Did you know that growing and tending grapevines in Missouri wine country is a year-round process? Those who grow and harvest grapes in Missouri work to ensure that vines are well-kept and produce quality grapes that make our award-winning wines.

Take a look at the lifecycle of a grapevine and the work that goes into keeping it healthy and productive.

Winter Pruning

Pruning is an important step in the vineyard during winter months and typically takes place after the coldest winter temperatures have passed. Pruning and training grapevines allows for the development of full, flavorful grape clusters in the summer months of the following year.

Read our article on pruning to learn more about this process.

Spring Budding

Just as the warmth of spring awakens many plants across the Show-Me State, grapevine buds swell and break open to reveal the vine’s first leaves as temperatures warm in the vineyards. These buds will eventually grow into shoots.

Our article on bud break explains this process in greater detail.

Spring Flowering

As spring begins to turn to summer, grapevines across Missouri wine country begin to show signs of flowering. Flowers, which will later turn into grape berries, begin to emerge from their caps and bloom.

Learn more about flowering in our article on vineyards in bloom.

Summer Fruit Set

Summer leads to the beginning of one of the most exciting times in the vineyard, the development of grape berries. The flowers that opened and bloomed in the spring will turn into a seed that develops a berry to protect itself. Fruit set is the time when the bounty of a year’s crop can be determined.

To learn more about fruit set, read our article on how a new vintage emerges.

Summer Veraison

As fruit set concludes, grapes change color in a process called veraison. Veraison is when the berries on a grape cluster soften and assume their varietal-specific color. This is also an indicator that harvest is fast approaching.

Our article on veraison details this exciting time.

Fall Harvest

Harvest is a time of excitement in Missouri wine country, and is one of the busiest times for wineries. The months of August, September and October are generally the main timeframe for harvest in Missouri vineyards. During harvest, grape clusters are removed from the vine (either by hand or machine) and begin their journey through the winemaking process.

Our recent article on harvest describes the differences between machine and hand-harvest.

The best way to experience the lifecycle of a grapevine is to visit a Missouri winery and see the vineyards for yourself. Find a winery near you today!

Fall is the perfect time to visit Missouri wine country. Crisp days and fall foliage call for a visit to scenic Missouri wineries where you can sip award-winning wines and gaze upon breathtaking sights. Traveling to Missouri wine country in the fall is just as mesmerizing as the wines you’ll enjoy when you arrive. The Show-Me State brings out its finest fall colors for display along the state’s rolling hills and highways - when planning your next visit to a Missouri winery, make sure to include these scenic drives.

Highway 94 south of St. Louis weaves through the United States’ first American Viticultural Area (AVA) and is dotted with award-winning wineries.

• Augusta Winery
• Balducci Vineyards
• Blumenhof Vineyards & Winery
• Chandler Hills Vineyard
• Defiance Ridge Vineyards
• Montelle Winery
• Mount Pleasant Estates
• Noboleis Vineyards
• Sugar Creek Winery

Highway 100 between Hermann and New Haven is sure to impress with a scenic view of the Missouri River and historic wineries.

• Adam Puchta Winery
• Bias Winery & Gruhlke’s Microbrewery
• Hermannhof Winery
• Kuenzel Valley Winery
• Martin Brothers Winery
• OakGlenn Winery
• Röbller Vineyard and Winery
• Stone Hill Winery

Highway 24 north of Interstate 70 and east of Kansas City is laden with welcoming wineries and countryside views.

• Baltimore Bend Vineyard
• Fahrmeier Family Vineyards
• Mallinson Vineyard and Hall
• Terre Beau Winery
• Top Hat Winery

Historic Route 66 is known as the “mother road” and will lead travelers on a historic journey sprinkled with wineries.

(Southeast)

• Belmont Vineyards
• Claverach Farm & Vineyards
• Eagles’ Landing
• Heinrichhaus Vineyard and Winery
• Meramec Vineyards
• St. James Winery

(Southwest)

• Tyler Ridge Vineyard Winery

Make the most of your fall trips in Missouri wine country by taking advantage of the Missouri Winery Visitors Program (MVP), where you can be rewarded for your exploration of the state’s 125+ wineries. Click here to learn more about MVP and register today!

Grab the latest edition of the Missouri Winery Guide and take one of these scenic fall drives around Missouri wine country.

