The Midwest's Best-Kept Wine Secret Is Tucked Away In This Historic Missouri Town

When planning trips around wine regions in the United States, people may first look to California, Oregon, or upstate New York. However, one hidden gem that's one of the best U.S. cities for wine tasting is Augusta, Missouri — which also happens to be the country's first recognized wine region. Augusta — aka "The Napa of the Midwest" — is a picturesque small town that lies just an hour from downtown St. Louis. In addition to having around a dozen wineries within just a few miles of each other, the town also offers a slew of unique shops, highly-rated restaurants, and a one-of-a-kind sculpture walk showcasing the area's history.

While there are many other activities in town, visiting Augusta and not taking in the rolling vineyards would be challenging. The different wineries and vineyards all offer their own spins with their varietals, blends, and tastes. Whether travelers are looking for a tasting with a breathtaking view, enjoying one of the top vineyards in the whole country, or touring the underground depths of a winery, there is a little something for everyone.

Augusta has a plethora of different quaint inns and bed and breakfasts to stay at and local restaurants to dine at for people looking to get away for a long weekend. Of course, since it's only a 50-mile trip from St. Louis, it's easy for locals to take a day trip. And for non-locals, the St. Louis Lambert International Airport is an easy place to fly into to access Augusta. If some travelers ever need a break from wine tastings, they can enjoy the beautiful parks, explore the vintage trucks lining the streets, or even hop on a river cruise.

There are so many one-of-a-kind wineries and vineyards in Augusta that it's hard to go wrong with the options. Noboleis Vineyards, located 2 miles from downtown, is the highest-rated vineyard on Tripadvisor because of its panoramic views of the luscious 84 acres it sits on. Noboleis also offers award-winning wine varieties, live music on the weekends, and light bites. If travelers are looking for a bit of history with their award-winning wines, look no further than Mount Pleasant Estates. Mount Pleasant Estates is the oldest winery in Augusta — dating all the way back to 1859. Guests can feel like they've been transported to a different time in either the barrell-lined tasting room or the outside patio overlooking the sprawling rows of growing grapes.

Another favorite option is Balducci Vineyards located 4 miles from the heart of Augusta. Balducci has won the Missourian's Readers' Choice Award for Best Winery every year since 2008 for its food, stunning views, and both classic and new types of wines. The Augusta Winery is also beloved by visitors for its award-winning wines, breathtaking tasting room overlooking the Missouri River Valley, and an equally beautiful garden terrace. Meanwhile, the Montelle Winery is also highly rated on Tripadvisor and was voted the best winery in Missouri.

Other notable vineyards and wineries in the area include Chandler Hill Vineyards, Honey Bee Vineyard, Lake Creek Winery, Sugar Creek Vineyards and Winery, Centennial Farms and Orchards, and Triple 3 Vineyard, among other options.

While some people may want to spend their entire time in Augusta sipping on delicious wines, others may want to explore the town's other offerings. For those who want to shop, there is the classic general store Augusta Emporium, the Augusta Clothing Company, the Augusta Glass Studio, and Stone Ledge Antiques. Tourists can stop to grab a bite at Root Food and Wine, Sunflower Hill Farm, and White House Café.

Augusta is also home to different outdoor activities for people wanting to explore the rolling hills. The Katy Trail is a 240-mile Missouri State Park trail that bikers, runners, and dog walkers can all use. Another option, Klondike Park, is located on the Missouri River and features 4 miles of trails and a lake for fishing and kayaking (note swimming is not allowed here). For a more historical outdoor activity, travelers can walk along the Augusta Sculpture Trail which showcases 18 sculptures downtown. Finally, if people are looking for a combination of vineyards and the outdoors, they can take a behind-the-scenes tour of wine vineyards on an ATV through Augusta Vineyard and Winery Tours.

Augusta can make an easy day trip, but people can also spend some more time there and stay at one of the sweet accommodations. The Applegate Inn is a luxurious, lodge-like bed and breakfast in the heart of Augusta that dates back to 1864. The H.S. Clay House Bed and Breakfast is another favorite since it's a renovated Queen Anne Victorian home that's conveniently located downtown. Finally, the Lindenhof Bed and Breakfast is the Tripadvisor top pick because of its cozy, yet luxe living conditions.