Missouri Wine Region

The Missouri wine region boasts its own unique flavor, setting it apart from the rest. This is thanks to its special soil types, grape varieties, and different production methods used by local winemakers. The result? A taste like no other place in the US - or even the world!

The Missouri AVA was buzzing with activity as the 'wine capital' of America before Napa Valley made its mark. The gorgeous wine country has so much to offer with over 130 wineries and 11 wine trails - just waiting to be explored.

Let your Missouri wine country adventure take you to places you've never been and show you sights that will leave lasting memories. Check out our expanding travel guide for the ultimate Missouri wine country experience! Grab a glass of delicious wine and explore the region's breathtaking beauty. Keep an eye out for more helpful resources coming soon, including amazing wineries in Missouri, incredible area attractions, unique gastronomy experience and much more!

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Missouri Wine Region

Where is the Missouri Wine Region?

Missouri wine area is an American Viticultural Area located in the midwestern part of the USA.

Unique Terroir of Missouri Wine Country

Missouri is blessed to have five federally recognized AVAs - Augusta, Ozark Mountain, Hermann, Ozark Highlands and Loess Hills. These areas are renowned for producing some of the finest wines in the region.

The 40-50th parallel of the equator is an ideal region for winemaking, and Missouri lies right in 50th zone. Consequently, Missouri has become a popular wine-producing area.

It's vital to comprehend the concept of "terroir" when discussing Missouri's terroir. Terroir is composed of not just soil, but many other variations such as the climate, elevation, fog and rain. Different types of grapes will require a different kind of terroir to grow in and no one single terroir works for all.

The unique topography of Missouri is a result of the prehistoric ice age and glacier activity. It gifted Missourians with glacial soil that is full of organic matter and is highly beneficial for grape-growing. Missouri's climate is unpredictable, with very cold winters and hot and humid summers. This makes it possible to grow some unique grape varieties there, such as Norton and Chardonel - a hybrid between Chardonnay and Seyval grapes.

History of Missouri Wine Region

Missouri wine country’s history starts with German immigrants establishing vineyards and wineries on both sides of the Missouri river valley. Established by Germans in 1837, Hermann, Missouri had all the essential components for growing grapes and producing wine. It got so popular that it eventually became the American leader in wine production in the late 19th century. Before Napa Valley made a name for itself, Missouri River Valley was considered to be America's premier spot for winemaking.

In the late 1800's, Italian immigrants set up vineyards in St. James, Missouri and the state's wine industry flourished at the beginning of the twentieth century. Approximately 100 wineries operated across Missouri during this period. Each year, wine connoisseurs from around the world enjoy a whopping 2 million gallons of Missouri-made vino. And, it’s not just local fanfare - Missouri wines have been winning prestige and accolades at global competitions!

In the 1870s, France was suffering from an infestation of a pest known as phylloxera louse in the vineyards. This caused widespread damage to the grape vines, creating an immense problem for winemakers throughout the country. During the early 1900's, a Missouri entomologist found that geographic native grapes could fend off a particular pest. Such discovery would end up saving many French vineyards from being completely ruined and Missouri winemakers put in a massive effort to send millions of rootstocks that possessed immunity to the vineyards of France.

In 1919, the introduction of Prohibition had a devastating effect on the Missouri wine industry. Numerous vineyards were destroyed and many wineries had to shut down or be repurposed for other businesses. In the 1960's, the Missouri wine industry went through a revival that started out slowly and at a very small level.

Back in the 1980s, a tax was imposed on wine which was then used to fund the Missouri Wine and Grape program. In order to restore the state's vineyards, the Missouri government hired a viticulturist and worked with Missouri State University's fruit experiment station to choose grape varieties that would suit the climate of Missouri. 1980 saw Augusta become the initial U.S. viticultural area to be federally recognised. Subsequently, wine regions around Hermann, in the Missouri Ozarks and Highlands, plus St. James; Loess Hills in North West Missouri have also been declared AVAs (American Viticultural Areas).

What is Missouri Wine?

Missouri wines are remarkable for their indigenous grape varieties and wines they create. It is known for producing a wide range of vintages from sparkling to white, red, and even sweet wines.

White Grapes in Missouri AVA:

• Chardonel
• Seyval Blanc
• Traminette
• Vidal Blanc
• Vignoles
• Vivant

Red grapes in Missouri AVA:

• Catawba
• Chambourcin
• Concord
• Cynthiana
• Norton
• St.Vincent

Catawba grape, discovered near the Catawba River in North Carolina, is used to make pink and rose wines. A medium-bodied beverage with a sweet scent, Catawba wine has a strong strawberry flavor that pairs well with spicy cheeses, pork chops, cold cuts and light desserts.

Chambourcin is the perfect introduction to dry red wines. It has a medium body and an excellent balance of flavors - fruity notes of cherry combined with earthy tones and soft tannins. Enjoy this French-American hybrid on its own or pair it with pork, burgers or pasta dishes in red sauce.

