PRINTBy the Numbers: Missouri wineries
How Missouri wineries are living up to the grape expectations of local wine lovers
January 26, 2012 | 12:00 a.m. CST
Area wine connoisseurs need not travel to California to find good American wines. With 393 wineries in the state, wine production added more than $1.6 billion to the state’s economic value in 2009, according to the Missouri Wine and Grape Board. Here are a few numbers to help wine lovers and newfound wine fans navigate the wine industry.
0.42: The number of dollars taxed per gallon of Missouri wine
The tax was enacted in February 2010 and is the 14th lowest tax rate per gallon, according to the Tax Foundation website. Given this low tax on wine, residents and visitors can actually save money when they purchase wine in Missouri rather than in other Midwestern states.
7: The number of wineries along the Hermann Wine Trail
There are several wineries along the trail that offer their own specialty wines. The wineries include the Adam Puchta Winery, Bias Vineyards, Röbller Vineyard Winery, Dierberg Star Lane, Hermannhof, OakGlenn and Stone Hill. Guests on the trail are treated to a variety of special events during the year, such as Octoberfest, which is held every weekend during October, and the Chocolate Wine Trail in February. The event gives people a chance to enjoy chocolate and wine combinations in each of the seven wineries.
11: The number of well-known grape varieties in Missouri
Although many varieties of grapes are able to grow in Missouri soil, some popular ones include the catawba and the vidal blanc, which produce white wine, and the St. Vincent that produces red wine. Both grapes pack a powerful flavor and add sweet taste to any wine.
107: The number of wineries located in Missouri
New wineries are added to this list often. The most recent opening? St. Jordan Creek in Beaufort last July. Danene Beedle, the marketing director for the Missouri Wine and Grape Board, says Missourians’ interest in local wineries is due to residents’ renewed interest in the state’s rich history and heritage. Additionally, the trend of buying locally has carried over to include supporting nearby vintners.
1970: The year Winefest, now called Oktoberfest, began in Hermann.
Oktoberfest is the annual wine festival that began in 1970 at Stone Hill Winery in Hermann, says Lucinda Huskey, PR manager at Stone Hill. Originally called "Winefest," the festival was renamed in 1974.
“We originally started Oktoberfest to promote fall colors and German music and food,” says Tohmas Held, co-owner of Stone Hill. As the festival crowd became more massive during the 1980s, Stone Hill decided to break its ties with the event. But five years ago, Stone Hill started offering its space again for wine-tasting events and activities corresponding with the festival.
“Our crowd now is different,” Held says. “You have more people who come and go to taste the wine. But all in all, Stone Hill appreciates the people who come out.”
10,000: The gallons of wine produced in Hermann
The Hermann Viticulture Area, also known as a grape cultivation area, was recognized by the state on Feb. 27, 1987. German settlers started harvesting vineyards near this Missouri River Valley town in the 1830s. The city has become one of the most famous winery areas in Missouri.
250,000: The estimated gallons of wine Stone Hill Winery sells per year
Held says the number reflects how much is sold after distribution. In addition, he says Stone Hill distributes its wine to several states, including Kansas, Illinois and Minnesota, all of which allow a shipment of two wine cases. States have their own laws about how many cases can be shipped to them.
1,280,000: The number of acres that encompass the Ozark Highlands American Viticulture Area
There are four recognized American Viticulture Areas in Missouri. According to federal guidelines, the government recognizes an American Viticulture Area as a wine region. The one at the Ozark Highlands was recognized on Sept. 30, 1987, and covers 11 Missouri counties. Missouri visitors and residents are able to enjoy wine from the first state federally recognized as an American Viticulture Area in the 1980s.
2,000,000: The estimated gallons of wine Missouri produced in 1879.
Missouri was the second-largest wine-producing state by the turn of the century. It is now the eighth-largest.
You might want to check that '393 wineries' figure. I believe the number is closer to 100.
Posted by Clyde Gill on Jan 30, 2012 at 10:05 a.m. (Report Comment)