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Wines
MO

MO’s wine country may not be the first destination that comes to mind when planning a wine-focused trip, but it’s a region rich with history, diversity, and evolving viniculture that deserves attention. The state’s wine scene has been steadily growing since the 19th century, initially rooted in the traditions of German immigrants who brought their winemaking knowledge to the fertile lands of the Midwest. Today, MO is not only known for its hybrid varieties, such as Norton and Chambourcin, but also for its success with classic vinifera grapes like Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Visitors can expect to find a range of wine styles that reflect both the state’s unique terroir and the innovative approaches of its winemakers.

In MO, you’ll discover everything from robust reds to crisp whites, with wineries producing both dry and sweet wines. The region’s ability to cultivate traditional European vinifera grapes alongside native and hybrid varieties showcases its adaptability and commitment to quality winemaking. Whether you’re a fan of a bold Norton or prefer the familiar notes of a Merlot, MO’s wineries offer a little something for everyone.

Here are some of the Wine Trails in MO, sorted by Name:

Augusta Wine Trail

The Augusta Wine Trail in Missouri was designated as the “First United States Wine District” in 1980 since wines were produced here before the Civil War. There are 10 wineries that make up this trail. They are all family-owned and open all year round.

Augusta Winery

Balducci Vineyards

Blumenhof Winery

Chandler Hill Vineyards

Montelle Winery

Mount Pleasant Winery

Noboleis Vineyards

Sugar Creek Winery & Vineyards

Hermann Wine Trail

The Hermann Wine Trail is a group of six family-owned wineries ranging from quaint country farms to historic wine cellars where you will experience the rich history and a variety of wine styles. This trail is known for thematic events where each winery on the trail features a different Missouri wine and food pairing, such as the Berries and BBQ, Wild Bacon and Say Cheese trails.

Visit the website at www.hermannwinetrail.com.

Adam Puchta Winery

Dierberg Star Lane Tasting Room

G. Husmann Wine Company

Hermannof Winery

Reserve Cellars of Hermann

Robller Vineyard Winery

Kansas City Wine Trail

Whether you prefer sipping wine in an urban setting, an 1800s era chapel or a 1930s restored barn, the Kansas City area has something for everyone. One of the unique characteristics of this wine trail is that it is a loop! You can pick it up at any spot, head in either direction, and spend as much time as you want sampling wines, enjoying beautiful vineyards and visiting points of interest along the way.

Visit the website at www.kcwineries.com.

Albonée Country Inn and Vineyards

Amigoni Urban Winery

Arcadian Moon Winery & Brewery

Baltimore Bend Winery

Fahrmeier Family Vineyards

La Bella Winery

Odessa Country Winery

Stonehaus Farms Winery & Vineyards

Terre Beau Vineyards

Lake of the Ozarks Wine Trail

The Lake of the Ozarks has been a place to hang out and be seen for as long as can be remembered, but it’s known for more than fast boats and summer fun. Slow down the pace and sip on the area’s fine wine paired with gourmet cuisine. Enjoy views of rolling Missouri foothills and breathtaking panoramic views of the Lake while on the Lake of the Ozarks Wine Trail.

Visit the website at Lake of the Ozarks Wine Trail

Casa de Loco Winery

Dale Hollow Winery

Golden Rock Winery

Seven Springs Winery

Shawnee Bluff Winery

Shawnee Bluff Vineyard

Sugarloaf Vineyard

Meramec River Wine Trail

Get your kicks in between Route 66 and the Meramec River on the Meramec River Wine Trail! The wineries on this trail belong to the Ozark Highlands AVA, which encompasses 1,280,000 acres in south-central Missouri. Explore local shops and restaurants while enjoying the views at vineyards and tasting locally grown Missouri wines!

