A Great Port Wine

West of St. Louis and nestled in the rolling hills of central Missouri, is the historic town of Augusta. In and near this former Missouri River port are many wonderful local wineries whose handcrafted wines have matured nicely over time. The Augusta area, a former riverbed, has rich, fertile soil and is part of the Augusta AVA, the first federally recognized vitacultural area. In the heart of the town is the Augusta Winery tasting room (www.augustawinery.com), offering consistently good wines made from locally grown grapes.

Augusta Winery's Vintage Port (2005 currently available) is full bodied, not too sweet, and offers a nice finish. Made from the Chambourcin grape and blended with brandy, Vintage Port offers "hints of black cherry, spice and licorice." I enjoy Vintage Port at the end of a busy day, especially on those cold Midwest nights. It's a wonderful addition to a late evening in front of the fireplace. Selling for under $16, Vintage Port is not only an economical port wine, but also a port of great taste and quality. I have tasted more expensive ports that are not nearly so good. I am choosy about my ports, and I highly recommend this one.

Midwest wineries

I am very fortunate to be part of a group of great women who share a love for good wines. We live in the Midwest and have visited numerous area wineries on a continuing quest to find the best of the best wines produced in and around the Mississippi River and its tributaries. 

Each week we meet to taste, enjoy, and discuss different wines. Come along on this journey.  May you find wines that enhance your meals and bring you joy!