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Missouri Wine Production

Missouri has a rich and unique history in American wine. In fact, it is one of the oldest wine producing states in the U.S. and was a key player in rescuing European vineyards during the phylloxera crisis in the 19th century.

Today, Missouri is known for its native and hybrid grape varieties, historic wineries, and robust, flavorful wine styles.

1,300 Hectares

(3,200 Acres)

3.3 million Litres

125+ Wineries

Missouri


History

German immigrants in the early-to-mid-19th century founded the wine industry in Missouri, resulting in its wine corridor being called the Missouri "Rhineland".

Later Italian immigrants also entered wine production. In the mid-1880s, more wine was produced by volume in Missouri than in any other state, and before prohibition Missouri was the second-largest wine-producing state in USA.

Missouri's grape researcher George Husmann helped replant European vineyards with phylloxera-resistant American rootstock in the 19th century, saving the European wine industry.


Wine Industru Trends

Missouri wines tend to be fruit-forward, bold, and often off-dry or sweet, though more wineries are producing dry, oak-aged, and sparkling wines.

Norton, the signature red, is often compared to Zinfandel or Syrah in structure and intensity.

Sweet Concord and Catawba wines remain popular among local consumers.

Sparkling wines are gaining attention with hybrids like Vidal Blanc and Chardonel.

Missouri viticulture emphasizes disease-resistant hybrids, reducing the need for chemical sprays in the humid climate.


Missouri Wine Regions

Missouri had the first area recognized as a federally designated American Viticultural Area with the Augusta AVA acknowledged on June 20, 1980. There are now four AVAs in Missouri.

Missouri AVAs

Augusta (AVA 1982)

The first AVA in the USA was given to Augusta in June 1980.

7 California districts had filed applications to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. However, the first AVA was given to 15 square mile area surrounding Augusta.

The bureau cited the unique soil, climate and wines, Augusta’s long history as one of America’s oldest wine districts.

Napa Valley was the second AVA in USA, after Augusta, in January 1981.


Hermann (AVA 1983)

The Hermannwine region is located along the Missouri River west of Augusta, centered around the town of Hermann.

The region was founded by German immigrants in the early 1800s, and is home to some of the state's most iconic wineries like Stone Hill Winery.

Chateau Grand Traverse

Photo Chateau Grand Traverse


Ozark Mountain (AVA 1986)

(shared with Arkansas and Oklahoma): A larger regional AVA encompassing Augusta and Hermann.

Ozark Highlands (AVA 1987)

Loess Hills, Mississippi River Hills, and Southwest Missouri: Areas with increasing viticultural interest.


Missouri Grape Varieties

Missouri specializes in native American and French-American hybrid grapes that withstand humidity, disease pressure, and winter cold.

Red Grapes

GrapeDescriptionArea
Norton
(Cynthiana)
Missouri’s official state grape. Rich, dark, earthy, and age-worthy. One of the most notable native American wine grapes.18%
Chambourcin French-American hybrid thrive in colder zones. Producing medium-bodied, fruity reds.11.5%
Concord Mostly used for sweet, fruity wines and grape juice.6.5%
Frontenac Cold-hardy or hybrid reds used in various styles.
St. Vincent Cold-hardy or hybrid reds used in various styles.
Baco Noir Cold-hardy or hybrid reds used in various styles.

White Grapes

GrapeDescriptionArea
Vignoles French-American hybrid for used for dry, sweet, and late harvest dessert wines.15.5%
Chardonel Chardonnay–Seyval hybrid. Crisp, can be oaked or unoaked.7.2%
Vidal Blanc Popular for dry, off-dry, and dessert wines (including ice wine).6.0%
Catawba Native grape used for sweet, fruity, or sparkling wines.5.5%
Traminette Gewürztraminer hybrid. Aromatic and spicy.5.0%
Seyval Blanc Fruity and citrusy hybrid white hybrid grape.2.5%
Niagara Native grape used for sweet, fruity, or sparkling wines.

US Wine Production 2023

California has the dominant role in U.S. wine production, producing more wine (680 millon gallons) than all other states combined.

US Gallons
StateGallonsHectares
1. California680.0 million240,000
2. Washington41.0 million24,000
3. New York28.0 million14,500
4. Oregon12.0 million13,000
5. Texas2.1 million3,200
6. Virginia1.9 million1,800
7. Pennsylvania1.8 million1,600
8. Michigan1.5 million1,400
9. Missouri1.0 million1,300

US Grape Plantings

GrapeHectares
Chardonnay36,000
Cabernet Sauvignon34,000
Pinot Noir22,000
Merlot19,000
Zinfandel18,000
Syrah9,000
Sauvignon Blanc8,000
Pinot Gris7,000
Petit Sirah4,500
Riesling4,000


USA is New World


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