Missouri may not be the primary place that involves thoughts when fascinated with American wine, but it surely has an extended and proud winemaking custom. With its distinctive local weather, wealthy soil, and devoted vintners, Missouri has established itself as a notable vacation spot for wine lovers. Wine is a surprisingly huge enterprise in Missouri too, contributing $4.2 billion in whole financial influence on the native, state and federal degree, according to Wine America.
Tens of hundreds of “actual individuals, with actual jobs, working in industries as various as farming, banking, accounting, manufacturing, packaging, transportation, printing, and promoting rely upon the wine trade for his or her livelihoods,” the group says.
From the historic vineyards of Augusta to the sprawling landscapes of the Ozark Highlands, every area gives one thing particular. Let’s take a more in-depth have a look at Missouri’s wine areas and the very best wineries to go to in every.
Augusta AVA
Augusta holds a particular place in American wine historical past. In 1980, it turned the primary federally acknowledged American Viticultural Area (AVA), incomes this distinction even earlier than Napa Valley. Situated simply an hour west of St. Louis, the area’s rolling hills and fertile soils make it very best for rising a wide range of grapes, significantly Norton and Chardonel.
One of many standout wineries in Augusta is Mount Nice Estates. Established in 1859, this vineyard combines historic appeal with a variety of choices. Guests can take pleasure in their award-winning Norton, a daring crimson with deep berry notes, or sip on a crisp Chardonel whereas taking in breathtaking views of the Missouri River Valley. The vineyard additionally hosts occasions all year long, making it an ideal spot for each informal visits and particular events.
One other must-visit is Augusta Winery, identified for its dedication to small-batch manufacturing and high-quality wines. Their tasting room gives an intimate expertise, and the educated employees are blissful to information you thru their picks. Don’t miss their Vidal Blanc, a light-weight and refreshing white wine that pairs fantastically with native cheeses.
For these trying to discover the world additional, the 240-mile Katy Path State Park — “our nation’s longest consecutive rail path,” notes avid cyclist Ian Mackay. It runs proper by way of Augusta, providing an ideal alternative to mix a day of biking with wine tasting. Augusta’s mix of historical past, pure magnificence, and distinctive wine makes it a favourite amongst locals and guests alike.
Hermann AVA
Hermann’s roots in winemaking stretch again to the nineteenth century, when German immigrants introduced their experience to Missouri’s fertile hills. Established as an AVA in 1983, the Hermann area is a hub for these looking for each excellent wine and wealthy cultural experiences. The city itself, with its picturesque streets and old-world appeal, is properly value a go to.
On the coronary heart of the area is Stone Hill Vineyard, one in all Missouri’s most celebrated wineries. Based in 1847, it’s the oldest within the state (regardless of a 45-year hiatus) and has earned numerous awards over time. Guests can tour their historic cellars, which have been as soon as the most important within the U.S., earlier than having fun with a tasting. Their Norton is especially well-liked, providing strong flavors of blackberry and spice.
Adam Puchta Vineyard, situated only a brief drive from downtown Hermann, is one other standout. This family-run operation has been producing wine since 1855, making it the oldest constantly owned household vineyard in america. Their Vignoles, a semi-sweet white wine with tropical fruit notes, is a crowd favourite.
Hermann additionally hosts a number of wine festivals all year long, together with Oktoberfest and the Hermann Wine Path occasions, the place you possibly can pattern choices from a number of wineries whereas having fun with dwell music and native delicacies. Whether or not you’re a wine aficionado or simply searching for a calming getaway, Hermann has loads to supply.
Ozark Highlands AVA
The Ozark Highlands AVA, established in 1987, covers a various and scenic space in south-central Missouri. Identified for its distinctive microclimate and limestone-rich soils, this area is ideal for cultivating grapes like Norton, Chambourcin, and Vignoles. The wineries right here deal with creating approachable wines that mirror the character of the area.
One of many main names within the Ozark Highlands is St. James Vineyard, Missouri’s largest vineyard. Situated within the city of St. James, this vineyard has been producing award-winning wines since 1970. Their Velvet Crimson and Velvet White blends are well-liked for his or her easy, easy-drinking profiles, whereas their semi-dry Vignoles gives a extra refined choice. Guests can tour the vineyard, pattern wines, and luxuriate in a meal at their adjoining bistro.
Meramec Vineyards Vineyard, additionally in St. James, is one other gem on this area. Its mission “is to hold on the custom of tremendous, small batched wines, to seize the reward of time and high quality with each bottle,” house owners Joe and Michelle Boulware say.
Identified for its heat and welcoming ambiance, Meramec Vineyards Vineyard gives a wide range of wines to go well with each palate. Their Norton Reserve is a standout, delivering daring flavors with a contact of oak. The vineyard additionally gives meals pairings and dwell music occasions, making it a vigorous spot to spend a day.
The encircling space is ideal for outside lovers. With state parks, caves, and climbing trails close by, guests can simply mix wine tasting with exploring Missouri’s pure magnificence. The Ozark Highlands gives a mixture of rest and journey that’s exhausting to beat.
Ozark Mountain AVA
The Ozark Mountain AVA is among the largest AVAs in america, overlaying components of Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. Throughout the Missouri part, you’ll discover an array of wineries that spotlight the area’s numerous choices. The excessive elevation and rocky terrain contribute to the distinctive flavors of the wines produced right here.
Mount Bethel Vineyard, situated close to Branson, is a family-run operation that’s been crafting wines for many years. Identified for his or her fruit wines, they provide distinctive choices like blackberry and elderberry alongside conventional varieties. It’s an ideal spot for these trying to attempt one thing just a little completely different.
One other noteworthy vineyard is Keels Creek Vineyard in Eureka Springs. Whereas technically simply throughout the border in Arkansas, it’s a part of the Ozark Mountain AVA and properly well worth the go to. They deal with small-batch manufacturing utilizing regionally grown grapes, leading to wines that actually seize the essence of the area.
The Ozark Mountain AVA’s expansive geography means there’s loads to discover. From the colourful city of Branson to the serene landscapes of the Ozark Nationwide Forest, this area gives a wealthy tapestry of experiences alongside its wine.
Missouri’s wine areas are as numerous as they’re spectacular. Whether or not you’re exploring the historic vineyards of Augusta, the German heritage of Hermann, the adventurous spirit of the Ozark Highlands, or the sprawling great thing about the Ozark Mountain AVA, there’s one thing for everybody. Every area showcases the eagerness and dedication of Missouri’s winemakers, who proceed to craft distinctive wines yr after yr. So, why not plan a visit and uncover these unimaginable wine locations for your self?
