Discover the picturesque views and small town charms of Augusta. Located an hour’s drive from St. Louis, Augusta is a great place to escape from it all while enjoying delicious wines surrounded by the beautiful canopy of the Missouri River Valley and Osage Ridge.

Read more about this beautiful community by checking out this helpful trip planner.

Fall is coming! What better way to enjoy the weather than to pack a picnic and head to a winery? Below is a list of Missouri wineries that offer fabulous picnic accommodations.

Adam Puchta Winery
Unpack your picnic basket at a table on the winery’s lawn or enjoy a seat under their covered deck.

Augusta Winery
Augusta Winery’s open-air Wine & Beer Garden features a spectacular 10-foot arbor covered in grapevines for shade. The garden rests atop a hill overlooking the quaint & historic town of Augusta. Rain? No worries, the winery has a cozy, covered terrace just off the tasting room that seats 25 people.

Bushwhacker Bend Winery
Sit back and relax on the winery’s deck overlooking the Missouri River.

Cave Vineyard
Looking for a unique picnic spot? Cave Vineyard’s natural saltpeter cave is the perfect spot! Enjoy wine and snacks inside the cave or move your picnic out on the deck.

Dale Hollow Winery
Grab your seat at one of their picnic tables and enjoy the beautiful view of the vineyard and pond.

Hemman Winery
Enjoy the beautiful aromas of flowers in the wine garden or relax on the front porch of the winery’s 1850 country store.

Hummingbird Vineyard and Winery
Bring a blanket and lay back on the grass or grab a seat at one of the picnic tables while you sip wine in the great outdoors.

Jowler Creek Winery
This winery offers a beautifully landscaped, shaded wine garden that overlooks their sustainable vineyard.

Les Bourgeois Winery
The A-Frame is Les Bourgeois Winery's outdoor wine garden overlooking the Missouri River. Guests can bring in their own food to enjoy or they can purchase elevated picnic fare at the A-Frame.

OakGlenn Winery
Choose from three beautiful patios or set-up your picnic on the porch while you admire the beautiful view of the river valley.

Stone Hill Winery
Stone Hill Winery offers many seating options on their beautiful property. Choose between the many picnic tables scattered around outdoors, a deck with seating at the Sherry House or grab a spot on the lawn to lay a blanket down and enjoy the views of their vineyard.

Tipple Hill Winery
Get in touch with nature by picnicking on a hill that overlooks the countryside. Enjoy a great view of the pond and vineyard.

Tyler Ridge Vineyard Winery
Find the shade at Tyler Ridge Vineyard and Winery’s deck or one of their beautiful trees.

Westphalia Vineyards
Grab a seat inside or head outdoors while visiting this vineyard located in the historic town of Westphalia, Missouri.

Check out these tips for the perfect picnic! 

 *This list was compiled based upon winery survey submissions and may only list a portion of the Missouri wineries that offer picnic accomodations.

From rolling hills to valleys, there are many sights to see in Missouri wine country. Each of our 130+ wineries offers a unique experience. As the weather cools, we invite you to check out the beautiful views at wineries across the state, including these new additions.

Christine’s Vineyard
25695 Mulberry Road
Webb City, MO 65870

Christine’s Vineyard is located just a few miles north of Joplin. Stop by the tasting room and you’ll find yourself surrounded by the vineyard. Owners, Greg and Christine Edmund offer a variety of wines and honey meads that you can enjoy inside their tasting room or outside on the patio. Their lineup features a wine series with poker-themed names including their 2018 King High Straight, a medalist at the 2019 Missouri Wine Competition. They are proud to support their local economy including the Four States Small Business and farm-to-table communities. 

