Experience the beauty of Missouri wine country with a visit to the top vineyards in the region. Rooted in German, Italian, or French heritage, each winery has a distinct character and rich history.
1. Noboleis Vineyards
About
This family-owned winery in Augusta, Missouri, boasts nearly 85 picturesque acres. In the tasting room, guests can sample a flight of award-winning wines. Delicious pizza and appetizers are available for purchase, but guests are welcome to pack a picnic with their own food, though no outside drinks are allowed.
With indoor and outdoor seating areas, Noboleis is open all year from 11 am to 5 pm (and until 8 pm on weekend nights during peak season). In addition, Guests can enjoy live music every Saturday and Sunday from April through October.
History
Bob and Lou Ann Nolan purchased this plot of land in the heart of Missouri wine country in March of 2005 with dreams of building the beautiful winery that exists today. Four unique types of grapes are grown on the property, producing over 30 wines that can be enjoyed at the vineyard and purchased at wholesale locations.
2. Montelle Winery
About
Located in Augusta, Montelle Winery is the perfect place to experience great wine, good food, and panoramic views of the Missouri River Valley. Knowledgeable staff members are available to assist guests in making the most of their wine-tasting journey.
Live entertainment and special events are always happening at Montelle. To view the entertainment schedule for the 2023 season, click HERE.
History
Montelle was founded in 1970 by Clayton Byers before the winery was sold to Tony Kooyumjian in 1998. Today, Montelle is owned by the Hoffmann Family of Companies (along with Balducci Vineyards, Augusta Winery, and Mount Pleasant Winery). Branching out to the production of Brandy, Montelle was the first Missouri winery to have a distillery on the property.
3. McKelvey Vineyards
About
This beautiful hillside winery is located between Washington and New Haven in the Missouri River Valley. In addition to an extensive array of wines, craft beer and cocktails are also served for guests to enjoy. The dining menu features small bites and appetizers, though guests are welcome to bring in outside food.
Children and pets are welcome, making McKelvey Vineyards a great place to enjoy a family outing! The tasting room will open for the 2023 season on March 29.
History
Before prohibition, this historic family farm was known for making some of the best wine in the region. The current owner, Patricia McKelvey, began restoring the property and vineyards in 2016 before opening its doors to the public.
4. Chandler Hill Vineyards
About
Chandler Hill Vineyards is located near the beautiful hillside town of Defiance. Guests can enjoy different wines on the outdoor patio or partake in a guided tasting experience for $45 per person, though the fee is waived after the purchase of three bottles of wine.
The full kitchen ensures guests have a multitude of delicious food options to choose from. Outdoor seating and private cabanas are available for rent, making this the perfect spot for a private event or family gathering. Children and dogs are welcome.
History
Former slave Joseph Chandler settled near Defiance, Missouri, in the early 1870s after fleeing the Civil War-torn south and traveling north along the Mississippi River. Chandler Hill Vineyards is not only named after this man but is located on the exact property that he owned up until his death in 1952.
The current owner, Chuck Gillentine, opened the doors to Chandler Hill Vineyards in 2008. Artifacts displaying the rich history of the property and honoring the man it was named after are on display today.
5. Balducci Vineyards
About
Balducci Vineyards has everything from wine tasting and delicious food to giant outdoor games and live entertainment. Situated on a 76-acre stretch of land, the winery boasts a gorgeous view featuring the rolling hills of Augusta wine country.
This unique winery is the perfect spot to enjoy time outdoors while sampling new wines with a group of friends or hosting a special event.
History
Balducci Vineyards has been one of the top local wineries in the St. Louis area since it opened over 20 years ago. However, the Balducci family has been in the wine industry for decades after leaving Italy to come to the United States in the early 1900s.
Check out this article by Missouri Wines for more information about the fascinating history of this family business.
