Filled to the Rim

Which was the nation’s first designated viticultural area? That would be in and around Augusta, Missouri, recognized in 1980 by the federal government as a region dedicated to growing grapes for wine. The northeastern Missouri countryside—through the towns of Defiance, Dutzow, and Marthasville—is rich with vineyards and historical attractions, enough to make a two-day weekend of it. Among the places worth investigating:

• The Yellow Farmhouse Winery (100 Defiance Rd. at Rte. 94, Defiance, 314-409-6139, yellowfarmhousewines.com) covers 10 acres of hillside overlooking the Missouri River and sells picnic supplies should you want to enjoy a rustic meal with a river view. Many visitors climb the gentle slope to dine al fresco on “Picnic Hill” and complement their meal with a stop at the wine garden halfway up the hill.

• Blumenhof Vineyards (13699 Rte. 94, Dutzow, 800-419-2245, blumenhof.com) lies in Missouri’s oldest German community (German settlers founded Dutzow in 1832).

• The Augusta Winery (5601 High St., 888-667-9463, augustawinery.com) offers cheese and sausage in addition to award-winning wines, which can be sampled on an outdoor terrace. Visit the winery’s Owl’s Nest, where you can take wine tasting courses.

• Also in Augusta, Mount Pleasant Estates (5634 High St., 636-482-9463, mountpleasant.com) has been pressing grapes since 1859; its original limestone cellars are still used to age port and wine. Today, the 78-acre vineyard grows a dozen grape varieties and offers tasting and dining options on the estate.

GO Northeastern Missouri Wine Trail, 573-526-5900, augusta-chamber.org

Where to stay: The Augusta Wine Country Inn  (5619 5th St., 636-482-4307, augustawinecountry.com) has suites in walking distance of Augusta Wineries and shops; rates range from $140 to $160 a night. The Concord Hill Bed and Breakfast (16469 Concord Hill Rd., Marthasville, 636-782-2042, concord-hill.com) has its own wine cellar and three guest rooms in a refurbished 1900s farmhouse; rates are $125 per night.

Where to eat: The Montelle Winery and Klondike Café (201 Montelle Dr., 636-228-4464, montelle.com) offers classic wraps, sandwiches, picnic platters, and selections from its well stocked wine cellar. The Augusta Brewing Company and Restaurant (5521 Water St., 636-482-2337, augustabrewing.com) is adjacent to the biking and hiking friendly Katy Trail and serves lunch, dinner, and craft beer.

Photograph: Courtesy of Mount Pleasant Estate