Missouri offers a delightful variety of vineyards, perfect for wine enthusiasts eager to explore and enjoy. From cozy farm locations to historic estates, there’s something to appeal to every palate and preference.
When seeking an enjoyable and relaxing wine tour, Missouri’s vineyards stand out for their unique experiences. Whether you’re in it for the beautiful views, engaging tours, or simply exceptional wine, these vineyards are sure to please.
1) Stone Hill Winery
Stone Hill Winery is one of Missouri’s oldest and most celebrated vineyards. Established in 1847, it quickly gained fame for its high-quality wines. By the late 1800s, Stone Hill had become the second-largest winery in the U.S. and its wines were world renowned, winning gold medals in eight world’s fairs.
Located in Hermann, Missouri, Stone Hill Winery has a rich history and continues to thrive today. They offer a variety of award-winning wines, including their 2022 Cross J Norton. This particular wine recently won the prestigious Governor’s Cup at the 2024 Missouri Wine Competition.
Visitors to Stone Hill Winery can enjoy guided tours that showcase the winemaking process. The winery also features a charming tasting room where guests can sample their diverse selection of wines. Along with its historical significance, the beautiful scenery makes it a must-visit destination.
Stone Hill doesn’t just produce top-tier wines; they also host several events throughout the year. These include wine tastings, festivals, and private parties. Their accomplishments and visitor-friendly atmosphere make Stone Hill Winery a true gem in Missouri.
2) Les Bourgeois Vineyards
Les Bourgeois Vineyards offers a welcoming atmosphere for both locals and tourists. Located in Rocheport, Missouri, this vineyard is famous for its Norton and Catawba grapes. The family-owned winery has been a local favorite since 1985.
Visitors can enjoy events like grape stomps, art shows, and holiday dinners. The outdoor winegarden features live music, making it a popular spot during the summer.
A unique feature of Les Bourgeois is their limited release Collector’s Series wines. This collection includes award-winning options like Chardonel. Prices range from $9 to $25, catering to both casual drinkers and wine enthusiasts.
In addition to the delicious wines, the vineyard has a small A-frame structure, now known as The Blufftop Bistro, offering scenic river views. This spot is perfect for a weekend wine tasting or a special occasion.
Les Bourgeois also introduced new, lightly carbonated wine coolers, expanding their beverage selection. This innovation showcases their commitment to staying fresh and exciting.
Plan your visit and learn more about this charming vineyard on their official website.
3) Augusta Winery
Augusta Winery, located in Augusta, Missouri, offers a unique experience in America’s first viticultural area. The region is known for its rich soils and perfect microclimate for growing grapes.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and rosés. Each glass tells a story of tradition and passion in winemaking.
The winery is famous for its friendly atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. Plus, the knowledgeable staff is always ready to guide guests through a memorable tasting experience.
It’s a great place to relax and take in the gorgeous views of the Missouri River Basin. Whether you are a wine enthusiast or just looking for a pleasant day trip, Augusta Winery is worth a visit.
Check out their offerings and plan your visit to Augusta Winery here.
4) Chaumette Vineyards & Winery
Chaumette Vineyards & Winery is a top destination in Missouri for wine lovers. Located in the historic town of Sainte Genevieve, this winery offers a blend of award-winning wines, stunning views, and first-class service.
Visitors can enjoy a range of activities here. The tasting room is open from Thursday to Saturday, 11 AM to 8 PM, offering a perfect chance to sample their premium wines.
Live music events create a festive atmosphere, making each visit memorable. The winery also boasts a restaurant where guests can savor local dishes paired with their wines.
For those looking to extend their stay, Chaumette provides elegant villas. These accommodations offer a cozy and luxurious experience, ideal for a weekend getaway.
The winery’s location amidst rolling hills adds to its charm. Overall, Chaumette Vineyards & Winery in Sainte Genevieve stands out for its beautiful setting and exceptional wine offerings.
5) St. James Winery
St. James Winery is a highlight among Missouri’s vineyards. Founded in 1970 by the Hofherr family, it has grown to become Missouri’s largest and most awarded winery. Located in St. James, MO, it offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty and flavors of the Ozark Highlands wine country.
Visitors will find a wide variety of wines at St. James Winery. Known for its fruit wines, the winery also produces classic grape varieties like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The winery is not just about wine. It also hosts gatherings and wine tastings, making it the perfect destination for all wine lovers. Their events draw people from all over, creating a vibrant and friendly atmosphere.