Located along a winding creek in the beautiful Frene Valley just two miles southwest of Hermann, you will find the Adam Puchta Winery (pronounced pook-tah.) Adam Puchta and his son, Henry, founded the winery 165 years ago in 1855. The winery is now run by the Puchta family’s 6^th and 7^th generations, making it the oldest continuously family-owned winery in the United States.

Pictured: Founder Johann “Adam” Puchta and granddaughter Pearl, 1904

In 1990, after prohibition, Randolph (5^th generation) and son Tim (6^th generation) reopened the winery. Tim, who was once a respiratory therapist, utilized his chemistry and medical background in the winemaking process at the winery. They started by planting three acres of Norton grapes, restored the original wine cellar for use with modern tanks and equipment and renovated the original stone home into a tasting room and gift shop. The following year the winery released its first vintage of Norton, Vidal Blanc and Seyval Blanc. The original wine list consisted of Hunter’s Red, Misty Valley, Blush and Adam’s Choice, three of which are still available today. In addition to the originals, there are nearly 20 more wine varieties ensuring there’s something for everyone. 

Puchta family 6 ^th and 7 ^th generation pictured with the 2020 wine offerings.
Left to right: Spencer, Tim and Parker Puchta

Tim Puchta paints a beautiful picture of life at the winery. From working alongside his father, enjoying his mother’s delicious cooking, to raising his own children there – two sons, Spencer and Parker. Some of his fondest memories were digging out an old cellar by hand with a pick axe, playing flashlight tag with his boys and enjoying bison and ostrich dinners prepared by his mom. It’s no surprise that Tim’s sons have a vested interest in the success and future of the winery.  Parker went to culinary school and is now the Operations Manager for the winery, while Spencer, with a degree in hotel and restaurant management, helps out whenever possible getting away from his day job. Both boys were brought up knowing the history of the winery and its importance to the Puchta family legacy ... but also in the wine culture of good food and wine, which was a big part of their everyday lives.

Tim Puchta evaluating the Norton vines in 1996.

There have been many changes at Adam Puchta Winery over the years. What was once a four-person staff is now a team of 15 full time employees. Today, working at Adam Puchta Winery is more than a job. You can make a career there. Other changes include turning the old cellar into a popular bistro, bringing mobile bottling on-site, switching to screwcaps and adding a mobile slushie trailer, an idea brought to life by Parker. The winery is ever-changing with each generation that comes in. They are always looking for ways to work more efficiently and give customers the best experience possible. Tim reminds us that in today’s world, it’s unique to have something that can be passed down from generation to generation.

Adam Puchta Winery 1979 vs 2020

Many family-owned businesses were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the Adam Puchta Winery found ways to stay afloat. Parker’s culinary background and the 1855 Cellar Bistro proved to be a pivotal strength for the winery. When many regional restaurants temporarily closed their doors, the winery’s curbside dinner specials became a much-needed resource for the community. Customers could also pick up wine by the bottle, case or their popular wine slushie mixes by the jug. This unfamiliar time allowed the winery to restructure and get creative,while utilizing their ample outdoor seating in a manner by which patrons were still able to visit while social distancing. In fact, people road-tripped from hours away to sit back, relax and enjoy a glass of award-winning wine.

Adam Puchta’s expansive wine offerings, 2020

Adam Puchta Winery knows how to throw an event. Many of their happenings are annual and include special wine dinners, holiday celebrations, festivals and their very own Doe Camp. Doe Camp is a fundraiser that helps to raise money to support local residents who have been afflicted with cancer and has been doing so for 10 years.

Sharing samples of the newly released Mull It Over seasonal spiced wine.

There are many accomplishments and accolades for the Puchta family to be proud of.  However, for Tim, it’s not just about the hundreds of awards won, but it’s the history itself and the ability to carry on the legacy of fine winemaking, that makes him most proud. It is a big deal and cause of much elation to be celebrating the winery’s 165^th anniversary during the month of October 2020. The celebration starts with Grill Your Own Steak Night and Fish Fry and will include wine specials and just overall good fun throughout the month.  Guests will have the opportunity to purchase a limited-edition, special anniversary release of “1855,” their sherry style wine, while supplies last.

Limited edition 1855 sherry to commemorate the 165 ^th winery anniversary.

What does the future hold for Adam Puchta Winery? A wine club will soon launch and Parker has dreams of creating a wine library that club members will have special access to. There is definitely a big vision for the future and while we wait to watch it unfold one thing is for sure, the Puchta legacy will continue to live on and customers can continue to experience and appreciate their love of family.

Photos courtesy of Adam Puchta Winery.

