Hilltop vineyards, historic cellars, Italian wine programs and sunlit patio pours set the scene for a Missouri wine escape where slow sips meet elevated views.
AUGUSTA WINERY
Located in the Augusta American Viticultural Area (AVA), the first AVA designated in the U.S., Augusta Winery, along with sisters Balducci Vineyards, Montelle Winery and Mount Pleasant Estates, are vital stops for the wine connoisseur and amateur alike. Each winery has its own unique style of charm – from the creature comforts of deep dish pizza and vineyard views at Balducci’s to Augusta Winery’s laid-back patio. Find live music on weekends at all four wineries! Take in the history at Mount Pleasant in their centuries-old hand-carved cellars and try their international award-winning ports. Need sustenance while you sip? Balducci’s, Montelle, and Mount Pleasant will satisfy the hunger into the evenings on Saturdays June through September. Like to pack a picnic? Bring it to Augusta Winery – but you may have to share with the staff!
Multiple locations in Augusta, visitaugustamo.com
BALDUCCI VINEYARDS
A sprawling vineyard on 76 acres of rolling hills and vistas, Balducci Vineyards has been voted favorite winery for over a decade in past years by a local readers’ poll. The winery also boasts numerous award-winning wines featuring Missouri grown grapes. Enjoy live entertainment weekends spring through fall, life-sized games, a bocce ball court, and plenty of room to enjoy a day outdoors. Plan your special events and weddings at Balducci’s to wow your guests in the rustic chic barn. Don’t miss the craft beer options aplenty, along with a full menu of sandwiches, salads, appetizers, and handmade pizzas – order the deep dish; it’s worth the wait! Visit the website for hours, directions and events including their Pasta Fridays (the second Friday of every month) featuring their signature pastas and live music while the sun sets over the patio.
6601 S. Hwy. 94, Augusta, 636.482.8466, balduccivineyards.com
BASSO ON THE PLAZA
At Basso on the Plaza, wine is more than a pairing; it’s part of the experience. Our thoughtfully curated Italian wine list spans crisp Prosecco and elegant Franciacorta, expressive Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay, and beautifully structured reds from Chianti to Barolo. From light, refreshing pours to iconic reserve selections like Brunello and Amarone, each bottle is chosen to complement Basso’s soulful Italian cuisine and invites you to linger, savor, and enjoy.
545 W. Port Plaza Drive, St. Louis, 314.683.2338, basso-stl.com/westport
BLUFFTOP AT ROCHEPORT
The Blufftop at Rocheport is a vineyard retreat along the Katy Trail. It features The Tasting Room with wine tasting and tours, The A-Frame Winegarden with breathtaking views of the Missouri River and live music every Friday evening throughout the summer, The Bistro, a beautiful event center for all your celebrations, and Guesthouses for a perfect escape. With 40 years of experience, it has become one of the largest wineries in the state of Missouri. They currently offer over 25 wines, including the popular Collector’s Series, an annual release of three unique small-batch wines featuring labels with artwork from the Wine Label Art Competition.
Multiple locations, Rocheport, 800.690.1830, missouriwine.com
CARNIVORE
Carnivore on the Hill is a wine lover’s haven with a curated selection of 22 reds and 12 whites, including standout bottles from Napa, Sonoma and Columbia Valley, plus international gems from Italy, Argentina, France and New Zealand. Sip the best-selling “C.M.S.” Cabernet from Washington – rich, bold and unforgettable – or the crisp, fruit-forward “Grayson” Chardonnay from California. With non-alcoholic options available, there’s something for everyone in this thoughtfully designed tasting experience.
5257 Shaw Ave., Suite 100, St. Louis, 314.449.6328, carnivore-stl.com
DEFIANCE RIDGE VINEYARDS
Nestled in 42 sprawling acres of vineyards, lush gardens and a tranquil lake just 30 minutes west of St. Louis in the hills of Historic Missouri Wine Country, Defiance Ridge offers vineyard-to-table cuisine, live music and succulent estate wines, as well as exclusive varietals from the West Coast. The winery is open seven days a week year-round. Looking to host your next private event? Defiance Ridge is also the perfect spot for weddings, private parties and corporate outings. The facility offers a spacious layout featuring a wide array of options for guests of all sizes. It was also a winner of The Knot’s “Best Of” Weddings Hall of Fame 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.
