American Viticultural Area · MO
Augusta
Augusta is a federally-designated American Viticultural Area in MO, established in 1980. The map below shows its official TTB boundary alongside nearby AVAs.
The Augusta boundary is highlighted. Nearby AVAs are rendered in gray — click any of them to view that AVA's page.
At a glance
Established
1980
State
MO
Climate
Humid continental
Signature varietals
Boundary recorded in 27 CFR Part 9 · Source: TTB
About the Augusta AVA
Augusta, designated June 20, 1980, is the first American Viticultural Area ever approved by the federal government — preceding Napa Valley by roughly seven months. It is a small AVA along the Missouri River in eastern Missouri, centered on the town of Augusta, which was a significant wine producer in the 19th century. Missouri produced more wine than California for much of the 1800s before Prohibition ended the industry locally; recovery has been slow and partial.
The region's humid continental climate is poorly suited to European vinifera; fungal pressure is high and winter cold damage is common. The AVA's reputation rests on native and French-American hybrid varietals, particularly Norton (Vitis aestivalis), which is widely considered Missouri's flagship grape and produces structured, ageworthy reds. Chambourcin, Chardonel, and Vignoles are also important.
Nearby AVAs
Other American Viticultural Areas closest to Augusta — useful when a vineyard sits inside more than one AVA at once.