Area wineries are gearing up for autumn with calendars full of cozy events and menus packed with seasonal selections. Here’s what you can expect at wineries close by Cape Girardeau this fall. 

Apple Creek Vineyard and Winery

Apple Creek Vineyard and Winery is located on it’s namesake about 20 minutes from Cape Girardeau in Friedheim, Missouri. Decks overlook the pretty creek, and picnic tables are scattered throughout the wooded grounds hugging the tasting room. Apple Creek Vineyard and Winery is an estate winery where all of their wine is made from grapes grown on their property. This family owned winery is open year round Fridays 2 – 9 p.m., Saturdays 12 – 7 p.m. and Sundays 12 – 5 p.m. 

Upcoming events at Apple Creek include: 

• October 7th and 8th: Beer and Pretzels
• October 14th: Wine and Swing Pig Roast
• October 21st and 22nd: Chili and Wine Weekend
• A Taste of the Holidays on November 4th
• Live music every Saturday from 2 – 6 p.m. and Sundays from 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.; get the schedule here. 

Hemman Winery

A bit of a drive but well worth the trip, especially when the leaves are putting on a show, Hemman Winery is found in quaint Brazeau, Missouri about 45 minutes away from Cape Girardeau. Owner Bonnie Hemman says that their winery “is an experience. We grow the grapes, nurture them and make them into wine for people to enjoy. We are family owned and operated; we are small town America.” Fall wines on the menu include Red Rooster, a cranberry/apple blend, as well as pumpkin and apricot. Hemman Winery is open Fridays 1 – 6 p.m. June – December and Saturday and Sunday 12 – 6 p.m. year round. 

Upcoming events at Hemman Winery include: 

• Sangria Saturdays throughout September 
• A Grape Stomping contest October 7th and 8th
• Live music every weekend
• A Taste of the Holidays November 4th

River Ridge Winery

“Fall is an exciting time at the winery for us,” say Denise and Rob Bullock, owners of River Ridge Winery, a 30 minute drive from Cape Girardeau. “We have several grapes that people are surprised to find in the Midwest; we grow Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. My husband and I are the new owners of River Ridge Winery. We took ownership May of 2016, and we want people to know we are carrying on all the great traditions of River Ridge that all began in 1994.”  River Ridge is open daily from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., year round, and is closed on Christmas Day. 

Upcoming events include live music each Saturday and Sunday from 2 – 6 p.m. Fall food specials will start hitting the menu soon! 

Print a handy guide to all area wineries here. Share your winery weekend, use #VisitCape when sharing your pictures.