. The first course was served along side Montelle Winery's 2012 Seyval Blanc. Secondly we were poured a Chambourcin from Stonehaus Farms Winery and served a pan-fried Missouri pork tenderloin with stone ground grits and Adam Puchta Signature Port balsamic reduction. The last course was St. James Winery "Norton 42" braised Missouri beef shorts ribs with mashed yukon potatoes paired with the St. James 2012 Norton 42. This was by far the most "Missouri Wines" of a meal you could ever imagine, and it was delicious!

After dinner, the 19 Century Club members were honored with awards, and we heard speeches from influential people in the Missouri Wines industry including Dr. Peter Hofherr and Glenn Bardgett. The dessert course was served on the roof of the theatre and included lavender creme bruleé, Belgium chocolate Chambord tortes, raspberry macaroons, and opera cakes. There was a plethora of Missouri Wines such as the Adam Puchta's Signature Port, OakGlenn Winery's White Port, Montelle Winery's 2012 Vidal Icewine, Stone Hill Winery's Cream Sherry,  and Windy Wine Company's White Chocolate Strawberry and Raspberry wines. The entire evening was perfect and more than we ever expected. It was an amazing journey, and we are somewhat sad that it's over. 

We would like to thank and give a few shout outs to people and wineries who helped make this event possible. Biggest thank you to Danene Beedle and Christa Holtzclaw from Missouri Wines for all their help with the Passport Program and for throwing the Century Club Dinner as well as everyone on the Missouri Wine and Grape Board. Thank you to the wineries who sponsored the event and served their delicious wines: Stone Hill Winery, Augusta Winery, Les Bourgeois Vineyards, Stonehaus Farms Vineyard and Winery, Montelle Winery, St. James Winery, Adam Puchta Winery, Chaumette Vineyard and Winery, Wenwood Winery, Baltimore Bend Vineyard, Noboleis Vineyards, Edg-Clif Farms and Vineyard, Meramec Vineyards, OakGlen Vineyards and Winery, Windy Wine Company, and Bommarito Almond Tree Winery. And of course EVERY winery we visited last year! We couldn't have done it without you, and we hope to visit again soon!

The sweet swag bag we got at the end of the night! 

Valentine with Wine

Not sure what to do this Valentine's Day? Well, I've come up with the perfect V-Day for the wine lover in your life. All you need is some Missouri wines, a little prep time, and someone to share it with.

Step One: The Gift

Sure, you can't go wrong with flowers, but how about kicking it up a notch this year. Corks are all the rave. People are using them in furniture, decor, and much more. This V-Day give your special someone something unique from Etsy. I suggest some cork jewelry. You can purchase this Wine Cork Necklace (Bluebirds-up-cycled silver by Uncorked) and customize the charm with a bee, butterfly, or flower. This gift is precious, personalized, and helping to support small business owners. What's not to love? Or go with the Cork Cufflinks which are my favorite! They are truly unique and super  trendy!

 

Step 2: Cocktails

I know what you're thinking? Aren't we drinking wine? Of course, silly, but we are spicing things up this Valentine's Day. Style Me Pretty's Leah Bergman has come up with the perfect drink to show you love someone...Cherubs Cup Cocktail. And don't worry, it has wine in it!

Ingredients

• 1 part St. Germain elderflower liqueur
• 2 parts vodka or Gin
• 3/4 part fresh lemon juice
• 1 part muddled strawberry
• Brut Rosé Sparkling Wine

For your Brut Sparkling Wine, I suggest using Les Bourgeois's Brut. It's not a rosé, but it's my favorite. You could also considering using one of Crown Valley's sparkling wines. If you're looking to make the cocktail even sweeter, I would use their Pink Sparkling Muscato, or change up the flavor all together with the Chardonel Brut. Find the instructions here and ENJOY!

 

Step 3: Dinner

It's time to really impress your date! Challenge your cooking skills and step out of the comfort zone. I have two options, both include wine. 

Tune au Poivre with Red Wine Sauce. 

This recipe calls for red wine. I would suggest Robller Vineyard & Winery's oak-aged, dry 2009 Chambourcin or Ladoga Ridge Winery's Galen's Red (Chambourcin). Don't forget to garnish your plates and break out the fancy China. 

Mustard and White Wine Braised Chicken.

You'll need a dry white wine for this recipe. My suggestions are Stone Hill's 2012 Vidal Blanc or Bushwhacker Bend Winery's Chardonel. This French dish will surly impress your date!

