| America's rich tradition of wine making began in | | | | A visit to the central Missouri wine trail usually begins |
| earnest in the 1800's, when European immigrants | | | | with a visit to St. Louis. From St. Louis, travel west |
| brought their skills to various unsettled areas of the | | | | on Interstate 44 to Missouri Highway 100, continuing |
| country. A few decades before California and other | | | | on Highway 100 twenty miles to the town of New |
| west coast wine producing states were settled, | | | | Haven. This charming village is the eastern edge of |
| many eastern and midwestern states had thriving | | | | the wine trail and is home to historic Robller Vineyard |
| wine industries. In the 1830's, a group of German | | | | and Winery, which offers a spectacular view of the |
| immigrants made their way to the Missouri river | | | | Missouri river valley. |
| valley, west of St. Louis near the present town of | | | | Just west of New Haven and on your way toward |
| Hermann, Missouri. | | | | Hermann is the Bommarito Almond Tree Winery, a |
| These early settlers noted how the topography and | | | | family owned estate winery producing a savory |
| climate of the river valley resembled their European | | | | award winning port, among other offerings. A few |
| home areas of Germany and Switzerland. In | | | | miles west is Bias Vineyards and Winery, situated on |
| particular, various grape varieties were growing wild | | | | a 64 acre farm and featuring a microbrewery and |
| on hillsides surrounding Hermann, prompting founding | | | | winery, only the 2nd such operation in the United |
| fathers and town leaders to encourage further | | | | States. Be sure to try Bias' River Blush Rouge, an |
| cultivation and ultimately, wine making. After a few | | | | easy drinking friendly blush. |
| short years, the prolific grape crop merged with the | | | | As you reach the Hermann area, you'll discover four |
| settler's wine making skills, and America's first wine | | | | thriving wineries offering the chance to try Missouri |
| district was born. | | | | wine. Stone Hill, Oakglenn, Adam Puchta, and |
| After Prohibition, wine making became viable again, | | | | Hermannhof wineries all offer wine tasting, winery |
| and since the 1960's over 75 wineries have opened in | | | | tours, and scenic views. Take time to savor the |
| Missouri. Situated on a 20 mile stretch, this wine | | | | offerings at each. Among those we particularly |
| district just over an hour from St. Louis boasts | | | | enjoyed were Oakglenn's spicy Chambourcin and |
| historic villages and seven wineries. Those who enjoy | | | | Stone Hill's Vidal Blanc. Stone Hill and Hermannhof are |
| wine trails and wine travel are drawn here for a | | | | other must stops, not only for their fine wines but |
| variety of reasons, not the least of which are award | | | | also for their historic settings. |
| winning wines and spectacular scenery. | | | | The western end of the wine trail is punctuated by |
| Missouri has long been known for deep, rich red | | | | the picturesque town of Hermann, MO. This is a |
| wines typically produced from traditional grape | | | | town you'll really enjoy - historic architecture, local |
| varieties such as Norton and Chambourcin. Wineries in | | | | restaurants, and specialty shops galore. It's a perfect |
| this area use these native grapes to develop award | | | | place to spend the night and participate in one of |
| winning varieties of Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignons, | | | | their many local events, several devoted to |
| and Burgundy styles. But these wineries aren't all | | | | enjoyment of wine. Also, for the fitness buff within |
| about reds, as winemakers on this wine trail also | | | | you, Hermann is also known for its easy access to |
| produce clean and delightfully crisp styles like rieslings | | | | the Katy Bike Trail which winds through the Missouri |
| and chardonels. | | | | river valley. |