What is the first government-appointed wine-growing district in the U.S.? That question is often included on the sommelier certification exam, and for many, it’s a stumper. The answer: Augusta, Missouri, just a short drive west of St. Louis. Tucked into the rolling hills of the Missouri River Valley are dozens of wineries, including Mount Pleasant.
The 15 square miles that make up the Augusta Appellation is ideal for growing grapes. The bluffs along the Missouri River protect the area from extreme weather, and the topsoil is rich. “You can dig several meters deep and still get topsoil, and that’s rare,” says Mount Pleasant president Chuck Dressel.
Founded in 1859 by two German brothers, George and Frederick Muench, the winery began as a commercial wine business, with its products shipped all over the world. In 1920, it was forced to close with the passing of Prohibition. The wine and winery equipment were destroyed, and the vineyards torched. “Companies like Anheuser-Busch were able to turn over and make root beer or other products, but our entire estate was wiped out,” Dressel says.
In 1966, the winery began its rebirth, with Lucian and Eva Dressel—the aunt and uncle of Chuck Dressel—purchasing the property. “They came across this historic winery, grasped the great ambience here, and wanted to give it a go,” he says.
Signs of Mount Pleasant’s long history still can be seen on the property. The original hand-dug cellars, completed in 1881, remain in use, and the oven house, used to make bricks for the foundation of the original winery buildings, still stands. Today, Mount Pleasant grows 12 grape varieties on nearly 80 acres and uses a number of sustainable viticulture techniques. “If we don’t have to spray for fungus, we don’t,” Dressel explains. “We also try to run our tractors efficiently so we’re not burning as much diesel fuel. It’s a constant challenge.”
Aged in oak barrels or stainless steel tanks, the winery’s offerings include port and a variety of reds and whites. Mount Pleasant recently received some high ratings from Chicago’s Beverage Testing Institute—a 91 on the Estate Norton and a 90 for its Estate Chardonnay. “What’s really rewarding for me is that we’re literally taking grapes out of the ground and making a finished product, and we get to see peoples’ reactions to our work,” says Dressel.
Visitors can enjoy the finished product in a 4,000-square-foot tasting room or on the brick terrace overlooking the Missouri River Valley, perhaps accompanied by a cheese and sausage plate from the winery’s Appellation Cafe. There is often live entertainment on the weekends; cellar tours, wine classes and a variety of events also are offered.
what » An established winery in Augusta, Missouri
where » 5634 High St.
why » To sample award-winning wines and enjoy stunning views
Photo courtesy of Mount Pleasant Estates