The next time you take a sip of your favorite Missouri wine and savor a strong dry grape flavor, it is likely you are drinking a wine produced from the Norton grape.

The oldest cultivated grape in the United States, the Norton Grape was first grown in Richmond, Va., by Dr. Daniel N. Norton in 1820. It became highly prized, and demand for Norton wines grew both in Europe and America.

Though first produced in Virginia, the Norton grape is Missouri’s “official grape,” and is the main squeeze of wineries concentrated here in the midwestern state—Adam Puchta Winery, Stone Hill Winery, Hermannhof Winery, Les Bourgeois Vineyards and St. James Winery. Missouri is where most of these grape are grown, though one vineyard in Middleburg, Va., produces large quantities of the Norton grape as well.

Described as having an intense grape flavor, the Norton grape is sometimes considered to be similar to the Concord grape, but a bit less sweet, according to Slow Food USA. The Norton grape, which has a profound bluish-purple color, is highly adaptable to Missouri weather conditions.

Because Norton wines remain very popular, producing enough of the fruit to keep up with the demand is challenging. More acres of land have been set aside to produce the Norton grape, including a plot in Texas a decade ago.

Many medical studies suggest compounds found in grapes have health benefits. Some antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are found in purple grapes and red wine.

Missouri has several famous wineries, and they’re a short drive from St. Louis. They are some of the nation’s oldest, and their wines have won prestigious medals in national and international competitions.

A day trip to a local winery means not only sipping great wine and munching on cheese and crackers, but also taking in some of the most stunning views in the state. Some have serene atmospheres, near valleys, hilltops or rivers. Other wineries are lively, with live music and even sports pubs.

There’s no better time to visit a Missouri winery than September. Imagine sitting on the patio of a winery—visiting with friends, nibbling on cheese and sausage and partaking of a delicious Missouri wine. Give it a try! 


Growing Grapes

Grapes need a location that drains well and contains rocky soil. Often, grapevines are planted on sloping or rocky land. Adequate drainage is key. Root systems of grapevines can reach as long as 30 feet.

Certain varieties of grape thrive in certain climates and soil conditions. Sunlight, soil quality and climate are important, as great wines start with the actual vineyard, not wine-making technology.

Climate is a crucial factor when it comes to producing quality wine grapes and grapevine longevity. It is important to select grape varieties that ripen during your growing season. Growing grape varieties that produce mature wine grapes during very hot months should be avoided.

Four to six weeks after they are planted, grapevines require plenty of water. The entire root should be soaked and kept moist. At least eight feet around the base of the plants is good because the roots of a single vine can spread to three to six feet from the base of the plant.

Compost may be necessary if vines are not getting enough nutrients. Leaves should be dark green and healthy. If the vine looks as if it is not thriving, use several feet of compost around the base of the plants.

Trees nearby may create too much shade for the vine and rob moisture from the soil. Small animals such as rabbits, raccoons and birds can be a problems for your crop.