Hermannhof Wine Cellars

Hermannhof Wine Cellars is a landmark along the eastern edge of the small Missouri city of Hermann. In a region noted for wine production, Hermannhof is one of the oldest. These aged wine cellars first opened and began producing wine in 1852, a full decade before the Civil War. Hermannhof is one of the 100 places in town listed on the National Register of Historic Places and all ten of the original stone wine cellars is in use today. The brick buildings have a distinctly European style but the facilities offer every modern amenity. During the years of Prohibition, all of the local wine cellars ceased production and years passed before wine making returned in full to Hermann. The James Dierberg family bought Hermannhof and two vineyards in 1978 and have restored the wine cellars to full production.

The broad Missouri River lies across Highway 100 from the winery. That highway follows the curve of the fertile hills that surround Hermann past many vineyards including the two that provide grapes for Hermannhof's wine production. Both the upper and lower vineyards belonging to Hermannhof date to 1837 and still produce sweet, ripe grapes. In the upper vineyard, the cottage built by the original vintner remains in place among the ordered rows of vines. With these grapes - and other fruits imported from within the state and around the world - Hermannhof produces 50,000 gallons of wine each year. Their commitment is to quality wines rather than quantity production.

Visitors to Hermannhof can tour the wine cellars and learn about the process of wine making. After each tour, visitors are given the opportunity to taste the fine wines produced here. They can also stay for lunch and enjoy some of the locally made Wurst (German sausage). Many of these sausages and cheeses are available for purchase as well. A shaded patio allows visitors to enjoy a quiet luncheon and the lovely dining room offers a fireplace for cool autumn or winter evenings. All of the wines produced here are also available for purchase.

Hermannhoff has twice received the prestigious Brown-Foreman award along with numerous others. The adjacent Festhalle is available to rent for weddings or other special occasions.

Some of the popular wines produced at Hermannhof include the perennial best seller, White Lady of Starkenberg wine. This favorite is similar to a German Riesling wine and is named for the patron of a large church dedicated to the Virgin Mary across the Missouri River in Starkenberg.

Other favorites include Vignoles, a medium bodied wine with a distinct taste of both citrus and apricot, Germantown, a sweet white wine, Cherry Wine, a rich, sweet favorite, and Stagswood Red, an old-fashioned red wine made with the sweetest of Concord grapes.

Hermannhof Wine Cellars are open every day throughout the year except major holidays. Tours are available daily and tastings are offered at any time.

The wine cellars are within easy walking distance from much of Hermann, a picturesque city with many delightful aged buildings. Visitors to Hermannhof may also enjoy a stay in one of the city's charming bed-and-breakfast inns or a meal in one of several restaurants featuring German cuisine.