Going Where the Water Tastes like Wine

As you plan your summer outings, consider getting out of the city to enjoy some of the most beautiful countryside in the bistate area. If you’re looking for a day trip, weekend getaway or an even longer vacation, the many wineries in the region offer something for everyone, from wines made exclusively from Missouri-grown grapes to farmhouse brewery beers, delectable cuisine and entertainment like live music and festivals. Pack a bag, hop in the car with your family and friends (and a designated driver, if you plan on having more than a glass or two), and prepare to soak up some sun and fun.

BY LAUREN HEALEY

Augusta, Missouri

AUGUSTA WINERY

Located in the Augusta American Viticulture Area (AVA), the first AVA designated in the U.S. (in 1980), this winery is a vital stop on the Augusta Wine Trail, the closest wine trail to St. Louis. The winery specializes in estatebottled wine, meaning the entire process, from growing the grapes to bottling the blends, takes place on the property owned by the winery and located within the Augusta AVA. The winery is within walking distance to many popular B&Bs. Enjoy live music Friday through Sunday while having a glass and some pizza or weekly specials, then head to Montelle Winery, the sister winery, just a few minutes away.

5601 High St., Augusta, 888.667.9463, augustawinery.com

MONTELLE WINERY

Situated 500 feet above the Missouri River within the Augusta AVA, Montelle offers gorgeous 270-degree views of rolling hills, forests and the river valley just a few minutes down the road from its sister vineyard, Augusta Winery. Montelle offers daily lunches with items like fresh salads, sandwiches, wraps and pizzas, and there are dinners every Saturday night. The winery also recently opened its new events center called the Parliament Room, named so because the town’s mascot is the great horned owl (a group of owls is called a parliament).

201 Montelle Drive, Augusta, 636.228.4683, montelle.com

NOBOLEIS VINEYARDS

Enhance your winery experience at this beautiful 84-acre vineyard. New this year, guests may purchase wine flights, which offer a fantastic way to enjoy four different pours while taking in the vineyards views on the tented terrace. The winery is also now offering guided cellar tastings, with a simple online registration process. Nosh on pizza and appetizers like cheese plates and pretzels, or bring your own picnic basket, and groove to live music every Saturday and Sunday. You can also find Noboleis vending at Sauce’s Food Truck Friday all season long. 100 Hemsath Road, Augusta, 636.482.4500, noboleisvineyards.com

De Soto, Missouri

LACHANCE VINEYARDS

Located on a picturesque plot just 30 minutes south of St. Louis, this elegant, family-owned winery offers unique, Europeanstyle wines produced with new experimental varieties of grapes, like Crimson Cabernet and Dore, grown at LaChance. The vibrant, medium-bodied 2015 Cabernet Dore offers green, fruity aromas and flavors of papaya-melon relish, wintergreen and holly, while the 2015 Crimson Cabernet boasts savory, toasty aromas of marinated mulberries and beets, chocolate, cherries and smoked nuts. Both of these wines were deemed “Exceptional” in the 2018 World Wine Championships. In addition, the full on-site restaurant serves lunch and dinner, with popular items like a 12-ounce ribeye and a delectable seared duck breast.

12237 Peter Moore Lane, De Soto, 636.586.2777, lachancevineyards.com

Perfect for romantic getaways or family outings

Defiance, Missouri

DEFIANCE RIDGE VINEYARDS

Nestled in 42 sprawling acres of vineyards, lush gardens and a tranquil lake just 30 minutes west of St. Louis in the hills of Historic Missouri Wine Country, Defiance Ridge offers vineyard-to-table cuisine, live music and succulent estate wines, as well as exclusive varietals from the West Coast. The winery will host a private exclusive wine dinner with Chuck Wagner of Caymus Vineyards on Friday, June 21. Then get in the groove for Winestock: 50th Woodstock Anniversary Festival Aug. 17-18 for two days of peace, wine and music. Defiance is also perfect for private events like weddings, private parties and corporate outings.

2711 S. MO 94, Defiance, 636.798.2288, defianceridgevineyards.com

Dutzow, Missouri

BLUMENHOF WINERY

Celebrating its 40th year growing grapes, Blumenhof draws inspiration from the Father of Missouri winemaking, Friedrich Münch, who began growing grapes in Dutzow in the mid-1800s. Blumenhof is a thirdgeneration, family owned and operated winery that features free tastings every day, live entertainment every weekend, and the most awards of the wineries that produce wines exclusively from Missouri-grown grapes. Pack a picnic basket and head west to enjoy a fun, relaxing day at Blumenhof Winery.

