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Wines

MO


MO’s wine country may not be the first destination that comes to mind when planning a wine-focused trip, but it’s a region rich with history, diversity, and evolving viniculture that deserves attention. The state’s wine scene has been steadily growing since the 19th century, initially rooted in the traditions of German immigrants who brought their winemaking knowledge to the fertile lands of the Midwest. Today, MO is not only known for its hybrid varieties, such as Norton and Chambourcin, but also for its success with classic vinifera grapes like Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Visitors can expect to find a range of wine styles that reflect both the state’s unique terroir and the innovative approaches of its winemakers.

In MO, you’ll discover everything from robust reds to crisp whites, with wineries producing both dry and sweet wines. The region’s ability to cultivate traditional European vinifera grapes alongside native and hybrid varieties showcases its adaptability and commitment to quality winemaking. Whether you’re a fan of a bold Norton or prefer the familiar notes of a Merlot, MO’s wineries offer a little something for everyone.

An American Viticultural Area (AVA) is a designated wine grape-growing region in the United States distinguishable by geographic features, with boundaries defined by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). Missouri is home to the country’s first designated AVA.

AUGUSTA AVA

The first AVA in the United States was accorded to Augusta, Missouri on June 20, 1980. Seven California districts and one in Oregon had filed applications with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; however, the honor went to the 15 square mile area surrounding Augusta. The bureau cited the unique soil, climate and wines, as well as Augusta’s long history as one of America’s oldest and foremost grape and wine districts. In the mid-1800s German immigrants found the Missouri River area just west of St. Louis to be well suited for growing grapes. Napa Valley was the second AVA named after Augusta on January 28, 1981.

OZARK MOUNTAIN AVA

The Ozark Mountain AVA was established on July 2, 1986 and covers a vast 3,500,000 acres in southern Missouri, extending into northwest Arkansas and northeast Oklahoma. The Ozark Mountain AVA is so large, several smaller AVA’s lay within its borders, including Augusta, Hermann and Ozark Highlands. It is the sixth largest AVA in the United States.

HERMANN AVA

The Hermann AVA was recognized on Auguts 18, 1983 and consists of 51,200 acres in the Hermann area between St. Louis and Jefferson City, Missouri. German immigrants settled the Missouri River Valley area in the 1830s and began planting vineyards in what is today one of the most historic wine regions.

OZARK HIGHLANDS AVA

The Ozark Highlands AVA was designated on August 31, 1987; although the grape growing tradition goes back to the 1870s. The fourth accorded AVA in Missouri encompasses 1,280,000 acres in south-central Missouri, covering portions of eleven Missouri counties including the town of St. James, Missouri.

LOESS HILLS DISTRICT AVA

The Loess Hills District AVA was established on March 3, 2016 and consists of 12,897 square miles of loess-based hills comprising a long, narrow region along the western banks of the Missouri and Big Sioux Rivers in western Iowa and northwestern Missouri. The topography is characterized by rolling to steep hills. The deep loess enables grape vine roots to reach deeply into the soil and allows water to drain quickly.

 


Here are some of the Wine Trails in MO

Augusta Wine Trail

The Augusta Wine Trail in Missouri was designated as the “First United States Wine District” in 1980 since wines were produced here before the Civil War. There are 8 wineries that make up this trail. They are all family-owned and open all year round.

Hermann Wine Trail

The Hermann Wine Trail is a group of six family-owned wineries ranging from quaint country farms to historic wine cellars where you will experience the rich history and a variety of wine styles. This trail is known for thematic events where each winery on the trail features a different Missouri wine and food pairing.

Their six Wine & Food Pairing Events

Visit the website at www.hermannwinetrail.com.

Kansas City Wine Trail

Whether you prefer sipping wine in an urban setting, an 1800s era chapel or a 1930s restored barn, the Kansas City area has something for everyone. One of the unique characteristics of this wine trail is that it is a loop! You can pick it up at any spot, head in either direction, and spend as much time as you want sampling wines, enjoying beautiful vineyards and visiting points of interest along the way.

Visit the website at www.kcwineries.com

Lake of the Ozarks Wine Trail

The Lake of the Ozarks has been a place to hang out and be seen for as long as can be remembered, but it’s known for more than fast boats and summer fun. Slow down the pace and sip on the area’s fine wine paired with gourmet cuisine. Enjoy views of rolling Missouri foothills and breathtaking panoramic views of the Lake while on the Lake of the Ozarks Wine Trail.

Visit the website at Lake of the Ozarks Wine Trail

Meramec River Wine Trail

Get your kicks in between Route 66 and the Meramec River on the Meramec River Wine Trail! The wineries on this trail belong to the Ozark Highlands AVA, which encompasses 1,280,000 acres in south-central Missouri. Explore local shops and restaurants while enjoying the views at vineyards and tasting locally grown Missouri wines!

Visit the website at Meramec River Wine Trail

Mississippi River Hills Wine Trail

The Mississippi River Hills Wine Trail features two family owned and operated wineries, each with its own unique appeal and diverse range of wines. Dry and semi-dry to sweet and fruity, there’s something for everyone!  The trail passes through some of the state’s most attractive country side. Rich in history and beauty, Mississippi River Hills Wine Trail stretches from the center of Perry County southward through northern Cape Girardeau County. Sample the small-town charm in southeast Missouri along the Mississippi River Hills Wine Trail.

Visit the website at Mississippi River Hills Wine Trail

Missouri River Wine Trail

The six wineries on the Missouri River Wine Trail have one important thing in common – a fine selection of Missouri wines. They also host special wine and food events, live music and other activities throughout the spring, summer and fall. In addition to great wine, the region offers a variety of restaurants, lodging options and places to explore.

