By CINDY LADAGE
Illinois Correspondent HERMANN, Mo. — Early settlers in Hermann were not happy when they learned the area would not promote traditional farming methods; however, soon they found that the Norton (Cynthiana) grapes that grew wild in the nearby countryside, and other varieties, would thrive – which eventually resulted in a booming wine growing area that supports nine wineries and vineyards.
History This settlement began as a plan to create a self-supporting German community referred to as the “Second Fatherland.” German-Americans disturbed by the loss of their culture and language planned a new settlement in America’s heartland. Recruiting craftsmen of every variety, these immigrants bought shares for the new settlement that would beget them 40-acre farms or a town lot.
Cheryl Hoffman, site interpreter at the Deutschheim State Historic Site in Hermann, explained they had two years to get set up or they would lose their investment and have to walk away empty-handed – so the incentive for success was huge.
The settlement site was selected by George Bayer, a schoolmaster and musician. Hermann is surrounded by bluffs and the hills that were filled with wild grapevines and reminded Bayer of the area near the Rhine River in Germany.
“George Bayer was to find an area with three items: a river for trade, and flat and farmable land. He found one out of the three,” Hoffman said.
Held up by illness, Bayer arrived in the spring of 1828 after several settlers had arrived the previous December. The pioneers were not prepared for the harsh winters and were quickly disillusioned. In October, Bayer was relieved of his duties and died, according to Hermann history, of a broken heart.
“They buried him in a grave by himself, facing the wrong direction,” Hoffman said. Today, residents of Hermann admit Bayer was judged too harshly and in 1986, they officially exonerated him of any wrongdoing.
Success in grapes While the village did not grow to the large city the settlers originally expected, it did become a booming wine area. This happened once the Germans turned to local grapes and others that also thrived.
By the 1850s its grape production and winemaking was only second to California – until Prohibition. For residents of Hermann, Prohibition was a dark time that devastated the wine industry (see related article).
“The Depression came 10 years early to Hermann,” Hoffman said. It wasn’t until the last few decades that the area recouped as a major winery and vineyard area.
Today there are nine active wineries and vineyards, two in town. One of the largest wineries in Missouri, which also touts a wonderful German-American restaurant, is Stone Hill Winery. Stone Hill offers tours of what they say are the largest series of underground cellars in North America.
The Hermannhof Winery and Vineyard offers rooms and a serene area to enjoy a glass of wine or a bite of lunch. Hermannhof’s also owns the Festhalle, hosting various events.
The Adam Puchta Winery, located off Highway 100 on the banks of Frene Creek about 2.5 miles southwest of Hermann, is the oldest family farm winery in Missouri. The same family has owned it since 1855.
Bias Vineyards and Winery is a small family-owned winery with a limited production. It boasts wines produced from its own vineyards, which allows it to harvest and promptly crush the grapes “the moment they reach their peak of ripeness.” The pressing, fermentation, aging and bottling are all performed at the winery on the estate.
The Bommarito Estate Almond Tree Winery was established in 1996 with the first planting of Norton grapes; it opened for business in 2000. This winery is a second career for James and Olga, who have a tasting room in a barn renovated with rough sawed lumber boasting a second floor gallery.
OakGlenn Winery is high on a hill under hardwood trees, the site where pioneer horticulturist George Husmann planted some grape vines. Five rows of original Norton vines planted by Husmann have been nurtured and tended by the new owners, and are still producing. Approximately 3,000 additional vines of other varieties were also planted.
The Phoenix Winery belongs to the German Heeb family, which has more than 200 years of family tradition in making wines. Röbller Vineyard sets itself apart by advertising as a place to “pack up the kids and the picnic basket and come visit … for a day to remember.”
The Wenwood Farm Winery is a fourth-generation family farm located at a former dairy. Wenwood produced award-winning Guernsey cattle for many years. Now, this generation’s owners, Laura Neese and Thomas Kalb, produce another time-honored beverage – wine.
For more information, details about the Hermann area wineries can be found at www.missouriwinecountry.com/wineries |