Defiance Ridge Vineyards
2711 South Hwy 94
Defiance, MO 63341

You’ll find gorgeous views of the Missouri River Valley at Defiance Ridge Vineyards. The winery’s tasting room is located in a renovated historic farm house. Enjoy the beautiful scenery from the winery’s terrace or veranda where you can explore a wine lineup that includes their Heath’s Off-Dry Vignoles, a gold medal winner at the 2019 Missouri Wine Competition. Treat yourself to seasonal artisan cuisine at the winery’s restaurant. 

McKelvey Vineyards
8901 State Hwy YY
Leslie, MO 63056

In the late 1800s, Missouri’s wine industry thrived with more than 100 wineries throughout the state including a winery owned by the Twelker family in New Haven. The Twelkers established their winery in 1871 and were soon transporting wine in big vats to St. Louis. Today, Patricia McKelvey is bringing the farm back to its roots. The winery features Steeple View Manor, a meticulously restored stone house, an original barn and all-season pavilion where you can enjoy the beautiful weather, lush landscape and delicious wine. 

The Peculiar Winery
20709 Harper Road
Peculiar, MO 64078

Drive about 30 minutes outside of Kansas City and you’ll discover The Peculiar Winery. This family-owned, family-friendly winery offers a selection of handcrafted wines and a light food menu. You can relax on their large patio or inside their spacious tasting room. The winery features weekly live music and food trucks. The 15-acre winery produces a variety of grape and fruit wines, ranging from dry to sweet. 

All four of these wineries participate in the Missouri Winery Visitors Program. Not an MVP? Visit our website to learn about the program that rewards you for visiting Missouri wineries.

There’s always so much more to explore in Missouri wine country. And with fall just around the corner, now is the perfect time to discover the adventure that awaits you at Missouri’s wineries.

Fall is on its way and we couldn’t be more excited to spend the season in Missouri wine country.  Many of our wineries have upcoming events that we know you will enjoy.

Adam Puchta Winery
September 13 and October 4 visit the winery for Grill Your Own Steak Night.

Sit back and enjoy live music every Saturday in September and October.

Oktoberfest comes to the winery every weekend in October.

Save the date! November 1 is the 9th Annual Doe Camp benefitting the Hermann Area Crusade Against Cancer, as well as, Just Call Me Ray Foundation.

Augusta Winery
Friday Night Live will take place on September 6 from 6-9 p.m. This event will host the last of the Summer Concert Series featuring the Paulo Small Band, summer wine cocktails, swag giveaways, short round wine trivia, BYO yard games and fresh baked pizza (or you can pack your own delicious snacks.)

Hot Jazz & a Heroine book signing featuring author Camille Faye will be September 7 from 1-5 p.m. Camille will sign copies of her newest book in the Voodoo Butterfly series from 2-4 p.m. Enjoy southern-inspired wine cocktails while listening to live music from the FoA jazz band.

October 26 from 1-5 p.m. Augusta Winery will host their 9th Annual Hallo-Wine Party. Go dressed in your Halloween attire, play games, enjoy candy and wine pairings, swing to the music of the FoA band and sip on their festive wine cocktails. This event is family-friendly.

Does your doe need a survival kit for deer season? Grab a kit and stock up on wine while enjoying happy hour specials at the Pre-Season Doe’s Day Out November 2 from 1-4 p.m. Shop the tasting room, check out local vendors and take a chance at winning prizes.

For more information on Augusta Winery’s events, visit their website.

Dale Hollow Winery
Enjoy live music and a food truck on Dale Hollow Winery’s beautiful property September 14. There will also be live music on September 28 and October 12. For more information on the performers, click here.

Hemman Winery
The annual Grape Stomping Contest is near! Visit Hemman Winery on October 5 and 6 to compete for your chance to become a member of The Purple Foot Club.

Jowler Creek Vineyard and Winery
Dip your toes into a barrel full of juicy red grapes at the 9th Annual Grape Stomp on September 6-8 and 13-15. After the work is done, you will enjoy an evening of good company, a light dinner and of course, wine!

