Wine Weekends

So you’ve already marked the calendar for that trip to Hermann during Oktoberfest. But what about those other weekends in October? The region’s wineries offer far more to discover—and to drink—no matter which direction you’re headed. Here are some of our favorites.

Scenic Stops in Augusta Wine Country 

Augusta Winery

A quarter-century old, Augusta Winery has aged well, with an emphasis on handcrafted, estate-bottled wines. The wine-and-beer garden is the sipping hub of downtown Augusta. The best way to get a proper taste of the vineyards: Take the Vine to Wine tour. 5601 High, Augusta, 888-667-9463, augustawinery.com.

Chandler Hill Vineyards

The only local winery to present both Midwestern and West Coast wines for tastings, Chandler Hill has an expansive, contemporary-meets-classic tasting room. Outside, on the partially shaded deck, you can gaze out over the scenic vineyards. And on Sundays, the winery hosts a farmers’ market—one more way it’s supporting Missouri agriculture. 596 Defiance, Defiance, 636-798-2675, chandlerhillvineyards.com.

Montelle Winery

A decade after opening Augusta Winery, former pilot Tony Kooyumjian purchased Montelle Winery. On a pleasant Friday or Saturday evening, there are few better places to be than the sprawling deck that overlooks the Missouri River Valley, where you can savor the sunset dinners. 201 Montelle, Augusta, 888-595-9463, montelle.com.

Mount Pleasant Estates

With more than 150 years of experience, the oldest winery in Augusta combines old-world winemaking with modern, sustainable viticulture. Start in the sprawling tasting room, then stroll out to the picturesque patio for live music on weekends. 5634 High, Augusta, 636-482-9463, mountpleasant.com.

Noboleis Vineyards

Augusta’s newest winery released its first vintage in 2010, and it’s already received a plethora of awards for its stainless steel– and oak barrel–aged wines. A mulberry tree adorns its labels, with the property providing sweeping views of the landscape. 100 Hemsath, Augusta, 636-482-4500, noboleisvineyards.com.

Highlights in Hermann

Adam Puchta Winery

Founded in 1855 and continuously run by the same family, Adam Puchta Winery has a rich German heritage, evolving from historic wooden winemaking equipment to stainless steel. Every tasting is accompanied by a perfectly paired snack. And on the third Friday of each month, guests can attend Bubble Hour, a time to sample the winery’s sparkling concoctions. 1947 Frene Creek, Hermann, 573-486-5596, adampuchtawine.com.

Hermannhof Vineyards

The property stretches along both sides of First Street: You can explore the historic stone cellars in the winery, take a seat in the nearby open-air courtyard, or, during Oktoberfest, polka in the Hermannhoff Festhalle. Finally, make a stop in the California Tasting Room to savor the Dierberg family’s West Coast labels: Star Lane Vineyard, Three Saints, and Dierberg Estate. 330 E. First, Hermann, 800-393-0100, hermannhof.com.

OakGlenn Vineyards 

Working with just three varietals—Chardonel, Vidal Blanc, and Norton—OakGlenn produces mostly blended styles among its 15 Missouri wines. Pack a picnic and take in the spectacular view of the Missouri River, or sit on the long terrace and see live entertainment on weekends. 1104 OakGlenn, Hermann, 573-486-5057, oakglenn.com.

Röbller Vineyard & Winery

What began as a celebrated family activity for Robert and Lois Mueller, crushing grapes in their Glendale back yard, grew into a livelihood after the couple purchased a plot of land near New Haven in the late 1980s. The winery has since expanded to produce 15 varieties. And the Muellers’ annual activities have grown to include reggae, barbecue and blues, and a nontraditional Oktoberfest. 275 Röbller Vineyard, New Haven, 573-237-3986, robllerwines.com.

