Vineyard Storybook: March 2025
Wine, Whiskey, Cigars, and a Whole Lot of Fun
As the cold begins to thaw and spring creeps in, March at The Vineyard Market has been nothing short of legendary. From cigar tastings and wine dinners to bourbon stories and puzzle nights, our community truly showed up to sip, savor, and celebrate. Let me take you through the moments that made this month unforgettable.
March Cellar Society Wine Club Selections
March’s Cellar Society wines had us globe-trotting through Italy with reds and whites that were bold, expressive, and oh-so food friendly.
- Francesco Scanavino Roero Arneis Mosaico Di Sole 2020 – Roero, Piedmont
Light, floral, and crisp—the perfect match for our lemon-caper mussels and Parmesan crostini. - Francesco Scanavino Langhe L’Imperatore Rosso – Langhi, Piedmont
A smooth red blend with enough fruit and earth to complement savory mushroom arancini. - Casetta Casa Vinicola Barbera de Alba Barilin 2006 – Alba, Piedmont
This aged Barbera brought velvety cherry and earthy spice to our smoked ribeye brisato al Barolo with herbed polenta. - Fontanavecchia Aglianico del Taburno 2018 – Taburno, Campania
Big, structured, and soulful, this wine shone next to our mushroom arancini with blackberry reduction and roasted garlic aioli. - Corte Adami Amarone della Valpolicella 2018 – Valpolicella, Veneto
Rich and decadent, this one paired surprisingly well with apple raisin panna cotta. Yes, dessert and red wine can totally work! - San Lorenzo Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Colline Teramane Escol Riserva 2015 – Colline Teramane, Abruzzo
A structured and savory powerhouse that matched our ribeye brisato beautifully. - Baldi Cuvée 76 Spumante Rosé 2020 – Asti, Piedmont
We kicked things off with this crisp and festive sparkler paired with mozzarella, melon, and herbs. A bright way to start the night!
March Cigar Society Picks
We leaned into the green this month with two bold candela-wrapped cigars:
- Alec Bradley Filthy Hooligan
A St. Paddy’s Day favorite with grassy freshness and spice to match. - La Flor Dominicana Double Claro Candela
Creamy, peppery, and smooth—perfect for those looking for something unique.
New Beer Drop: Octohaze IPA from 4Hands Brewing
We said goodbye to Rocket Shark and hello to Octohaze, a hazy West Coast-style IPA that’s already turning heads. Fruity on the nose with that classic West Coast bite—this one’s flying out of the cooler.
Spring Cocktail Recap
This season’s cocktails brought the sunshine, even if Missouri weather didn’t always cooperate:
- Dragonfruit Margarita – Tequila, dragonfruit syrup, and a black salt rim. A total showstopper.
- White Sangria – Tropical, citrusy, and dangerously smooth.
- Peach Bourbon Mule – Sweet and spicy with a peachy punch.
- Cranberry Blood Orange Margarita – Tart, vibrant, and totally refreshing.
- The Em“Press” – Empress Gin with raspberry and lemon—light, fizzy, and floral.
Event Highlights – A Closer Look
Poker Night – March 3rd
We kicked off March with our classic Poker Night, and let’s just say—everyone came to play. The stakes were high, the banter was hilarious, and the bluffs were bold (some more convincing than others). Our regulars showed up ready to deal, and we loved seeing some new faces jump into the action, too. It’s nights like these that remind us how tight-knit and fun-loving our community really is.
With a mix of seasoned players and first-timers at the tables, the energy in the lounge was electric. Big pots built up quickly, and a few surprising wins had the room erupting with cheers. And of course, no Vineyard game night would be complete without drinks flowing and good food close by. We’re already counting down to the next one—mark your calendars for June 2nd!
Mardi Gras Week – March 4th–8th
Mardi Gras came alive at The Vineyard Market this year, and it lasted all week long! We brought the bayou to Missouri with festive cocktails, flavorful food specials, and enough color and spice to shake off the winter blues. From Tuesday through Saturday, guests got to experience a little slice of New Orleans—without the airfare.
Our Melon Martini was the crowd favorite at the bar—tropical, bright, and finished with a juicy blackberry and lime garnish. The Crawfish Étouffée was a hit on the food menu (priced just like our seafood bisque), and we loved pairing it with a Malbec-heavy Bordeaux like Mary Taylor. And for dessert? Beignets served with preserves and powdered sugar—sold individually or in a trio. Our Riesling pairing made that sugary magic even better.
Oh, and let’s not forget the Cajun Shrimp Pasta—$24 of pure flavor. It was rich, creamy, and just spicy enough, with the option to sub in chicken if shrimp wasn’t your thing. Luke gave it his official stamp: “It’s bussin’.” We couldn’t agree more.
