The History of the MRVA The Missouri Rhine Valley Association began as the fourth region of the Missouri Regional Cuisines Project (MRCP). The MRCP, founded by Dr. Elizabeth Barham at the University of Missouri, seeks to market Missouri wine and food products using distinct labels of origin based on ecological regions of the state. Labels of origin have been used for centuries in European countries to identify food and wine products based on the region in which they are produced, allowing the consumer to distinguish among the unique tastes and attributes of products from different areas. This identification of Missouri products will mean greater recognition and economic opportunities for our state’s food producers, tourism industry, and rural communities. It also will mean enhanced specialty local products for consumers. The Missouri Wine and Grape Board was a major sponsor of the original MRCP plans, and has continued its support of the regional cuisines concept with its sponsorship of some MRVA programs.