Wine, Whimsy and Wild Wonders Make Augusta the Perfect Day Trip from St. Louis

Augusta, the country’s first American Viticultural Area (AVA), offers impeccable wine and delicious food – plus, history and shopping.

With its historic homes, sweet shops, stunning scenery and close proximity to the Katy Trail, the charming hamlet of Augusta, Missouri, has long been a road-trip favorite.

Approximately an hour from St. Louis, Augusta is the country’s first American Viticultural Area (AVA), which was established in 1980. An AVA recognizes and promotes distinct wine-making regions in the U.S., and Missouri has five in total.

The 15-square-mile, crescent-shaped area of Augusta is defined by a ridge, which creates a unique climate and protects the grapes from harsh winds. Here, the soil is also special: The last continental glacier stretched into the area, depositing organic matter that enriched the earth then and makes the vines happy now.

Among the rolling hills that overlook the Missouri River Valley, you’ll find wineries with captivating legacies and surprising wines, including Augusta Winery, Balducci Vineyards, Montelle Winery, Mount Pleasant Estates and Noboleis Vineyards.

Explore the Wineries

Wine Tasting and Tours

Everything you need to know before you go. Don’t see your question? Our AI concierge is one tap away.

Most of the wineries in the region entertain guests with live music, and all of them pour wines made in a range of styles with native and hybrid grapes such as Chambourcin, Norton, Vidal Blanc and Vignoles.

Book a guided tour of the vineyards, where you can drive your own John Deere Gator, learn about wine production at Augusta Winery and visit the storied cellars of Mount Pleasant Estates.

As you bop from winery to winery, sample the Norton at each – we think that you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the different experiences.

Plan Your Visit

Hop in the car and head to one of the most significant and spectacular wine regions in the country. Enjoy wine tastings, live music, and delicious food, and take in the stunning scenery.

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