Missouri is known as a political bellwether, is second in the United States as far as cattle, and has the St. Louis Arch. Some of the hidden treasures of Missouri are its over 25 wineries all across the state. Most are nestled amongst the winding turns of the Big Muddy, the Missouri River. A dozen exist outside of this realm.
Missouri’s wines are known for being fruity and made from non-traditional grapes and fruits. Many wineries are also known for producing sweet wines in steel drums instead of oak barrels, again breaking with tradition. Here is a list of some of Missouri’s top wineries.
St. James Winery
Perhaps the bestselling, and my personal favorite wine from the Show Me State, is St. James Winery located in the tiny town of St. James. Not only do we show off this winery at family gatherings and having friends over for dinner, but my wife and I made it up to the vineyards when we first dated as a fun and intimate vacation.
There are all kinds of wines from sweet, dessert, and dry. My personal favorite is the blackberry wine, made from one of the native fruits that grow wild all over Missouri. St. James Winery gives tours all of the time from Monday through Sunday.
Stone Hill Winery
Located in historic Hermann, Stone Hill Winery takes wine making very seriously. Their award-winning wines are showcased in Hermann, New Florence, and in Branson.
With over 160 years of growing grapes for wine, Stone Hill is one of the oldest wineries in the Midwest and makes some of the finest wines. Some wines are made in traditional French fashion with a twist of modern technology and new world grapes. This is a fantastic place to visit as you see some of the largest wine cellars in America and eat authentic German cuisine at the Vintage Restaurant.
Halfway between St. Louis and the Arkansas border along I-55 is one of the oldest towns in Missouri called Ste. Genevieve. Outside of town there is a cave that is on the property of Cave Vineyard. Take a picnic basket and some wine from the shop to have a picnic lunch as you listen to the water going in and out of the cave.
Don’t worry, the cave is safe and they have their own tables. You may have to walk 200 feet there, and if not there is a shuttle on weekends during heavier tourist times. The vineyard is open daily at 10 A.M. and goes to 6 during the summer and 5 in the winter.
OOVVDA
The OOVVDA winery has an odd name, but the small winery is Springfield’s unique contribution to Missouri wines. Not the largest in the state by any stretch of the imagination, but the peach raspberry variety is fantastic for a sweet dessert wine.
The owners are very nice and gladly give private tours if you call ahead. They are open from Noon until dusk every day. OOVVDA is rich in Nordic tradition, hence the unique name with great wines in northern Greene County.
Native Stone
Last on my list, but by no means least, is Native Stone Winery and Brewery outside of Jefferson City along the Missouri River. In thick of walking trails, rolling hills and great food is a place where traditional wines are made and a stout dessert wine rules with lots of sweetness.
Whether you order a burger, some fish, or something vegetarian there is food for lunch and dinner that goes with both the wine and the beer. Private parties and weddings are their specialty on the property as they can cater your large event.
