September 21, 2017
Prior to Prohibition, Hermann alone was home to more than 60 wineries. While it took several decades to recover, Missouri wine country is back in full force and continues to grow and evolve. There are more than 130 wineries to discover across the Show Me state, six of which are new. One great way to explore Missouri wine country is through wine trails, a grouping of wineries that have come together to offer a unique and exciting local wine experience. There are now 12 wine trails in the state, two of which are brand new. Whether you’re new to the Missouri wine scene or a loyal Missouri wine enthusiast, there is always something new and interesting to discover at area wineries.
New Missouri Wineries
- Backyard Vine & Wine is located in the Northwest corner of Missouri just outside of Maryville and offers a variety of wines. Their varietal wines are produced from grapes grown on the property and range from sweet to dry. Guests may enjoy their wines outdoors with beautiful country views or in the tasting room built from wood sourced on the property.
- Dale Hollow Winery is a family-owned and operated winery located in Stover. The winery’s vision began with two brothers, Asher and Jesse. The 12 acres of vineyards overlooked by the winery include eight red and white varietals. They believe good wine starts with quality grapes, and their mission is to achieve this through hard work.
- Four Horses and a Dog Vineyard & Winery is a small winery in Excelsior Springs. They grow Chancellor, Chambourcin, Noiret, Crimson Cabernet and Vignoles grapes from which they produce award-winning wines ranging in sweetness and style. Their indoor tasting room opened in April, but they prefer to focus more on outdoor "with the vines" tastings.
- Hummingbird Vineyard and Winery in Mexico is a small and self-proclaimed “just-finding-its-way” winery determined to grow and use only Missouri grapes. The winery is located in the country down a quiet gravel road where you can relax and enjoy nature while sitting in the shade or sun, enjoying a glass of local wine.
- Lake Creek Winery is a beautiful place with picturesque views, patios, gardens and a fully restored farmhouse. The winery offers Missouri wines with attention given to producing wines that stand the test of time and pay homage to the region and the owners’ German heritage.
- Lewsi Winery isn’t exactly new, but rather has been reimagined in a new location. Lewsi Winery moved across the state from southwest to southeast and is now a small mom and pop operation located in historic downtown Sainte Genevieve. Their wine is hand crafted in small batches to ensure the highest quality, satisfying pallets from dry to semi-sweet. The winery includes an adjoining store of upcycled items “for the love of wine” which is called Lewsi Re_Wined.
New Missouri Wine Trails:
- The WineStein Trail is located in the northwest part of Missouri. Along the trail you will enjoy the beautiful scenery of small-town Missouri between each of the locations. Whether you’re following the trail on your own or attending an event, you’re sure to have a good time.
- Wineries on the trail:
- The Meramec River Wine Trail is nestled between the beauty of the Ozark Highlands and the picturesque waterways of the Meramec River. Visit the trail to sample the varying styles and history each area has cultivated.
- Wineries on the trail:
- Belmont Vineyards & Winery
- Eagles' Landing
- Heinrichshaus Vineyard & Winery
- Meramec Vineyards
- Peaceful Bend Vineyards (Reopening in an interim tasting room on September 30th while rebuilding from a fire last fall.)
- Red Moose Vineyard
- St. James Winery
- Three Squirrels Winery
- Wineries on the trail:
The history of Missouri wine country gives the local wine industry a strong and fascinating foundation, but our future is motivated by the passionate and hardworking wineries in the state. Head out to wine country and discover why Missouri wine is worth the work.