This Veterans Day, Missouri Wines raises a glass to the brave men and women who have served our country. Their sacrifices have helped shape the nation we know today, including the traditions, experiences, and connections we share around the table.

Did you know that World War II helped influence America’s relationship with wine? During and after the war, Americans encountered new cultures and European traditions, including the role wine played in meals and social gatherings. Returning servicemen were among those exposed to these experiences, and as international travel grew in the decades that followed, American wine preferences continued to evolve. More people began exploring different varieties and styles, from sweet wines to dry reds and crisp whites.

Today, wine is enjoyed in many ways across the country, but one thing remains the same: it brings people together. Whether it’s a family dinner, a holiday celebration, or a long-overdue gathering with friends, sharing a glass can be a simple way to connect and reflect.

This Veterans Day, we encourage you to take a moment to thank a veteran, listen to their story, and recognize the sacrifices made by those who have served. If you’re gathering with friends and family, consider celebrating with a bottle of Missouri wine and supporting the local wineries that make our state special.

From all of us at Missouri Wines, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our veterans and active-duty service members. Thank you for your courage, your service, and your sacrifice. Today, we raise a glass in your honor.

Missouri Wine Country is full of unique experiences, welcoming people, and wineries with stories worth sharing. For Scott and Tonya Rombach, exploring Missouri’s wine industry has become more than a hobby. The couple had made it their mission to visit every winery in the state, discovering the people, places and wines that make Missouri Wine Country so special. 

Through their travels, Scott and Tonya have experienced the diversity of Missouri’s wineries firsthand, building connections with winery owners and staff along the way. From established favorites to hidden gems, their journey highlights just how much there is to discover. 

As their winery visits continued to add up, Scott and Tonya realized they needed a way to keep track of their experiences and share their recommendations with others. That is what led to their social page, MO Wine Couple, where they document their visits and help others discover Missouri wineries. Scott and Tonya set an ambitious goal to visit every winery in Missouri. With more than 100+ wineries to explore, that mission required plenty of planning, travel and weekends spent discovering new destinations. They officially completed their goal in October 2025, checking off every Missouri winery on their list. Along the way, they experienced the incredible variety that Missouri Wine Country has to offer, from distinctive wines and beautiful scenery to the welcoming people behind every counter.   

Their journey was more than simply tasting wine. Each visit offered an opportunity to learn about the winery, meet the people who bring it to life and discover what makes each stop worth remembering. 

After visiting every winery in the state, Scott and Tonya wanted to find a way to recognize the places that stood out during their travels, so they created The Golden Cork Award. The Golden Cork is a special recognition from them to present to their favorite wineries throughout Missouri. The award didn’t just focus on the wine in the glass but the overall winery experience. 

Their journey highlights something special, the sense of community. Wineries have their own personalities and specialties but the people behind them share a passion for what they do and a desire to introduce visitors to Missouri Wine Country. 

Completing a visit to every Missouri winery was a major milestone for Scott and Tonya, but it wasn’t the end of their wine country adventures. Their experiences have inspired them to continue exploring wine regions while sharing it on their social media. 

The Rombach’s story is a reminder that discovering wine is more than what is being poured into your glass. It’s about the places you visit, the people you meet and the memories you make along the way. Be sure to follow them on socials to see all their wine adventures!

This holiday season is all about gathering around the table, catching up with family and friends, and making memories with the people who matter most. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, planning a festive Christmas gathering, or inviting friends over for a cozy evening, a little wine can make any event feel special. And there is no better way to celebrate the season than by pouring a glass of Missouri wine. 

If you’re preparing to host this holiday season, you don’t need an elaborate menu or perfectly decorated home to make your guests feel welcome. With a few thoughtful decorations, seasonal flavors, and a bottle or two of Missouri wine that is sure enough to please your guests.

One of the easiest ways to add something special to your holiday gathering is to feature a well paired Missouri wine. From the crisp whites and refreshing rosés to rich reds, Missouri wineries offer a variety of styles to complement your holiday menus and suit all the different taste buds around your table. 

A bottle or two of Missouri wine helps make every family dinner better with the in-laws around. 

Use these guides to help take the ease away from all your event planning!