I'll have s'more, please

A new twist on an old favorite: caramel apple s'more. Photo by Ilene  Davis. 

No treat brings out the kid in all of us like a sweet, gooey s'more. Over the years, we've perfected our own technique. Whether you prefer a crispy marshmallow that's quickly blackened and charred by the campfire flames or one that is carefully rotated over fiery embers until golden brown, it produces the same result: a sticky sugary sandwich that brings back memories of a carefree childhood when sleeves and jeans became napkins and there was no such thing as too much sugar.

Although the official origin of the s'more is unknown, the first recorded recipe appeared in the Girl Scout handbook in 1927. The name is thought to have come from the idea that everyone who tried the tasty snack always asked for "some more," thus the "s'more" was born.  

Although there is nothing quite like the classic act of squishing a toasted marshmallow between delicate graham cracker crusts and slightly melted chocolate, there are plenty of creative versions of the traditional snack, too. And though our days of excitedly running around a campfire or telling ghost stories late into the night may have passed, remember that camping isn't just for kids! Now, we can relax with a glass of smooth Missouri wine while taking in nature. With the wide range of Missouri varietals available, you're sure to find the perfect wine to sip while snacking and swapping memories around the fire. 

Click here for some fun, creative s'mores recipes and which Missouri wines to try with them. 

Oktoberfest in Missouri  

(lederhosen is optional) 

Perhaps one of the most well-known fall festivals is the famed Oktoberfest. The first and original Oktoberfest was held in Munich, Germany in 1810 as a celebration of the marriage of Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. The Prince threw such a great bash that the region decided they should do it again the following year. And the rest, as they say, is history. Last year marked the 200th anniversary of the grand event in Germany.

Here in the U.S., we have adapted our own versions of Oktoberfest (also called Octoberfest) to commemorate autumn, German heritage and overall merriment. Festivals pop up all over Missouri wine country during the fall season. Some range from a weekend of fun to a month of events. Regardless, the theme is the same: a celebration of good food, great wine and goodwill.  

If you plan on hosting your own mini-Oktoberfest in the comfort of your own home, whip up traditional German favorites like Knödel (potato dumpling, click here for a recipe) and of course Würst (commonly known as sausage). Try this recipe for braised wurst and cabbage. Dry reds like Chambourcin and Norton will go well with the often heavy German-inspired foods.  

Check the Missouri Wine events page to find an Oktoberfest near you!

Fall into Missouri Wine Country  

There is no better time to explore Missouri Wine Country than now. Soon, cooler temperatures will arrive sparking a blaze of vibrant autumn colors to blanket the trees. As the leaves fall and crunch beneath your feet, the aroma of the season drifts through the air. What better place to welcome the shifting winds than a Missouri winery, where you can relax and enjoy the gorgeous scenery while sipping a glass of carefully crafted local wine?

The arrival of fall also means the onset of the harvest season. Not only are apples and pumpkins ready to be enjoyed, but wine grapes are ripe for the picking, too. Missouri wineries are hard at work plucking grapes that will be transformed into your favorite wine. Meanwhile, as you're out enjoying Missouri Wine Country, stop by a local pumpkin patch to bring a little bit of fall home with you. Local pumpkin farms offer pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, as well as other decorative gourds for sale. You can also snack on tasty treats while enjoying family friendly events like hayrides and corn mazes. 

During harvest, many wineries host fall festivals or feature seasonal food and wine pairings. Visit the Missouri Wine events page to keep up with the latest festivals held around the state.      

Several wineries also offer seasonal wine delights:

Baltimore Bend Vineyard: Kris Kringle, available mid-November  Hemman Winery: Pumpkin wine; Cushaw wine (made from Cushaw squash); Cranberry wine, available in November 

Little Hills: Pumpkin wine, served warm; Alpenglow, a mulled wine served hot  

Montelle Winery: St. Wenceslaus, a ruby red sweet wine with spices that can be served warm or chilled  

Sainte Genevieve Winery: Christmas Plum, available in November  

Serenity Valley Winery: Fiery Opal, a cranberry Chianti  

Wenwood Farm Winery: Pumpkin Pie wine, available now; Frohlichwein ("Joyous Wine") Winter Spice wine, available Nov. 12

Westphalia Vineyards: Naughty but Nice, a combination of Norton and chocolate      

Many Missouri wineries have delicious wines year-round that are great for autumn. Check out a winery near you to find the perfect bottle for fall!    

In fervent support of the locavore movement, each month we will pair a Missouri wine varietal with a local food favorite. Hence: Locapair. Enjoy.    

Vignoles (veen-yole)

Vignoles is a French-American hybrid and also one of the most versatile of Missouri's white wine grapes. Although most commonly produced as a semi-sweet wine, Vignoles can be crafted as a dry wine or sweet late harvest wine. The varietal has a noticeably attractive floral aroma and the distinct fruit-forward tasting notes of pineapple and apricot. The citrusy white wine has become an easy favorite among Missouri wine drinkers.

Drink this with: Spicy Pork Chili, candied walnuts, spiced pecans

The light fruitiness of Vignoles compliments spicy dishes quite well. There is still time to fire up the grill or smoker, so try one of these recipes from the Missouri Pork Association. Or, how about this pork chili recipe? There's no reason to wait for that first frosty fall day to whip up a batch of delicious chili! And because Vignoles is such an adaptable wine, it pairs nicely with a variety of foods. So, if you're more interested in pairing the wine with finger foods, try it with spicy pecans and candied walnuts. Check your local grocery or health food store to find Missouri nuts. Or visit AgriMissouri to find out what local products are being sold at a Farmers Market near you!

New Winery  

 Endless Summer Winery, Hermann, Mo. 

Vino Vocab 

Body: The weight and feel of the wine in the mouth. Often referred to as full-bodied. The viscosity or thickness of the wine is based on the percentage of alcohol and sugar content.

Trailing away ...  

... warm weather, that is! But with Missouri weather promising to be fickle, there is sure to be some warm, sunny days left to get out and enjoy Missouri's Katy Trail. Luckily, the trail happens to cut right through Missouri Wine Country. Whether you plan on biking a few miles or taking a leisurely stroll, be sure to stop in and visit a local winery. This website will help you plan your way. So grab your passport and your walking shoes, and enjoy the Country's First Wine Country!    

Passport Season  

We know you're out and about this month visiting Missouri wineries, tasting rooms and harvest festivals. Keep your passport handy and get it stamped at each participating Missouri winery you visit so you can be rewarded for your "hard work!" Click here for more info.  

Blogs

Check out these Missouri wine blogs for all the latest news on what's happening in the world of Missouri wine.

Fence Stile Winery 

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