ILLUSTRATION BY JULIA GASH
Last year had barely commenced when the region learned that David and Jerri Hoffmann, natives of Washington, Missouri, were planning to invest more than $125 million in nearby Augusta, with the hope of creating a wine-based destination that would rival California’s Napa Valley or Tennessee’s Blackberry Farm. By that time, the Hoffmann Family of Companies had already acquired several of the requisite puzzle pieces.
A year and some change later, the company has amassed more than two dozen properties in the area—including five existing wineries, a slew of ancillary buildings and businesses, as well as a river-cruise yacht and land for a five-star hotel and 12-hole golf course—a pace that even the most aggressive developer might deem impressive, though that also been met with trepidation from some in the small town. When consolidation of the wineries is complete (ultimately encompassing more than 700 acres), it will become the largest vineyards and winery area in the Midwest.
The Hoffmann Family of Companies also includes a national and worldwide portfolio of 200-plus properties, including major holdings in Winnetka, Illinois; Avon, Colorado; and Naples, Florida. Hoffmann is the largest commercial real estate owner in all three communities, and that will be the case in Augusta as well.
Ancillary acquisitions include Mid-American Coaches, a charter transportation service that now operates trolleys to and from the wineries; two nurseries (Town and Country Nursery and Ferguson Valley Nursery) to help increase winemaking capacity by growing and grafting new vines; and the Miss Augusta, a 96-foot river yacht offering sightseeing tours and private events. (The Hoffmann Family of Companies operates nine other boats in the U.S.) Other proposed transportation options include horse-drawn carriages and a riverboat.
In Augusta, additional properties in the Hoffmanns’ portfolio include the Augusta Emporium general store, Kickstand (formerly Katy Bike Rental), two bed-and-breakfasts (The Augusta White House and The Hoffmann Hostel on the Katy Trail), a two-pump gas station and convenience store, and a flower shop.
At press time, the Hoffmanns were also considering purchasing Missouri Meerschaum Co., a three-story building in Washington, the first (and now only) producer of corncob pipes in the world.
For Augusta, which celebrated its bicentennial last September, the elaborate plans laid out by the Hoffmanns mark the beginning of a new chapter.
Washington Vines Vineyard: Acquired by the Hoffmanns in 2013, a portion of the 70 acres is being used to grow Cabernet grapes, a notoriously problematic varietal for the Missouri appellation. The property boasts an underground cellar and a tasting room that overlooks the vineyard.
Balducci Vineyards: Purchased from Rick and Carol Balducci in 2020, the 20-year-old vineyards’ 70 rolling, picturesque acres include a tasting area, restaurant, event venues, bocce courts, and, of course, vineyards. The Balduccis’ son Nick will remain winemaker.
Hoffmann Lodge and Conference Center: The 65-room hotel and conference center will include meeting room space, a restaurant and lounge, a wedding venue, a spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and walking paths.
Martha’s Vineyard and Winery: With four limestone buildings, the former Emmaus Home site in Marthasville is being reimagined. The dormitory will become an 18-room boutique hotel. Additional plans call for a restaurant, vineyards, tasting room, wedding chapel and event space, and employee housing.
Augusta Winery: The tasting room, wine and beer garden, and wine terrace at the Augusta Wine Co. building at the top of High Street is the winery’s home base and the first “wine country” landmark that many visitors encounter.
Montelle Winery: Visitors stop at the large tasting bar and often adjourn to the panoramic deck overlooking the Missouri River Valley, which earned Montelle the title of “Missouri’s most scenic winery.” Fun fact: Montelle, the first winery with a distillery in Missouri, produces four kinds of brandy: apple, peach, cherry, and grape (grappa).
Knoernschild Vineyards: The winery’s 50 acres are adjacent to the land slated for Hoffmann Lodge and Conference Center, affording the hotel more options for amenities.
Mount Pleasant Estates: Founded in 1881, the oldest winery in the Augusta appellation is where state-bottled wines and international-award-winning ports are aged in onsite limestone cellars. Above ground, visitors sit and sip on a sprawling terrace overlooking the Missouri River or atop a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside.
