Our Story

Celebrating the Distinctive Terroir and Rich History of Augusta, MO

Each bottle of our wine is the result of small-batch winemaking, a practice that ensures outstanding quality and attention to detail. Under the guidance of our award-winning winemaker and his team, our wines consistently earn gold and silver medals both nationally and internationally.

Capturing the essence
of Missouri’s rolling hills.

time-honored tradition

The Augusta
Experience

Augusta Winery is more than just a place to enjoy incredible wines—it’s an experience.

From our tasting room filled with carefully chosen gifts to our Wine & Beer Garden featuring a grapevine-covered arbor and live entertainment from spring through fall, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Share a bottle with friends as you relax with charcuterie or discover your next favorite vintage with one of our expert-curated tastings.

three hands holding Missouri wine glasses up for a toast
tables on a patio covered in greenery with the sun setting in the background at Augusta Winery
a row of wine bottles from Augusta Winery with medals hanging on the necks

Crafted with care, poured with pride.

Taste the legacy
of Augusta.

We’re proud of the community we’ve built—rooted in sustainable farming, respect for the land, and a passion for bringing people together over great wine. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, we can’t wait to welcome you to Augusta Winery and share what makes us truly special.

Explore the charm of Missouri wine country with us. Plan your visit today and savor the unforgettable.

Cheers to good wine
& great company!

The Team

Enthusiasm, passion
and family

Behind Augusta Winery is a team of experts who share their passion for the land, the history of the place, and a love for wine.

Colin Pennington

Head Winemaker

James Hogan

Cellar Master

Paul Hopen

Vineyard Operations Manager

Jessica O’Connor

Manager and Marketing Director

Courtney Skornia

Marketing Assistant & Brand Ambassador

Grover

Regional Sales Manager

Tom Fuchs

General Manager

Award-Winning
Excellence

Award Winning badge

At Augusta Winery, our dedication to quality has earned us numerous gold and silver medals in prestigious wine competitions. Each bottle reflects the unique character of the Augusta AVA, showcasing the craftsmanship and passion behind every vintage. Explore our award-winning wines and taste the tradition of excellence.

     The
Appellation

Discover the Augusta Appellation

America’s
First Recognized
Wine Region

sketch of Missouri wine hills

Nestled in the rolling hills of Missouri Wine Country, the Augusta American Viticultural Area (AVA) holds a special place in history. Established on June 20, 1980, Augusta became the first federally recognized wine region in the United States, earning its designation eight months before Napa Valley. With a deep-rooted history, glacial soils, and a commitment to time-honored traditions, Augusta remains a premier destination for wine lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

A legacy of winemaking
and innovation.

A Place Built on Passion

Perfected through time

sketch of Augusta Winery Fine Wine barrel and American flag

Augusta’s wine heritage dates back to the mid-19th century when German immigrants recognized the potential of the land’s rich loam soil and temperate climate. The first wineries in the area flourished, producing robust and expressive wines that soon gained international recognition. The region even played a critical role in saving the French wine industry in the late 1800s, when Missouri’s phylloxera-resistant rootstock was sent to France, helping to combat the devastating vineyard pest.

Despite the setbacks of Prohibition (1920-1933), Augusta’s wine culture survived, thanks to its passionate vintners. The revitalization of the region in the 1960s set the stage for Augusta’s rise as a leading wine destination. Today, a sense of community defines Augusta’s wineries, where local vintners work together to preserve the area’s unique winemaking identity.

A Scenic & Historic Getaway

Located just 40 miles west of St. Louis, Augusta offers a breathtaking escape from the city. Visitors can explore charming wineries surrounded by picturesque vineyards, where they can enjoy award-winning wines while soaking in stunning views of the Missouri River Valley. Augusta’s landscape is dotted with rolling hills, historic 19th-century architecture, and a welcoming small-town atmosphere that transports visitors to a simpler, more elegant time.

A Distinctive Terroir

Soils –
mirrors of the
earth’s history

The Augusta AVA boasts a unique terroir, with soils composed of Hayne Silt-Loam, rich in clay and silt, providing the perfect conditions for premium grape cultivation. The vineyards benefit from the area’s natural geographic protection, which shields the vines from extreme weather conditions, fostering consistent grape production and distinctive flavor profiles.

Among the celebrated grape varieties grown in Augusta are:

sketch of grape vines and trees
chambourcin grapes cluster

Chambourcin

chardonel grapes

Chardonel

seyval blanc grapes

Seyval Blanc

Vidal Blanc Grapes

Vidal Blanc

vignoles grapes

Vignoles

A Thriving Wine Community

More than just a wine region, Augusta is a thriving and collaborative winemaking community. Its wineries embrace tradition while continually refining their craft, producing high-quality wines that showcase the terroir’s unique character.

