Known for its rich German heritage and historic wineries, Hermann is the easiest wine getaway from St. Louis (beyond Augusta and Defiance) at just 90 minutes west by car or train. The region is known for its Norton grapes, the oldest native grape in the U.S. Founded in 1847, Stone Hill Winery became the country’s second-largest winery by the early 1900s. Today, it remains Missouri’s oldest winery and is a must-visit destination. Stone Hill offers free daily tours and $15 tastings. Afterward, you can buy a bottle to enjoy on the idyllic patio overlooking Hermann. For dry reds, whites, and some sweeter selections, head to Hermannhof Winery, a small downtown winery. The tasting room is open daily and set in an historic building that is recognized as a National Historic Site. Other noteworthy spots include Adam Puchta Winery, the oldest continuously owned family winery in the nation, as well as Oak Glenn Winery, with sweeping views of the Missouri River.
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Just a few hours in the other direction of St. Louis, Carbondale and the western reaches of Shawnee National Forest offer more award-winning vineyards. A dozen participating wineries make up Illinois’ first wine trail. The first three—Alto, Pomona, and Owl Creek—started the wine trail; Pomona is the only 100 percent non-grape winemaker on the trail, specializing in such varietals as a semidry Jonathan apple wine. Pop into Peachbarn Winery & Café, which Stockholm natives Anders and Gerd Hedman started and Scott and Jennifer Schroeder now carry on. Book a night at the rustic Honker Hill Winery lodge, where a stay means more time to sample the estate’s sangria or slushies, alongside its wines. If you just can’t shake those European travel dreams, check into the Tuscany Romance suite at Blue Sky Vineyard. Hand-painted tiles, stained glass windows, and exposed wood beams provide a handsome backdrop to the expansive wine selection, including Bolle, the first sparkling wine from Shawnee Hills. That’s just a sampling of the options, though. Feather Hills, Hickory Ridge, Kite Hill, Star View, Wichmann, and Von Jakob are also worth a stop while in Southern Illinois.
Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail
Stretching from New Buffalo to Saugatuck, the southern Lake Michigan wine trail is home to 80 percent of Michigan’s vineyards and includes 14 wineries. At 12 Corners Vineyards, you’ll find varietals such as riesling, cabernet franc, merlot, and pinot noir, as well as seasonal hard cider. The patio overlooks the vineyards and is a perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon. Near Kalamazoo, St. Julian Winery is Michigan’s oldest and largest winery. Add it to your list for its rich history and its wine, ciders, and spirits. Fenn Valley Vineyards is renowned for its range of wine offerings, and Domaine Berrien Cellars is known for its red and white varietals.
Located on a scenic peninsula in eastern Wisconsin, Door County is loaded with wineries that specialize in cherry and fruit wines. You can explore them independently or take a Door County winery tour. Door Peninsula Winery is the region’s largest and best-known winery, offering tastings, tours, and a shop with local gourmet products and wine-themed gifts. It also operates a distillery that produces vodka, gin, brandy, and whiskey. Stone’s Throw Winery brings the essence of California winemaking to the Midwest with California grapes and traditional methods. It has a tasting room and a wine and tapas bar. The annual Door County Wine Fest takes place each year in June; tickets include unlimited tastings, free shuttles, a souvenir tasting glass, and more.
When you think of wine, you might not initially think of Iowa, but the state has eight trails across the state. Eagles Landing Winery in Marquette sits near the Mississippi River and is known for its fruit-forward blends and dry varietals. Heaven Boutique Winery in Fayette County boasts more than 100 native Iowa wines, including its own estate-produced labels. It also serves a rotating selection of craft beers and wine slushies, as well as live music on Friday nights.
Read More: A guide to wineries near St. Louis
