What I Did Not Know About Missouri Wines

What I Did Not Know About Missouri Wines

By Ron Senn 

Every year my wife and I try to plan a fall trip to some place we have not been before. The choice this year was an RV trip to Branson, Missouri. Branson is infamous for its broad range of entertainment shows that one can attend and enjoy. We also like to find out more about a particular state's wine industry. For example, I did not know that the area just west of St Louis overlooking the Missouri River is officially recognized as America's first wine district. Missouri is also home to over 90 different wineries, comprising an industry that is on the rise.

In the 1830's, some of the first settlers to the Missouri River Valley were German immigrants from the Rhine River Valley. They were looking to settle down and become crop farmers. They were dismayed to find the plots they staked were not the optimum for accomplishing what they wanted to do. Instead, the idea of starting vineyards and producing fine wines became the goal. One such vineyard, Stone Hill Winery, was so successful that it won the first of eight gold medals at the Vienna World Fair in 1870. The wine industry in Missouri was off and running and building a reputation of producing some of the best wines in the world.

The hub of the wine industry in the eighteen hundreds became centered on the town of Hermann, Missouri, first settled in 1837. The city of Hermann takes its name from Hermann the Cherusker, who beat back three Roman legions in the Battle of Teutoburger in 9 AD. To Germans, he is a symbol of strength. Historical Hermann is one of those places you visit where "time has seemed to stand still". It is full of quaint, red brick buildings, several personalized bed and breakfast inns and numerous other shops and museums. The town has all the amenities to make a visit there a great experience. Hermann is the heart of Missouri wine country with its wineries producing nearly 70,000 gallons of wine per year, 1/3 of the state total.

Aside from the Hermann area, there are four other areas of note worth your time to visit. In the central part of the state west of Hermann near Fulton, Missouri and accessed by Interstate 70 is the Missouri River wine area. In the southeastern part of the state near Chaffe and Cape Vardeau is another wine growing area (Route Du Vin) that can be accessed by Interstate 55. The wine growing area near Springfield (Ozark Mountain) in the southwestern part of the state is accessed using Interstate 44. Finally, the area just west and adjacent to St Louis is called the Missouri Weinstrasse Tour and is located south of I-70 and north of I-44.

There is a broad array of events often planned within these wine growing zones. Wine tasting, winery openings, wine and dinner theatres, wine release parties, and winery anniversary celebrations abound. I also discovered that most of these events feature "live entertainment" to make the discovery tours even more enjoyable. As in many other places in the country, the October Fest celebrations always seem to cap off a great wine growing season, making a Missouri October wine tour extra special. Because of Prohibition in the 1920's, the Missouri wine industry nearly disappeared, but since the early 1960's the industry is once again flourishing.

In 2009, Stone Hill Winery received the Governor's Cup Award. That competition featured over 220 different Missouri wines. Gold medals awarded totaled 42 with 54 Silver and 64 Bronze medals also awarded. The most important grapes are the Norton, Chancellor Noir, Cayuga, Catawba, Niagara and Concord. New French hybrids that are also gaining in reputation include Vidal, Seyval, Vigroles and Chardonel.

Missouri is often affectionately called "The Show Me State". My investigation of Missouri's Wine Country ended up "showing me" that they have carved out a nice niche in wine producing. Remember, store your wine properly, serve it at the right temperature and enjoy it immensely.

Author: Ronald Senn, Vice-president, Ideal Wine Coolers, 4/2010

Author: Ron Senn, Vice-president Ideal Wine Coolers, Tucson, Arizona
Ideal Wine Coolers offers a wide selection of products to address your wine and beer cooling needs.

http://idealwinecoolers.com/page/home/index.html

We also have a blog that you can visit.

http://winecoolerblog.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_Senn

Comments:

Ron Senn's Article really shows how Missouri is a state that is nothing short of great wine.  This article lets the reader know that there are a variety of vineyards in this beautiful state. Like Ron, next time you decide to head to Branson, MO take a drive off the interstate and enjoy some wineries along the way. Hope you enjoyed this article as much as I did.

Wines of Missouri Video

This blog was originally posted on 1/21/11 http://grapebrewtrips.com

Comments:
I like how Doug explains the wines of Missouri. If you have not had wines from Missouri Vineyards this video gives you a wonderful idea of the flavors that wines in this part of the country has to offer.