2711 S. MO. 94, Defiance, 636.798.2288, defianceridgevineyards.com
HERBIE’S
Herbie’s has earned a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence six years running thanks to a thoughtfully curated wine list. With a focus on accessibility, the list features a broad range of varietals and price points, plus rotating by-the-glass options to suit every palate. Guests can explore unique wines from lesser-known regions, alongside new and older vintages from around the world. Staff wine education ensures knowledgeable, engaging service.
8100 Maryland Ave., Clayton, 314.769.9595, herbies.com
MADRINA
Madrina brings a modern Italian-American dining experience to Webster Groves with a warm, inviting atmosphere designed for gathering and conversation. The restaurant features handcrafted pastas, shareable dishes, and an expertly curated wine program led by Advanced Sommelier Alicia Calvert. Guests can explore an impressive selection of Old World wines from renowned regions across Italy and Europe, thoughtfully paired to complement Madrina’s elevated cuisine and timeless neighborhood charm.
101 W. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, madrinastl.com
MARCONI MERCATO
Marconi Mercato brings the flavors of Italy to life with a curated wine list that perfectly complements its rustic, seasonal menu. From crisp pinot grigio and aromatic vermentino to bold chiantis and rich super Tuscans, each glass is selected to enhance dishes like wild boar pappardelle, branzino piccata, and Saratoga ribeye. Whether you’re sipping buttery chardonnay with chicken rollatini or a dry nero d’avola with arancini, the pairings are thoughtful and satisfying. With a warm, inviting atmosphere and a focus on quality, Marconi Mercato is one of the most exciting new spots on the Hill.
2030 Marconi Ave., St. Louis, 314.380.9003, marconimercato.com
MONTELLE WINERY
Situated 500 feet above the Missouri River Valley within the Augusta AVA, Montelle offers a breathtaking view of rolling hills, forests and the river valley just a few minutes down the road from its neighboring historic town, Augusta. The winery café offers daily lunches with items like fresh salads, sandwiches, wraps and pizzas. Melodies of live music dance on the Osage mountainous air on weekends during spring and through the fall. In the winter months, the music moves indoors by the cozy, stone fireplace. With covered and climate-controlled seating, Montelle can be enjoyed year round. That same indoor seating area is a perfect setting for micro-weddings and other memorable events.
201 Montelle Drive, Augusta, 636.228.4464, montelle.com
MOUNT PLEASANT ESTATES
Mount Pleasant Estates is rich in history with more than 150 years of winemaking excellence. Experience the serenity of relaxing on Mount Pleasant’s patio with views of the sweeping vistas. Discover the charm and history of old world winemaking in the richness and variety of Mount Pleasant’s award-winning wines. Enjoy live music on weekends in the summer and fall along with tasty treats from their Appellation Café open daily. Keep an eye out for cellar tours, wine dinners, holiday-themed events and more through the year. With the rolling hills of the Augusta Appellation, beautifully landscaped grounds, historic structures, recently renovated ballroom, and impressive cellars – Mount Pleasant is an elevated event venue unlike any other. Visit for the day, the weekend, or book a private event to make memories in America’s first wine region.
5634 High St., Augusta, 636.482.9463, mountpleasant.com
NOBOLEIS VINEYARDS
Where Missouri wine country meets unforgettable experiences. Nestled in the rolling hills of Augusta, Noboleis Vineyards brings together three distinct brands under one destination: handcrafted Noboleis wines, refreshing Swirl Sangria, and crisp Fabled Legendary Hard Cider. Whether you’re discovering a new favorite pour, relaxing with friends on the patio, or planning your next weekend escape, there’s something here for every palate. From bright whites and smooth reds to fruit-forward sangrias and in-house cider, each sip is crafted to be shared, savored, and remembered. Visit us in the heart of Missouri wine country and discover your perfect pour.
100 Hemsath Road, Augusta, 636.482.4500, noboleisvineyards.com
STONE HILL WINERY
Perched high above the Missouri River, Stone Hill Winery is one of Missouri’s most historic destinations. Founded in 1847, it became the second-largest winery in the United States before Prohibition. Visitors can tour the winery’s remarkable hand-dug, arched underground cellars, still used for aging wines today. The hilltop setting offers sweeping views of Hermann and the river valley, while the adjoining Vintage Restaurant serves German-inspired cuisine in a beautifully restored historic setting.
1110 Stone Hill Hwy., Hermann, stonehillwinery.com
This article appears in June 2026.