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Missouri wines and wineries

When German settlers established the town of Hermann, Missouri in 1837, earlier settlers had already claimed the lowlands and prairies. 

Wine terminology

Viticulture:  Cultivation of grape vines

Oenology:  Study of wines

Sommelier:  Wine steward

Tannin: Bitter organic substance found in the skins and stems of grapes

The Germans were left with the sloping hills and bluffs, land that was only good for one crop: grapes.  Their hard work and determination led to Missouri's reputation as prime wine country.  Missouri now has over 30 wineries in six different regions, many of them award-winning.

Augusta Region: The Weinstrasse is the two-lane road starting from St. Charles County and winding along the Missouri River.   Among the four family-owned wineries along this road is the award-winning Augusta Winery, located in the scenic town of Augusta on the bluffs overlooking the river.

Hermann Region: In the Hermann region, located in the northern hills of the Ozark Plateau, one can tour the underground cellars at Stone Hill, Missouri's largest and oldest winery.

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The business of wine : a global perspective
Per V. Jenster ... [et al.].
[Copenhagen] : Copenhagen Business School Press ; Portland, OR : Distribution North America, International Specialized Book Services, c2008.
Four scholars of business with interests and experience in wine describe the modern wine industry and the commercial and political forces interacting with the production, marketing, distribution, and consumption of wine. Their topics include the vineyards of the world, consumer behavior, companies and how they compete, and legislative and political issues. They do not proved an index. Distributed in the US by ISBS. Annotation #169;2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
     
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Wine atlas of Australia
James Halliday.
Berkeley : University of California Press, c2007.
"James Halliday analyses every wine region in Australia - and there are over seventy - in this definitive book. He studies the types of grapes grown, the soil, the climate, the winegrowing history, and also introduces the most famous and respected wineries, winemakers and their signature wines. Each section is illustrated and features a specially created map highlighting geographic landmarks and the location of the wineries."--BOOK JACKET.
     

For something different, try one of these French-American hybrid wines that have become so popular in Missouri:

  • Seyval Blanc: A dry, medium-bodied white wine, nicknamed the "Chardonnay of the East"
  • Vidal Blanc: A dry to semi-dry white wine with citrus flavors
  • Vignoles: Often called Missouri's noble grape, this hybrid produces dry white wines often with scents of apricot and peach

Grapes being harvested

Most Missouri wineries are open year-round.  At almost any time of the year, visitors to the wineries will see some aspect of the winemaking process: from the vine-pruning in winter, to the selection of new vine shoots in spring, and finally to the crushing and fermentation in autumn. 

If for no other reason, a trip to one of the wineries is a perfect excuse for a drive through the Missouri countryside.

Article by: St. Louis Public Library staff