Celebrate the season with wine and cheese-inspired pairings on the Hermann Wine Trail

Wine lovers are invited to sip and sample wine and cheese-inspired pairings, from the classic to the creative, at the Say Cheese Wine Trail on Saturday, Dec. 9. The event is hosted by seven wineries on the Hermann Wine Trail, which meanders for 30 scenic miles along the Missouri River between Hermann and New Haven.

Held annually the second Saturday of December, the Say Cheese Wine Trail coincides with other holiday events in Missouri Wine Country.

“There are some general guidelines for wine and cheese pairings — red wine with hard cheese, white wine with soft cheese — but no hard and fast rules,” says Patty Held, president of the Hermann Wine Trail.  “Like everything having to do with wine, it’s all a matter of taste.”

The 2023 Say Cheese tasting menu features:

•  Adam Puchta — Bleu Cheese Cheesecake, paired with Estate Norton or Adam’s Choice

•  Bias — Pumpkin Roll with Vanilla Cream Cheese Filling, paired with Mulled Wine

•  Curling Vine — Spicy Cheddar Quick Bread, paired with Vignoles

•  G. Husmann — German Cheese Spaetzle, paired with Louise Husmann

•  Hermannhof — Cheesecake Bites with Orange Cranberry Glaze, paired with Valvin Muscat

•  Reserve Cellars — Gougeres, paired with Sekt Brut

•  Röbller — Special Selection of Cool Cow Cheeses, including Camembert and Stained Glass Cheddar, paired with Hillside Cuvee’

December’s Say Cheese Wine Trail is one of six annual events hosted by Hermann-area vintners. The 2024 schedule opens with Chocolate Wine Trail, Feb. 24-25, a popular Valentine’s getaway. Farmers’ Table Wine Trail, April 6, will showcase Missouri products. Bacon will be the star of the show at the Wild Bacon Wine Trail, May 4-5. Berries & BarBQ Wine Trail, July 27-28, will celebrate the flavors of summer. Holiday Fare Wine Trail, Nov. 16-17, was a festive start to the holiday season.

The $35 ticket price includes a souvenir wine glass. Participants also may enter a drawing for a $30 gift certificate from each winery and a one-night stay at a Hermann B&B. The ticket price does not include transportation to wineries or additional wine tasting.

Tickets may be purchased online at HermannWineTrail.com or from the Hermann Chamber of Commerce, 573-486-2313. Advance purchase is required.

Hermann Wine Trail • 800-932-8687 • HermannWineTrail.com

Adam Puchta Winery • Bias Winery • Curling Vine Winery • G. Husmann Wine Company • Hermannhof Winery • Reserve Cellars • Röbller Vineyard