6. Lake Creek Winery
About
Located in the town of Hermann, Lake Creek Winery boasts scenic views of the surrounding area, including the Missouri River Valley and the Katy Trail. With a tasting room, vineyards, and a large outdoor space featuring a garden, there is plenty to see and do during your visit.
Lake Creek often has live entertainment and special events, so be sure to check out their event calendar before planning your visit!
History
Lake Creek Winery is located in the Hermann area on the property of a family farm from the 1800s. After the Flesch brothers purchased the property, which featured a farmhouse and other historic structures from the 1870s, they began the restoration and improvements, leading to what is today Lake Creek Winery.
7. Stone Hill Winery
About
Located in the town of Hermann, Stone Hill Winery is one of Missouri’s top destinations for wine enthusiasts (and history buffs). Guided tours and wine tastings are available daily for guests to enjoy. With over 30 unique wines produced onsite, there will surely be something for everyone in your party.
There is live music on most weekend nights during the spring and summer. The onsite restaurant, Vintage 1847 Restaurant, features traditional German specialties as well as American dishes and is located in the winery’s original stable barn and carriage house.
The winery is open year-round, with hours varying by season.
History
Stone Hill Winery was founded in 1847, making it Missouri’s oldest winery. Before prohibition, it was the second largest winery in the nation and the third largest in the world!
Stone Hill showcases its rich history by providing guided tours of its underground cellar system, the most extensive series of arched wine cellars worldwide. These historic wine cellars are still used in wine production today.
Click HERE to read more about the fascinating history of Stone Hill.
8. Mount Pleasant Estates
About
Mount Pleasant Estates is the oldest winery in Augusta, with 125 acres of vineyards that produce nine different types of grapes. A large, renovated tasting room allows guests to sample and learn about the different wines. The Appellation Cafe has delicious food options and is located on the property.
The beautiful property is the perfect location to spend a casual weekend afternoon with family or host a special event or wedding.
History
German brothers George and Frederick Muench founded Mount Pleasant Estates in 1859, making it one of Missouri’s oldest family-owned wineries. The underground cellars, which are still used today, were built in 1881 before prohibition put a halt on winemaking.
The winery, which would later be the recipient of many prestigious awards, was reopened in the 1960s by the Dressel family before being purchased by the Hoffmanns in 2021.
9. Blumenhof Winery
About
Blumenhof Winery is located in the historic village of Dutzow, Missouri’s oldest German settlement, which is just a few miles away from Washington. An array of wines is available for guests to taste, all made from locally grown grapes that have been sourced from the onsite vineyards.
Free wine tasting is offered, and the onsite restaurant, The Brathaus Grill, serves delicious traditional german cuisine. A local pizzeria, Philly’s Pizza, also offers delivery to Blumenhof for guests to enjoy with their wine.
History
Three generations of the Blumenberg family have owned and operated the winery since its opening in 1979. Blumenhof, taking its name after the family, means “court of flowers” in German. The winery has won hundreds of awards over the years, the first being in 1986.
10. OakGlenn Winery
About
Overlooking the Missouri River, OakGlenn Winery is located less than five miles from downtown Hermann. The winery will surely have something everyone can enjoy, as 17 different wines are offered. Red, white, and rose are available, as well as both dry and sweet wine.
History
In 1997, Glenn and Carolyn Warnebold purchased the property that would later become home to OakGlenn Winery. The original intent was for the land to be used for their early retirement, but they discovered a few rows of vines upon cleaning up the property. They later learned that the property had once belonged to George Husmann, who “…is known for his influence and achievements in the American and Missouri grape and wine industry”.
The vines on the property were rekindled, and grapes began the growth process in 1998 before production and bottling began in 2000. Since then, OakGlenn has partnered with Post Familie Winery in Arkansas to offer guests a larger selection of wines than those solely produced on the property.
11. Röbller Vineyard
About
Röbller Vineyard is located along the Hermann Wine Trail in New Haven, Missouri. This estate-style winery is open all year and has a distillery, theater, and hotel on the property in addition to the vineyard. Guests can sample award-winning wines with a wine flight or (for $40 per person) partake in a wine and cheese experience which features five unique and delicious pairings.
