It’s a little-known fact: Missouri was once one of the most exciting and thriving wine states in the U.S.—especially in the mid and late 19th century. But even a hundred years later—in 1980—Missouri had another wine-claim-to-fame: Augusta, Missouri, became the first AVA (American Viticultural Area) in the entire U.S. Today, Missouri is ground zero for all kinds of unique and fascinating wines made from native American grape varieties as well as hybrids that most of us have never heard of, or tasted. Our office tasting at KM&Co. last night included several of these varieties, all now made into wine in Missouri: St. Vincent, Vignoles, Norton, Hidalgo, Wetumka, and Albania. The hope is that some of these varieties might, by virtue of their resilience in the face of heat, drought, and erratic climate change, chart a path to the future. Two Missouri wineries leading the way: Röbller and TerraVox. If you come across wines from either winery, snap them up.
Missouri Rising
