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Missouri WineriesMissouri - America's First Wine DistrictMissouri wineries have an interesting history. Native Americans cultivated local grape varietals. Then, German and Italian immigrants brought their tradition and skill to the Missouri River Valley in the 1830's. The area overlooking the Missouri River is officially recognized as America's First Wine District.Missouri wineries are slowly returning toward their historical position as a world player in the wine industry (the second largest winery in North America in 1890 was in Missouri). The three largest Missouri wineries are in order: Stone Hill Winery, Mount Pleasant Winery, and Les Bourgeois Winery.
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There are three main American Viticultural Areas (AVA) in Missouri. The Augusta AVA was recognized in 1980. The Hermann AVA, in Gasconade County, was designated by the federal government in 1983. Ozark Highlands AVA, near Rolla, designated in 1987 includes parts of several counties, from southern Gasconade County to Texasand. To see a map of AVA's in Missouri, click on this link to the PDF map. Missouri Wineries TodayToday, Missouri wineries along Hwy 94 are receiving national and international wine awards. In addition to wine tasting, visitors can enjoy wine tours, specialty shops, bakeries, bed and breakfasts, fine restaurants and live entertainment. Bikers and hikers will appreciate the scenery along the Katy Trail along the abandoned railroad.The myriad microclimates, growing and vinifying practices, and varietal selection makes Missouri wines unique and yet so plentiful. They are now starting to get recognized internationally. Highways and roads usually show the signs of wear and tear from the extreme heat and cold. Gravel roads are not unpopular, therefore, and you may find yourself on one trying to get to a winery. While on your way to your chosen Missouri wineries, check out nearby attractions. Call ahead for their schedule of special events - you may catch a live music event or a special tasting. Click on the link to get to one of the best resources for recreation and attractions surrounding Missouri wineries around St. Louis. Missouri Wineries by RegionFor the list of all Missouri wineries and their addresses, please visit Missouri Winery Listing page.AUGUSTA REGION Augusta is the first AVA in Missouri as well as the first in the US. It sets to the west of St. Louis. Augusta Winery - Augusta CENTRAL REGION The central region encompasses Columbia and Jefferson City and is the home to Les Bourgeois Winery in Rocheport. Buffalo Creek Vineyard & Winery - Stover EASTERN REGION The eastern region lies to the east of Augusta and encompasses St. Louis. Uncommon anywhere, let alone Missouri, is Copia Urban Winery. Copia is located in the city. Claverach Farm & Vineyards - Eureka HERMANN REGION Hermann has a long history and is the home region of Stone Hill Winery, the oldest and largest of all Missouri wineries. Adam Puchta Winery - Hermann OZARK HIGHLANDS REGION The ozark highlands region sets southwest of Jefferson City and south of Hermann. Many of the wineries reside in St. James. 4-M Vineyard & Rosati Winery - St. James OZARK MOUNTAINS REGION Most of the wineries in this region are in the southwestern corner of the state around Springfield and Branson. Keltoi Vineyard - Oronogo SOUTHERN REGION The southeast region is right up there with Hermann in terms of number of wineries. Many of its wineries are centered in Ste. Genevieve. Bonanza Spring Winery - Poplar Bluff WESTERN REGION The western region includes Kansas City as well as surrounding areas of Lee's Summit and Knob Noster. Baltimore Bend Vineyard - Waverly If you'd rather have someone else arrange a winery tour for you, here's a company that does that in Missouri. Missouri Wine Country Tours, 1971 Driftwood TrailsSt. Louis, MO 63112, 888-355-5894 Grape Varietals GrownChancellor - This French-American hybrid makes a wonderful, fresh young wine. You notice the scent of herbs, and berry flavors.Cayuga - white grape hybrid from New York for wines recalling the best German Rieslings. Light, fragrant, fruity, and semi-dry, Cayuga is enjoyable alone or with light foods and appetizers. Catawba - A pink grape used in the production of pink and rose wines. Catawba produces a medium-bodied, sweet, fragrant, strawberry-like wine. Catawba is traditionally served as as a social wine. Chambourcin - Produces a medium-bodied red wine similar to a Pinot Noir, with a fruity aroma and cherry and earthy/spicy complexities. Serve with barbecue, pork, and pasta dishes. Chardonel - As a cross of the famed Chardonnay grape with the popular Seyval, Chardonel is usually barrel fermented, very dry and full bodied. This is great with heavier seafood dishes, as well as chicken with cream sauces. Concord - Called America's original dessert wine, Concord is famous for its deep purple color and classic sweetness. Concord's intense fruity flavor is perfect as an after-dinner sipping wine. Norton or Cynthiana - Norton grapes produce a rich, full-bodied dry red wine that can be similar in style to Cabernet Sauvignon, with the spicy overtones of a Zinfandel, and berry flavors that go nicely with red meat, smoked meat and wild game. Missouri wineries label the bittles as either a Cynthiana or Norton. St. Vincent - This hybrid makes delicate, elegant reds, perfect for Nouveau style wines in the fall. It may also have a Burgundy-like character, or occasionally be perceptibly sweet. Serve slightly chilled with pork, veal, or barbecue. Seyval - A white grape which makes a dry to semi-dry, clean, crisp medium-bodied wine with an herbal, fresh flavor similar in style to Chenin Blanc. Barrel fermented Seyval takes on an oak complexity indicative of a Chardonnay. Seyval pairs well with pork and Asian cuisines, while a barrel fermented Seyval complements the flavor of poultry and rich cream and butter-based sauces. Vidal - Used to make a dry to semi-dry, full-bodied wine with fruity characteristics, somewhat like Italian dry whites. Vidal's clean citrus flavors of lemon and grapefruit create a nicely balanced wine that's perfect with seafood or poultry. Vignoles - One of Missouri's most versatile white grapes, Vignoles produces wines ranging from dry to sweet late harvest dessert wines. Vignoles' luscious floral aroma and fruity flavors of pineapple and apricot are reminiscent of German Riesling. Ideal with Chinese food, fresh fruit, and fruit desserts. Ever thought of yourself as a Wine Personality? Check out what your wine personality is by taking a quiz here. Win your two night hotel stay by sharing your wine opinion in the Wine Poll. Back to Winery Explorer Home Page
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