Gov. Blunt, Ag Department Announce Missouri Wines to Join Tour of Missouri

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) – Gov. Matt Blunt and the Missouri Department of Agriculture today announced that Missouri wines will be along for the ride when the Tour of Missouri professional cycling race returns to the Show-Me State Sept. 8-14, 2008. The Missouri Wine & Grape Board is proud to return as a silver sponsor of the Tour of Missouri and introduce cycling enthusiasts from across the globe to Missouri’s world class wines and juices.

“The Tour of Missouri will highlight Missouri’s beautiful scenery, kind hospitality, great food and challenging cycling terrain,” said Gov. Matt Blunt. “Missouri has gained great economic benefits from the tour as we showcase the many destinations and products that our state has to offer and we are looking forward to another successful Tour of Missouri this year.”

Missouri wine country is a major feature of the 2008 Tour of Missouri. The challenging, scenic terrain of wine country, a favorite of both riders and spectators, is featured in stages five and six of the race. The course winds through river bottoms, up gentle hills and even through intense bluffs passing alongside vineyards and charming, historic wine country towns like St. James, Hermann and Augusta.

“Missouri wineries are gearing up for this year’s tour and look forward to the opportunity,” said Jim Anderson, executive director of the Missouri Wine & Grape Board. “Many wineries are hosting special events in conjunction with the race offering a variety of wines and juices for fans of the tour.”

Tour of Missouri fans will be able to experience Missouri wines at each stage of the race. Missouri wines and juices will be poured exclusively in the VIP hospitality tents at each start and finish city. Representatives from wineries across Missouri will be on hand to pour samples and talk about their award-winning products. In addition, the Missouri Wine & Grape Board will host a booth at several of the Health and Wellness Expo locations in start and finish cities.

Gov. Blunt recently highlighted the positive contributions Missouri wine makes to the state and economy with a visit to the Montelle Winery in Augusta. The winery’s 2007 Dry Vignoles was honored with this year’s Governor’s Cup Award, which was the third consecutive win for winery owner Tony Kooyumjian.