What’s better than Fall Winetasting Hayrides? Experiencing the best that Fall has to offer as you hop on a lantern-lit hay wagon and ride around the vineyard at night, all while tasting Jowler Creek Vineyard and Winery’s wines along the way. Visit the winery’s event page for dates and times.

Enjoy live music? Jowler Creek Winery offers live music every Friday and Saturday night.

Les Bourgeois Vineyards
Take part in a grape stomp, listen to live music and enjoy activities for the whole family at the Crush Festival October 5-6. More events can be found here.

OakGlenn Vineyards and Winery
Live music, dancing, picnic food and beverages are just a few things you can find at OakGlenn Vineyards and Winery on Saturdays in September. Check out their online calendar to see who the live talent is going to be.

St. James Winery
You’re invited to the Third Annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 13 in The Gardens, a beautiful backyard between the winery and brewery. This is a free, family-friendly Italian heritage event that celebrates the bountiful harvest of the Meramec Highlands. Enjoy live music, good food, great drinks and family-friendly activities while you shop around from local vendors.

Stone Hill Winery
Don’t miss your chance to take a special VIP winery tour during Grapes to Glass on September 14 and November 9. Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine in a take home souvenir glass when you check in. Guests will experience a behind the scenes tour and explore Stone Hill’s onsite Norton vineyard, cellars, tank building and press house while learning a few secrets to their winemaking success. Purchase tickets here.

Oktoberfest is coming to Stone Hill Winery not once, not twice, but eight times. Visit their event page for all the dates.

The Peculiar Winery
Be a part of the winery’s first ever Oktoberfest celebration October 5 from 3-6 p.m. Live polka music by The Alpen Spielers and pizza from KC Fooditude are just a couple things that will be offered at this event.

Tipple Hill Winery
Assemble your stomping team of four and get your costumes ready. Registration for the Grape Stomp and Harvest Party on October 5 from 5-9 p.m. is open! Enjoy food made from scratch, costume and stomp contests and music by Curtis Stroud Band.

Ever wanted to attend a Murder Mystery dinner party? Now is your chance. Tipple Hill Winery will host one on October 25. Keep an eye on their website for more details to come.

Additional Missouri wine country and wine trail events include:

September

3-7 - St. James Grape and Fall Festival

6-8 – 5th Annual Hermann Wine and Jazz Festival

14 - 7th Annual Independence Uncorked Wine Festival

20-21 - Augusta's Harvest Festival

21 – Carrollton Wine and Beer Walkabout

21 – Rocheport Wine Stroll

28 – Wine and Brews on The Avenues

October

Weekends in October - Oktoberfest in Hermann

12 - Hollister Grape and Fall Festival

19 – 6th Annual Clinton Wine Stroll

November

2–3 - Missouri River Wine Trail’s Sip & Soup

9 – Mississippi River Hills Wine Trail’s Taste of an Ozark Holiday  

 *This information is based on wineries that responded to a survey so it may not include all Missouri winery events.

Harvest, festivals and special events… it must be Missouri Wine Month!

September is a very special month in Missouri. The weather is great and there is so much to do to celebrate Missouri Wine Month. We also enjoy using this time to showcase the amazing impact Missouri wines have on the economy.

According to our 2017 study, the local wine industry is consistently on the rise in so many ways. The annual economic impact of wine and grapes on the state is $3.2 billion (that’s a $1.4 billion dollar increase from 2015). The industry supports more than 28,000 full-time jobs and sells 1.16 million gallons of wine every year. With 1,700 acres of grapes and 425 growers, harvest is a very exciting time in the vineyards of Missouri. Winemakers and vineyard managers work tirelessly to produce an amazing product for their consumers, and they will all tell you that it’s, without a doubt, worth the work.

The 2019 Missouri Wine Competition winners were announced recently. You’ll definitely want to try these truly spectacular wines before they’re gone!

We invite you to celebrate Missouri Wine Month by attending fabulous events offered by our wonderful wineries and wine trails.

