The Missouri Wine and Grape Board is formed. No longer an advisory board, the Wine and Grape Board now directs the marketing and research efforts of the Missouri wine industry.

The Norton/Cynthiana varietal is passed in legislation as Missouri’s official state grape.

The rejuvenation of the Missouri wine industry began slowly and on a very small scale in the 1960s. Two families’ dedication and tenacity brought the industry back to life in their communities. These visionaries worked tirelessly to restore the former historic stature of the state’s wine industry and change the regulatory and cultural landscape of the time. 

The onset of Prohibition dealt a fatal blow to the Missouri wine industry. Many vineyards were destroyed and wineries were closed or converted to other businesses.

Italian immigrants established vineyards in the St. James area of Missouri. Missouri’s wine industry thrived at the turn of the century, with about 100 wineries throughout the state. Wine connoisseurs enjoyed 2 million gallons of Missouri wine each year. Missouri wines began winning international awards and acclaim.

Within a decade, the settlers established nearly sixty wineries in the Hermann area and produced more than 10,000 gallons of wine per year.