Hermann AVA
The Hermann AVA is an American Viticultural Area located in Gasconade County, Missouri, and entirely contained within the larger Ozark Mountain AVA. The wine appellation is located on the southern side of the Missouri River near the town of Hermann, about halfway between St. Louis and Jefferson City. The AVA covers the northernmost hills of the Ozark Plateau with many of the 200 acres (80 hectares) of vineyards planted along hillside locations. As of 2007, seven wineries were producing wine in appellation, including Missouri's largest winery, Stone Hill Winery.
| Wine region | |
Hermann AVA in the northern Ozark hills with Stone Hill Winery and vineyards in the lower left corner | |
| Type | American Viticultural Area |
|---|---|
| Year established | 1983, amended 1987 |
| Country | United States |
| Part of | Missouri, Ozark Mountain AVA |
| Climate region | Continental |
| Soil conditions | silty loam and fertile loess |
| Total area | 51,200 acres (20,720 ha) |
| Grapes produced | Chambourcin, Norton, Seyval blanc, St. Vincent, Steuben, Traminette, Vidal blanc, Vignoles |
| No. of wineries | 7 |
The area is a flood plain with alluvial soil deposits up to 30 feet (9 m) deep. Growing conditions in the area have been compared to those in southern and eastern Germany. The hardiness zone is 6a. A wide variety of grapes are grown in Hermann, including Vitis vinifera, Vitis labrusca, and French hybrids.