Visit the website at Meramec River Wine Trail

Eagles' Landing Winery

Peaceful Bend Winery

Prairie Barn Winery & Christmas Tree Farm

Spencer Manor Winery

St. James Winery

Tutte Le Cosa Roasait

Mississippi River Hills Wine Trail

The Mississippi River Hills Wine Trail features two family owned and operated wineries, each with its own unique appeal and diverse range of wines. Dry and semi-dry to sweet and fruity, there’s something for everyone! The trail passes through some of the state’s most attractive country side. Rich in history and beauty, Mississippi River Hills Wine Trail stretches from the center of Perry County southward through northern Cape Girardeau County. Sample the small-town charm in southeast Missouri along the Mississippi River Hills Wine Trail.

Visit the website at Mississippi River Hills Wine Trail

Apple Creek Vineyard & Winery

Hemman Winery

Missouri River Wine Trail

The seven wineries on the Missouri River Wine Trail have one important thing in common – a fine selection of Missouri wines. They also host special wine and food events, live music and other activities throughout the spring, summer and fall. In addition to great wine, the region offers a variety of restaurants, lodging options and places to explore.

Canterbury Hill

Cooper's Oak Winery & Skullsplitter Distillery

Hummingbird Vineyard & Winery

Serenity Valley Winery

The Blufftop at Rocheport – The Tasting Room

Westphalia Vineyards

Missouri Weinstrasse

The Weinstrasse is located in the middle of the first area ever designated as an official American Viticulture Area, Augusta, Mo. Taste the wines and you’ll know why it came first!

Visit the website at Missouri Weinstrasse

Augusta Winery

Balducci Vineyards

Montelle Winery

Northwest Missouri Wine Trail

Sip wine in an 1800 church, a repurposed school house or from a patio overlooking grape vines as far as the eye can see. Whatever your speed or palate, Northwest Missouri wineries will have something for you. The Northwest Missouri Wine Trail boasts unique and welcoming wineries located in the northwest area of the state.

Visit the website at Northwest Missouri Wine Trail

Belvoir Winery & Inn

Fence Stile Vineyards, Winery & Distillery

Jowler Creek Winery

Pirtle Winery

Riverwood Winery

Shamrock Hills Vineyard and Winery

Van Till Family Vineyards

Windy Wine Co

TerraVox Wine

Ozark Mountain Wine Trail

The Ozark Mountain Wine Trail is situated in southwest Missouri and winds through picturesque countryside. Wines on this tour range from American and Hybrid grapes grown in Missouri, Fruit wines from Missouri produce, Mead (honey wine) from Missouri Beekeepers. Take a relaxing drive through the countryside on the Ozark Mountain Wine Trail.

Visit the website at www.ozarkmountainwinetrail.org.

7C’s Winery

Christine's Vineyard

Keltoi Vineyard

Lindwedel Wine Garden

Tyler Ridge Vineyard Winery

Route Du Vin Wine Trail

Set amid the rolling hills along the Mississippi River in Southeast Missouri, the Route Du Vin Wine Trail beckons with award-winning wines, scenic views and communities filled with history. Enjoy restaurants, lodging, boutique shops and art galleries, located primarily in Farmington and Ste. Genevieve – the oldest European settlement in the state. The trail features wineries, each with its own distinct character.

Charleville Vineyards

Chaumette Vineyards & Winery

Chateau Sainte Genevieve

Sand Creek Vineyard

The Terrace at French Village

Weingarten Vineyard

WineStein Trail

In the northern part of the state, hugging the Iowa border, is the Winestein Trail, consisting of two wineries 90 miles apart, with Bethany as the center point. Backyard Vine and Wine is to the west, in Maryville, home of Northwest Missouri State University. It opened in 2008 and has seven varieties on its five acres. Just under 100 miles to the east in the Green Hills area of the state, in Trenton, is Black Silo Winery. It’s open from April 20 to December 22 and hosts special events

Backyard Vine & Wine

Black Silo Winery

Here are some of the wineries in MO, sorted by Name:

7C’s Winery, 502 E 560th, Walnut Grove, MO – Phone: (417) 788-2263

Adam Puchta Winery, 1947 Frene Creek Rd, Hermann, MO – Phone: (573) 486-5596

Albonée Country Inn and Vineyards, 2200 S Crenshaw Rd, Independence, MO – Phone: (816) 220-2820

Amigoni Urban Winery, 1505 Genessee, St. Suite 100, Kansas City, MO – Phone: (913) 890-3289

