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Top Four Wineries In St. Louis This Summer

Missouri's winemaking tradition is an undiscovered delight, a hidden treasure for tourists and locals alike. With enchanting vineyards set against sun-kissed landscapes, the state presents a unique wine-tasting journey.

Stone Hill Winery, Montelle Winery, Sugar Creek Winery, and Chandler Hill Vineyards represent Missouri's finest. Despite their individual nuances, all four share a dedication to the craft, mirroring the richness of Missouri's diverse terrain in their distinct wines.

These wineries offer an escape from the everyday, blending the taste of exquisite wines with serene natural beauty. This article will explore the four best wineries in and around St. Louis, Missouri.

Stone Hill Winery

Stone Hill Winery is located at 1110 Stone Hill Highway, Hermann, MO, 65041.

Hours:
Monday through Thursday, 10:00a--5:00p
Friday and Saturday, 10:00 5:30
Sunday, 11:00a-4:00p
Winery Tour is free and lasts 30 minutes.
Wine tastings are $15 per person.

Stone Hill Winery, located in Hermann, Missouri, is a historic and esteemed winery that's a testament to the region's resilience and rich tradition of wine-making. With a history that dates back to 1847, Stone Hill grew to be the second-largest winery in the United States and one of the most renowned in the world by the late 19th century.

The winery faced substantial challenges in the 20th century, especially during Prohibition, when it had to repurpose its cellars to grow mushrooms. However, in 1965, the Held family began to restore the winery to its former glory. Today, Stone Hill Winery again stands as one of Missouri's leading wine producers.

Some of the best wines to try during your visit are:

2017 Cross J Norton: A full-bodied red.
2019 Ozark Hellbender: A semi-dry red.
2019 Late Harvest Vignoles: A sweet white.

Montelle Winery

201 Montelle Drive, PO Box 8 Augusta, MO, 63332

Open:
Sunday through Friday, 11:00a-6:00p
Saturday, 11:00a-9:00p
Wine tastings are available from $10-20 per person.

Montelle Winery is well-regarded for its quality wines and stunning location. Perched atop Osage Ridge, Montelle offers breathtaking views of the Missouri River Valley, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Known primarily for their expertise with Missouri’s red grape, the Norton, Montelle specializes in a wide variety of wines reflecting the diverse viticultural capabilities of the region.

Wines to try at Montelle include:

2021 Chardonel: A dry white.
Himmelswein: A sweet white.
2019 Norton: A dry red.

Sugar Creek Winery

125 Boone Country Lane, Defiance, MO, 63341

Hours:
Monday through Friday, 11:00a-6:00p
Saturday and Sunday, 11:00a-5:30p

Sugar Creek Winery is a family-owned winery in the historic town of Defiance, in the heart of Missouri wine country. They are located on the Katy Trail, a famous biking path that travels through Missouri's variegated and rolling farmlands.

The winery is known for its high-quality wines that reflect the region's unique terroir (or natural wine-growing environment). In addition to the Norton, they are recognized for handling the hybrid grape Chardonel.

Sugar Creek offers a charming and welcoming atmosphere, and the venue often hosts events, such as live music performances, making it a vibrant hub in the local community.

Wines to enjoy during your visit at Sugar Creek include:

Chardonel: A dry white.
Chambourcin: A dry red.
Black Thicket: A sweet dessert wine.

Chandler Hill Vineyards

596 Defiance Road, Defiance, MO, 63341

Hours:
Tuesday, 11:00a-5:00p
Wednesday, 11:00a-9:00p
Thursday through Saturday, 11:00a-5:00p
Tastings cost $45 per person (fee waived with 3-bottle wine purchase).

Chandler Hill Winery

Another Defiance-based winery, Chandler Hill Vineyards, is recognized for its unique wine-making approach that incorporates local and West Coast influences.

The winery offers a range of wines made from Missouri grapes and grapes grown in the renowned vineyards of Napa Valley, California, and Willamette Valley, Oregon. This blend of regions gives Chandler Hill a unique range of wines that represent both the local terroir and the distinctive characteristics of West Coast vineyards.

Beyond its wines, Chandler Hill Vineyards offers a beautiful tasting room where visitors can sample their offerings. The winery is set amidst rolling vineyards and has a rustic yet elegant feel, making it a popular destination for events and weddings.

The best Chandler Hill Wines to try include:

2020 Vignoles: A semi-dry white
2020 Rose: A sweet rose wine.
Orange Blossom Port: A sweet port.

Make Lehmann House Your Home Base During Your Next Wine Tour in St. Louis!

As we’ve journeyed through the charming vineyards of Augusta Winery, Montelle Winery, Sugar Creek Winery, and Chandler Hill Vineyards, it’s clear that St. Louis offers a truly unique and enchanting wine experience.

Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious beginner, there's a place for you in Missouri's wine country.

You'll want to stay in St. Louis during your trip to Missouri Wine Country, enjoying the drive out there, especially in the fall. Be sure to stay with us at Lehmann House Bed & Breakfast. We’re centrally located near the three main interstates and a short drive away from several Missouri wineries.

For more information about local attractions to visit in St. Louis, subscribe to our blog, check out our ATTRACTIONS page or CONTACT US today with any questions. Take a look at OUR ROOMS, check your calendar and BOOK NOW to get started on your St. Louis wine tour!

Written by Creative Copywriter Chris Davies