With Missouri wines, there’s an option for everyone and a perfect pairing for every craving. Want to wow your palate? Try these unexpected food and Missouri wine pairings to shock and surprise your senses. Whether you’re looking for something sweet, salty or altogether outrageous, there’s a Missouri wine that will complement your treat of choice.

Get the most out of your remaining summer garden with this easy, cheesy squash gratin. Zucchini and yellow squash strips, along with tomatoes and plenty of cheese, are cooked in Missouri wine and fresh green onions until bubbly golden goodness ensues.

Prep Time: 1 hour

Bake Time: 30 minutes

Serves 4 people

Ingredients:

2 medium yellow squash
2 medium zucchini
3 green onions, bulbs and green tender parts finely sliced into rounds
¹/₃ cup Vidal Blanc white wine
2 Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced
¹/₄ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1¹/₂ cups finely shredded Swiss cheese
¹/₄ cup crumbled Feta cheese
Coarse salt
Pepper

Preheat oven to 425 degrees and slice the squash and zucchini lengthwise using a mandoline or Y-peeler. The vegetables should look like long, thin strips. Place slices on a single layer on baking sheets. Using a pastry brush, coat the vegetables with olive oil and sprinkle with the Swiss cheese. Let the strips rest and absorb the oil for about 5 minutes.

  

Heat one tablespoon of oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add sliced green onions and cook until browned, stirring occasionally. Add the wine and cook until reduced, or about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and pour into the bottom of a 9-inch round baking dish or pie plate.

Take one zucchini strip and roll it tightly, and place it in the center of the baking dish or plate. Take one squash strip and roll it tightly around the rolled zucchini strip. Continue to wrap the vegetable strips around each other, alternating between the zucchini and squash until a wheel shape forms in the baking dish (see photo).

Tuck the tomato slices between the vegetable layers, and sprinkle the remaining Swiss cheese and the feta cheese on top of the vegetables. Season the  dish with desired amounts of salt and pepper, and bake for 30 minutes or until cheese is golden and bubbly.

Enjoy this dish as a side at your next gathering, and share your results with us using #MoWine!

 

The leaves are starting to change, the weather is getting cooler and fall wine country events are on the calendar. Bring a friend, family member or come solo to experience all that these events have to offer. Below is a list of events you won't want to miss this season.

Adam Puchta Winery

APW has live music every Saturday and Sunday in September and October. Listen along on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

A Mulled Wine release will take place on September 18! This special wine is aptly named Mull It Over. Start the celebration with happy hour from 4-6:00 p.m. followed by their limited-edition wine release party until 8:00 p.m. The 1855 Cellar Bistro will be open until 8:00 p.m. Don’t miss live music by Bryan Copeland.

September 25 from 6-10:00 p.m. is the beloved 10^th Annual Doe Camp cancer fundraiser. Twice Baked band will perform live and there will be raffles, auction, vendors, food and more - all to beat cancer.

Grill Your Own Steak Night and Fish Fry is coming to APW on October 2 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. with live music by Steve Leslie. This night will kick off Adam Puchta’s month-long celebration of their 165-year anniversary. They will start the celebration with a special, limited-edition wine release available while supplies last.

Augusta Winery

Show off your favorite costume, play games and sip on festive wine cocktails at Augusta Winery’s 10^th Annual Hallo-Wine celebration on Saturday, October 31, from 1-5:00 p.m. This event is family-friendly so please keep the costumes PG-rated.

Shop your favorite vendors and small businesses while you sip on some Hot Apple Pie or a glass of your favorite Augusta wine and enjoy the season's last live music performance during Doe's Day Out on Saturday, November 14, from 1-4:00 p.m.

Some call it Black Friday, Augusta Winery calls it Wine Friday! Enjoy specials on cases, merchandise, winter rentals, private tasting certificates and more to celebrate the un-official kickoff of the holiday season on Friday, November 27, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Dale Hollow Winery

Join Dale Hollow Winery in commemorating their 5-year anniversary! They will be celebrating this milestone in their favorite way possible - with wine, music and food.

Chuck Wagon will have food available beginning at noon. Jackson Fischer will take the stage at 2:00 p.m. There will be freebies of some sort to commemorate the day and say thank you to all of our loyal customers.

Harvest & Harmony event will take place on Saturday, October 10. Enjoy live music from 2-5:00 p.m. and a food truck from 12-5:00 p.m.