Apple Creek Vineyard & Winery,1930 County Rd. 401, Friedheim, MO – Phone: (573) 788-2211

Arcadian Moon Winery & Brewery, 19203 Old US 40, Higginsville, MO – Phone: (660) 584-6661

Augusta Winery, 5601 High St., Augusta, MO – Phone: (636) 228-4301

Backyard Vine & Wine, 30484 Icon Rd. Maryville, MO – Phone: (660) 582-4474

Balducci Vineyards, 6601 S Highway 94, Augusta, MO – Phone: (636) 482-8466

Baltimore Bend Winery, 27150 US-24, Waverly, MO – Phone: (660) 493-0258

Bardenheier Wine Cellars, 11386 Co Hwy WW, Richwoods, MO – Phone: (573) 678-2442

Bear Creek Wine Company, 1320 Keithley Rd, Walnut Shade, MO – Phone: (417) 443-0036

Belmont Vineyards, 5870 Old Route 66, Leasburg, MO – Phone: (573) 885-7156

Belvoir Winery & Inn, 1325 Odd Fellows Rd, Liberty, MO – Phone: (816) 200-1811

Bethlehem Valley Vineyard, 5634 High St. , Augusta, MO – Phone: (636) 482-9463

Bias Vineyards and Winery, 3166 HWY B, Berger, MO – Phone: (573) 834-5475

Black Silo Winery, 4030 East 10th St., Trenton, MO – Phone: (660) 357-2208,

Blumenhof Winery, 13699 S. Hwy 94, Dutzow, MO – Phone: (636) 433-2245

Bommarito Cellars Inc., 3718 Grant School Rd., New Haven, MO – Phone: (314) 250-1290

Bonanza Spring Winery, 1004 S. Westwood Blvd, Poplar Bluff, MO – Phone: (573) 778-9966

Buffalo Creek Vineyards & Winery, 28888 Riverview Rd, Stover, MO – Phone: (573) 377-4535

Bushwhacker Bend Winery, 515 1st St., Glasgow, MO – Phone: (660) 338-2100

Canterbury Hill, 1707 South Summit Dr., Holts Summit, MO – Phone: (573) 896-9966

Casa de Loco Winery, 442 Riverbird Lane, Camdenton, MO – Phone: (573) 693-1441

Cave Hollow West Winery, 217 Cave Hollow Rd., Hannibal, MO – Phone: (573) 231-1000

Cedar Lake Cellars, 11008 Schreckengast Rd, Wright City, MO – Phone: (636) 745-9500

Chandler Hill Vineyards, 596 Defiance Rd, Defiance, MO – Phone: (636) 798-2675

Charleville Vineyards, 16937 Boyd Rd, Saint Genevieve, MO – (573) 756-4537

Chaumette Vineyards & Winery, 24345 State Route WW, Ste. Genevieve, MO – Phone: (573) 747-1000

Chateau Sainte Genevieve, 8921 Jackson School Rd, Bloomsdale, MO – Phone: (636) 758-0406

Christine's Vineyard, 25695 Mulberry Rd, Webb City, MO – Phone: (417) 499-3912

Claverach Farm & Vineyards, 201 Beckwoods Dr., Eureka, MO – Phone: (636) 938-7353

Cooper's Oak Winery & Skullsplitter Distillery, 96 E Jones St Higbee, MO – Phone: (660) 456-7507

Crown Valley Winery, 23589 State Route Ww, Sainte Genevieve, MO – Phone: (573) 756-9463

Dale Hollow Winery, 314 E 1st St, Stover, MO – Phone: (573) 569-5108

DeLaney Vineyard & Winery, 1200 S Main St Nevada, MO – Phone: (417) 321-6391

Dierberg Star Lane Tasting Room, 338 E. First St. Hermann, MO 65041 – Phone: (573) 486-1182

Durso Hills Vineyard & Winery, 101 S Harding St., Marquand, MO – Phone: (573) 783-8776

Eagles' Landing Winery, 21681 County Rd. 3640, St James, MO – Phone: (573) 263-6899