Stone Hill Winery

Every half hour, the state’s oldest winery hosts Grapes to Glass tours that take you past antique arched cellars and ultramodern winemaking technology. Afterward, order a meal at Vintage Restaurant, housed in the one-time carriage house and horse barn. 1110 Stone Hill Highway, Hermann, 800-909-9463, stonehillwinery.com.

Along the Route du Vin

Cave Vineyard

Napa Valley is cool, but we’ll wager that a picnic and a bottle of 2009 Chambourcin inside Saltpeter Cave is cooler—and a lot closer. Pack your own vittles, or indulge in the highly recommended “biscotti bar,” freshly made and $1 a throw. (In case you’re wondering, the answer is yes: A sign says “Go ahead and dunk it.”) 21124 Cave, Ste. Genevieve, 573-543-5284, cavevineyard.com.

Charleville Vineyard  Winery & Microbrewery

Charleville is rustic and has a unique allure—it’s tempting to stop here and never leave. The first tastes of wine are free, flights of its award-winning beer are nominally priced, and the views are magnificent. Dogs laze on the concrete floor, and a two-room B&B is next door if you want to experience it all again the next day. 16937 Boyd, Ste. Genevieve County, 573-756-4537, charlevillevineyard.com.

Chaumette Vineyards & Winery

The type of rosebushes bookending every row of vines here inspires the perfect descriptor for this destination: knockout. There are scenic views, an on-site chapel, the chef-inspired Grapevine Grill, a spa with grape-based skin-care products, and—because you’ll be too relaxed to leave—villas where you can stay overnight. 24345 State Route WW, Ste. Genevieve, 573-747-1000, chaumette.com.

Sainte Genevieve Winery

The winery’s 20 acres of vineyards are located west of the city, but the tasting room is in town, in a building dating back to 1909—a new kid on the block by Ste. Genevieve standards. The most intriguing wine find: the spicy, mysterious Bolduc, a blend of 40 percent Norton and 60 percent “local varietals not known to anyone.” 245 Merchant, Ste. Genevieve, 573-883-2800, saintegenevievewinery.com.

Twin Oaks Vineyard & Winery

With its operable garage doors, Twin Oaks’ new pavilion is a gathering place that adapts to the weather. But some devotees still prefer the century-old bar inside the tasting room, discussing events like the World Championship Grape Stomp and Lucille Ball look-alike contest. 6470 Highway F, Farmington, 573-756-6500, twinoaksvineyard.com.

Don’t Miss…

Papas Fruit of the Vine: This funky, off-road roadhouse has a playground, a catch-and-release pond, and a polished granite patio. 6873 Busiek, Farmington, 573-701-0333.

River aux Vases Winery: Its seven wines are named after the owners’ grandchildren. If Noah Account Norton or Laissez-Faire Lyla are playing nearby, maybe they’ll autograph a bottle. 17301 State Route B, Ste. Genevieve, 573-883-5405, riverauxvases.com.

Weingarten Vineyard: Its commanding 20,000-square-foot main building is so beautiful, you may want to get married there—or renew your vows. And the wine options are many,from Missouri and beyond. 12323 Rottler, Ste. Genevieve, 573-883-2505, weingartenvineyard.com.

Other Noteworthy Stops

Sand Creek Vineyard & Winery: Affable owner Dave Ikemeier dubs the impressive rosé, made from white Chambourcin grapes, “porch wine.” It drinks beautifully on the breezy, covered porch. 3578 Sand Creek, Farmington, 573-756-9999, sandcreekvineyard.com.

Crown Valley Winery: The winery component of Crown Country includes a brewery, distillery, restaurant, and lodging. 23589 State Route WW, Ste. Genevieve, 866-207-9463, crowncountry.com.

Wine-tripping in Metro East

Aerie’s Riverview Winery

Find a seat near the edge of the shaded deck on the winery’s top floor, and gaze out at the Mississippi. The menu includes nearly 50 local and international wines, with an emphasis on dry reds and several of its own private-label options. Start with a glass, and toast to that view. 600 Timber Ridge, Grafton, Ill., 618-786-7477, aerieswinery.com.