Step 4: Dessert

As the evening winds down, you have one more chance to pull out all the stops. I really like this dessert because it's fun and kind of sexy (if you want it to be). You'll need to prepare these Wine Gummies at least 2-3 hours before you plan on eating them, and you can use any kind of wine you want. Of course, if you want them red like hearts, you'll need a red wine. I can't think of a more perfect wine for this treat than St. James Winery's Red Velvet!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Wine For Dessert (Literally)

I feel like I can't be the only with this dilemma. There is nothing worse than finishing a big Thanksgiving meal and looking at all those desserts, knowing that you do not have any more room for any of those delicious pies, cakes, and cookies. You try to walk off some food and make space, bust out the sweat pants, or just gorge yourself anyway, but none of these are ideal.. Well, I have found a solution, and it's wine! Pumpkin Pie Wine, that is, from Wenwood Farm Winery in Bland Missouri. This wine is the closest I've ever come to drinking a liquid version of pumpkin pie with a bonus of alcohol.

This wine can be chilled, served at room temperature, or slightly warmed to enhance the mouth-feel and aroma of the pumpkin pie awesomeness contained within. You could even go crazy and try putting some whipped cream on it! (Let me know how that works out for you. I'm very curious, yet unwilling to risk possibly ruining my wine.) I have tried a few pumpkin wines this year, but this is my first pumpkin PIE wine. Just sit back in your stretchy pants, pour yourself a glass, and enjoying drinking your pumpkin pie dessert.

Fall is also the season for mulled wines. All you need is a good base wine warmed up with sugar, spices, and citrus fruits. Edg-Clif's Hollyberry Red is the perfect wine to make a Holiday Treat Mulled Wine. The holiday gift wine comes complete with a gift tag and the mulled wine recipe. It's fun, easy and a great indulgence on a chilly day relaxing by a warm fire. The best way to warm your wine is too use a crock pot and share with good friends.

There are also times when I feel like I have to choose... wine or dessert? I usually pick wine (priorities), but now I don't have to. In the small town of Hermann, Missouri, I have made a wonderful discovery at Jillsie's Bistro & Boutique Cafe. Along with numerous lattes, smoothies, and breakfast delights, you can also order Norton Ice Cream. Yes, you read that right, and no, it's not just Norton flavored ice cream.

Real Norton wine from Stone Hill Winery is an ingredient in this splendid treat. This homemade ice cream is a beautiful lavender hue. When you taste it, you will immediately taste pure, simple homemade ice cream, and it finishes as if you just took a sip of a delicious Norton.  Stone Hill's Norton really enhances the vanilla and is not at all overpowering. Jillsei's has combined wine and ice cream, and it's pure genius!

So there you have it; these three excellent options to finish off your Thanksgiving dinner with that incorporate fabulous Missouri wines. What is your favorite wine-related dessert? Please share with on MO Wine Please's Facebook page.

7th Annual St. Charles Sausage Festival & Wine Tasting

Looking for something to do this weekend? Head to the 9th Annual Builders St. Charles Home Show this weekend (April 5-7) at the St. Charles Convention Center. This is a free event with free parking and a TON of unique exhibitors. We have attended this event many times. Even before we owned a home, this show was extremely interesting to us. It's a great place to get new design or remodeling ideas and see all the hot new trends. Walter Knoll does a fantastic floral presentation yearly that inspires me decorate our house with more fresh flowers and wreaths. This year, I'm eager to see all of the new ways of making a home more "green" and saving money while helping conserve the environment. You will leave this show with a bunch of ideas and a bag full of free goodies!

Oh and of course, you MUST stop by the 7th Annual St. Charles Sausage Festival & Wine Tasting! We must admit, we spend the most time at this section of the show and for good reason! This year you'll find it on the Lower Level near the escalators. Numerous Missouri sausage producers will be sampling their summer sausages, snack sticks, bratswursts, and more! You can buy or order anything you try. These sausuages make great additions to picnic baskets for winery getaways. Speaking of wineries, you will be able to sample Missouri wines from 3 great wineries (Fahrmeier Family Vineyards, Stone Hill Winery, & Westphalia Vineyards). I also look forward to trying to pair the sausage samples with the wines. From my experience Traminette wines and summer sausage are a great match! All of  the tastings are free. The entire Home Show is free. This is clearly a win/win situation. Cheers to Missouri sausage and wine!