Changes have begun to the Augusta, Missouri winery region by local real estate investment group.
Augusta, MO (StLouisRestaurantReview) Over recent years, a local real estate investment group, Hoffmann Commercial Real Estate, has acquired several wineries and properties in Augusta, Missouri. They have acquired 15 properties, including wineries, buildings, and lots in the area based on available information. Based our a recent visit to the community, they have already begun upgrades to the properties.
KMOV4 released information on June 2, 2021, reporting that the investment was estimated to be $100 million. Hoffmann has successfully acquired many wineries/vineyards and properties; however, Noboleis Vineyards decided against selling the vineyard, retaining it as a local family-owned vineyard popular destination for visitors and weddings, and wine tasting.
Augusta has been a destination for wine connoisseurs for decades. Still, the region has not attracted the financial backing it deserves to boost the region’s popularity to compete with wine destinations such as Napa Valley. Considering the quality of Missouri wines and the history that the Missouri wine industry has contributed to the global wine industry, it’s well-deserved that a well-funded visionary engages to help preserve part of Missouri’s history.
Unfortunately, most local restaurants do not offer Missouri wines due to a lack of knowledge about the quality and historical significance of the Missouri wine industry to the global wine industry. However, many of the Missouri wineries offer high-ranking, award-winning wines.
Based on conversations with Missouri winery owners, the alcohol distribution laws in Missouri make it difficult to compete with the major national wine brands. Therefore, alcohol distributors might be accidentally responsible for restricting local restaurants from supporting the Missouri wine industry.
It appears that for the local wine industry to gain the momentum it deserves, Missouri laws might need to be revised to help Missouri wineries compete.
