Vinalia x Augusta, Chambourcin

Founded in 1988 by Tony Kooyumjian, Augusta Winery aims to revive Missouri's rich winemaking heritage, echoing the region's 19th-century glory. Recognized as one of the state’s most influential winemakers, Kooyumjian expanded his vision by acquiring Montelle Winery in 1998. Today, under the guidance of Colin Pennington, Augusta showcases the exceptional potential of hybrid grape varieties, including the award-winning Norton, Chambourcin, and Chardonel.

Augusta, Missouri, made history on June 20, 1980, as the first American Viticultural Area (AVA), surpassing Napa Valley by over seven months. While the AVA system legally protects winegrowing regions, Missouri's winemaking roots trace back to early 19th-century German immigrants, who established Augusta's first winery in 1859. By 1860, Missouri outproduced both California and New York combined. Though slow to recover from Prohibition, the state's wineries have since more than doubled, reaffirming Missouri's place among the country's top wine producers.

Chambourcin is one of the most beloved grape varieties in the Midwest and East Coast, crafting distinctively American wines that have become regional specialties. While this French-American hybrid grape was first developed in the 1860s by Joannes Seyve, its exact parentage remains unknown. Well adapted to the humid climates of Missouri and Virginia, Chambourcin wines are enjoyed for their bright acidity, supple tannins, and flamboyant cranberry and spiced plum flavors.