Augusta’s Historic AVA Boosts Spirits In New Haven

On June 20, the city of Augusta celebrated the 41st anniversary of the recognition of Augusta becoming the first American Viticulutural Area (AVA), beating out Napa by about 6 months. The designated region of the AVA includes 15 square miles surrounding Augusta. New Haven’s wineries are included in the Hermann AVA and the Ozark Mountain AVA.

There are 5 AVAs in Missouri, and it is a historic selling point that Augusta became recognized first. Mount Pleasant’s winemaker, Matt Brennecke, commented that things in Augusta are developing very quickly. “After only 3 months of management of the 4 wineries that the Hoffmann Family of Companies acquired, big positive changes have been happening,” said Brennecke.

On an early tour of Mount Pleasant, the Hoffmanns were inspired by a Dee Dann mural in the Mount Pleasant Cellar building which portrayed a paddlewheel steamboat docking in Augusta. They looked into what it would take to bring a paddlewheel boat to Augusta for excursions, and discovered no companies were making paddlewheel boats, so they opted for an excursion yacht which will be coming towards the end of the year.

Missouri River Country and Paddle Stop New Haven have been talking to the Hoffmann Family of Companies and exploring options for connecting with New Haven. Alderman Tim Otten is interested in helping Paddle Stop with a new boat dock on the Missouri River to lure traffic to New Haven.

The Hoffmann influence and the interest in the Augusta AVA has focused more attention and tourist dollars on the Washington, New Haven and Hermann corridor.  This spells great news for the small town’s future and those invested in New Haven’s downtown.