Vinalia x Augusta, Norton

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.

A truly American variety, Norton was first identified near Richmond, Virginia by physician and horticulturalist Daniel Norborne Norton, who gave his name to the cultivar as its exact origins remain unknown. A specialty in both Missouri and Virginia, Norton is well adapted to their humid conditions and yields lush, brambly wines laden with cherry compote and sweet spice flavors.