Explore the Best in the Midwest: Road Trip Weekend on the Hermann Wine Trail

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For wine lovers seeking a budget-friendly alternative to regions like Napa, the Hermann Wine Trail in Missouri is an excellent option. Located in the Midwest, this area offers a variety of wineries with deep German roots and a more relaxed, affordable experience. You can enjoy high-quality wines, like the bold Norton reds and crisp Vidal Blancs, without the hefty price tags often associated with Napa or Sonoma. Hermann’s wineries frequently waive tasting fees, offer low-cost wine flights, and provide affordable accommodations, making it a great choice for wine enthusiasts looking to save while enjoying the charm and history of a top-tier wine region.

Table of Contents

• Poppin’ Bottles on the Hermann Wine Trail
• Hermann, Missouri
• Where We Stayed
• The Hermann Trolley
• Wineries on the Hermann Wine Trail
• Where We Drank
• Adam Puchta Winery
• Hermannhof Winery
• Stone Hill Winery
• Oak Glen Winery
• Tin Mill Brewery
• Where to Eat
• Hermann Wurst Haus
• 54th Street Grill
• Friendship Brewing Company
• Final Thoughts
• Like it? Pin it!

Poppin’ Bottles on the Hermann Wine Trail

Hermann, Missouri 

We’re heading out for another road trip. Hermann is a German town on the banks of the Missouri River. It’s known for its wine industry, which began in 1837. The Hermann Wine Trail is small, approximately 60 miles west of St. Louis, Missouri. The area was settled by German immigrants who felt it reminded them of the rolling hills of Germany. Winding through some of the prettiest scenery in the state, the Hermann Wine Trail meanders for 20 scenic miles along the Missouri River between Hermann and New Haven. Along the trail, seven family-owned wineries are open for tasting and tours.

Where We Stayed

We did not stay in Hermann. All of the accommodations in Hermann were either very expensive or very rustic. And I don’t care for either. So we stayed at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Wentzville. Turns out, Hermann closes down pretty early, so the 20-minute drive was well worth it.

The Hermann Trolley

If you’re in Hermann, Missouri, you’ll want to ditch the car and get on the Hermann Trolley. For $25—cash—or $30 if you’re a Venmo kind of person, you get an all-day pass to experience some of the state’s finest wineries. Adam Puchta, Stone Hill, Oak Glenn—these places know how to pour, and you won’t want to miss a glass. The trolley’s got you covered. No need to fuss with directions, just hop on, sip your way through town, and let someone else do the driving. Plus, if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, they’ve got a two-day pass for $40—why rush perfection? And for those who love a side of eerie history with their wine, try the Dark History Tour. Just know this: Hermann’s small-town charm and hidden stories might haunt you long after you’ve left.

Wineries on the Hermann Wine Trail

Adam Puchta Winery
Bias Winery
Dierberg Star Lane Tasting Room
Hermannhof Winery
Oak Glenn Winery
Röbller Winery
Stone Hill Winery

Where We Drank

Summer Winery in the Rain

1. Adam Puchta Winery
2. Hermannhof Winery
3. Stone Hill Winery
4. Oak Glen Winery
5. Tin Mill Brewery

While all seven are close enough to visit in one day, we decided to concentrate on 4 of them. We also stopped at Summer Winery which is not on the trail because we drove right by it. It turned out to be a good move because they had great Sangrias and wine sauces. Opting out of the other 3 wineries freed up time to explore some of the area breweries and restaurants.

Adam Puchta Winery

Adam Puchta Winery claims to be the oldest continuously owned family winery in the country. You can choose from three wine tasting options. The first option includes 8 pre-selected wines. The second option included all 16 wines (excluding the Vintner’s selections) which made up the third wine tasting options. We shared a glass for the last two options which let us taste everything. It’s a small little shop built in the 1850’s, and that’s definitely part of its charm. They had one of the best gift shops in Hermann. They had cheeses and sausages and all kinds of preserved goods. The wines were very tasty and the chocolate and cheese pairings enhanced the flavor of each wine.

Hermannhof Winery

If you are going to visit Hermannhof Winery makes sure you go on the cave tour. The caves at Hermannhof were built around 1848 and contain ancient wine casks and machinery. The winery is one of two wineries located within the city limits. The Hermannhof Winery offers tours of the cellars originally built in 1852, and offers tastings and tours too. The winery has a large tasting room with a deli next door where you can enjoy a meal and a bottle (or two) of wine. If you want to get a good sample of Missouri wine, friendly atmosphere, local sausages, then you might enjoy a stop at Hermannhof Winery.

