The oldest winery in Augusta has a rich history in Missouri that dates back more than 150 years. Mount Pleasant Estates originated in the 19th century, and today it proudly features wine produced with 9 grape varieties grown locally across 125 acres in the Augusta Appellation – the first government-appointed wine-growing district in the United States, designated as an American Viticultural Area in 1980.
Photo by Mabel Suen.
The brand was originally established in 1859 as a commercial wine business. German founders George and Frederick Muench built the cellars out of local wood and limestone in 1881, shipping barrels of wine up the river to Chicago until the winery closed in 1920 during Prohibition. Lucian Dressel and his wife, Eva, revived the winery and its vineyard after purchasing it in 1966, and since 2021, Mount Pleasant Estates has belonged to the Hoffman Family of Companies. Wine enthusiasts can get a taste of the winery’s storied past by visiting the original natural hard-carved cellars, which currently store Mount Pleasant Estate’s aged estate-bottled wines and award-winning ports.
Photo by Mabel Suen.
Guests will find many ways to enjoy Mount Pleasant Estates libations on site. Start your visit at the renovated 4,000-square-foot tasting room to sip and sample some signature offerings, including everything from dry red wine to sweet dessert ports. Enjoy refreshments on the terrace patio, which offers a scenic view of the Missouri River Valley.
Photo by Mabel Suen.
“Mount Pleasant Estates is particularly worth visiting for the view and the history,” says Colin Pennington, who serves as the director of winemaking for the Hoffman Family of Wineries, which includes Mount Pleasant Estates, Augusta Winery, Balducci Vineyards, and Montelle Winery.
Photo by Mabel Suen.
For starters, Pennington recommends Mount Pleasant Estate’s Villagio – a nice, crisp summertime white wine. It features the aromas of dried flowers, baked yellow apples and peaches, with a dryish light-to-medium body with good depth and soft smooth texture. “It’s refreshing and definitely has some notes of Vidal Blanc in it, bringing out a lot of apple and pear. It’s great with salads,” he says.
Photo by Mabel Suen.
The Tawny Port – a well-balanced, sweet and savory amber-colored wine – also comes highly recommended. “It has caramel and butterscotch notes, with a nuttiness to it. It’s a solera-style product, meaning it’s been in production for 30 years,” Pennington says. “Every year, the new master blend has a new vintage, with small amounts of the oldest vintage dating back to the 90’s. It pairs well with nuts, candies and cheeses – especially soft, strong cheeses.” At the Appellation Café, guests can grab glasses and bottles of wine to pair with some thoughtfully curated savory snacks. Choose from sandwiches, shareables, salads, and flatbreads. Highlights include a fire-braised chicken sandwich with romaine, pickled red onions, and remoulade on a brioche bun; Greek feta dip served with naan and fresh veggies; and a Tuscan flatbread with garlic butter, mozzarella, asparagus, prosciutto, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, and parmesan.
Photo by Mabel Suen.
On-site entertainment across the sprawling campus includes everything from tours and classes to live music and weekend brunches. Mount Pleasant Estates welcomes walk-ins, but recommends calling ahead for large groups of 10 or more.