Eagle’s Nest Winery, 221 Georgia St., Louisiana, MO – Phone: (573) 754-9888

Eagle Pass Winery, 2431 Co Rd 534, Poplar Bluff, MO – Phone: (573) 778-3675

Edg-Clif Vineyard & Winery, 10035 Edg-Clif Dr., Potosi, MO – Phone: (573) 438-4741

Eichenberg Winery, 103 North Olive St., Cole Camp, MO – Phone: (660) 668-3511

Fahrmeier Family Vineyards, 9364 Mitchell Trail, Lexington, MO – Phone: (816) 888-9490

Fence Stile Vineyards, Winery & Distillery, 31010 West 12th St., Excelsior Springs, MO – Phone: (816) 500-6465

Fountain City Winery, 1409 W 11th St, Kansas City, MO – Phone: (816) 442-8893

Four Horses and a Dog Winery, 12300 Shoemaker Rd., Excelsior Springs, MO – Phone: (816) 582-4648

Fusion Wines, 769 Hwy KK, Sedgewickville, MO – Phone: (573) 450-7412

G. Husmann Wine Company, 302 E. First St., Hermann, MO – Phone: (573) 486-2677

Golden Rock Winery, 955 North Business Route 5, Camdenton, MO – Phone: (573) 317-WINE

Grey Bear Vineyards, 26267-26413 State Hwy T, Stover, MO – Phone: (573) 377-4313

HEADQUARTERS Winery & Mercantile, 100 W Pearl St, Harrisonville, MO – Phone: (816) 925-0515

Heinrichshaus Vineyard & Winery, 18500 State Hwy U, St. James, MO – Phone: (573) 265-5000

Hemman Winery, 13022 Hwy C, Brazeau, MO – Phone: (573) 824-6040

Hermannof Winery, 330 E 1st St., Hermann, MO – Phone: (573) 486-5959

Hummingbird Vineyard & Winery, 16586 Audrain Rd. 953, Mexico, MO – Phone: (573) 582-7425

Hunter Valley Winery, 762 State Hwy V, Cape Girardeau, MO – Phone: (573) 332-0879

Indian Creek Winery, 805 Stoddard St., Monroe City, MO – Phone: (573) 590-0086

Indian Hills Winery, 9625 Co Rd 250, Puxico, MO – Phone: (573) 222-3709

Jacob’s Vineyard, 26078 Eagle Lane, Kirksville, MO – Phone: (660) 627-2424

Jowler Creek Winery, 16905 Jowler Creek Rd, Platte City, MO – Phone: (816) 858-5528

KC Wineworks, 1829 McGee St., Kansas City, MO – Phone: (816) 256-4608

Keltoi Vineyard, 17705 Co Rd 260, Oronogo, MO – Phone: (417) 642-6190

La Bella Winery, 11644 Flournoy School Rd, Wellington, MO – Phone: (816) 240-2404

LaChance Vineyards, 12237 Peter Moore Ln, De Soto, MO – Phone: (636) 586-2777

La Dolce Vita Winery, # 4 Lafayette St., Washington, MO – Phone: (636) 390-8180

Ladoga Ridge Winery, 100 East Pope Lane, Smithville, MO – Phone: (816) 866-4077

Les Bourgeois Winery, 14020 West Hwy BB, Rocheport, MO – Phone: (573) 698-2300y

Lindwedel Wine Garden, 3158 MO 365, Branson, MO – Phone: (417) 338-0256

Little Hills Winery, 501 South Main St., St. Charles, MO – Phone: (636) 946-9339

Lost Creek Vineyard, 21356 Gore Rd., Marthasville, MO – Phone: (636) 932-4142

Louis P. Balducci Vineyards, 6601 South MO 94, Augusta, MO – Phone: (636) 482-8466

Mallinson Vineyard and Hall, 3029 North River Blvd, Sugar Creek, MO – Phone: (816) 896-5744