13699 S. MO 94, Dutzow, 636.433.2245, blumenhof.com

Hermann, Missouri

HERMANN WINE TRAIL

Meandering with the Missouri River for 20 miles of beautiful views, the Hermann Wine Trail features seven award-winning, family-owned wineries, including Adam Puchta Winery, Bias Winery, Hermannhof Vineyards, Dierberg Star Lane Tasting Room, OakGlenn Winery, Röbller Vineyard and Stone Hill Winery. Hop on the Wild Bacon Wine Trail May 4-5, when bacon and wine pairings are the star of the show. Then celebrate the flavors of summer with juicy berries and savory barbecue pairings during the Berries & BarBQ Wine Trail July 27-28. Advance tickets are required for events and available online.

Hermann, 800.932.8687, hermannwinetrail.com

Ste. Genevieve, Missouri

CHAUMETTE VINEYARDS & WINERY

Located in Ste. Genevieve, once home to the first French colonial settlement this side of the Mississippi River, Chaumette sits on over 300 gorgeous acres just an hour south of St. Louis. Gift your mom with a special day at the winery’s annual Mother's Day Brunch on May 12. (Reservations required.) Then pack your blankets and lawn chairs to watch the sunset glow through hot air balloons during the free Balloon Glow Sept. 12-13. Reservations are required for Grapevine Grill, but there will be a tent outside for guests to purchase food and drinks. Chaumette also offers villas for overnight accommodations.

24345 State Route WW, Ste. Genevieve, 573.747.1000, chaumette.com

Hillsboro, Missouri

WILD SUN WINERY & BREWERY

Head south a short drive from St. Louis to Wild Sun Winery & Brewery, a 10-acre estate in Hillsboro with a gorgeous historic main house dating back to 1870. Wild Sun is a collaboration of co-owners Mark Baehmann and Ed Wagner and opened in 2015. Baehmann has spent the last 34 years working as a winemaker and specializes in dry wines and ports, but they carry a variety to suit all taste preferences. Wagner, a 17-year Anheuser-Busch alum, was proud to announce the recent debut of Wild Sun’s first beers, American Blonde Ale and Sunset Red Ale, and looks forward to additional beer releases later this year. Order a pizza or burger or bring your own snacks, and enjoy live music Friday through Sunday now through October. Open year-round. 4830 Pioneer Road, Hillsboro, 636.797.8686, wildsun.com

St. James, Missouri

ST. JAMES WINERY

Founded in 1970, St. James Winery is Missouri’s largest winery with 185 sprawling acres just a short drive southwest from St. Louis, located conveniently right off I-44. This family-owned operation is internationally awarded and boasts the bestselling Missouri wines. Stop in for complimentary wine tastings daily then relax in The Gardens, a beautifully landscaped outdoor area where live music is performed every Saturday. St. James has also partnered with its neighbor, Public House Brewing Company, offering a full food menu, along with plenty of craft beer options.

540 State Route B, St. James, 800.280.9463, stjameswinery.com

You'll find more than wine — delectable cuisine, craft beers and cocktails

Jefferson County, Missouri

JEFFERSON COUNTY WINERY & BREWERY TRAIL

Discover central Jefferson County’s Winery & Brewery Trail, where there’s something for everyone just 20 minutes south of St. Louis. Enjoy the fresh country air while getting your fill of food, brews and vino on the trail, which encompasses Russell House Restaurant, Inn & Brewery, Main & Mill Brewing Co., Wild Sun Winery & Brewery, Villa Antonio Winery and LaChance Vineyards, all within a short drive (no more than 30 minutes) of each other. Check each business’ website for more information and location. De Soto, Festus and Hillsboro

Potosi, Missouri

EDG-CLIF VINEYARD, WINERY, BREWERY

Pack a picnic basket and head south to this third-generation, family-owned farm, which boasts an array of awardwinning vinos along with a farmhouse brewery and plenty of craft beers. New this year, three vintage farmhouses (all over 100 years old and furnished with family antiques) on the property are now available on Airbnb. The estate also features live music every Saturday through October, and there are several wine dinners throughout the summer. Check out the website for details.

10035 Edg-Clif Drive, Potosi, 573.438.4741, edg-clif.com

Belleville, Illinois

THE WEINGARTEN

Located just 20 minutes outside downtown St. Louis, The Weingarten is your relaxation destination. With acres of beautiful farm-scape to enjoy, this family friendly Winery and Event Venue is the perfect location for your next celebration or day out! Choose from a list of wines from around the world or craft beer to pair with an offering of delicious lunch and dinner items on the menu. Make sure to try a seasonal favorite, the Strawberry Sangria, while listening to live music every weekend in the indoor tasting room or beautiful patio. The events calendar boasts a variety of fun, like the Catalina Wine Mixer in August! Create some memories this year at The Weingarten!

1780 E. IL 15, Belleville, 618.257.9463,