As you sip your favorite Missouri wine, you may not realize the time and dedication that goes into producing the beverage you hold in your hand. During the month of September, we celebrate Missouri Wine Month and honor the winemakers who devote themselves to their craft all year long. Producing wine is hard work and it doesn’t end at harvest time. Luckily for wine enthusiasts, Missouri winemakers know that quality wines are worth the work.
Missouri has a rich history of winemaking, dating back to the early 1880’s. Before prohibition, the state ranked second in wine production in the United States, just behind New York. Wine production came to an abrupt halt in 1920. Cellars that once boasted award-winning wines were emptied and forgotten or used for other purposes like growing mushrooms. With the repeal of the 18th amendment, wineries began a slow rebirth in Missouri. Now the state is home to 12 wine trails and more than 130 wineries. The Missouri wine industry has an annual 1.76 billion dollar impact on the state’s economy, supporting nearly 15,000 full-time equivalent jobs. More than 1,700 acres of grapes are grown in the state.
September also marks the one year anniversary of the Missouri Winery Visitors Program (MVP), the program that rewards consumers for visiting Missouri wineries. Since MVP started last September, more than 3,600 people have registered for the program, logging in more than 29,000 winery visits.
Join the Missouri wine industry in celebrating Missouri Wine Month. During the month of September, wineries will celebrate with wine releases, special events, themed tastings and much more.
For more information about the Missouri wine industry, visit the Missouri Wine and Grape Board’s website at MissouriWine.org.