Board Game Night – March 11th
Our Board Game Night was an absolute blast! We partnered with the incredible Jess and Sara from Village Meeple, and they brought a stack of games that were fresh, fun, and perfect for all skill levels. If you’ve never tried games like Flip 7, CDSK, Telestrations, Ransom Notes, or Caution Signs… you’re missing out.
It didn’t take long for the room to be filled with laughter, inside jokes, and some surprisingly strategic plays. People grouped up, mingled, and made fast friends over games they’d never heard of before. And just when we thought the night was winding down, someone pulled out the Crokinole board, and things got really competitive. We wrapped up the evening with buy-one-get-one double pours of wine and draft beer—because why not?
Though this was the last one for a while, we’ll definitely be bringing this event back when it gets colder again. Keep an eye out for our next game night—it’s one of the best ways to meet people and have a ridiculously good time.
Horse Soldier Bourbon Tasting – March 12th
This wasn’t just a tasting—it was a story. On March 12th, we had the honor of hosting the Horse Soldier Distillery Tasting on our patio, and it quickly became one of the most memorable nights of the year. Guests got to sip on bold, award-winning bourbons while hearing firsthand the incredible story behind the brand from one of its founders and a real American hero, Mark Nutsch, retired Green Beret.
The atmosphere was electric—part reverence, part celebration. Guests met a full lineup of veterans, including Buck Sergeant Terry Barker, Lieutenant Colonel Christopher J. Stark, Sergeant First Class David Johns, and others who were part of the elite group that inspired Horse Soldier Bourbon. Their stories, their legacy, and their continued dedication through American Freedom Distillery made every sip of bourbon mean a little more.
The menu was just as strong as the whiskey: Brown Sugar Bourbon Salmon, Bourbon BBQ Short Ribs, and Smoked Wings—all rich, tender, and thoughtfully paired with Horse Soldier’s Small Batch, Straight, and Barrel Strength bourbons. We ended the night around the fire, toasting to service, storytelling, and spirits with heart.
Read Between the Wines Book Club – March 18th
Our March Book Club pick, The Housemaid by Freida McFadden, had everyone talking. Twisty, psychological, and downright unputdownable, it gave us so much to discuss. We dove deep into themes of power, manipulation, and survival—all while sipping on reds and whites that fueled even bolder opinions.
There was no shortage of theories, especially when it came to the book’s infamous “attic scene.” Some of us caught the red flags early on, others were blindsided—and that’s exactly what made the conversation so fun. We even played a little fancast game: who would play Millie in the movie adaptation? (Spoiler: We still haven’t agreed.)
Wine flowed freely, everyone left with a new perspective (and maybe a new fear of mysterious employers). If you love books, banter, and bottles… you should totally join us next month!
Piece & Pour Puzzle Night – March 25th
Puzzle Night was an unexpected hit! Teams raced against the clock to complete a 500-piece puzzle—and let me tell you, it was more intense than we thought it’d be. Hands were flying, strategy was real, and every “AHA!” moment echoed across the room. It wasn’t just fun; it was fiercely competitive.
The winners walked away with a $50 Vineyard gift card, but we’d argue everyone left with a win after an evening full of teamwork, laughter, and drinks that kept the creativity flowing. If you haven’t tried speed puzzling yet, this event is your sign to give it a shot. We’ll be bringing it back soon with new puzzles and prizes!
Ladies’ Cigar Night – Rum & Riches – March 26th
Our Ladies’ Cigar Night this month was all about luxury—with a tropical twist. Held on the patio, the night featured La Aurora cigars, Cuban-inspired bites, and a Banana’s Foster cocktail, and E Leon 8-Year Rum on the rocks that definitely stole the show.
Guests got to sample both the Preferidos Sapphire and Silver cigars, both smooth and flavorful, perfect for pairing with rich food and good conversation. Whether you’re a seasoned cigar lover or just curious, this night was welcoming, stylish, and all about enjoying the finer things. Plus, nothing beats a crisp spring evening, great music, and the glow of a perfectly lit cigar.
Cigar & Spirit Tasting – March 27th
We wrapped up the month with a bang at our Cigar & Spirit Tasting in the Cigar Lounge. The vibe? Refined and relaxed. Guests sipped a curated whiskey flight featuring Bluenote Vineyard Barrel Pick, Few Bourbon Smashing Pumpkins, and Uncle Nearest Straight Rye—each paired with two expertly selected La Aurora cigars.
The deals were fire too: buy 3 get 1 free, 10 get 4 free, or buy a box and get 10% off, plus a free 5-pack, cutter, and lighter. Whether you came for the rare bottles or stayed for the cigar conversations, this night was all about indulgence and appreciation—for flavor, craftsmanship, and good company.
Looking Ahead
April’s right around the corner, and we’re already lining up more Cellar Society wines, another book club gathering, and another round of cigar events. Stay tuned! Sip, Smoke, Savor, friends! We’ll see you in soon!