Missouri wine tourism grows with Augusta AVA and rail experiences

Missouri is experiencing a growing wine tourism industry, highlighted by the historic Augusta American Viticultural Area (AVA), the first of its kind in the United States. Key destinations in the Augusta region include Augusta Winery, Balducci Vineyards, Montelle Winery, and Mount Pleasant Estates, which offer various amenities such as live music, vineyard views, and dining options.

In addition to traditional winery visits, the state offers unique wine-by-rail experiences. The Iron Mountain Railway currently provides the only service in Missouri where passengers can enjoy wines and spirits aboard vintage train cars while traveling through scenic landscapes, including the Missouri River Valley and the Hermann Wine Trail.