When one thinks about visiting a Missouri winery, the first thing that comes to mind is usually a relaxing day sipping wine. While wine is the star of the show, many wineries have become destinations offering shopping, experiences and plenty of reasons to visit them again! 

Most Missouri wineries have a gift shop allowing people to take home a souvenir that reminds them of their trip. Popular items include winery branded t-shirts, hats, wine glasses, insulated tumblers, corkscrews, bottle stoppers, tote bags, and unique cutting boards. Some wineries even sell candles using their recycled wine bottles, and handmade products created by local artisans, making it easy to support multiple small businesses with one purchase. If you have a wine loving friend – I am sure you will be able to find them a fun wine trinket in one of our Missouri Wineries. All these items make for thoughtful gifts for birthdays, holidays, or anniversaries. 

Missouri Wineries are stepping up their games crafting experiences that keep visitors coming back throughout the year. Many are hosting unique events, game nights, and special dinners. Check their event calendars to purchase tickets! 

The next time you visit a Missouri winery, take a little extra time to explore their gifts, enjoy the events, and discover all the local charm they have to offer. These will be the things that flood you with memories and strike up a conversation in your own home! 

Are you unable to join us at the Missouri State Fair? No worries! Join us for a Wine 101 Class right here and plan your own.

To start you will need 4-5 wines of your choosing. We like to have red, white and a fruit, and a sweet and dry of the red and whites. But you can choose any wines!

Provide your guests with tasting cards to jot down notes about the wines and pairings. Explain the aroma diagram you've set up on each table, which will help them identify different scents in the wine. Remind them not to eat the tasting items just yet.

Let's kick things off with a warm welcome! As the host, introduce yourself and set the stage for the experience. Ask your guests a few icebreaker questions to gauge their familiarity with wine and their enthusiasm for trying new wines. 

Inject some fun with trivia questions. You can offer small prizes for correct answers. Here are a few sample questions:

1. How many wineries are currently in the state? 113
2. Which varietal do we celebrate in August? Vignoles
3. How many wine trails are currently in the state? 7
4. Which wine won the 2026 Governor’s cup for best wine in the state? 2025 Dry Vignoles from Adam Puchta Winery
5. What’s the official Missouri state grape? Norton

Emphasize these key principles to your guests:

1. Drink the wine you like. Your personal preference is what matters most.
2. Try new things. You never know what you might love until you give it a try.

As you begin pouring the first wine, explain the 5S’s of wine tasting: See, Swirl, Smell, Sip, and Savor. This method will enhance their appreciation and understanding of the wines.

Allow your guests to choose their own wines from a variety you’ve prepared. Encourage them to explore different types and find what they enjoy.

Here is an example of a wine and what you can share.

Wine #1: Chardonel

Share details about the winery, the Chardonel grape, and the wine region. Encourage your guests to try the "sip, bite, sip" technique with small bites of food to see how the wine’s flavor changes. Pairing: Garlic Herb Cheese Curds. Suggested pairings include grilled chicken, fish, mushrooms, almonds, pasta with cream sauce, and even banana bread. 

Fill any remaining time with these fun wine facts:

• Explain parts of a wine label.
• Discuss the shelf life of wines once opened: 3-5 days for whites, 5-7 days for reds.
• Share insights into the wine competition process.
• Discuss the body of the wine, comparing it to milk for understanding light, medium, and full-bodied wines.
• Proper glass handling: Hold by the stem or base to avoid warming the wine.
• Serving temperatures.
• Cork vs. screw cap closures.
• Wine storage tips: Keep bottles out of direct light and at a cool temperature, storing corked bottles on their side.

With this comprehensive guide, you're ready to host an unforgettable Wine 101 class. Enjoy the experience, and cheers to new discoveries in the world of wine!