I was born and bred (and still live) in Missouri, so this topic hits close to home. Pun intended. It also helps that I really like wine, so when it comes to finding it near me, I’m a pro.
Wine tasting in Missouri is a popular pastime for many residents, and it’s not hard to see why.
Missouri has more than 100 wineries in the state that attract almost one million visitors every year. Not only that, but Missouri has more wine tastings than your liver can handle about a dozen wine trails, and an official state grape.
Missouri is so proud of its wine heritage, they even have a website. Eat your heart out, Napa Valley!
Wine Tasting in Missouri – Best Wineries & Vineyards
- Mount Pleasant Estates
- Stone Hill Winery
- Adam Puchta Winery
- Bear Creek Wine Company
- Hermannof Winery
- Black Silo Winery
- Stonehause Farms Winery
- Pirtle Winery
1. Mount Pleasant Estates
I’m impatient and I’ve never been one to keep secrets or beat around the bush, so we’re starting with my personal favorite. Mount Pleasant Estates is home to my absolute favorite wine ever, the Mount Pleasant Vintage Port.
Although I may have only discovered Mount Pleasant Estates about 15 years ago, they’ve been nestled in the gently rolling hills of the Augusta Appellation region of Missouri since 1859.
The property was discovered and developed by George and Frederick Muench, who emigrated from Germany and wanted to find a landscape similar to home.
The winery was closed during Prohibition but was reopened in 1966 after Lucian and Eva Dressel purchased the property. They devoted themselves to restoring the 140-acre estate back to its original beauty while adding their own personal touch. The original cellars are still in use today.
They’ve helped put Missouri wine on the map and have won numerous awards for their outstanding wines as well as sustainable practices.
The tasting room at Mount Pleasant Estates is open daily (hours vary by season) and offers complimentary tastings of their six current-release wines.
2. Stone Hill Winery
Stone Hill is the oldest winery in Missouri and is located in the beautiful Hermann Wine Country, a gorgeous 40-mile drive from Augusta.
The vineyards were first planted in 1847 before Napa Valley even existed. Today, Stone Hill Winery has the largest series of underground cellars in North America.
Stone Hill Winery was founded by German immigrants who brought over cuttings from their homeland to plant on the hillsides of the Missouri River.
The limestone soils and climate are similar to the vineyards of Germany and Alsace, France, making it the perfect place to grow grapes.
Just 25 years after planting the first vines, Stone Hill was world-renowned and had won several awards for their excellent varietals. Before prohibition, they were shipping over a million gallons of wine per year.
The Stone Hill Winery is on the National Register of Historic Places and is open daily for complimentary tastings of their current release wines. They also have tours of the historic cellars.
They offer a variety of events throughout the year, so there’s always something going on.
3. Adam Puchta Winery
The Adam Puchta Winery is currently operated by the sixth and seventh generations of the Adam Puchta family. It’s the oldest continuously family-owned and operated winery in the country.
The Puchta family arrived in America from Germany in 1837 and settled in the Frene Creek Valley. Adam came by winemaking naturally, because his father was a Bavarian winemaker.
In 1855, he decided to start selling wine commercially. The first vintage was a descendent of his father’s vineyards back home.
The winery was closed during Prohibition. While the winery continued to make its allotment of wine for personal consumption, it didn’t reopen to the public until 1990.
The current owners are the (several greats) grandchildren of Adam Puchta, who started it all.
The Adam Puchta Winery is open daily for complimentary tastings of their current release wines. They offer a variety of tours, including a Vineyard Tour, Winery Tour, and Cellar Tour. They also have a Wine and Cheese Pairing, which is a great way to learn about Missouri wine.
4. Bear Creek Wine Company
If you’re itching to visit the Las Vegas of Missouri, it may be time to take a trip to the Bear Creek Wine Company in Branson. This hotbed of tourist activity is home to a number of great attractions, and the Bear Creek Wine Company is one of them.
Bear Creek offers a heavy dose of rural Ozark atmosphere with unique varietals and clever names. One such sweet is called Peach Fuzz and features a bearded woodsman on the label.
If you’re not a fan of the traffic on the bustling Branson strip, don’t worry, because this winery is off the beaten path, a welcome respite after a busy day of shopping and tourism.
For those looking for a place to stay, the Bear Creek Bed and Breakfast is the perfect option.
5. Hermannof Winery
The Hermann of Winery is located in downtown Hermann, Missouri while their vineyards are planted just outside of town. Nevertheless, when visiting downtown Hermann, you’ll get your fair share of German culture.
Along with Bias Vineyards, Curling Vine Winery, Dierberg Star Lane, G. Husmann Wine Company, Robller Vineyard, and the Adam Puchta Winery we discussed earlier, this winery is on the Hermann Wine Trail.
Charming brick architecture awaits you in this old town, many buildings of which are on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Hermannof Winery is owned by the Dierberg family and offers other attractions like the Inn at Hermannof and the Tin Mill Restaurant and Brewery.
The Hermannof tasting room sits just south of the Missouri River, offering a great view of the water. They have a variety of wines to choose from, so you’re sure to find something you like including a variety of German wines and Missouri’s signature Norton.
6. Black Silo Winery
Northern Missouri is home to rolling green hills, lush landscapes, and wide-open spaces. The Black Silo Winery is a relatively new addition to the landscape and was opened in 2010 by a husband and wife team.
The couple started making wine as a hobby, but it quickly turned into a passion. They took classes, learned all they could, and then decided to open their own winery.
They offer a variety of reds, whites, and fruit wines made from grapes grown right on the property. They draw the names of their wines from famous Missouri people, places, and things, like Jesse James, Silver Dollar, Covered Bridge, Stagecoach, and Show Me Sweet.
In 2021, Black Silo Winery hosted the annual Wheels & Wine Car Show, and there are many other calendar events that may appeal to you here.
You may not think of Trenton, Missouri as a destination, but with a slogan like “Save Water, Drink Wine” this winery is a must-visit.
7. Stonehause Farms Winery
Jaunt back across the state toward Kansas City and you’ll run into Stonehaus Farms Winery in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Founded in 1996, this family-owned and operated winery offers a variety of reds, whites, and sparkling wines.
While you’re visiting, take some time to explore the on-site farm where they grow fruits and vegetables used in their restaurant. The farm includes a number of animals like chickens, goats, peacocks, and even a donkey named Eeyore.
In addition to the winery, the farm features a bed and breakfast, an event center, and a wedding venue. If you’re looking for a unique place to stay, this is it.
The Stonehaus Farms Winery also offers a number of events throughout the year like live music on the patio; dinners; cooking classes; Vine, Vino, and DaVinci painting activities; and more.
While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the American Jazz Museum at 18th & Vine.
Eat plenty of famous Kansas City barbecue at places like Arthur Bryant’s, Gates, Joe’s KC, Q39, and Jack Stack.
For another dose of history, stroll through Kansas City’s Union Station, the World War I Museum at the Liberty Memorial, and shop at Crown Center.
8. Pirtle Winery
Weston, Missouri is famous for its small-town feel and plethora of antique shops and flea markets downtown. It’s the perfect country getaway, complete with a family-owned winery.
Pirtle Winery was started in 1978. They have a passion for winemaking, and the soil in this area of Missouri is rich with nutrients that are perfect for making bold, flavorful wines.
They offer tastings of their award-winning wines on-site, but you can also order them from the online shop or join the wine club. On a hot summer day, a signature Pirtle wine slushie is the perfect treat!
Purchase a picnic basket to pair with your tasting, and after you’re done, stick around to enjoy the patio, wine garden, or cellar.
