Who wouldn’t like to sip and gaze out at the amazing landscapes?
Missouri wineries and vineyards industry in the state was first established in the 1880s by German immigrants and nicknamed its grape-growing region the Missouri Rhineland, named after the famous German wine region.
Missouri is a state of the U.S.A., located in its midwestern region. Popularly known as “Show Me State,” Missouri was the 2nd largest wine producer in the U.S.A. before Prohibition ruined its well-established wine industry.
The revival of the industry started in 1965 by growing vineyards and wineries along the Missouri River, which is the most favorable climate for growing grapes.
Missouri wineries and vineyards industry now have 150 wineries concentrated along the 5 AVAs, which are also home to the 1st American Viticultural Area (AVA) – Augusta region (3.9 million acres), recognized in June 1980.
The other four AVAs are – Ozark Mountain AVA, Ozark Highlands AVA, Herman AVA, and Loess Hill District AVA.
7 Famous Missouri Wineries and Vineyards
Here are some of the famous Missouri wineries and vineyards:
1. Augusta Winery
Located in the picturesque town of Augusta, Tony Kooyumjian founded the Augusta Winery in 1988.
This winery has won several gold and silver medals in international competitions such as Jefferson Cup Invitational, Pacific Rim, Missouri Wine Competition, etc.
The winery produces varieties of wines from dry to sweet and fruity, utilizing their grapes varietals such as American Heritage grape Norton, Vidal Blanc, Seyval Blanc, Vignoles, Chardonel, and Chambourcin.
Enjoy a glass or two from their bests – 2017 Chambourcin, Norton, Dry Muscat, and many more in their cozy tasting room, outdoor wine terrace, or wine & beer garden deliciously paired with local produce.
2. Montelle Winery
Montelle Winery, founded by Clayton Byers in 1970 and later purchased by Tony Kooyumjian, co-owner of Augusta Winery, in 1998, is located one and a half miles east of Augusta.
They are well known for their German-style white wines, delicious dessert wines, and dry and semi-dry wines- Chambourcin, Norton, Chardonel, Dry Vignoles, Seyval Blanc, and La Roseé.
The winery won numerous gold, silver, and bronze awards, such as the Missouri Wine Competition, Jefferson Cup Invitational, Mid-American Wine Competition, and more.
Enjoy the wine of your choice or savor their premium selection in the relaxed environment of their tasting room or the terrace seating area.
3. Mount Pleasant Estates
Mount Pleasant Estates is the oldest winery in the Augusta Appellation, established in 1859. They produce their award-winning wines from 9 grape varieties grown on 125 acres of hillsides.
Here are some of their Wine Spectator high-rated wines- Cabernet Sauvignon American NV, Vignoles Missouri 2009, Norton Missouri 2007, and more.
Their premium and rich wines have won several World Wine Championships Awards and Midwest Wine Challenge Awards.
Savor a glass or two of their Cabernet Sauvignon Augusta, Merlot Augusta, Norton Augusta, or 2009 Vignoles Augusta at their 4,000 sq. foot relaxing tasting room and terrace, marveling at the spectacular view of the Missouri River Valley.
4. Noboleis Vineyards
Bob and Lou Ann Nolan have owned Noboleis Vineyards since March 2005 in Augusta. They produce 30 varieties of wines from four types of Missouri grapes – Traminette, Norton, Vignoles, and Chambourcin grown on 84 acres of land.
They won the prestigious Jefferson Cup in 2017 and have gotten several high ratings for their wines by Wine Spectator.
They offer wine for every palate, from their Dry White light-bodied Dry Traminette and Noboleis Blanc – floral, fruity with a sharp finish, to Dry Red – Norton and Chambourcin, to Sweet Port-Styled Red and Sweet, Dessert Wine.
Enjoy Wine Flight and their award-winning wines on their hilltop pavilion while taking in panoramic vineyards and rolling hills sight with their cheezy housemade pizza or your picnic basket.
5. Stone Hill Winery
Established in 1847 and located in the heart of Missouri’s Rhineland, Stone Hill Winery is the oldest, most awarded, and prestigious (more than 4,000 medals) winery amongst other Missouri wineries and vineyards.
Before Prohibition, they were America’s 2nd largest winery, shipping more than 1 million gallons of wine worldwide.
But the Held family has worked relentlessly since 1965 to rebuild the winery legacy. Norton, a full-bodied red, is the flagship wine of Stone Hill Winery.
Well known for its several award-winning wines, such as the 2015 Cross J Norton, which melts in your mouth like Belgium Chocolate, was awarded a silver medal in the 2018 & 2019 Missouri Wine Competition.
Their Sweet White Wine, Moscato, with juicy flavors of fresh, ripe Valvin Muscat grapes, has won gold in the 2018 & 2019 Missouri Wine Competition and World Wine Championships.
Enjoy delicious wine of your choice in their historic tasting room or dine at their meticulously restored carriage house and horse barn, the Vintage restaurant – awarded best German restaurant in America.
6. St. James Winery
After the destruction of Prohibition in the early 1900s, the Hofherr family purchased James Winery in 1960, which is internationally recognized and awarded for their rich & quality wine.
They are the largest and among the top five most awarded Missouri wineries and vineyards.
Some of the awards their delicious wine has won are Pacific Rim International Gold and Los Angeles International Competition Gold.
They also won a Platinum (94 pts) Critics Challenge International for Cynthiana- a full-bodied, fruity and complex, dry red wine.
From dry to fruity, sparkling, sweet, and dessert, they have wines for all palates. Choose any wine of your choice and enjoy it in their tasting room or beautifully sculpted garden.
7. Amigoni Urban Winery
Established in 2006 by Michael Amigoni, Amigoni Urban Winery is near the Stockyards District of Kansan City’s Daily Drover Telegram Building.
Specialized in the small but exceptional varieties of wine, they focus on traditional grapes varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Viognier, and Chardonnay.
Their high-quality wine varieties include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Mourvedre, Urban Cepages, and more.
Pick a glass or two of your taste and sip it in their beautiful tasting room, a mix of modern and vintage, or on their patio area while soaking in the warm glow of the sun.
Closing Thoughts
Missouri wineries and vineyards industry has come a long way after the Prohibition period and continues to thrive as some internationally recognized wineries.
Plan your next trip to this picturesque Missouri wineries region and be prepared for an unforgettable & delicious experience.
Whether you are looking for historic Missouri wine country and cellar tours, family-owned vineyard, cave vineyard with wine tasting, wine tasting tours, or even wine dinners.
Last Updated on by Sathi Chakraborty, MSc Biology