For those who can’t visit in person, St. James Winery offers options to shop online or find their wines in stores. This makes it easy to enjoy their award-winning wines no matter where you are.
St. James Winery’s dedication to quality and community ensures every visit is special. The friendly staff and picturesque surroundings make it an enjoyable experience for everyone.
6) Mount Pleasant Estates
Mount Pleasant Estates stands as Augusta, Missouri’s oldest winery. It was established in 1859 and continues to charm visitors with its rich history. The original cellars, dating back to the late 1800s, are still used to age their wines.
Located in the first government-appointed wine-growing district in the United States, the Augusta Appellation, Mount Pleasant Estates boasts over 60,000 vines. Of these, 4,800 are vinifera grape varieties like Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.
Visitors can enjoy the stunning views from the vineyard’s patio. The property features dramatic wine cellars and various unique spaces to relax and savor the wines. It also provides an onsite café and catering services, making it a perfect event location.
Mount Pleasant Estates continues to be a significant player in Missouri’s wine industry. Their dedication to quality and tradition remains evident in every bottle they produce. For more details, visit their official website.
7) Adam Puchta Winery
Adam Puchta Winery is the oldest continuously-owned family farm winery in the United States. Located near Hermann, Missouri, this winery has been in operation since 1855. Visitors can find it off Hwy. 100 on the banks of Frene Creek, about 2.5 miles southwest of Hermann.
The winery is famous for its scenic and peaceful setting. It inhabits many historic buildings on the property, adding to its charm. The Puchta family has maintained this tradition through six generations and continues today with the seventh.
Adam Puchta Winery produces more than 30,000 gallons of award-winning wines each year. Its wines are recognized for their consistent quality and unique Missouri flavor. Those visiting the winery can explore a variety of wines, all proudly American and made with attention to detail.
The winery is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays. As well as wine tasting, visitors can enjoy the picturesque surroundings and learn about the winery’s rich history. This combination of history, quality, and setting makes Adam Puchta Winery a must-visit.
Discover more about Adam Puchta Winery by visiting their official page.
8) Hermannhof Winery
Hermannhof Winery is one of the standout vineyards in Missouri. Built in 1848, this winery is among the historic buildings placed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is located in Hermann, a charming town known for its winemaking heritage.
Visitors can explore the ten amazing stone cellars and the charming brick superstructure of the winery. These architectural features add to the unique experience of wine tasting. The winery’s location in historic downtown Hermann makes it easily accessible for visitors.
Hermannhof features an assortment of wines that showcase the best of Missouri’s wine production. Guests can enjoy a tasting room, a farm, and a bed & breakfast, which makes it a great spot for a weekend getaway. The winery has seasonal hours from June to October, accommodating visitors with different schedules.
For those looking to extend their stay, Hermannhof also offers experiences like dining at the Tin Mill Restaurant or enjoying a drink at the Tin Mill Brewery. This comprehensive setup adds to its reputation as a must-visit destination in Hermann.
9) Blumenhof Vineyards
Blumenhof Vineyards is a charming winery located in the historic village of Dutzow, Missouri. Nestled along Highway 94, this small, family-farm winery is famous for crafting wines using locally-grown Missouri grapes.
Three generations of the Blumenberg family have been involved in the winemaking process since 1979. They have proudly won numerous Best of Class awards in regional and international competitions.
Blumenhof’s dedication to quality has been recognized with awards such as the Governor’s Cup for Best Wine in Missouri in 2011.
Visitors often feel at home in the welcoming atmosphere. The vineyard’s German heritage is evident in its name, which means “Court of Flowers” in German. This heritage is also expressed in the winery’s traditional winemaking techniques and the beautiful, flower-filled surroundings.
Conveniently located just 30 minutes from Chesterfield and less than an hour from St. Louis, Blumenhof is an ideal destination for a day trip. Known for its relaxing environment, guests are encouraged to pack a picnic basket and enjoy their wine outdoors.
Blumenhof Vineyards is open year-round, making it a perfect stop regardless of the season. Whether you are a wine enthusiast or just looking for a picturesque spot to relax, Blumenhof Vineyards is well worth a visit. For more details, check out Blumenhof Winery.
10) Pirtle Winery
Pirtle Winery has been family-owned and operated since 1978. Located in historic Weston, Missouri, it has built a reputation for producing wines of great character and individuality.
Visitors can enjoy a unique escape from everyday distractions at this quaint winery. The tasting room is a popular spot to sample their superior quality wines.