Meramec Vineyards, 600 State Rte B, St. James, MO – Phone: (573) 265-7847

Montelle Winery, 201 Montelle Dr., Augusta, MO – Phone: (888) 595-9463

Mount Pleasant Winery, 5634 High St., Augusta, MO – Phone: (636) 482-9463

Noboleis Vineyards, 100 Hemsath Rd, Augusta, MO – Phone: (636) 482-4500

OakGlenn Vineyards & Winery, 1104 Oak Glenn Place, Hermann, MO – Phone: (573) 486-5057

Odessa Country Winery, 2466 NcNeel Rd, Odessa, MO – Phone: (816) 633-7843

OOVVDA Winery, 5448 N Berry Lane, Springfield, MO – Phone: (417) 833-4896

Peaceful Bend Winery, 1942 State Hwy T, Steelville, MO – Phone: (573) 775-3000

Persimmon Ridge Vineyards, 7272 Sheppard Dr., Barnhart, MO – Phone: (636) 948-2082

Pirtle Winery, 502 Spring St., Weston, MO – Phone: (816) 640-5728

Prairie Barn Winery & Christmas Tree Farm, 17301 State Route B, St. James, MO – Phone: (660) 253-0079

Red Fox Winery, 1422 NW 800 Rd, Urich, MO – Phone: (816) 392-0955

Renaissance Wine Garden, 29131 N Stringtown Rd Foristell, MO – Phone: (636) 359-4468

Reserve Cellars of Hermann, 34 Reserve Cellars Lane, Hermann, MO – Phone: (573) 486-3320

River Ridge Winery, Country Rd. 321, Commerce, MO – Phone: (573) 264-3712

Riverwood Winery, 22200 State Route 45 N, Rushville, MO – Phone: (816) 579-9797

Robller Vineyard Winery, 275 Robller Vineyard Rd, New Haven, MO – Phone: (573) 237-3986

Sand Creek Vineyard, 3578 Sand Creek Rd., Farmington, MO – Phone: (573) 756-9999

Serenity Valley Winery, 1888 County Rd 342, O’Fallon, MO – Phone: (573) 642-6958

Seven Springs Winery, 846 Winery Hills Estates, Linn Creek, MO – Phone: (573) 317-0100

Shamrock Hills Vineyard and Winery, 12300 Shoemaker Rd. Excelsior Springs, MO – Phone: (816) 377-2313

Shawnee Bluff Vineyard, 8 Tolwood Rd., Eldon, MO – Phone: (573) 365-1100

Shawnee Bluff Winery, 2454 Bagnell dam blvd, Lake Ozark, MO 65049 – Phone: (573) 365-9935

Spencer Manor Winery, 15064 MO-68, St James, MO – Phone: (573) 899-8265

St. Francois Winery, 1669 Pine Ridge Trails, Park Hills, MO – Phone: (573) 431-4294

St. James Winery, 540 State Route B, St. James, MO – Phone: (800) 280-9463

St. Jordon Creek Winery, 2829 US-50, Beaufort, MO – Phone: (636) 584-8001

Stone Hill Winery, 1110 Stone Hill Hwy, Hermann, MO – Phone: (573) 486-2221

Stonehaus Farms Winery & Vineyards, 24607 NE Colbern Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO – Phone: (816) 554-8800

Sugar Creek Winery & Vineyards, 125 Boone County Lane, Defiance, MO – Phone: (636) 987-2400

Sugarloaf Vineyard, 66 Feline Lane, Camdenton, MO – Phone: (573) 873-2020

Summit Lake Winery, 1707 Summit Dr., Holts Summit, MO – Phone: (573) 896-9966

TerraVox Wine, 19310 NW Farley Hampton Rd #3, Kansas City, MO – Phone: (816) 354-4903

Terre Beau Vineyards, 100 S. Lynn, Dover, MO – Phone: (660) 259-3010

The Blufftop at Rocheport – The Tasting Room, 12847 W. Hwy BB, Rocheport, MO – Phone: (573) 698-2716

The Peculiar Winery, 20709 S. Harper Rd., Peculiar, MO – Phone: (816) 406-5595

The Terrace at French Village, 6188 Highway Y, French Village, MO – Phone: (573) 358-7177

