Hermann Wineries
Hermann, Missouri
German immigrants turned Missouri into a wine-producing powerhouse in the 19th century. Before Prohibition destroyed the state’s wine industry, Missouri had more than 100 wineries and was second only to California in wine production.
Missouri’s wine industry revival began in 1965 when Stone Hill Winery in Hermann reopened. Today, the historic German community boasts nine wineries, and seven of those, including Stone Hill, now make up the Hermann Wine Trail, which winds along 20 miles of the Missouri River between Hermann and New Haven.
Each family-owned winery offers wine tastings and food pairings, and some will take guests into the vineyards and talk about the growing process, said Patty Held, president of the Hermann Wine Trail.
All the wineries welcome groups, but it’s best to contact the Hermann Vintners Association ahead of time, she added.
Live music can be found along the Hermann Wine Trail every Saturday, and the wineries organize five food and wine events throughout the year.
During the Berries and BarBQ Wine Trail, July 27-28, guests receive a wine trail glass at the first stop and food and wine pairings at each winery. The tasting menu includes grilled pork loin with raspberry glaze, blueberry-glazed ribs, and Mediterranean beef and lamb burgers with a pomegranate port barbecue sauce.
Holiday Fare in November features holiday food and wine pairings, and the Say Cheese event in December is all about cheesy foods. The Chocolate Wine Trail takes place every February, and the theme of the Wild Card event in May changes every year.
www.hermannwinetrail.com