Get your ticket to fabulous Missouri wine adventures this fall with the “MO Wines and MO Winners” Scratchers tickets. Purchase your Missouri wine-themed Scratchers tickets for the chance to win cash prizes starting Monday, August 26 at retail locations throughout the state. 

Use the My Lottery Players Club App to scan the barcode on any winning or non-winning Missouri Lottery Scratchers ticket. Each scan will add points to your account. Redeem these points for the chance to win an “Escape to Missouri Wine Country” grand prize which includes wonderful experiences in one of three beautiful destinations – Augusta, Excelsior Springs or Hermann.

Keep an eye on the Missouri Lottery Facebook page for an opportunity to win one-of-a-kind regional gift baskets featuring select items from Missouri wineries and their surrounding communities.

Each year, the Missouri Lottery provides millions of dollars to support the public education system. In 2018, the Missouri Lottery contributed more than $306 million to schools. Visit the Missouri Lottery’s website to learn more about the “MO Wines and MO Winners” Scratchers ticket promotion.

When the lights go out at Defiance Ridge Vineyards, there’s an old soul that likes to stick around and keep an eye on things. Rain or shine, Heath has been tending to the 42-acre property for the past 17 years. You won’t see him behind the tasting bar or caring for vines in the vineyard. You’re more likely to find this regular fixture in his natural environment – the winery’s lake. Heath is a swan. The beautiful bird has endeared himself to many over the years, so when it came time to select a name for the winery’s Vignoles, the decision was easy.

The wine label for Heath's Off Dry Vignoles features the creative talent of two artists. The Vignoles grapevine predominantly displayed on the front is by plein air artist Allison Laupp. The lower-left design, the winery’s secondary logo, is by Justin Gillentine. The letters "D," "R" and "V" represent the name of the winery, while the “X” symbolizes the Katy Trail railroad tracks. The arrowhead above the letter "D" stands for the Femme Osage Indian area where the winery is located. A grape cluster completes the label’s front design, while a photo of Heath, the winery’s mascot, is featured on the back.

Defiance Ridge Vineyards is easily accessible off Highway 94. The winery is located in a historic farmhouse and features a beautiful view of the Missouri River Valley. Step inside the tasting room and experience delicious wines including Heath’s Off Dry Vignoles, a gold medal winner at the 2019 Missouri Wine Competition. Whether you’re inside or outside on the winery’s terrace or veranda, save room for the winery’s mouth-watering vineyard to table cuisine. And, if you get the chance, take a stroll by the lake and meet the infamous bird that inspired the name of an award-winning wine.

In celebration of Vignoles month, we invite you to cut the heat with these white wine recipes.

Vignoles and Brie Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 4 tsp butter
• 1/2 lb mushrooms, sliced
• 1 diced onion
• 4 tsp flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup Missouri Vignoles wine
• 8 oz Brie cheese, rind removed
• 1 cup heavy cream
• salt
• pepper

Directions

Sauté mushrooms, onion and garlic in butter until tender. Add flour and cook one minute, stirring constantly. Add broth and wine then bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes. Add cream and Brie. Simmer until cheese melts. Season to taste.


Delicious and Easy Peachy Vignoles Trifle

Vignoles is a popular white wine in Missouri. It’s super fruity and refreshing and pairs well with a long list of foods. Fresh fruit is a particularly good match for Vignoles. Fresh peaches are featured in this recipe for Peachy Vignoles Trifle, and it’s sure to be a huge hit at your next gathering. Vignoles wines are made in a wide range of sweetness levels but the most common is semi-sweet, which is what we used in this simple and quick treat.

Time: 30 minutes | Serves: 12-16 people

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups Missouri Vignoles
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 5 large peaches (optional: 1 extra for garnish)
• 1 package instant French vanilla pudding
• 2 cups milk (amount may vary slightly depending on the pudding brand)
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 4 tbsp powdered/confectioner sugar
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Pound cake (Frozen is fine, but thaw it before preparing the trifle.)