Three Squirrels Winery, 17301 State Hwy B, St. James, MO – Phone: (573) 265-7742

Top Hat Winery, 120 South Main St., Independence, MO – Phone: (816) 248-9436

Tower Rock Vineyard & Winery, 10769 Hwy A, Altenburg, MO – Phone: (573) 824-5479

Traver Home Winery, 1429 County Rd., 1870, Willow Springs, MO – Phone: (417) 469-4152

Triple 3 Vineyard, 3665 Sunny Rd., Washington MO – Phone: (636) 800-3330

Tutte Le Cosa Roasait, 22050 State Route KK, Saint James, MO – Phone: (573) 265-3000

Twin Oaks Vineyards, 6470 Hwy F, Farmington, MO – Phone: (573) 756-6500

Tyler Ridge Vineyard Winery, 7325 N Farm Rd. 171, Springfield, MO – Phone: (417) 536-1630

Van Till Family Vineyards, 13986 State Hwy C, Rayville, MO – Phone: (816) 776-2720

Vance Vineyards & Winery, 1522 Madison 212, Fredericktown, MO – Phone: (573) 783-8800

Viandel Vineyard, 8381 US-60 Mountain View, MO – Phone: (417) 934-0195

Villa Antonio Winery, 3660 Linhorst Rd, Hillsboro, MO – Phone: (636) 475-5008

Vox Vineyards, 19310 NW Farley Hampton Rd #3, Kansas City, MO – Phone: (816) 354-4903

Walnut Creek Winery, 90 Main St. Holt, MO – Phone: (816) 992-4011

Watertower Winery, 11373 State Route M, Sainte Genevieve, MO – Phone: (573) 535-9512

Weingarten Vineyard, 12323 Rottler Ln, Sainte Genevieve, MO – Phone: (573) 883-2505

Wenwood Farm Winery, 1132 Brick Church, County Rd. 406, Bland, MO – Phone: (573) 437-3443

West Winery, 107 Vine St., Macon, MO – Phone: (660) 395-7181

Weston Wine Company, 540 Main St, Weston, MO – Phone: (816) 386-2345

Westphalia Vineyards, 106 East Main St., Westphalia, MO – Phone: (573) 455-2000

White Mule Winery and Bed & Breakfast, 2087 US-50, Owensville, MO – Phone: (573) 764-4800

Whispering Oaks Vineyard & Winery, 520 Lucky Rd., Mansfield, MO – Phone: (417) 935-4103

Wild Sun Winery and Brewery, 4830 Pioneer Rd., Hillsboro, MO – Phone: (636) 797-8686

Wildlife Ridge Winery, 34751 Miller Rd., Smithton, MO – Phone: (660) 343-5493

Williams Creek Winery, 310 Hickory St., Mount Vernon, MO – Phone: (417) 466-4076

Windy Wine Company, 9478 SW State Route J, Osborn, MO – Phone: (816) 675-2002

Wine Bars

Big Mood Natural Wines 2020 Baltimore Ave. Suite 102, KCMO bigmoodnaturalwines.com	Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant Several locations chwinery.com	Enzo Bistro & Wine Bar 20 E. Fifth St., KCMO enzokcmo.com
Louie’s Wine Dive 6701 W. 119th St., Overland Park louieswinedive.com	Mineral Lounge 1700 Broadway Blvd., KCMO mineralkc.com	Parkville Wine House 305 Main St, Parkville, MO parkvillewinehouse.com
Sail Away Wine 309 Armour Road, North Kansas City sailawaywine.com	Tannin Wine Bar 1526 Walnut St., KCMO tanninwinebar.com	The Pairing Wine Bar & Grocer 1615 Oak St., KCMO thepairingwinebar.com
Vintage ’78 Wine Bar 7251 W. 80th St., Overland Park vintage78winebar.com	Vita’s Place 5514 Oak St., KCMO vitasplace.com

