COLUMBIA, Mo. (GrapeVineTrail)- Missouri's wine-producing industry has seen rapid growth in recent years, with many small wineries leading the way.

The Southeast Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail will be hosting its annual end-of-summer wine pairing event, the Wine Days of Summer picnic trail, on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 30 and 31.

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The grape variety used to make wine is the single most important factor in how the wine ultimately tastes. After that, climatic factors and winemaking practices also impact the style of the finished wine, so a single grape variety can taste wildly different depending on where it's grown and what happens to it in the winery. The choice of grape variety is inextricably linked to where it is grown, since different types of grapes have different needs. Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc, for example, prefer cool climates, therefore they can be grown successfully in Germany and Northern France. Syrah, on the other hand, likes the heat and, in fact, wouldn't ripen at all in a cool, northerly climate. The following is a short list of some of the main grape varieties and the styles of wine you can expect from them.

When it comes to matching food and wine the possibilities are, of course, endless but the good news is that there are no right or wrong answers. Sure, some combinations will be better than others, but you'll discover what these are through experimentation with your favorite foods and wines. So, out with the rule book and in with the freedom to improvise and have fun. Remember, too, that it's not just what you're cooking that matters but how you're cooking it. Here are some basic pointers that may help you on your way:

Wine should complement the food rather than dominate it, so one simple thing to keep in mind is "light food: light wine, heavier food: heavier wine". Soups, salads and light dishes will show best when accompanied by light, usually white, wines. More robust foods with fuller flavors can handle bigger, stronger wines. Obvious, we know, but it really is that simple. Now let's take a look at some common foods.

You don't need to analyze wine to enjoy it, but if you pay attention to what you're tasting you'll find that you'll be better able to identify what you like or don't like in a wine. It's a bit like languages: You don't have to speak Italian to visit Italy, but if you know a few words, your enjoyment can be greatly enhanced.

Before you taste make sure there are no distracting odors in the room, like cooking smells or perfume. The only thing you should smell is the wine in your glass.

Glasses should be clean and dry and filled with only a small sample of wine (about a quarter of the glass). Wines all have certain components and characteristics in common. When we taste, we use sight, smell and taste to recognize the above various components and to assess the quality and health of the wine. So let's give it a go.

There's really no mystery to serving wine as most of us can manage to get the wine out of the bottle and into our glass without too much trouble, but here are a couple of things that may help the wine show its best:

Temperature: In general, white wines should be served chilled and red wine at room temperature. For whites, a couple of hours in the fridge will do just fine. If you're pushed for time, then put the bottle in an ice bucket filled half with ice and half with cold water. This will bring the wine down to the desired temperature in about twenty minutes. For most reds, room temperature is ideal, unless the room is a balmy 80°F, of course. We've all had warm red wine served to us in restaurants and, frankly, it does the wine no favors. Light, fruity reds, like Beaujolais, are best served a little cool, especially on a warm summer day. Champagne, dessert wine, most sherry and rosé should be treated as white. Red port should be served at room temperature but tawny port can be chilled.

Many people think that if they're going to store wine at home then they need a cellar. But the word "cellar" conjures up images of dark, cavernous chambers cut out of bedrock, or slick, temperature and humidity-controlled rooms lined with mahogany wine racks. All very nice, but not at all necessary. We recommend you interpret "cellar" somewhat loosely.

There are four main things to consider when storing wine: temperature, light, vibration and keeping the cork wet.