Directions
In a medium saucepan, bring wine and sugar to a low boil and simmer until the liquid is reduced by half, about 10-12 minutes. Let cool when finished. While the wine is simmering, prepare your other layer components. If you prefer your peaches skinless, wash them and cut a shallow X in the bottom. Submerge them in boiling water for one minute. Carefully remove them from the boiling water and put them directly into a bowl of ice water. Once they’ve cooled, the skins will slide right off. If you don’t mind the skin on your peaches, skip this step and go right to removing the pit and chopping the fruit into bite size pieces.

In a large bowl, prepare the French vanilla pudding according to package instructions. Cut pound cake into one-inch cubes. In a medium bowl, beat cream, vanilla extract and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. (Not sure what constitutes a stiff peak, check out this guide.) Fold half of the whip cream into the pudding just until mixed. When the Vignoles syrup is cool, stir it into the peaches. Begin layering your trifle! Make a nice full layer of pound cake, top with peaches and half the juice/wine/syrup liquid. (This yumminess will soak into the pound cake and be amazing.) Add a layer of creamy pudding, then repeat: cake, fruit/juice, pudding. (Optional: At this point in the process, you can add thin slices of peach around the top of the dish for a lovely garnish.) Spoon or pipe the remaining whip cream on top to finish it off.

This dessert is delicious immediately or it can be made up to a day ahead of time and kept covered in the refrigerator. Enjoy a heaping scoop with a glass of Missouri Vignoles.

Vignoles Marinated Grilled Fruit Skewers

Looking for a delicious treat this grilling season? Look no further. Fruit marinated in Missouri Vignoles white wine, grilled and topped with a mascarpone sauce is a delicious dish perfect as a dessert or side dish.

Time: 20 minutes active, 2 hours inactive | Yield: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

• 4 peaches
• 4 pears
• 2 cups Missouri Vignoles (semi-sweet white wine)
• ½ cup mascarpone
• 2 oz orange juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• Fresh mint (optional garnish)

Directions

Soak 12-15 skewers in warm water for 10-30 minutes. Wash and cut the peaches and pears into large slices. (Tip: Ripe but still slightly firm fruit is best for this recipe as it will soften some when marinated and cooked.) Assemble the skewers, alternating between the peach and pear slices. Marinate the fruit in Missouri Vignoles for 1-2 hours.

While the fruit marinates, make the sauce by whisking together the marscarpone, orange juice and honey, adding additional orange juice until it reaches the desired consistency.

Grill the fruit skewers for 1-2 minutes on each side. Leave them on the grill just long enough to sear both sides; you don’t want to overcook the fruit. Remove the skewers from the grill, allow to cool slightly, drizzle with the sauce, garnish with fresh mint and enjoy!

Vignoles Wine Slushy

Your new favorite summer sipper is here! Beat the heat of August with a Missouri wine slushy. Wine slushies can be made two ways. You can combine cold wine with frozen fruit in a blender, or you can freeze wine in ice cube trays and blend it with fresh fruit. Whichever method you choose, you’re in for a delicious, refreshing treat! There are practically endless flavor combinations, but because August is Vignoles Month, this recipe uses Missouri’s favorite white wine.

Time: 5 minutes | Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 10 oz frozen peaches 
• 10 oz frozen strawberries 
• 1 bottle semi-sweet Vignoles wine, chilled

Directions
Put frozen peaches in blender. Add half the bottle of Missouri Vignoles. Blend fruit and wine until smooth and slushy. Pour into a bowl or pitcher and set aside. Place frozen strawberries in blender. Add the remaining Missouri wine. Blend until smooth and slushy. Pour slushies into glasses 2-3 ounces at a time, alternating between the flavors. Enjoy! 

We hope you try one of these delicious recipes featuring one of Missouri’s favorite white wines - Vignoles.