Hermann, MO

Sep 1

Lindsay at Copper Mule Distillery overlooking Hermann countryside

Wine country…and so much more

Spend a weekend in Missouri's Rhineland full of German heritage and wineries.

Girls Getaways and Romantic Escapes

Hermann is the perfect place to grab a group of gal pals and hit the wineries or grab your special someone for a romantic weekend. My husband planned us a surprise, magical anniversary escape to Hermann in 2021. We had such a good time, we plan on going again soon for another anniversary. I just came back from a delightful girls weekend at the end of the summer. Hermann also is bachelorette party headquarters.

Tastings, Patios and Stunning Views

Orange, the cat made himself at home in my lap at Adam Puchta Winery

Fill your weekend with wine tastings at Hermann’s many wineries.

For cat lovers, don’t miss the Adam Puchta Winery. Founded in 1855, it’s the oldest, continuously owned family farm winery in the United States, but more importantly to me, it has cats you can pet while sitting outside enjoying a glass of wine (or wine slush) and live music. Enjoy a truly affordable wine tasting, too.

Head over to Stone Hill Winery for an in-depth tasting (choose your own 6 wines from their double sided list). Stone Hill prides itself on their wines that have won over 5,000 medals and awards.

Copper Mule Distillery has the most delicious bourbon slushes, a great balcony view, and gorgeous new inside event space with big wooden beams.

The view from the patio is spectacular at Oak Glenn Winery.

For a great outdoor spot downtown, check out the shared patio between G. Husmann Wine Company and Black Shire Distillery Tasting Room.

More Drinks, Slushes, Food, and Fun

Grab a delicious meal at Fernweh Distilling Co with delicious brisket and smoked pork. You’ll understand why I’m especially attracted to them. Fernweh: from the German meaning wanderlust or literally farsickness, the opposite of homesickness. “We raise our glass to those compelled to live life as the journey it is, who dare to stay curious, and who appreciate fine spirits. Cheers!”

Cool off at Doxie Slush with a flight of cocktail slushes and a dachshund mermaid mascot. I recommend the strawberry amaretto shortcake and the rye berry bramble. Doxie Slush is also one of the few places open late to eat, especially on Sundays when Hermann completely shuts down. Doxie Slush is open on Sundays until 9pm (check current times to be sure). The fish and chips are fabulous with the skinny fries!

A visit to Hermann is incomplete without stopping at the Wurst House for a great German Food experience: sandwiches, bratwursts, and the traditional sides.

1837 Cellar Bar has a great atmosphere with patios, live music, and a beautiful historical cellar with a bar (hence the name).

Grab counter service breakfast at Stomp’n Grounds Espresso Bar which includes gluten free and vegetarian options.

For cocktails including coffee cocktails check out The Bank Bar and Bistro or Seek Coffee.

For a great time, arrive early for seats at the dueling Piano Bar or show up later for standing/dancing room.

Transportations

If you plan to drink, find a safe way to get around. Downtown is walkable, but there are some cool things to check out at a driving distance, too.

We had a great experience with Debbie at Lyft You Up Rides. She offers a flat rate for van rides anywhere around the area or an unlimited-ride daily rate. She operates later into the evening than the trolleys and we were able to fit our group, luggage, and a foldable wheelchair inside her van. She went above and beyond to ensure we had a great time. There are barely any (if any) Uber/Lyft options, so Debbie is a great way to get around.

Hermann has a fleet of red Trolleys that you can ride around the local winery and distilleries with a one-day or two-day pass.

Both of these transportation options take cash or Venmo.

Tips

Bring cash or Venmo for transportation. It’s always a good idea to travel with cash for tips and avoid any atm fees.
Hermann has an open container law, so don’t wander outside designated patios with open alcohol.
Plan your activities around the fact that most things close early in Hermann, especially on Sunday. Check the current hours of operation for the places you want to visit and plan accordingly.
Pace yourself and hydrate if you don’t want to feel sick from over-indulgence. Naps are great as long as you don’t miss all the fun.
Hermann has many great seasonal festivals like Oktoberfest, Christmastime, Wurstfest, and Maifest. If you want to stay during those times, book early as things fill up fast.
The weather will make a big impact on whether you can enjoy the many outdoor spaces, so keep that in mind. Remember your umbrella, sunhat, bug spray, waling shoes, water bottle, and sunscreen.
For those with limited mobility be aware, many of the small town shops have a step up to get inside and most of the tastings are held at standing height bars without chairs. The downtown is mostly flat which does make things easier.
There is a clock tower in town that chimes out the hours. If you are a light sleeper, you may not want to book housing near it.

Accommodations

Check out tons of bed and breakfasts, Inns and Airbnb’s for groups of all sizes.

Location

Right on the Missouri River, Hermann is a three hour drive or four hour Amtrak train ride East of Kansas City. Located a one and a half hour drive West of St. Louis.