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