Missouri Ozark Highlands Wine Region

This blog was originally posted on 1/18/11 http://grapebrewtrips.com

Spotlight on St. James, Missouri
In 1826, construction of the Maramec Iron Works by Thomas James. Around the business grew a community that led to the purchase of land six miles north of the Maramec Iron Works. The James family proposed the town be named "Jamestown." Since that name was already being used, they followed a custom prevalent at the time by prefixing James with "Saint."
In the early days, iron was used for kettles, plows and other utensils that could be hauled by wagons. Bar and pig iron were later floated down the Meramec and Gasconade rivers. The area's level terrain offered an ideal spot for a railroad, which would increase transportation. The first train arrived in St. James on July 4, 1860. The Town of St. James was incorporated in 1869. Less than a decade later, in 1876, the Maramec Iron Works closed when the furnaces grew cold.
St. James experienced significant growth in the mid-20th century. Route 66 came through St. James, bringing the population up to about 3,000.Today the population is around 3,700. In the 1950's, a tree planting project began giving the city recognition as the "Forest City of the Ozarks."
As St. James continues to grow and improve, it also continues to celebrate its rich history but apart from that is its significant viticulture’s spread about the region.
Officially recognized as the Ozark Highlands, the region is fondly known as "Little Italy of the Ozarks" thanks to the establishment of an Italian settlement in the area more than 100 years ago. The Italians who settled here planted vineyards, and by 1922 over 2000 acres of grapes on about 200 vineyards dotted the landscape. Over the years a strong Italian heritage and influence has remained in the St. James area.
There are 10 wineries in the St. James Area. Below is a bit of information about each winery in the Ozark Highland Region.
Ferrigno Winery: St James, MO. If spending an afternoon in the cool shade of a rustic wine garden overlooking the vineyards appeals to you, the come to Ferrigno Winery. While here sample ten handcrafted wines of quality and character. Fine cheeses , Missouri sausages, and snacks are available at the Winegarden Deli. Stroll the vineyard trail down to the pond and wooded wildflower trail where you can picnic and relax.
Heinrichshaus Vineyard & Winery: St James, MO. Every day at Heinrichshaus is special, but summer days on the sylvan terrace, are precious gems. Imagine good friends, a sumptuous picnic basket, a cool breeze on a hot day, and sharing a bottle of wine.
Maramec Vineyards: St. James, MO. Warm welcome awaits visitors! Classy setting encourages you to stop and enjoy our wines, ask questions and browse our attractive gift shop. The Art Gallery contains works from nationally recognized local artists. Bistro d'Vine, serves Euro style tasty lunches.
St. James Winery: St James, MO. Grape and wine production have a long history in the St. James area.
Three Squirrels Winery: St. James, MO. This winery boast of both a winery and an art gallery. The winery and gallery are inside a former dairy barn at the edge of their vineyards. People can stroll through their gallery featuring local and regional artists and then enjoy a complimentary wine tasting. Their art gallery is a unique find in the heart of Missouri Wine Country.
Peaceful Bend Vineyards: Steelville, MO. This is a small farm winery that's big on quality and service. Their focus is on providing high quality wines with exceptional service. Located in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks, the winery estate offers an endless variety of settings and possibilities.
Whispering Oaks Vineyard and Winery: Seymour, MO. The winery takes its name from the remnants of the beautiful oak forests of the area. The vineyard is separated by an oak forest to the north of the winery overlooking a picturesque valley in the beautiful Gasconade watershed of southwest Missouri.
Seven Springs Winery and Vineyards: Linn Creek, MO. This vineyard sits atop 160 acres of rolling Missouri foothills between Camdenton and Osage Beach. The winery is less than a 10 minute drive from either location. The covered porch and patio area are ideal for enjoying a glass of wine and admiring the beautiful views.
Traver Home Winery: Willow Springs, MO. This winery serves Missouri wines, sangrias, and a few micro-brews for those with an alternative pallet. Three generations of the Traver family have worked together to produce superior hand-crafted and award winning wines. The winery offers a casual and relaxed atmosphere for guests to learn about wine from the vintner.
Belmont Vineyards: Leasburg, MO. Vineyards sit on 14 acres of fine winery land separated by three specific vineyards that cater to specific wine types. Each vineyard contains different hybrid grapes from St. Vincent to their own sweet Rommelman red wine. This family owned winery offers sweeping landscape views of the countryside and creates a quality experience for all visitors.

January in Blumenhof Winery

This Blog was originally posted on 1/14/11 http://www.grapebrewtrips.com

This is a fun video about Blumenhof Winery in the Augusta, MO wine region. I have enjoyed wines from this vineyard for years. As the video shows they are open and ready for your business this time of year. If thinking about taking a long weekend due to MLK day on Monday. Go enjoy some wine and let'em know you were sent by GrapeBrewTrips.com.  Have a fun filled weekend and remember Don't Wine and Drive.

Wineries of Augusta, Missouri

This blog was originally posted on 1/11/11 http://grapebrewtrips.com

Augusta, Mo. is located on the bluffs above the Missouri River Valley, a scenic 35 mile drive from St. Louis. Visitors can enjoy the flavors of the community while strolling around this quaint village. There are many ways to relax in Augusta. For instance, you may enjoy a bicycle ride on the Katy Trail. Also in the area is the Daniel Boone Home and The Lewis & Clark Trail giving visitors yet another facet of entertainment to enjoy their stay.
Augusta and the area is home to about fifteen Missouri wineries where visitors can sip the  special wines and enjoy picnic lunches with spectacular views of the rolling hillside vineyards. The Augusta region is not only notable to the state of Missouri, but has been recognized internationally when Augusta began exporting wine to Germany. The region is flowing with unique wineries that are comprised of hundreds of powerful blends that compete with some of the finest wines from all over the world.
Apart from the wineries, a simple walk through town will uncover unique specialty shops, B&Bs, restaurants and bakeries. Special events are hosted year round by local businesses and towns people. However you choose to spend your leisure time, you will find a special experience awaits you.
Hope you enjoy exploring the Augusta area as much as I