Grafton Winery & Brewhaus

After finding a seat on the winery’s enormous deck, choose from its 15-plus wines. The award-winning fruit and seasonal varieties, such as Apple Crisp and Autumnberry, are especially noteworthy. 300 W. Main, Grafton, Ill., 618-786-3001, thegraftonwinery.com.

Mary Michelle Wine Room

Technically, it’s not a winery—it’s a tasting room at historic Pere Marquette Lodge. The vineyard is 45 minutes north, near Carrollton, Ill., where Illinois Cellars’ wines are also produced. But if you’re looking for a private setting, this is the place. Mary Michelle is noteworthy for its dry, European-style wines—the Chardonel is a don’t-miss. 13653 Lodge, Grafton, Ill., 618-786-2331, pmlodge.net.

Springers Creek Winery

The Mother Road Red—named for the colorful winery’s location off historic Route 66—is just one of the wines founders Sam Makler and Colette Andre have given a locally inspired moniker. The Lincoln Head dry red and Riverland dry white are also produced in nearby rural Madison County. 817 Hillsboro, Edwardsville, Ill., 618-307-5110, springerscreekwinery.com.

Villa Marie Winery

The winery’s sprawling, Tuscan-style building looks as if it were plucked from Napa. The biggest difference between Villa Marie and California wineries: All of the wines here come from Illinois, as evidenced by names like Riverfest and Illini White. 6633 E. Main, Maryville, Ill., 618-345-3100, thevillamariewinery.com.

Explore the Heartland

The term “trail” is used loosely here: A maze of a dozen wineries, Heartland Rivers Wine Trail is spread across Southwestern Illinois. It’s tough to hit all of the wineries in a single weekend—but it’s fun to try. Print a trail map from heartlandrivers.org, choose your favorite route, and head east.

The Grapes of Grafton

True to the river town’s rugged nature, Grafton, Ill., is dotted with low-key wineries where it’s as acceptable to order a bottle of beer as a glass of cabernet. Three are located on the same block: Grafton Harbor Marina & Floating Winery (graftonharbor.net) offers its wines at Big Kahuna Bar & Grill upstairs. Piasa Winery & Pub (piasawinery.com) carries an impressive selection of locally made wines. And Two Rivers Winery (618-420-2560) specializes in Illinois and Missouri wines.

Exploring the Shawnee Hills

Alto Vineyards

The granddaddy of Southern Illinois wineries, Alto has won multiple awards for its estate Chambourcin. This multigenerational family operation produces an array of wines satisfying all palates. Its new tasting room faces Bald Knob Cross, which sits on a scenic mountain. Look for the Root Beer Saloon just a half-mile south. 8515 State Route 127, Alto Pass, Ill., 618-893-4898, altovineyards.net.

Blue Sky Vineyard

This Tuscan-inspired winery is filled with funky and fun art—no surprise if you’ve seen its colorful wine labels. Lauded for its Nortons and cabernet francs, Blue Sky also offers house sangria, blushes, and rosés. Topping it all off are sprawling patios and terraces, a light menu, live music, and lodging. When you’re en route, just look for the windmill. 3150 S. Rocky Comfort, Makanda, Ill.; 618-995-9463, blueskyvineyard.com.

Hedman Vineyards

A Swedish flag outside a giant red barn marks Hedman’s stake on the trail. Bringing European technique to local winemaking, Hedman has won awards for its Midwestern varieties, like Chambourcin and Norton. Once you’ve tried the wine, you can dine at the Peach Barn Café, which serves—no surprise—Scandinavian fare, including Swedish meatballs and Wiener schnitzel. 560 Chestnut, Alto Pass, Ill., 618-893-4923, peachbarn.com.

