[Rik Brown]

I'm going to start this simple with the caveat that I really haven't visiting many Missouri wineries. But here are comments on some that I have visited:

AUGUSTA - St. Charles County (nearby St. Louis)

Mt. Pleasant - The winery that really revitalized the Augusta wine area. I've visited them since 1986 or 1987. They've grown and expanded their facilities over the years. You often see buses visiting. Overlooking the Missouri River Valley, they offer some of the more upscale wines in the area.

Our last visit was the summer of 2005. I believe there was a $5 tasting fee. You are allowed to bring in your own foods while there are cheeses and sausages, etc. for sale. Coolers are not allowed. You may also buy ice (I believe it was $2 for a bucket) [last visit: Summer 2005].

Balducci's - Just 3 miles west of the town of Augusta on Highway 94. A simple winery facility with mostly outdoor seating on plastic chairs/tables with umbrellas. For non-wine drinkers, they offer a limited selection of beers which makes them unique to the area. I guess I can't say much about the wine since I opted for the beer. You may bring in your own foods but not alcoholic beverages [Summer 2005].

Montelle - Built atop a hill just east of Augusta. They have a lot of trees which may make this a cooler option during the summer months. Montelle wines are on the cheap side, many wines having twist off caps. The outdoor seating is mostly on metal tables and chairs. We ordered a Klondike sandwich for $7.xx which was quite huge. Next time we'll probably order just one and split it between two people. You may not bring in drink nor food since they do have their own deli-style foods [November 2005].

Sugar Creek - Just east of Augusta (actually part of Defiance, MO) on top of a hill. The hilltop is fairly flat and that makes for decent seating. We opted for their port at about $20 which was fairly decent. You may bring in your own foods [November 2005].

Augusta Brewery - Located on a hill within the town of Augusta (follow the signs) overlooking the Katy Trail. I've included this stop since they offer an option to beer drinkers. They have their own home brews. Sorry, no wines.


Hermann - Missouri River City (Southwest of St. Louis)

Adam Puchta - Celebrating its 150th year, this small winery in the countryside on the outskirts of Hermann is a quiet, pastoral setting to visit when you are in the area. Of course, the Stone Hill Winery is Hermann's largest winery. So you might wish to stop here before or after a visit to Stone Hill. I can't comment on the wines here since I didn't drink them. But we visited here after having a lunch at a local restaurant where my wife consumed some of their wine and thus we visited to buy a bottle to take home (which was consumed before I had a chance to taste it). Go figure! [Summer 2005].

Stone Hill - Guess we'll have to review this winery on our next visit to Hermann.

Tip for all wineries: Bring your own wine glasses. Otherwise, you'll have to opt for free plastic cups or purchase overpriced glasses at the wineries.