Missouri Rhineland, Wine region in Missouri River Valley, United States

The Missouri Rhineland spreads along both sides of the Missouri River from west of St. Louis to Jefferson City, with limestone-rich soils that support grape growing. Multiple wineries and small towns dot this river valley area, each contributing to the region's wine production.

German settlers established their first permanent settlement in the area around 1832, bringing with them centuries of winemaking tradition from Europe. This wave of immigration shaped the region's agriculture and cultural identity.

German immigrants named the region after the Rhine Valley, seeing similarities in the rolling terrain and river landscape. This heritage shapes how the wineries operate and the styles of wine they produce today.

Missouri Route 94 runs through the heart of the region, connecting multiple wineries between Defiance and Marthasville for easy touring. Most wineries welcome visitors year-round for tastings and tours, though hours may vary by season and day.

Augusta, a small village within this wine region, became the first officially designated American Viticultural Area in the nation when it received recognition in 1980. This status established a template for how wine regions would be formally recognized across the country.