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Stone Hill Winery

Stone Hill Winery is the largest and oldest winery in the state. It’s where you can enjoy a guided tour of the historic cellars, a German meal at the Vintage Restaurant, or stroll around the winery’s carriage house and horse barn. The winery occupies a beautiful parcel of land encircled by rolling hills of grapevines. And if you’re lucky you can visit on a nice day to listen to live music while you sip an award-winning wine, cider, or slushy.

Oak Glen Winery

At the end of a long, dusty road sits Oak Glenn Winery, and while the journey might be rough, the view makes it worth every bump. Perched high above the Missouri River, the setting reminded me of the vineyards in Germany—tranquil, picturesque, and a perfect escape from the world. But here’s the thing: that view is the best part. The wine, served in plastic shot glasses, leaves something to be desired. I’m all for casual, but sipping wine from plastic? Not ideal. Still, the expansive deck and garden offer the perfect spot to unwind, and on weekends, they’ve got live bands and a full bar if you’re ready to switch it up. Make this your final stop for the day—Oak Glenn stays open later than the other wineries in town. Trust me, it’s a place to sit back and let time slip away.

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Tin Mill Brewery

We decided to check out Tin Mill Brewery for the local beer and a snack. The building alone is worth a visit. Tin Mill Brewery sits in the heart of historic downtown Hermann, Missouri, and provides a variety of handcrafted brews for customers to enjoy in their historic lager house, or while enjoying the front porch or German beer garden. They’ve got a wide selection of house beers on draft, and plenty of cozy seating. We ordered a flight. Unfortunately, my husband wasn’t impressed by any of the beers. In addition, our table was uncomfortably wobbly. And because of that, we didn’t stay for the food.

Where to Eat

1. Hermann Wurst Haus
2. 54th Street Grill
3. Friendship Brewing Company

Hermann Wurst Haus

We could smell the smoked meat/bbq as we walked up to the deli. Hermann Wurst Haus brags about having more than 60 varieties of bratwurst and German Sausages. Too bad none of them are beef or chicken. We were sure there was at least one rindswurst (beef sausage) to try, but we were wrong. So we had a chicken and turkey sandwich respectively. And they were just –well, chicken and turkey sandwiches. There are lots of frozen meats, cheese, mustards, and jellies. They offer an all you can eat breakfast featuring their home-made smoked bacon and sausage on Sundays. The reviews are all over the place on the Wurst Haus, however, the store and historic building is worth a visit no matter what.

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54th Street Grill

Usually, not a fan of chain restaurants, but this place was recommended by the hotel staff. The 54th Street Grill has one of the largest menus I’ve ever seen. Unfortunately, in my experience, that’s never a good thing when it comes to restaurants. And that’s still the truth. I ordered the fish tacos. Tilapia, spicy dressed cabbage, Roma tomatoes, fresh cilantro, and cotija wrapped in corn-flour tortillas and drizzled with red pepper sauce. Sounds good, right? Wrong. The fish was not seasoned at all. The best thing about the place was sitting at the bar where we shared a couple of drinks with a couple of locals.

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Friendship Brewing Company

Friendship Brewery in Wentzville is the kind of spot where time slows down, and you can actually enjoy it. Stepping inside feels like a dive into the past, with vintage decor and a playful, beer-centric vibe. The beer selection? Huge. We’re talking flavors that’ll make you raise an eyebrow—like raspberry jalapeño. It’s two places in one, a brewery and a restaurant, though don’t expect table service. You order your food at a window in the back and grab it yourself, which, honestly, keeps things casual. The wings we had were solid, a bit overcooked but flavorful. Their house brews stand out, but there’s also a nice mix of local favorites on tap. Whether you’re catching live music on the small stage or playing Jenga with the kids, it’s a relaxed, no-frills kind of hangout.

Final Thoughts & Hermann’s Oktoberfest

For those seeking a wine-tasting experience that doesn’t break the bank, the Midwest offers several excellent alternatives. In addition to Missouri’s Hermann Wine Trail, where Hermann’s Oktoberfest will take place every weekend from October 1–27, 2024, featuring German food, music, and activities. Michigan’s Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas provide stunning lakeside views and a more intimate atmosphere. These regions offer high-quality wines at a fraction of the cost compared to West Coast destinations like Napa, making them ideal for those looking to enjoy a laid-back, less commercialized wine tour without sacrificing quality. Whether it’s the charm of a small town or the beauty of the countryside, the Midwest wine scene offers an experience that’s both affordable and unforgettable.

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