1. Octoberfest
City: Hermann, MO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (800) 932-8687
Address: 207 Schiller Street
Description: This traditional German celebration features food, music, oom-pah bands, and dancing, with many area wineries hosting live local bands on weekends throughout the month. In addition to the live entertainment, tours, and wine tastings, the festivities include an arts and crafts sale, studio tours led by wine country artists, German menu items offered by local restaurants, and a biergarten. Weekends only in October. Free.
2. Christmas In Hermann
City: Hermann, MO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (800) 932-8687
Address: 207 Schiller Street
Description: At Kristkindl Markt, reminiscent of Christmas markets in Germany, booths brim with all manner of treasures, from delicate glass ornaments to local wines and sausages. Old-fashioned carolers serenade shoppers, and when it’s time for a break, the schnellimbuss (food stand) serves up steaming bowls of soup, homemade cookies, and mugs of mulled cider. The market features items such as weavings, jewelry, Polish pottery, handmade soaps, homemade sausages, baskets, European glass ornaments, German Christmas items, and more. Free. Also enjoy the Candlelight House Tours in the Hermann historic district, which afford visitors a rare glimpse inside some of Hermann’s most beautiful historic homes, all decked out for the holidays. The cost is $10. Lastly, you can also celebrate the season in Hermann at Weihnachtsfest, at the Deutschheim State Historic Site (109 West Second Street; 573-486-2200; www.mostateparks.com/deutschheim.htm). This Christmas open house, held annually in early December in conjunction with the Kristkindl Markt, features craft demonstrations, 19th-century Christmas trees, and toy collections from yesteryear. German cookies are served, and admission is free.
3. Vintage Restaurant At Stone Hill Winery
City: Hermann, MO
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (573) 486-3479, (800) 909-9463
Address: 1110 Stone Hill Highway
Description: Stone Hill Winery, located in the heart of Missouri Wine Country, is a family owned and operated vineyard, winery, and restaurant in Hermann, Missouri. The restaurant is located in the winery’s restored carriage house and horse barn, serving German cuisine, steaks, American dishes, and Stone Hill wines. Open for lunch and dinner. Hours vary by season, so it’s best to call ahead. Reservations recommended.
4. Stone Hill Winery And Vintage Restaurant
City: Hermann, MO
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (573) 486-2221
Address: 1110 Stone Hill Highway
Description: Stone Hill is Missouri’s largest winery, and it began making wine around 1847. Today, perched dramatically on a hill overlooking the lovely German town of Hermann, Stone Hill welcomes thousands of visitors to enjoy its award-winning wines and the region’s Old-World hospitality. Other activities available include tours of the underground cellars, wine tastings, live music, and wine-related special events throughout the year. Stone Hill also offers features the Vintage Restaurant, situated on the winery grounds in a restored carriage house and horse barn. The menu features German cuisine, steaks, and a variety of American dishes. Admission may be charged for special events.