Edg-Clif Vineyard, Winery and Brewery

For their grape friends, Edg-Clif is hosting Grape Harvesting events every weekend from September 5 to 27. Swing by between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Saturdays and enjoy a hotdog lunch, live music from 1-4:00 p.m. and opportunities to learn more about their winemaking process and "experience the crush!"

Are you part of the Hand Picked Wine Club? There will be a VIP harvesting experience event on September 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This includes a catered lunch, live music and complimentary bottle of wine for club members.

Also for the Hand Picked Wine Club, the Annual Chili Cook-Off is happening October 24 from 1-4:00 p.m. Complete with prizes, the day’s events include hayrides, live music and s’mores at the Fire Pit. Club Members also get a free wine tasting and bottle of wine to take home.

*Annual fee to be a member of the Hand Picked Wine Club.

Hemman Winery

Hemman Winery’s annual Grape Stomping Contest will take place the first weekend of October. Teams of two will battle to become the newest member of the Purple Foot Club. Sign up here.

Hummingbird Vineyard and Winery

Who doesn’t love live music? Sit back, relax and listen to Becky Denton and Travis Feutz on Saturday, September 12, from 5-9:00 p.m. and Ron Ochsner on Saturday, October 3, from 5-8:00 p.m.

Jowler Creek Winery

Hop on a hay wagon and ride around the vineyard and property while tasting Jowler Creek’s wines. You’ll learn about both the wines and you’ll learn about the history of Jowler Creek along the way! Hayrides are happenin’ every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from September 25 to November 1.

Tickets for the Winetasting Hayrides are $15/person (each rider MUST have a purchased ticket) and include the hayride, a tasting of 5 wines and a souvenir wine glass.

LaChance Vineyards

Bask in the beauty of 15 Missouri artists’ work on Sunday, September 20, at LaChance Vineyard’s Kimmswick location art show.

It’s that time again, time for a Hallowine celebration! Enjoy live music by Scottie Kemp at the Kimmswick location on Saturday, October 10.

Head over to LaChance Vineyard’s DeSoto location on Friday, October 16, for the 6^th Annual Hallowine celebration featuring music by SweetWater Holler.

Lost Creek Vineyard

Friday, September 18, from 7-8:30 p.m. join Lost Creek’s very own vintner, Larry Frichtel, together with Martin Weber, master distiller at Edelbrand Pure Distilling, for an evening of tasting, talking grapes and learning what goes on behind the scenes before it goes in the bottle. These local tastemakers are creating award-winning wines and spirits from Lost Creek Vineyard’s bounty. Starting on the porch and ending in the vineyard, enjoy aperitifs with appetizers, wines paired with local nosh, and fruit brandy with espresso and chocolate. Attendance will be limited to 30 people with socially responsible precautions in place for a relaxed evening to linger and savor. The event will be held rain or shine, using their big, beautiful tent if necessary. An Evening with Our Tastemakers event is $25 person with advanced reservations required.

Mount Pleasant Estates

Enjoy the great outdoors with concerts every Saturday and Sunday featuring a wide variety of music to appeal to everyone's tastes.

Noboleis Vineyards

Noboleis Vineyards offer live music every Saturday and Sunday from 12-4:00 p.m through October!

If you are a Wine Club member, you’ve got two more events to look forward to this year. Coming up on September 12 is the Sensory 301: Sensory Deprivation event! Wine Club manager, Bryan will be showing members how a loss of sight can affect how we taste and smell. Each sense plays a key role in how we interpret taste. The final event of the year for club members is always a Wine Club dinner. Noboleis Vineyards will prepare a special dinner with a local chef and pair the courses with their wines. This event is scheduled for November 7.

Peaceful Bend Vineyard

Peaceful Bend is hosting live music on Saturday afternoons from 2-5:00 p.m. in their outdoor wine garden.  There is no cover charge to attend.

They will also be featuring an outdoor concert by Ashtyn Barbaree on Friday, September 25, at 7:00 p.m.  Tickets will be available online for the concert by September 11.

Lastly, Peaceful Bend is hosting their monthly open mics on the second Wednesday of every month beginning at 6:00 p.m.  All are welcome to perform, or just come to listen to others showcase their talent.  No charge nor reservations needed to attend.

Their fall menu will roll out on September 19, so be sure to stop by and sample all the new items from their menu (or stick with one of their tried-and-true favorites!)

