Sunshine, flip flops and popsicles call for their own kind of wine, don’t they? Cape Girardeau area wineries embrace the warm weather with these summery wine picks!

Apple Creek Vineyard & Winery

Kick back on one of the decks overlooking Apple Creek and taste summer in a bottle with Apple Creek Vineyard & Winery’s Blackberry wine, a sweet fruit wine with the aroma and taste of sun-ripened blackberries and made with 100% fresh-picked Missouri berries!  They also offer Serenity Creek, a fruity, light rose style wine that’s best enjoyed under one of the shady trees on the property at one of their picnic tables – complete with ice bucket that fits in the middle.

Hemman Winery

Cranberry might make you think Fall and Thanksgiving, but Bonnie Hemman of Hemman Winery in Brazeau, Missouri says that their Cranberry wine is popular in warm weather since it’s so refreshing.  The Brazeau Blend is another popular choice that goes especially well with summer sausage, and their Blackberry wine is a summer classic.  

Hunter Valley Winery

Just 10 miles north of Cape Girardeau, sip their notable Strawberry wine while nibbling on dark chocolate chips at Hunter Valley Winery. Other summery wine selections include the Vidal Blanc and the Gypsy Rose, named after the friendly winery beagle Gypsy.

River Ridge Winery

Try the 2014 Chardonnay at River Ridge Winery – it’s a good summer choice for those who like a dryer wine, with its light and refreshing taste.  While you’re enjoying the peace and quiet on their beautiful terraced patio, their semi-dry Villard Blanc will be a hit with your whole table; it’s like a Riesling with a kick! 

Steele Crest Winery

Iced tea is a summer must in Southeast Missouri, and Steele Crest Winery brings this classic to their Mint Tea Delight wine with hints of iced tea, oranges, lemon and ginger.  They also recommend their Clear Creek Vivant, a semi-dry white vivant that takes you on a quick trip to the tropics.  

1000 Oaks

Famous for their pizza, 1000 Oaks Winery in Patton has a sweet cherry wine called Cherry Bomb that is ideal for hot weather.  Their Indian Summer wine with dry and semi sweet versions that features warm hints of oak and cherries.  

Visit

Apple Creek Vineyard & Winery
Hours:  Friday 2-9 p.m., Saturday Noon-7 p.m., Sunday Noon-5 p.m.
Address:  1930 County Road 401, Friedheim, MO
Phone: 573-788-2211

Hemman Winery
Hours:  Friday 1-6 p.m, Saturday & Sunday Noon-6 p.m.
Address:  13022 Hwy C, Brazeau, MO
Phone:  573-824-6040

Hunter Valley Winery
Hours:  Friday 2-7 p.m., Saturday & Sunday Noon-7 p.m.
Address:  762 State Hwy V, Cape Girardeau
Phone:  573-332-0879

River Ridge Winery
Hours:  Open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Address: County Road 321, Commerce, MO
Phone:  573-264-3712

Steele Crest Winery
Hours:  Saturday & Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Address:  2055 State Highway Y, Jackson, MO
Phone:  573-803-9426

1000 Oaks Winery
Hours:  Friday 4-9 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Address:  Missouri 51, Postal Box 63, Patton, MO
Phone:  573-866-2522