The 5 Best Wineries To Visit In Missouri’s Wine Country
With more than 130 wineries established, the wineries in Missouri’s wine country are unique and worth visiting! Choosing which wineries to go to can be a challenge. Location, events, and entertainment should all be considered when choosing which to visit when wanting a winery day. Here are the best 5 wineries to visit when in Missouri’s wine country.
1. St. James Winery
Located in St. James, Missouri, St. James Winery is the largest winery statewide. With more than 50 years of business, St. James Winery has received more rewards than any other winery in Missouri, including the one out of five gold medals in the country.
St. James Winery specializes in a variety of different wines. The most popular collection of wines is the Heritage Sweet Wines- wines that mirror the story of St. James Winery’s grape growing start-up in the late 1800s by Italian immigrants. Some of the wines included in this popular collection include Velvet Red, Velvet White, Pink Catawba, and Concord Wine.
St. James Winery’s fruit wines are also well-liked. The fruit wine collection scored 90+ points across the board at all international wine competitions. St. James fruit wines include Blackberry, Peach, Strawberry, Mango, and more.
Multiple events are held on the beautiful grounds of this winery including movie nights, marathons, and festivals. It is worth noting that the winery is partnered with their neighboring building, Public House Brewing Company, which offers additional outdoor space and tour opportunities at both locations at once.
With all of these great factors, it’s no wonder that St. James Winery is the most rewarded winery in Missouri’s wine country.
2. Montelle Winery
Montelle Winery is located in Augusta, Missouri, and offers a wide range of award-winning wines and brandy. This particular winery was founded in the year 1970 after restoration took place for the destruction of its vineyards due to the prohibition.
Montelle Winery has received multiple medals for a variety of different wines crafted at their vineyards. Some different wines offered are the 2020 Chardonel, 2020 Seyval Blanc, and the 2018 Norton Wine.
A staple wine choice at Montelle Winery is the Himmelswein Wine. Crafted with several types of grapes, Himmelswein Wine has flavors of green apple, lemonade, peaches, and apricots. A great option for the time in the sun with its refreshing taste!
Montelle Winery is also the first winery in Missouri’s wine country that had a distillery. The four key brandies that Montelle Winery produces are Cherry, Grape, Apple, and Peach Brandy.
Klondike Cafe, located at Montelle Winery, offers a variety of foods that pair beautifully with wines sold at the winery. Sandwiches, cheeses, specialty bread, and pizzas are all offered at Klondike Cafe, giving ample amount of opportunity to find the perfect meal.
The views of this winery are one of the best! With plenty of outdoor patio seating, Montelle Winery overlooks Missouri River Valley which includes vineyards, farmland, and beautiful pastures. This view definitely makes it unique in comparison to other wineries in Missouri’s wine country. This is the perfect space to enjoy the winery’s entertainment and music!
3. Stony Hill Winery
Since being established in 1847, Stony Hill Winery has been a staple in Herman, Missouri. Rich with history, Stony Hill Winery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With seven different operating vineyards, Stony Hill Winery offers a wide variety of wines.
Some wines crafted at Stony Hill Winery include the Jacquesse Kick’n Kosmo, Blackberry, Rose Montaigne, Pink Catawba, and Concord Wine. Multiple wines are finely aged that are at Stony Hill as well. The 2006 Norton Wine is a part of this collection.
On the grounds, the richness of history at Stony Hill Winery can not be missed. Overlooking Herman, Missouri, Stony Hill is the epitome of wineries in Missouri’s wine country.
Stony Hill Winery includes historic buildings, gift shops, underground cellars, and a fine-dining restaurant. The Vintage 1847 Restaurant, located at the winery, specializes in German Cuisine which brings added magic to the grounds.
4. Balducci Vineyards
Balducci Vineyards, located in Augusta, Missouri, is famously known for being voted the best winery in the Missourian’s Readers’ Choice Award for 17 years. Since 2001, this winery has been the place to enjoy wine with consistent entertainment.
With 76 acres included at this location, the open space to sit and enjoy the outdoors is beautiful as many of the wineries in Missouri’s wine country. Balducci Vineyards welcomes many party groups who may be traveling through Missouris wine country. The winery welcomes a wide variety of groups including large family groups, wedding parties, and party buses.
Many wines and craft beers are offered at Balducci Vineyards. Some specialty dry wines include the Vidal Blanc, Aria, Norton, and Natalia. Sweet wines to buy include Dolce and Rosso.
A menu of traditional Italian food is also included at Balducci Vineyards. Paired wonderfully with wine, the menu is full of Italian cuisines, such as light appetizers to dinner courses.
Lastly, Life-sized games are on winery grounds with live entertainment. Unlike many other wineries in Missouri’s wine country, this is the perfect place to visit with family and enjoy wine, food, and the outdoors!
5. Chandler Hill Vineyards
While many wineries in Missouri’s wine country are similar, Chandler Hill Vineyards seems to elevate the winery experience. Chandler Hill Vineyards is located in Defiance, Missouri, and creates a high-class experience.
Since 2008, Chandler Hill Vineyards has been the perfect place to wine and dine. This winery is known to be previously owned by Joeseph Chandler, a free slave who relocated after the Civil War.
Overlooking the Osage Valley, the winery’s deck has views of the vineyards and spring-fed lake with twinkling lights for nighttime use. The beautiful tasting room at Chandler Hill Vineyards features candle-lit ceilings and additional seating.
Chandler Hill also offers vineyard cabanas. Large and small cabanas are included with space to relax in a secluded and cozy location. The cabanas are available for rent and guarantee a day of full service.
There are a variety of wines that are offered at this winery. Pinot Noir, Vignoles, White Blends, and Charddonat are all for grabs at Chandler Hill Vineyards.
Brunch, shared plates, salads, and fireside dinner options are all available at the Chandler Hill Vineyards Restaurant. Fine-dining plates and light menu options are all included at this winery making it a great place to visit and stay for an all-day affair.