Pomona Winery

There’s no vineyard here…just the Shawnee National Forest. The unique wines are all fruit wines, including a blackberry dessert wine and a dry oak-aged Jonathan-apple wine. As carefully as they craft wine, owners George Majka and Jane Payne also deliver one of the best tasting-room experiences in the Midwest. Bring a picnic to enjoy after the scenic drive there. 2865 Hickory Ridge, Pomona, Ill., 618-893-2623, pomonawinery.com.

Von Jakob Winery & Brewery

Designed as a center for entertainment, Von Jakob offers a deck with a commanding view, food at Kristofer’s Restaurant, live music, beer, and of course, lots of wine made in the German tradition. Among the 20-plus options is the sweet, award-winning White Oak port; Von Jakob was the first winery in Illinois to produce the variety, as well as the limited-supply cabernet sauvignon. 230 State Route 127, Alto Pass, Ill., 618-893-4600, vonjakobvineyard.com.

Don’t Miss…

Owl Creek Vineyard: This vineyard’s winery opened in 1995, the same year that its founder, Ted Wichmann, helped launch the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. It’s now owned by the Genung family, and production has quadrupled since 2005, when the Genungs took over. Alain Ducasse, D.C.’s legendary French restaurateur, selected Owl Creek’s wines to serve at the festivities honoring President Barack Obama’s inauguration. 2655 Water Valley, Cobden, Ill., 618-893-2557, owlcreekvineyard.com.

Show Me the Vino

The state of the state's wine industry

By Angela Ortmann

Don’t fall victim to preconceived notions and unwarranted stigmas. First, consider Missouri wine’s rich history—and its growing potential.

The winemaking mecca of the world wouldn’t be what it is today without Missouri. When France was hit with a potential industry-quashing infestation of phylloxera insects in the late 1800s, it was Missouri entomologist Charles V. Riley who discovered that a certain native American rootstock was immune to the bug. By grafting French vines onto millions of Missouri roots, winemakers managed to again grow healthy grapes, rescuing France’s wine industry. Here in Missouri, French and German settlers first began producing wine in the early 1800s, recognizing that the area’s climate (long summers, relatively moderate winters) and landscape (rocky soils, abundant access to water) were remarkably similar to those of their homelands.

During the next century, Missouri peaked as the largest wine-producing state in the U.S. Stone Hill Winery became the third-largest winery in the world, producing more than 1 million gallons of wine at one point in history. Then came Prohibition. It struck a staggering blow to the trade, one felt for decades, until a rebuilding effort in the ’60s and ’70s. In 1980, Augusta was named the nation’s first official wine-growing region, beating Napa Valley by nearly a year. There are now 200-plus dedicated American Viticultural Areas across 30-plus states, with more than half located in California. Missouri is holding its own, with four such areas—the Augusta, Hermann, Ozark Mountain, and Ozark Highlands regions—and globally experienced winemakers.

Nonetheless, much of the world remains unfamiliar with Missouri grapes. The Midwest isn’t suited to growing popular varieties like chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, or pinot noir. The land instead fosters German and French-American hybrids: Chardonel, Vignoles, Chambourcin, and Traminette. Often considered the country’s oldest native grape, Norton is the state’s official grape and the state’s most widely planted red-wine grape.

Today, more than 100 wineries throughout the state fuel a $2 billion industry. Present-day demand for Missouri wine is outpacing production, thanks in part to the farm-to-table movement; some predict nearly 300 wineries will call Missouri home within the next decade. Through marketing and scientific efforts, the Missouri Wine and Grape Board is encouraging the industry’s growth. The board has established the renowned Grape and Wine Institute, researching climate’s effects on grape varieties and how rootstock can produce stronger varietals, with help from the University of Missouri. And while Missouri wines are often synonymous with sweetness, many local wineries have received their highest accolades from drier wines. As wine enthusiasts thirst for more regional varieties, palates will continue to evolve—and with them, the state’s wine industry.  

By Karen Binder, George Mahe, Jarrett Medlin, and Angela Ortmann