Wine Weekend in Ste. Genevieve

Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, is 231 miles northeast from Springfield, and it’s the perfect place to step back in time to a world of authentic 18th century French colonial history. Tour the internationally recognized historic homes, museum and downtown historic district; shop a variety of specialty stores and antique malls; browse through art galleries and taste premium wines and cuisine. There is always something going on in this historic little town.

Where to Stay

As the oldest standing continuously operated bed & breakfast in Missouri, Inn St. Gemme Beauvais (stgem.com) has earned its star reputation. The building was constructed in 1848 as a private residence for Felix Rozier and his growing family. The Inn maintains its history with timely décor while featuring contemporary luxuries in every room of the three-story colonial mansion. With everything a family could want in a unique getaway, from candlelit breakfast to evening wine and hors d’oeuvres, this Inn offers a world of history in every stay. 

White Cliff Manor Bed & Breakfast (whitecliffmanorbedandbreakfast.com) is a historic home built on 20 acres along the bluffs of Saint Mary overlooking the scenic Mississippi River. Unchanged by time, the interior of the home features period high ceilings, six fireplaces, beautiful hardwood floors, graceful staircases and outstanding woodwork. 

Where to Eat 

Famous for its onion rings and homemade desserts, the Anvil Saloon & Restaurant’s (46 S. Third St.,
573-883-7323) bar was originally from a steamboat that traveled along  the Mississippi River. With traditional 1800s décor, it is a great place for traditional American comfort food. 

A quaint blue house that was originally an 1800s Main Street saloon is now home to a cozy eatery called  Stella and Me Lunch Café (198 N. Main St., 573-883-3078). This  favored joint serves up soups, salads and lunch all “homemade with love.” Guests can order anything from a hearty roast beef sandwich to one of many featured soups. Open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, lunch can be enjoyed in the inspirational dining room or outdoor patio.

Where to Sip

Chaumette Vineyards & Winery (chaumette.com) features award-winning handcrafted wines, gracious service, unique poolside spa treatments, quality entertainment and elegant accommodations. Visitors can take in  a beautiful view of the rolling hills of historic Ste. Genevieve on more than 310 acres of land where more than a dozen wines and more than 5,000 cases are produced each year.

Cave Vineyard (cavevineyard.com) is nestled in the southern hills of Ste. Genevieve and is named after the Saltpeter Cave located on the property. The 14 acres of grapes are cared for by the Stussione Family, who has owned the property for nearly 20 years. Guests have the option to choose from a variety of award-winning wines and are encouraged to dip one of Grandma’s homemade biscotti from the biscotti bar. 

For a relaxed atmosphere and a distinctive, hand-crafted selection of wines and beers, visit the family-owned Charleville Vineyard (charlevillevineyard.com), located in the western part of Ste. Genevieve County. This vineyard features a tasting room and patio in a rustic country setting above the Saline Creek Valley along with a beautifully refurbished 1860s log cabin Bed & Breakfast. 

 Crown Valley Winery (crownvalleywinery.com) is located among the rolling hills of Ste. Genevieve County. Guests can choose from indoor or outdoor seating, and on colder days  they can warm up by one of the winery’s fire pits. The Bistro on property serves up boxed lunches and an assortment of gourmet snacks to accompany the beverage of any guests’ choice.

Where to Explore

Known for its history and architecture, St. Genevieve offers a variety of Historic Home Tours with homes from the 1700s and 1800s. For a full list of homes on the tour and more information visit visitstegen.com.