MO Wine, Please

The essential element of any memorable Valentine's celebration isn't flowers, candy or even dinner: It's a great bottle of wine. Whether you're spending V-Day with someone special or cuddled up on the sofa with the cats, the wine can make or break your evening. While St. Louis is fortunately situated within driving distance of a dozen outstanding wineries, February isn't always the best month to load up the car and spend the afternoon picnicking on the grounds of Mount Pleasant or Stone Hill. Thankfully, the 21st annual Missouri Winefest brings Missouri wineries to us on Saturday and Sunday (February 10 and 11) from noon to 5 p.m. at the Westport Plaza Pavilion (I-270 and Page Avenue, Maryland Heights). The $20 admission fee gains you tastes from more than a dozen wineries, including the aforementioned Mount Pleasant and Stone Hill, as well as Röbller and Sugar Creek; there's also live music, and proceeds from ticket sales benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America. And since all sampled wines are available for purchase, you'll be all set for V-Day, too. For more information visit www.leukemia-lymphoma.org or call 314-576-7100.
Feb. 10-11