Winery Tours On America's First Wine Trail

America's fascinating wine making history is rooted in the efforts of European immigrants, who brought their skills to America throughout the 1800's. Long before California and other west coast wine producing states were settled, other areas of the country were busy producing wines from native grape vines growing in the wild. In the 1830's, a group of German immigrants settled in the Missouri river valley, about an hour west of St. Louis near the present historic town of Hermann, Missouri.

Upon arriving in the river valley, settlers noticed the topographical similarity between their new home and their former areas in Germany and Switzerland. Grapes grew abundant on hillsides near the settlement, and cultivating the grapes as a cash crop was encouraged by town leaders. Soon, the abundance of grapes combined with European wine making skills, and America's first wine district was born.

For the most part, wine making has continued in this area since the 1830's. Now, the Hermann Wine Trail and the historic villages in the area comprise a beckoning destination for wine travel. From the town of New Haven, MO on the east to historic Hermann on the west, this 20 mile stretch of beautiful Missouri river valley scenery boasts seven wineries accounting for more than 30% of Missouri's wine production.

Missouri is particularly noted for its red wines, particularly those produced from Norton and Chambourcin grapes that are native to the area. Many award winning versions of Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon proudly call Missouri home. Numerous white wines are also produced, many harkening back to the German and Swiss heritage. Clean and delightfully crisp rieslings are prominent offerings from area wineries, along with specialty blends like chardonel.

The closest major city to the Hermann wine trail is St. Louis, which is an easy drive. From the city, it's only 75 minutes at most to the wine district via Interstate 44 and Highway 100. The first stop on the eastern end of the wine trail is the town of New Haven, MO, home of historic Robller Vineyard and Winery. Robller offers an absolutely speactacular view of the valley, along with several varieties of wine you'll want to try and take home from their friendly tasting room.

Just west of New Haven and on your way toward Hermann is the Bommarito Almond Tree Winery, a family owned estate winery producing a savory award winning port, among other offerings. A few miles west is Bias Vineyards and Winery, situated on a 64 acre farm and featuring a microbrewery and winery, only the 2nd such operation in the United States. Be sure to try Bias' River Blush Rouge, an easy drinking friendly blush.

As you reach the Hermann area, you'll discover four thriving wineries offering the chance to try Missouri wine. Stone Hill, Oakglenn, Adam Puchta, and Hermannhof wineries all offer wine tasting, winery tours, and scenic views. Take time to savor the offerings at each. Among those we particularly enjoyed were Oakglenn's spicy Chambourcin and Stone Hill's Vidal Blanc. Stone Hill and Hermannhof are other must stops, not only for their fine wines but also for their historic settings.

The western end of the wine trail is punctuated by the picturesque town of Hermann, MO. This is a town you'll really enjoy - historic architecture, local restaurants, and specialty shops galore. It\'s a perfect place to spend the night and participate in one of their many local events, several devoted to enjoyment of wine. Also, for the fitness buff within you, Hermann is also known for its easy access to the Katy Bike Trail which winds through the Missouri river valley. There are ample lodging options and delectable German/Swiss restaurants offering a perfect complement to local wines.

Article Source: http://www.thedrinkingplace.com/articles2

Jim Hofman is an author specializing in wine travel, and has developed several websites devoted to the enjoyment of wine. For the complete travelogue of this wine trail, including specific recommendations, you're invited to join the Wine Trails USA free newsletter, published bi-weekly.

Please Rate this Article

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

Not yet Rated