History
Röbller Vineyard was established in 1988 by Robert and Lois Mueller. Before beginning their new venture in New Haven, the Mueller family had years of experience making wine at home. Their love for winemaking and German heritage would guide the couple in creating a unique property that would eventually become a top Missouri destination and produce an array of award-winning wines.
12. Defiance Ridge Vineyards
About
Located off Highway 94 in Defiance, Missouri, Defiance Ridge Vineyards is the closest winery to St. Louis. The 42-acre property offers spacious indoor and outdoor seating areas with a gorgeous Missouri River Valley view.
The winery proudly serves 11 Missouri wines in addition to 15 that are produced on the west coast. Guests can sample an array of flavors with a wine flight. Mimosa flights featuring four different mimosas are also available. Additionally, an extensive dining menu offers a wide selection of food options.
Farm-to-table dinners are hosted monthly on the property, where guests can enjoy a delicious dining experience that is fully and uniquely cultivated through partnerships with local farmers. Click HERE to learn about the April farmhouse dinner event.
13. Hermannhof Winery
About
The Hermannhof property is located off Highway 100 on the eastern side of Hermann, overlooking the Missouri River. The winery is open daily, where guests are welcome to sample the various wines available as well as tour the historic stone cellar system.
With a tasting room, restaurant, brewery, and boutique inn on the property, Hermannhof is the perfect spot for your next Missouri destination.
History
Construction of the original Hermannhof property was completed by 1852. Originally, Hermannhof was a successful brewery before it took off. By 1904, many winemakers used the Hermannof facilities to produce their own wine. However, following the destruction caused by prohibition, winemaking ceased until the Dierberg family purchased the cellars and began restoration.
14. St. James Winery
About
St. James Winery is located about halfway between St. Louis and Springfield, Missouri. The large winery and outdoor gardens are perfect for any family gathering, special event, or weekend wine-tasting adventure. In the gardens, guests can enjoy a delicious bite while they sip on their favorite wine and play life-sized games such as Jenga and checkers!
Guests can experience an extensive selection of delicious, unique St. James wines with personalized tasting and tours. Public House Brewing Company is just next door for those who prefer craft beer.
History
Jim and Pat Hoffher brought Missouri’s Italian wine heritage back to life (after the cessation of winemaking during prohibition) with the opening of St. James winery in 1970. To this day, the business remains family owned and operated, as it is now in the hands of the third generation.
15. Wild Sun Winery
About
Wild Sun Winery and Brewery is in Hillsboro, Missouri, less than a 45-minute drive from St. Louis. In addition to ample wine options, the winery specializes in producing craft beers and natural spring water. There is a full kitchen onsite, offering delicious menu options, but guests are welcome to bring in outside food as well.
The outdoor seating area is perfect for any summer gathering, and live music is featured every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during the months of May through October.
History
In 2015, Mark Baehmann and Ed Wagner partnered to open Wild Sun Winery and Brewery to the public. With Mark’s 40 years of winemaking experience and Ed’s career history with Anheuser-Busch, the two set out to create a winery experience that would earn numerous awards and become known as a top destination for dry wines.
16. Adam Puchta Winery
About
The Adam Puchta Winery is located in the town of Hermann, in the heart of Missouri wine country. This is the place to be for any wine enthusiast, featuring an outdoor picnic area and an indoor tasting room.
The winery specializes in what they call an “elevated tasting experience.” With the guidance of a trained expert, guests will enjoy six different wines accompanied by a charcuterie board. Tickets are priced at $30 per person and should be purchased by 5 pm the evening before.
History
The Adam Puchta Winery was first opened in 1855 and has remained in the family ever since. With seven generations of ownership, it is known as “the oldest continuously owned family farm in the country.”
Click HERE to learn more about the fascinating history of the Puchta family’s involvement in the wine industry.