Craft Breweries, Distilleries, and Wineries That Put Missouri on the Map
Nestled in the heart of St. Louis, the city’s bustling craft beer scene finds a shining star at Urban Chestnut Brewing Company. Just a short drive west of downtown, this brewery blends traditional German brewing techniques with a modern twist. Visitors can tour the expansive brewery in the Midtown neighborhood and sip on their flagship “Zwickel” unfiltered lager or sample seasonal brews in the taproom’s relaxed, industrial setting. Urban Chestnut stands out for its dedication to preserving brewing history while pushing creative boundaries, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic yet innovative beer culture. The best time to visit is late spring through early fall when their outdoor biergarten buzzes with locals enjoying fresh brews in warm weather.
Heading about an hour east to the rolling hills near Hermann, Missouri, the Stone Hill Winery offers a rich taste of the state’s winemaking heritage. Situated along the Missouri River, Hermann is a historic town known for its German immigrant roots, and Stone Hill reflects that legacy through its award-winning Norton and Vignoles wines. Visitors can stroll along vineyard trails or join a guided tour of the wine cellar, learning about the unique Ozark soil that lends depth to their vintages. The winery’s tasting room provides sweeping views of the river valley that are especially captivating in autumn, when the leaves paint the landscape in fiery hues. Stone Hill’s distinct blend of historical charm and quality varietals makes it a cornerstone of Missouri’s wine country.
In the southwest part of the state, near Springfield, Mother’s Brewing Company has carved out its niche with bold, flavorful craft beers that capture the spirit of the Ozarks. Just a short drive from downtown Springfield, Mother’s invites guests to experience their inventive brews, from the hazy and juicy “Milk Stout” to the crisp, hoppy “IPA.” Their taproom regularly hosts food trucks and live music, fostering a community vibe that locals and travelers appreciate alike. What sets Mother’s apart is its commitment to creativity and local ingredients, which shines best during warm summer evenings when the outdoor patio fills with laughter and clinking glasses.
If you venture north to Kansas City, about 15 minutes from the city center, J. Rieger & Co. Distillery offers an immersive dive into Missouri’s growing craft spirits scene. Founded in a historic building downtown, the distillery revives a 19th-century recipe for its flagship Kansas City Whiskey, blending old-time techniques with contemporary flair. Visitors can take guided tours to see the copper stills in action, sample small-batch whiskeys, and enjoy cocktails crafted with local rye and corn. The distillery’s intimate tasting room, with its exposed brick walls and vintage décor, creates an inviting atmosphere. Evenings in the cooler months provide a cozy setting to savor spirits, making it ideal for those looking to appreciate Missouri’s artisanal distilling craft.
Traveling southeast about an hour from St. Louis, Schlafly Bottleworks in Maplewood offers a family-friendly brewery experience with a distinctly local flavor. This craft brewery, nestled in a vibrant historic neighborhood, features a large beer hall and a scenic beer garden shaded by towering trees. Schlafly’s diverse beer menu includes everything from rich porters to bright pale ales brewed on-site. Visitors can pair their drinks with house-made pretzels or seasonal pub fare, enjoying the lively ambiance of a community gathering spot. Spring and summer evenings are the prime times to visit, when the beer garden hosts outdoor concerts and festivals that highlight Missouri’s cultural warmth.
Down in Cape Girardeau, along the Mississippi River about two hours south of St. Louis, Twin Rivers Winery Winery offers a serene countryside setting to enjoy handcrafted wines. The winery emphasizes small-batch production, focusing on varietals that thrive in Missouri’s climate, like Chambourcin and Vidal Blanc. Guests can walk the quaint grounds, explore the tasting room’s extensive selection, and relax on the patio overlooking the river. The lush surroundings come alive in late spring, with blooming wildflowers adding to the peaceful atmosphere. Twin Rivers stands out for its intimate, low-key approach to wine tasting, perfect for travelers seeking a quiet retreat amid natural beauty.
Further west, near Columbia about 30 minutes from the city center, Flat Branch Pub & Brewing invites visitors to experience a blend of local history and craft brewing. Established in a restored historic building, Flat Branch pairs its house-brewed beers with a menu influenced by Midwestern flavors. The pub’s flagship ale and seasonal experimental brews draw a loyal crowd from the University of Missouri community and beyond. What distinguishes Flat Branch is its balance of a welcoming neighborhood vibe with innovative beer styles, making it a great stop for anyone exploring Missouri’s collegiate towns. The crisp fall months offer the ideal backdrop for enjoying a pint by the fireplace inside.
Finally, in the foothills near Rolla, about an hour southwest of St. Louis, the Ozark Distillery taps into the region’s natural resources to create spirits that reflect Missouri’s rugged landscape. Using locally sourced ingredients, the distillery crafts moonshine and bourbons that evoke the frontier heritage of the Ozarks. Tours reveal the meticulous distilling process, and the tasting room’s rustic charm invites guests to savor the bold flavors. Visiting in the cooler months adds an extra layer of comfort, as the warmth of the spirits contrasts with the crisp Ozark air outside. Ozark Distillery’s commitment to authenticity offers a genuine taste of Missouri’s distilling traditions.
Together, these destinations showcase the diverse and dynamic landscape of Missouri’s craft beverage scene. From urban breweries in Kansas City and St. Louis to tranquil vineyards along the rivers and spirited distilleries hidden in the hills, the state offers a welcoming invitation for any traveler eager to sip their way through its rich flavors and storied heritage. Whether you’re a dedicated connoisseur or a casual sipper, Missouri’s craft makers put the state firmly on the map for memorable, authentic experiences.