Restaurants with Great Wine Lists

Affäre 1911 Main St., KCMO affarekc.com	Antler Room 2506 Holmes St., KCMO theantlerroomkc.com
Café Des Amis 112 Main St., Parkville, MO cafedesamiskc.com	Extra Virgin 1900 Main St., KCMO extravirginkc.com
Farina 1901 Baltimore Ave., KCMO farinakc.com	Grünaure 101 W. 22nd St., KCMO grunauerkc.com
JJ’s Restaurant 4810 Roanoke Parkway, KCMO jjsrestaurantkc.com	Novel 1927 McGee St., KCMO novelkc.com
Room 39 1719 W. 39th St, KCMO rm39.com	The Restaurant At 1900 1900 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Mission Woods therestaurantat1900.com

21 Wine Tasting Terms

Smell Terms

Much of the experience of wine tasting comes from your olfactory sense. These terms will help you describe that part of the experience.

aroma–the smell of wine, derived from the grapes (different than bouquet)

bouquet–refers to the complex smells derived from the aging of wine

nose–describes the combination of the aromas and bouquet of a wine

Taste (and sometimes smell) Terms

You’re not only using your sense of taste when you take a sip of wine. You’re also using your sense of touch. These terms will help you describe what you smell, taste and feel.

acidity–the liveliness and crispness in wine that activates salivary glands

balance–when the elements of wine – acids, sugars, tannins, and alcohol – come together in a harmonious way

body–a tactile sensation describing the weight and fullness of wine. A wine can be light, medium, or full bodied. (Note: A good way to think about this is the difference between skim, 2% and whole milk.)

dry–describes a wine that doesn’t contain significant grape sugar; the opposite of sweet (Note: A wine can be dry and still taste fruity.) Wines range in sweetness levels.

herbaceous–denotes smells and flavors of fresh herbs (e.g., oregano, basil, rosemary, etc.)

hot–a description for wine that is high in alcohol

mouth-feel–how a wine feels on the palate; for example: rough, smooth, velvety, or furry

oak/oaky–denotes smells and flavors of vanilla, baking spices, coconut, mocha or dill caused by barrel-aging

spicy–used to describe smells and flavors reminiscent of baking spices, black pepper, bay leaf, curry powder, saffron, etc. found in certain wines

minerality–this is a fairly ambiguous term used to describe smells and flavors that remind you of the sea (think crunchy sea salt or oysters), the sidewalk after it rains, or even chalk

jammy–denotes wines with intense, concentrated fruit flavors

Random Terms of Interest

appellation–a delineated wine producing region, in the US they are called American Viticulture Areas (AVAs) and Missouri boasts the very first one named in the country.

terroir—French for geographical characteristics unique to a given viticulture area

varietal–a particular type of grape. There are hundreds, maybe even thousands of different grape varietals grown around the world. Missouri vintners primarily grow hybrid and Native American varietals that can handle the demanding weather of our region.

vintage–the year a wine is bottled. Also, vintage is used to describe the yield of wine from a vineyard during a single season.

We hope this breakdown of some of the language of wine helps you get even more out of your next trip to Missouri wine country!

Missouri Wine varietals

For those not versed in the nine grape varietals grown in Missouri, here they are

Catawba Pink and rosé wines Semi-sweet to sweet North American hybrid red grape 5.6 percent of grapes grown in Mo.	Chambourcin Red wines Dry to semi-dry French-American hybrid red grape 11.5 percent of grapes grown in Mo.	Chardonel White wines Dry Cross between seyval blanc and chardonnay grapes 3.9 percent of grapes grown in Mo.
Concord Red wines Sweet Originated in Concord, Mass. 6.6 percent of grapes grown in Mo.	Norton Red wines Dry Official Missouri State grape, first found near Richmond, Va., in 1835 17.7 percent of grapes grown in Mo.	Seyval Blanc White wines Dry to semi-dry French-American hybrid grape 2.5 percent of grapes grown in Mo.
Traminette White wines Dry to semi-sweet American child of the German Gewürztraminer grape 5 percent of grapes grown in Mo.	Vidal Blanc White dessert or sparkling wine Dry or semi-dry French-American hybrid since the 1930s 8.2 percent of grapes grown in Mo.	Vignoles White wines Dry to sweet Versatile French-American hybrid 15.5 percent of grapes grown in Mo.