As scenic Highway 94 winds near the 37th mile from St. Louis, the rolling hills gently guide you upwards, into the small river town of Augusta, overlooking the Missouri River Valley. Here, the skies look different than they do in the city. You can feel that mid-America charm as the picturesque farms and wineries come into view. The world of Missouri wines, and the home of the United States' first designated AVA (American Viticultural Area), is right here in Augusta, which is home to around several vineyards and tasting rooms. Among them is Noboleis Winery, one of Missouri’s premier wineries. This family-owned winery got its start in 2007 as the vineyard matured, delivering higher yields of fruit and producing parts of the first vintage of Noboleis wines.
The Name
Noboleis, (Noble-Ice) is a strange word. It sounds French and slightly regal, but it's really a made-up word, combining the family names of the three original winery founders, Bob and Lou Ann Nolan, Christine Newbold, and Angie Geis.
The Winery
Nestled within the rolling hills of Augusta, Noboleis Vineyards sits on 84 acres of land in Augusta. “We have approximately 70 tanks and over 150 barrels in the winery,” said Tricia Newbold, who handles marketing for the vineyard. “The tanks range in capacity from 50 gallons to over 2000 gallons in size. Most of our barrels hold 59 gallons, however we do have several larger format barrels and some whiskey sized barrels in use for our specialty port program.” The vineyard sources many different barrel types as they each have their own profiles that impart different flavor and aroma aspects to the wines. They use oak from Europe (France and Hungary) and also from the United States. Many are from native Missouri white oak and were built right here in Missouri. Noboleis has the capacity to produce 20,000 gallons of wine annually.
The Experience
Attached to the wine making area, is the tasting room. Here, you’ll find a cozy area that draws guests to the 8-foot dark stained wood and marble topped tasting bar, where you begin your experience with the Noboleis’ portfolio of wines. You have three options for what suits you best. Full bottles for purchase, full wine pours, or wine flights which offer 4, 1.5oz tasting pours. A flight is a good way to try several wines at once, while looking for the flavor that excites you. While guests are welcome to bring their own food and snacks, you will also find a menu featuring delicious pizzas and appetizers.
Once you gather the necessities from the tasting room, it’s time to relax. You’ll find several options from just spreading out your own blanket, and unpacking your chair, to open tables and benches. There is even a large tented area with tables and an indoor loft with views of the winery.
Another way to experience Noboleis year-round is to become a member of their wine clubs. There are two clubs open to the general public year-round. The Case Club which features 12 bottles of the member's choosing from the signature and reserve lines and The Classic Club, which offers everything from semi-sweet Vignoles to oak-aged Chambourcin chosen by their winemaker. Members can expect special discounts and invites to exclusive events.
Co-owner Christine Newbold said “When guests come out to Noboleis we want them to experience all the charm and beauty Augusta has to offer.” She invites guests to “sit back, relax, and spend time with family and friends while you enjoy some of our award-winning wine!”