Missouri Weinstrasse

The Weinstrasse is located in the middle of the first area ever designated as an official American Viticulture Area, Augusta, Mo. Taste the wines and you’ll know why it came first!

Visit the website at Missouri Weinstrasse

Northwest Missouri Wine Trail

Sip wine in an 1800 church, a repurposed school house or from a patio overlooking grape vines as far as the eye can see. Whatever your speed or palate, Northwest Missouri wineries will have something for you. The Northwest Missouri Wine Trail boasts unique and welcoming wineries located in the northwest area of the state.

Visit the website at Northwest Missouri Wine Trail

Ozark Mountain Wine Trail

The Ozark Mountain Wine Trail is situated in southwest Missouri and winds through picturesque countryside. Wines on this tour range from American and Hybrid grapes grown in Missouri, Fruit wines from Missouri produce, Mead (honey wine) from Missouri Beekeepers. Take a relaxing drive through the countryside on the Ozark Mountain Wine Trail.

Visit the website at www.ozarkmountainwinetrail.org.  

Route Du Vin Wine Trail

Set amid the rolling hills along the Mississippi River in Southeast Missouri, the Route Du Vin Wine Trail beckons with award-winning wines, scenic views and communities filled with history. Enjoy restaurants, lodging, boutique shops and art galleries, located primarily in Farmington and Ste. Genevieve – the oldest European settlement in the state. The trail features wineries, each with its own distinct character.

WineStein Trail

In the northern part of the state, hugging the Iowa border, is the Winestein Trail, consisting of two wineries 90 miles apart, with Bethany as the center point.  Backyard Vine and Wine is to the west, in Maryville, home of Northwest Missouri State University. It opened in 2008 and has seven varieties on its five acres. Just under 100 miles to the east in the Green Hills area of the state, in Trenton, is Black Silo Winery. It’s open from April 20 to December 22 and hosts special events

 


Here are some of the wineries in MO, sorted by Name:

 

 


Wine Bars

 

Big Mood Natural Wines
2020 Baltimore Ave. Suite 102, KCMO
bigmoodnaturalwines.com

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
Several locations
chwinery.com
Enzo Bistro & Wine Bar
20 E. Fifth St., KCMO
enzokcmo.com
Louie’s Wine Dive
6701 W. 119th St., Overland Park
louieswinedive.com
Mineral Lounge
1700 Broadway Blvd., KCMO
mineralkc.com
Parkville Wine House
305 Main St, Parkville, MO
parkvillewinehouse.com

Sail Away Wine
309 Armour Road, North Kansas City
sailawaywine.com

Tannin Wine Bar
1526 Walnut St., KCMO
tanninwinebar.com

The Pairing Wine Bar & Grocer
1615 Oak St., KCMO
thepairingwinebar.com
Vintage ’78 Wine Bar
7251 W. 80th St., Overland Park
vintage78winebar.com
Vita’s Place
5514 Oak St., KCMO
vitasplace.com
 

 


Restaurants with Great Wine Lists

 

Affäre
1911 Main St., KCMO
affarekc.com

Antler Room
2506 Holmes St., KCMO
theantlerroomkc.com

Café Des Amis
112 Main St., Parkville, MO
cafedesamiskc.com
Extra Virgin
1900 Main St., KCMO
extravirginkc.com
Farina
1901 Baltimore Ave., KCMO
farinakc.com
Grünaure
101 W. 22nd St., KCMO
grunauerkc.com
JJ’s Restaurant
4810 Roanoke Parkway, KCMO
jjsrestaurantkc.com

Novel
1927 McGee St., KCMO
novelkc.com

Room 39
1719 W. 39th St, KCMO
rm39.com

The Restaurant At 1900
1900 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Mission Woods
therestaurantat1900.com

 


Missouri Wine Varietals

For those not versed in the nine grape varietals grown in Missouri, here they are

Catawba
Pink and rosé wines
Semi-sweet to sweet
North American hybrid red grape
5.6% of grapes grown in Mo.
Serving Temperature: 44-55°F

Chambourcin
Red wines
Dry to semi-dry
French-American hybrid red grape
11.5% of grapes grown in Mo.
Serving Temperature: 65°F to cellar temperature

Chardonel
White wines
Dry
Cross between seyval blanc and chardonnay grapes
7.2% of grapes grown in Mo.
Serving Temperature: 44-55°F

Concord
Red wines
Sweet
Originated in Concord, Mass.
6.6% of grapes grown in Mo.
Serving Temperature: Chilled to 45°F

Norton
Red wines
Dry
Official Missouri State grape, first found near Richmond, Va., in 1835
17.7% of grapes grown in Mo.
Serving Temperature: 65°F to cellar temperature

Seyval Blanc
White wines
Dry to semi-dry
French-American hybrid grape
2.5% of grapes grown in Mo.
Serving Temperature: Between 38–45°F
Traminette
White wines
Dry to semi-sweet
American child of the German Gewürztraminer grape
5% of grapes grown in Mo.
Serving Temperature: Between 44–55°F
Vidal Blanc
White dessert or sparkling wine
Dry or semi-dry
French-American hybrid since the 1930s
5.9% of grapes grown in Mo.
Serving Temperature: 44-55°F
Vignoles
White wines
Dry to sweet
Versatile French-American hybrid
15.5% of grapes grown in Mo.
Serving Temperature: Between 44–55°F

 

 


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Copyright © 2000 - 2025    K. Kerr

Most recent revision May 25, 2025 11:37:34 AM