The 10 Best Things to Do in Hermann, United States

Established in 1847, and well before there was a Napa Valley wine industry, Stone Hill grew to be the second largest winery in the United States! Stone Hill wines were world renowned, winning gold medals in eight world's fairs, including Vienna in 1873 and Philadelphia in 1876. By the 1870's, the winery was shipping 1,250,000 gallons of wine per year. Unfortunately, Prohibition swept away the state's burgeoning wine industry interrupting and destroying Missouri's momentum in the industry. Stone Hill's labyrinth of arched underground cellars (the largest series in North America) were sidelined into harvesting mushrooms rather than wine, until 1965, when Jim and Betty Held bought the winery. Along with their young children, the Held's began the long process of restoring the historic buildings, cellars, and an industry which had fallen into disrepair. Jim and Betty's primary task: producing and marketing the finest wines that can be made and putting Hermann back on the map as a world-class wine producing area gained them repeated recognition throughout the past 50 years. Today Stone Hill is Missouri's oldest and most awarded winery. Stone Hill's yearly production is approximately 300,000 gallons of wine, using state-of-the-art equipment and the latest technology. Stone Hill's winemaking team produces wines that are again receiving international acclaim. Winning more than 4,000 awards since 1991, Stone Hill Winery has continuously ranked among the nation's top award winners. Norton, Missouri's official state grape - a big, full-bodied red - is the pride of Stone Hill. The 2011 Norton and 2012 Cross J Norton both won a trifecta of awards including the coveted Missouri Governor's Cup adding to 8 other Stone Hill Winery Governor Cup awards. Stone Hill also uses French-American hybrid grapes such as Vidal, Chardonel and Vignoles, making sophisticated wines leading Missouri to reclaim its viticulture history. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Stone Hill Winery welcomes visitors with guided tours and tastings. The restored carriage house and horse barn, next to the winery houses the Vintage Restaurant, specializing in German and American cuisine paired with Stone Hill's award-winning wines.

Adam Puchta Winery, located off Hwy. 100 on the banks of Frene Creek about 2.5 miles southwest of Hermann, is the oldest family farm winery in Missouri. Its true uniqueness, however, lies in the fact that the same family has continuously owned it since 1855. We are a true farm winery with a peaceful, laidback setting. Many cats live here, and the property has picnic tables on a lovely shaded hillside so you can sit, visit and relax.Tastings are done in a cool old barn where we pair wine with food for a truly enhanced experience.

Visit a significant part of German-American history – and early Missouri settlement – at Deutschheim State Historic Site. Stroll through the restored 1840s and 1850s buildings and explore how German-Americans settled the Hermann area and developed the basis for a Missouri wine industry. Grapevines planted in the 1850s can still be seen on the property as can a number of historic artifacts.

We make wine from Honey! Otherwise known as Mead. Martin Brothers Winery, with its open spacious rolling hills surrounded by beautiful woods, is a place to escape to in the country and enjoy an award winning Mead (Honey Wine) while enjoying nature at its best. Martin Brothers' internationally awarded meads are made from only the best honey to create a truly unique flavors and aromas. Bring your picnic basket and enjoy the serenity of the quiet countryside and the experience of quality Mead in a relaxed setting just a short trip from Hermann.