Closed now, Pirtle Winery operates from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on most days. It provides a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, ideal for wine enthusiasts.
Pirtle Winery is also famous for its Legendary Vineyards and fresh local produce like mixed greens and tomatoes, which are served in their salads. The venue often receives positive reviews for its knowledgeable staff and phenomenal wines.
To learn more, visit Pirtle Winery.
History of Missouri’s Vineyards
Missouri’s vineyards have a long and rich history, beginning in the early 19th century and continuing through significant growth and success.
Early Beginnings
In the 1800s, German immigrants brought their winemaking traditions to Missouri. They found that the soil and climate were ideal for growing grapes. The first vineyards were planted along the Missouri River, especially in areas like Hermann and Augusta.
By the 1860s, Missouri was home to many thriving vineyards. Notably, the Stone Hill Winery, established in 1869, quickly became one of the largest wineries in the country. They used local grapes and crafted wines that gained international recognition.
Missouri’s vineyards also played a vital role in saving the French wine industry in the late 19th century. When a devastating insect called phylloxera attacked French vineyards, Missouri’s native rootstocks were sent to France to help combat the crisis. This unique contribution cemented Missouri’s importance in viticulture.
Growth and Development
In the early 20th century, Missouri’s wine industry faced challenges like Prohibition, which forced many wineries to close. Despite these setbacks, the industry began to recover in the mid-20th century. New wineries were established, and old ones were revived.
The 1960s and 1970s saw a resurgence in local winemaking. Legislations supporting local agriculture helped boost the industry. By the late 20th century, Missouri had regained its status as a key player in American winemaking.
Today, Missouri is known for its diverse wineries and vineyards, such as Stone Hill Winery and Sugar Creek Winery. These vineyards attract tourists from around the world. They offer a range of wines, from reds and whites to unique fruit wines. This ongoing tradition continues to shape Missouri’s rich winemaking heritage.
Unique Aspects of Missouri’s Vineyards
Missouri’s vineyards are special due to their distinctive soil and climate, which together create perfect conditions for growing unique grape varieties.
Soil and Climate
Missouri has rich, diverse soil that boosts grape growth. Many vineyards are set on hillsides with limestone soils, which are ideal for grapevines. The soil provides excellent drainage and mineral content, essential for producing high-quality grapes. This area’s diverse microclimates allow for a variety of grapes to thrive.
The climate in Missouri combines hot summers and cold winters. The warm growing season helps grapes develop complex flavors, while the colder months ensure the plants have a dormant period. Spring and fall bring a mix of sunshine and rainfall, balancing the moisture content in the soil.
Grape Varieties
Missouri is known for its native grape varieties, especially the Norton grape, which is the official state grape. Norton is a robust red grape well-suited to Missouri’s climate, producing rich, full-bodied wines. Another popular variety is the Vignoles grape, which creates crisp, fruity white wines.
Additionally, Missouri vineyards cultivate Chambourcin, a versatile grape used in both red and rosé wines. Winemakers in Missouri also experiment with hybrid grapes like Traminette and Chardonel, known for their unique flavors. These varieties set Missouri vineyards apart from others, offering a diverse tasting experience.
Tasting and Touring Tips
Visiting vineyards can be a wonderful experience if you plan your trip well and follow proper tasting etiquette. Here are some tips to make your visit enjoyable.
Best Times to Visit
The best times to visit Missouri vineyards are during the late spring and early fall months. May and June offer blooming vines and comfortable weather. By September and October, the harvest season is in full swing, presenting a great time to see winemaking in action and taste freshly produced wines.
Most vineyards are open for tours and tastings Thursday through Sunday. If you prefer a quieter experience, visit on weekdays or early in the day.
Seasonal events and festivals often occur during harvest, so check vineyard calendars for special activities. Visiting during these times can enhance your experience with unique events.
Tasting Etiquette
When tasting, start with lighter wines and move to heavier reds. This helps keep your palate fresh and able to appreciate the full range of flavors.
Hold your glass by the stem to avoid warming the wine with your hand. Swirl the wine gently, inhale its aroma, and take a small sip.
It’s acceptable to spit or pour out wine if you’re sampling many varieties. This prevents overindulgence and helps you better appreciate each wine.
Be respectful of the staff and other guests. Ask questions about the wines, but remember to listen and not dominate the conversation.
Lastly, consider purchasing a bottle or joining the vineyard’s wine club to support the local business and continue enjoying their wines at home.