Vignoles is a well-known white grape cultivar found in Missouri which is renowned for its versatility. The French-American hybrid produces a wide range of wines, from dry to sweet and late harvest dessert wines, and even blended whites!

Seyval-Blanc is a cross between French and American grapes, producing dry to semi-dry wines with a refreshing herbal taste. The medium body of the wine can be enhanced with barrel fermentation, adding an oak finish reminiscent of Chardonel.

Chardonel, a combination of Seyval Blanc and Chardonnay grapes, was introduced to the world in 1990. It is known for its late-ripening white wine and appreciated for its full-bodied and high-quality wines. 

Concord grapes were gathered from the wild back in 1840s and named after their original spot, Concord, Massachusetts. These grapes are mainly used to make sweeter wines with a medium body and lush blue-purple hue. Generally, this wine have an inviting fruity flavor that makes them quite enjoyable to drink.

Norton, originally discovered in 1835 near Richmond (Virginia), is a type of American grape known as Vitis aestivalis. It is also sometimes referred to as Cynthiana and is the most popular red wine grape in Missouri.  Norton presents a luscious red wine with the complexity of subtle fruit flavors. It’s noteworthy that this variety of grape is highly resistant to common vine diseases such as black rot. 

If you're in the mood for something floral, Traminette is a great option. Its taste varies from dry and semi-dry to semi-sweet, creating an exquisite balance of floral aromas, citrus fruits, spices. This wine is an amazing accompaniment for chicken, cream sauce, curry, and heavier seafood like salmon. Its unique characteristics make it a great choice for a lunch outing or appetizers. It is full-bodied and complex enough to make any meal special!

Food to Pair with Missouri Wine

1. Cheddar

Cheddar is a firm cheese prepared from pasteurized cow's milk that ranges in color from white to pale yellow. When young, the texture is smooth, but as it matures, the texture becomes crumbly and the flavor grows harsher. The real Somerset Cheddar, according to Joseph Harding, the "father of Cheddar," should have a tight texture, a rich, delicate flavor evocative of hazelnuts, and a melt-in-the-mouth quality. It pairs particularly well with medium-bodied red wines from Missouri.

2. Sasami Yakitori, Chicken Tenders

Sasami is a traditional Japanese yakitori dish containing chicken breast meat that has a high amount of protein and is low in fat. The meat is prepared to perfection with a marinade of sake and then grilled just enough to retain its succulent flavor.

Sasami yakitori is quite flavourful in its own way, yet it can be complemented nicely with salt, wasabi or tare sauce. You can also add a pop of flavour with miso paste, shiso leaves, umeboshi paste or mentaiko. This way you can enjoy an even tastier sasami experience. Enjoy sasami with white wines of Missouri!

3. Pizza ai Funghi

For those looking for a delicious Italian pizza and wine experience, Pizza ai funghi is the perfect choice. It's made with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, mushrooms, olive oil, and parsley - all of which come together to make an exquisite dish.

Places to visit in Missouri

1. Mark Twain National Forest

Home to an array of outdoor wonders, Mark Twain National Forest is an absolute paradise for nature lovers and adventurers. It boasts majestic mountains and lush forests, as well as beautiful springs, streams, lakes and more.

Mark Twain, the well-known author from Missouri, gave his name to this beautiful location. Here you will find lots of untouched forest and nature that the Ozark Trail traverses across for over 350 kilometers. It gives visitors an amazing experience in idyllic landscapes. People flock to the national forest for its jaw-dropping landscapes and pick up activities such as hiking and cycling along the way. It is also well-known for its beautiful rivers and lakes, with fishing, swimming and canoeing being just a few of the activities one can enjoy in these locations.

2. Branson

Set in the southwest of Missouri, Branson is a fun, festive place often billed as a ‘family-friendly Las Vegas.’ Las Vegas is an absolute must-visit destination as it offers a plethora of captivating magic, music, and comedy shows. Moreover, the bright neon-lit strip houses over a hundred entertainment theaters.

Branson is often referred to as the 'family-friendly Las Vegas' because of its multitude of exciting and beautiful shows. Along with this, the streets are filled with neon signs from over one hundred theaters that lend an even more celebratory vibe to the area.

3. Hannibal, Discovering the Mark Twain's Town

Hannibal, located in the northeast of Missouri and close to the Illinois border, is a charming city with beautiful scenery and a unique history. It's most famous for being the place where Mark Twain grew up. Twain's two iconic novels, 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' and 'Adventures of Huckleberry Finn', were a reflection of the small town he grew up in - its laid back environment being an inspiration for him.

While exploring the streets of the city, you will come across numerous sites related to Charles Dickens, either as described in his works or associated with him directly. All these places invoke an era gone by and offer insight into the life and times of this celebrated writer. Explore the life of Mark Twain and his works at the Mark Twain Boyhood Home Museum.

Frequently Asked Questions