Serenity Valley Winery

Volks in the Valley will be held on the beautiful grounds of Serenity Valley Winery September 11-13. Volkswagen lovers and those interested in VWs are welcome to stop by and visit with the winery owners. There is a lot of space at the winery and plenty of room to spread out.  This is a great opportunity to bring together the Serenity Valley Winery family for another great camping experience in the middle of the state. C Rock City will perform live on Saturday night and wine and beer tastings will again be available. They will have yard and board games available at the site.

Enjoy an unforgettable night of Goat Yoga on Friday, September 11, at 6:30 p.m. Reservations are required.

Camping is available on site for $20.00 for one night or $30.00 for both nights.

Stone Hill Winery

Stone Hill Winery hosts live music every Saturday from now until the end of October at no charge to you.

 

September is Missouri Wine Month, and a perfect opportunity to explore Missouri’s unique wine country. We’ve got seven reasons why you need to visit Missouri wine country this month – or any time of year!

 

1. Palate-Pleasing Wines for All

Missouri’s award-winning wine lineup is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you prefer sweet or dry wines (or something in the middle,) there’s a Missouri wine you’ll love. If you have a penchant for fruit wines or meads, there’s plenty of wineries that offer them. Searching for slushes or craving a canned concoction? Missouri wine country offers vino in a variety of vessels. From standard varietals like Norton and Vignoles, to proprietary blends and dessert wines, the options are endless. Learn more about Missouri’s grape varietals here.

2. Unbeatable Views and Seating

Wineries across the state offer spacious seating and unbeatable atmosphere for guests to enjoy fresh air, clear skies and great company. Sip delectable wines among expansive gardens, along the bluffs of the Missouri River, or amid scenic views of foliage and vineyards. Even from cozy indoor seating areas, guests can enjoy Missouri wine country’s breathtaking scenery on crisp fall days. Our amenity listings for all 125+ Missouri wineries can help you plan your next excursion to take in the sights and sips at the winery of your choice.

3. Experiences That Excite

Where else can you play disc golf, enjoy wine in a cave or take in scenic views? Only in Missouri wine country. Besides award-winning wines, Missouri’s wineries offer attractions and opportunities that excite and amaze. Pools, chess boards, boat access and more await you in Missouri wine country. Looking for some behind-the-scenes action or education on how your favorite varietal gets from vine to wine? Many wineries offer exclusive tours and educational events to expand your wine wisdom.

4. Events, Festivals, and Trails, Oh My!

Whether you’re looking for an evening out of the house or a weekend-long excursion, there’s always something to do in Missouri wine country. Check out one of our 11 wine trails to discover a pre-planned wine adventure. Do festivals, fairs or live music fit your style? Many wineries offer these events and much more – check out the event calendar on our website, or follow your favorite winery on social media to learn more. Stop in for a crush festival during harvest season, or sip and shop during a holiday event in Missouri wine country.

5. Staycation Escapes

Need a break from the daily grind, but don’t want to travel far? Missouri wine country offers ample accommodations to fit your needs. Enjoy the personal touches and proximity to nearby wineries by sipping and staying local. Picturesque cottages, villas and bed-and-breakfast facilities welcome visitors for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. For those on the adventurous side, treehouse abodes, camping facilities and spooky stays may be just what you’re looking for. To learn more about lodging options in Missouri wine country, make sure to take a look at your copy of the latest Missouri Winery Guide.

6. Pals and Paws Welcome

Missouri wine country is the perfect getaway for pals and pets alike. Missouri wineries are a great place to gather with friends and enjoy award-winning wine together. Celebrate friendships new and old, and meet other Missouri wine fans on your next visit to a winery in the state. Missouri wineries are also a great place to interact with Missouri wines’ furry fans – a number of wineries are pet-friendly, and some locations even have their own resident pets. Where else can you enjoy your favorite wine with your two- and four-legged friends? Pet-friendly wineries are denoted with a paw icon in our Missouri Winery Guide.

7. Patronage Perks with MVP

Did you know that you can earn rewards for exploring Missouri wine country? With the Missouri Winery Visitors Program (MVP,) you have the opportunity to earn points for your patronage of participating wineries. Those points can be redeemed for exclusive rewards, experiences and sweepstakes entries available only to MVP members. Learn more and sign up to be an MVP before your next excursion to wine country.

 

Now is the perfect time to get out and visit Missouri wineries. Take a trip to a winery near you, or one that’s been on your Missouri wine country bucket list, and make unforgettable memories. Make sure to share your adventures on social media using #MOWines and keep sipping local!