Wine Splash!

Stone Hill Winery

A unique wine experience is visiting a place that is a vacation “destination” but also has a fun, first class winery. Local wineries usually pick up on the mood of its surroundings and it reflects on the flavor and character of its wines. Hermann, Missouri is a charming little town with a big German flavor and is located right along the Missouri River. And a winery that is not too be missed is Stone Hill Winery which is just a short stroll from downtown Hermann and is worth the walk even if it was “uphill both ways”! Stone Hill Winery was established in 1847 and at one time was the second largest winery in the U.S.. The Held family bought this winery in 1965 with their commitment to making quality, award winning wines. Stone Hill Winery is still owned and managed by the Held family producing wines with a German style but also taking advantage of the grape varieties that grow perfectly in this Missouri’s “Rhineland”. There is a wine for everyone here from dry to sweet, fruity, or sparkling. So many great choices but one of the local favorites is the Stone Hill Norton dry red.

Amazing Norton!

In the glass, garnet in color with bright ruby edges. Enticing aroma’s of black raspberry, plum, mocha, and spice fill the senses! Full bodied across the palate, velvety, with a good tannin structure. Intense flavors of ripe blackberry, blueberry pie, warm spices, and oak. Heaven must be overflowing because it has found its way into this bottle of Norton! On the second sip, more rich blackberry was pronounced with hints of vanilla and smoke on the long, graceful finish. Superbly balanced between dark fruits, spice, and oak flavors. This Norton pairs wonderfully with grilled red meats, lamb, wild game, pasta with a tomato sauce, and medium to strong cheeses. You may have tried many types of dry, red wines but if you haven’t experienced the Norton grape, this is the wine for you! Serious, but fun and mysterious. This Stone Hill Winery Estate Norton 2013 scores a strong 92 points! Check out Stone Hill Winery’s website at www.stonehillwinery.com for more information about their wines and about the Hermann, Missouri area. Average of $20 a bottle. WineSplashing!!