Family owned and operated since 1970, St. James Winery has been producing award-winning wines unique to Missouri. Jim and Pat Hotherr founded St. James with the dream to resurrect Missouri’s pre-Prohibition wine making acclaim. Their initial year produced 3,400 cases and two wines, Velvet Red and Velvet White, were met with instant popularity. St. James current winemaker, Andrew Meggit strives to maintain the reputation, not only of the first winemakers at St. James but also those pre-prohibition era Missouri winemakers, while also growing and developing new and exciting flavors. For over 40 years, St. James’ push for excellence has proved a successful driving force; today St James is the largest winery in Missouri with annual production of over 200,000 cases and holds hundreds of awards for its wines and facilities and vast popularity to its name.
They use sustainable growing practices by controlling water usage and using efficient harvesting equipment, low energy/sustainable wine fermentation and storage methods. Their facilities are also sustainable, with an energy saving refrigeration system and eco-friendly lighting, as well as a commitment to recycling and composting whenever possible. The Meramec Highlands surround the winery. Situated within the unique geographic land formation called the Salem Plateau, the vineyards of the Meramec Highlands have unique soils, weather patterns, and spring-fed streams. Here, St. James Winery grows Catawba, Chardonel, Norton, Concord, Seyval, Vignoles, Chambourcin and Rougeon grapes.
