Wines of Missouri

Cultivation of grapes for wine making began in Missouri early in the nineteenth century. By 1870 Missouri was a center for viticultural research and the second largest wine producing state in the nation. Wine was an important part of the state's economy until 1920 when Prohibition wiped out the industry. By the time of Repeal, federal agents had destroyed fermentation tanks and ripped out the vines, leaving well-established vineyards to lay fallow or be converted to other crops. But in the early 1960's the wine industry began awakening, like Rip Van Winkle, from a 40 year snooze as Missouri entrepreneurs resurrected the tradition of fine wine making in the Show Me State.

The award designations below refer to the annual Missouri State Fair Wine Competition. I was honored to serve as a judge for the tenth year during the 1997 fair.

- Andy Ayers, Owner/Chef

Red Wines of Missouri | White Wines of Missouri
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