In 2021, the region received a significant boost when Jerri & David Hoffmann announced a visionary investment, enhancing Augusta as an international wine destination, further solidifying its status as a must-visit location.

Visit Augusta

Where History Meets the Glass

From its storied past to its modern revival, Augusta is a place where history, culture, and fine wine converge. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a casual wine lover, Augusta welcomes you to experience its world-class wines, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. Take a scenic drive through the Missouri River Valley, visit the historic wineries, and raise a glass to the rich heritage of America’s First AVA.

Plan your visit today and discover why Augusta remains an enduring gem in American winemaking.

Colin Pennington

James Hogan

Paul Hopen

Jessica O’Connor

Courtney Skornia

Grover

Tom Fuchs

Chambourcin Grape

Chambourcin is a deeply colored red grape that produces smooth, fruit-forward wines with vibrant character and a hint of spice. It often showcases flavors of black cherry, plum, and raspberry, with earthy undertones and soft tannins. Chambourcin can range in style from easy-drinking reds to more complex, oak-aged bottlings, and even dry rosés. Its medium body and balanced acidity make it a versatile food wine—great with grilled meats, tomato-based pastas, or aged cheeses. For fans of approachable reds with personality, Chambourcin is a standout.

Chardonel Grape

Chardonel is a white wine grape variety developed by crossing Chardonnay and Seyval Blanc, combining the elegance of Chardonnay with the cold hardiness of Seyval. Created in 1953 and officially released in 1990 by Cornell University’s New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Chardonel is especially well-suited for cooler climates and regions with shorter growing seasons, like the Midwest and parts of the East Coast. It produces medium to full-bodied wines with a flavor profile similar to Chardonnay, often showing notes of apple, pear, citrus, and occasionally tropical fruit, with the ability to take on oak aging beautifully. Chardonel wines can range from dry to semi-sweet and are appreciated for their balance, crisp acidity, and versatility in winemaking.

Seyval Blanc Grape

Seyval Blanc is a crisp, refreshing white wine grape known for its bright acidity and clean, fruit-forward character. Expect flavors of green apple, lemon zest, and subtle melon, often with a hint of minerality. Light-bodied and easy-drinking, it’s perfect chilled on a warm day or paired with seafood, salads, and creamy cheeses. Seyval Blanc is often crafted in a dry or off-dry style and can also shine in sparkling wines, offering a vibrant, citrusy lift with a smooth finish.

Vidal Blanc Grape

Vidal Blanc is a versatile white wine grape loved for its lush fruit flavors and balanced acidity. It often delivers notes of ripe pineapple, peach, and citrus, with a smooth, juicy finish. Depending on the winemaker’s style, Vidal can be crafted into everything from crisp, dry whites to rich, sweet dessert wines—including beautifully concentrated ice wines. Its bright character and natural sweetness make it a crowd-pleaser, pairing well with spicy dishes, fruit-based desserts, or simply enjoyed on its own.

Vignoles Grape

Vignoles is a white grape known for its intensely aromatic profile and naturally high acidity, making it ideal for both vibrant dry wines and luscious late-harvest or dessert styles. Expect rich flavors of apricot, honey, pineapple, and citrus, often with floral notes and a silky texture. Vignoles wines are beautifully balanced—bright and fresh even when sweet—making them a favorite for pairing with spicy cuisine, rich cheeses, or fruit tarts. It’s a distinctive, expressive grape that delivers bold flavor in every style.

St. Vincent Grape

St. Vincent is a unique red grape that produces smooth, medium-bodied wines with soft tannins and bright red fruit character. You’ll often find flavors of cherry, cranberry, and subtle spice, with a fresh, approachable finish. It’s often enjoyed as a lighter-style red or crafted into rosé, making it a great choice for those who prefer fruit-forward wines without heavy oak or tannin. St. Vincent is easy to love on its own and pairs well with roasted poultry, pork, or charcuterie.

Norton Grape

Norton, also called Cynthiana, is a bold, full-bodied red grape known for its deep color, rich flavor, and age-worthy structure. Expect dark fruit notes like blackberry and plum, layered with spice, earth, and a touch of cocoa or vanilla when oak-aged. Naturally high in acidity and tannin, Norton produces complex, food-friendly wines that can rival traditional Old World reds. It pairs beautifully with hearty dishes—think grilled steak, barbecue, or wild game—and appeals to those who enjoy robust, distinctive wines with a sense of character.

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