When thinking of the best wine-producing states in America, California always takes first place, with Oregon and Washington in close competition behind.
Missouri is often left out of conversations of wine from the USA, but wineries in Missouri actually have a lot to offer. Missouri offers a fantastic environment and climate that favours a diverse selection of grapes, perfect for winemaking.
A visit to this part of the world should certainly involve a winery or two (or three, or four…), and here’s why!
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Missouri Wineries Overview
There are well over 130 wineries in Missouri, a fact that becomes even more impressive when you consider that a lot of existing wineries shut down completely during the prohibition.
The majority of Missouri wineries have either reopened or started for the first time, between 1960 and 1980. Creating what can be considered a new industry but is actually a long-standing industry since the mid-1800s. Interestingly, while a lot of American wineries have their roots in Italian winemaking tradition, Missouri wineries stem more from a German inspiration as the first vines and wine produced in Missouri was done so by German settlers in 1848. This influence can be seen in some wineries, but is not widespread, as there have been a lot of other influences and new wineries started in Missouri within the last 60 years.
State Grape Of Missouri
The Norton grape is the official grape of Missouri, making Norton wine the most popular wine to come out of the state. If you have not had Norton wine yet, it comes across similarly to Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir in that it is a dry and full-bodied red wine that is commonly found with fruity undertones.
Biggest Missouri Winery
Established in 1970 St. James Winery, or Saint James Winery is the biggest winery in Missouri. Unlike the German-inspired wines in the area, Saint James winery was founded by Italians and sticks close to the Italian winemaking tradition. The Vineyard itself is 180 acres of land, growing Catawba, Vignoles, Chambourcin, Chardonel, Concord, Norton, Seyval and Rougeon grapes.
The Ozark Highlands are a fantastic environment for this wide selection of grapes to thrive. With the sheer variety of grapes, comes a hugely impressive variety of wine. Along with the massive variety, comes huge quantity. St. James winery ships an average of 200,000 cases of wine per year.
There is a lot to do when visiting St. James Winery, as they have partnered up with the neighbouring Public House Brewing Company to make an all-inclusive experience for lovers of wine, beer, outdoors and food. There is a long list of things to do when visiting St. James Winery.
- Address: 405 State Hwy 165 Branson, MO 65616.
- Operational hours: Monday – Saturday 8 am – 6 pm, Sunday: 9 am – 5 pm
Oldest Winery In Missouri
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Established in 1847, Stone Hill Winery is the oldest winery in Missouri. Stone Hill Winery was winning awards on an international scale in the 1870s and kept up incredible momentum until prohibition forced the winery to cease operations in 1920 when it became a mushroom farm. The mushroom business may be a good one, but the soil and environment quality were just too good to pass up for wine lovers and in 1965, under new ownership, Stone Hill became a winery once more.
Today, Stone Hill Winery offers remarkable wines for every taste and wonderful location. Stone Hill Winery has a fantastic vintage restaurant, awesome wine tastings that happen daily, free live music every Saturday, tours of the winery and other great events on a frequent basis. For something more serious, they also have a serene venue for weddings and parties.
If you would like to visit Stone Hill Winery, here are the details.
- Address: 1110 Stone Hill Hwy, Hermann, Missouri.
- Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm, Sunday: 11 am – 4 pm
Having won a trip adviser traveller’s choice award in 2020, Stone Hill Winery should definitely be in any wine lover’s travel plans.
Four Best Wineries In Missouri To Visit
The previously mentioned oldest and biggest Missouri wineries are certainly worth a visit, but no real wine adventure is complete with only two wineries.
Mount Pleasant Estates
Mount Pleasant Estates is a 150-year-old, masterclass in the making of wine. A wine or food lover would be hard-pressed to fault an afternoon spent here.
Award-winning wines, fantastic food of the Appalachian Café and a scenic view of the Missouri River Valley, there is little else that could be asked for. For more of an experience over a remarkable meal, Mount Pleasant Estates also offer cellar tours, wine classes, winemaker dinners, holiday-themed events and private events like weddings.
- Address: 5634 High Street, Augusta, Missouri 63332
- Contact: 636 482 9463
- Operating hours: 11am – 5pm daily
Hermannhof Winery
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Hermannhof is more of an all-encompassing experience than simply a Winery. A place to spend a weekend, rather than just a day. Hermannhof has an incredible selection of wines, with wines that win international competitions frequently, but the wine is not the only reason to visit. The Stunning brewery, Tin Mill Brewery, was opened alongside the winery and offers a spectacular restaurant and some of the most beautiful accommodation available. From the events to tours of the stone cellar winery, to wine tasting and beer sampling, you would need more than a single day to take in everything that Hermannhof has to offer.
- Location: 114 Gutenberg St Hermann, MO 65041
- Contact: (573) 486-2275
- Operating hours: Sunday & Monday, 11 am – 7 pm. Friday & Saturday, 11 am – 9 pm. Tuesday & Thursday Closed
Chaumette Winery
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Chaumette Winery is much newer to the wine scene than preciously mentioned wineries, but by no means is it lacking. Unbelievable wine, an awesome wine tasting, the Grapevine Grill restaurant and some of the most beautiful Villas to be found anywhere. Chaumette Winery is the perfect destination for an incredibly romantic weekend away, or a great trip with friends.
- Location: 24345 State Route WW, Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670
- Contact: 573-747-1000
- Operating hours: Thursday – Saturday, 12 pm – 8 pm
Cave Vineyard
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Cave Vineyard may not have accommodation or the very best of internationally acclaimed wine on offer, but what they do have is some fantastic wine with an experience you will never forget. After buying a bottle of your favourite wine and picking up some Biscotti from the wide selection available at the Biscotti Bar, there is nothing better than a little picnic to enjoy your newfound pairing.
What better place to have a small picnic than in a literal cave? Seating for about 100 is available in this huge cave, which makes for an ambience like no other. There is no alternative to this incredible experience.
- Location: Cave Vineyard, 21124 Cave Rd, Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670
- Contact: 573-543-5284
- Operating Hours: 10AM – 6PM Daily
Missouri Wineries
All the Missouri wineries mentioned above are astounding, but only scratch the surface of what the Missouri wine industry has to offer. These wineries are the best place to start, after which, there are more than a hundred other fascinating wineries to explore.
Visiting Missouri will be the only way to find your new favourite winery and wine.
Born amidst the rolling vineyards of Napa Valley, Chloe’s love for wine was instilled from a young age. This passion led her to the picturesque wine regions of France, where she immersed herself in the rich wine culture and traditions.
Chloe’s dedication to the craft culminated in her becoming a wine sommelier, a testament to her deep knowledge and appreciation for wines.