The Best Places in Hermann, Missouri

Have you ever heard of Hermann, Missouri? I never knew about this hidden gem of a town until recently.

Family, friends, and coworkers know we like to travel to unique locations and visit wineries. And Hermann, Missouri happened to be mentioned. Of course, I had to find out more about this special place! After researching about the city, I learned that German settlers came to Hermann around 1836. As the settlers developed an agricultural economy, they discovered the land was able to cultivate grapes well. Since Hermann was situated along the Missouri River, it became a steamboat port. And Hermann’s first commercial winery opened in 1847, which is now where Stone Hill Winery is located.

In the mid 1800’s tourism began to grow and Hermann’s German heritage was maintained. Today there are numerous wineries in the area, including the oldest family-owned winery in the nation. Since 1855 the Adam Puchta Winery has been under direct family-ownership. We were able to visit this winery and others during our time in Hermann.

As mentioned above, the Adam Puchta Winery is the oldest family farm winery in the United States. In fact, it has been run by the Puchta family for seven generations now. The original stone home (pictured above) is where wine tasting and purchases take place. We enjoyed a wine tasting at Adam Puchta Winery and purchased several bottles to take back home. This place is a must if you are in the Hermann area!

The downtown historic district in Hermann is full of old-world charm. We were able to visit some unique places and eat some great food during October, which is one of Hermann’s busiest times of year.

Several structures are a part of the Deutschheim State Historic Site located in downtown Hermann. One of which is the oldest building in Hermann. It is known as the Pommer-Gentner House, which was built in 1940. The other is the Strehly House, which was built in 1842. The homes are a significant part of German-American history and they reflect what daily life was like for German families. Visitors can pay for a guided tour through the visitors center on site.

Hermanhof Winery

The historic building that was once a brewery/winery in the mid 1800’s is now the Hermanhof Winery. During Prohibition the brewery closed and it wasn’t until the Dierberg family purchased the building in 1974 that Hermanhof Cellars began operating. We enjoyed learning about the history of the building as well as their wine. We tasted a variety of the Hermanhof wines, including their bestseller, White Lady of Starkenburg.

Next door to Hermanhoff Winery is the tasting room for Blackshire Distillery.

Stomp’n Grounds Espresso Bar is a great place to grab a coffee and breakfast in downtown Hermann. I enjoyed the breakfast burrito while my husband had The Covered Wagon, which is the breakfast burrito covered in sausage gravy. Yum!

Copper Mule Distillery was my husband’s favorite stop during our time in Hermann. With views as far as you can see, the covered deck was the perfect place for an afternoon cocktail. Along with cocktails for purchase, the distillery also has tastings available for a fee. Inside, the gift shop has a selection of t-shirts, glasses, and other items.

Doxie Slush is a unique eatery located in downtown Hermann. You might have heard of the name Doxie referring to the dachshund breed of dogs. Inside Doxie Slush you’ll find neon letters on the wall quoting “may your dogs be long and your drinks be strong.” Being dog owners of two fur-babies who are both doxie mixes, we loved the reference! And although we sat inside, Doxie Slush has a dog-friendly patio. Additionally, the establishment has a coastal-inspired menu, and a frozen cocktail bar. We shared an order of the manchego beignets, fish ‘n chips, nachos, and a flight of their fall-inspired boozy frozen cocktails. All of which were absolutely delicious!

Lionheart Whiskey Co. was nestled in beside a row of shops on one of the downtown streets in Hermann. We enjoyed one of their specialty drinks inside at a cozy area by the back wall.

During the month of October, Hermann has an ongoing Oktoberfest celebration. There are many activities going on throughout the month, and many tourists flock to the area during this time of year! But one place the locals visit is the 1837 Cellar Bar inside the Hermann Crown Hotel. We stopped in late one afternoon when we were in the area. The decor sure was festive!

Ainsley’s Place is a small restaurant in downtown Hermann, and is only open for breakfast and lunch. We came to this locally owned establishment for breakfast one morning. My husband had the breakfast burger, and I had Honey Oatmeal French Toast. Both meals were scrumptious!

The Vallet House is located on a hilltop just around the corner from the main downtown Hermann area. We made reservations to enjoy the four-course dinner that is offered on weekends.

The Stone Hill Winery has an on-site restaurant, Vintage 1847. Although we did not visit the winery itself, we dined in the restaurant one evening. The drink menu features the wines they offer. I enjoyed a glass of one of their popular red wines.

Tin Mill Restaurant & Tin Mill Brewery are popular spots in downtown Hermann. We dined inside the restaurant on our last evening in town.

Espresso Laine is a coffee shop and gift shop in one! At the counter inside, I ordered coffee and baked goodies for us to enjoy as we made the road trip back home.

Where to stay in Hermann?

Through VRBO we found a unique vacation rental that was actually a former old schoolhouse. It was about 20 minutes from downtown Hermann but oh so peaceful and quaint!

Take a look at our blog posts on other areas near Hermann. Defiance, Augusta, and New Haven are all stops along the Missouri Wine Trail.

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