Missouri wine country is a fairly well kept secret outside the Midwest. Yet prior to prohabition, Missouri was the second largest state for wine production in the country -- next to New York State -- and Hermann, Missouri, is home to six of Missouri's finest wineries. It's also home to Hermann Hill Vineyard and Inn, which combines a fabulous inn bordered by its own vineyard with wonderful food, fine lodgings and views that go on forever.
You might say this inn has a split personality, as it is actually split between a beautiful inn overlooking a vineyard and bluff-top cottages overlooking the Missouri River. In either location the theme that prevails is beautiful views and attention to all the details that matter. I stayed at the inn in the Norton room (rooms are named after varieties of grapes that grow in the region). It had a gorgeous view of the vineyard and the town and river beyond, not to mention all the amenities including a fireplace, deep jacuzzi tub and double shower. The bed was so incredibly comfortable, perhaps due to the high thread count sheets that I'm not willing to splurge on at home, but which really make a difference. I went to sleep with the screen door to the balcony open at night and awoke to a sunrise over the vineyard each morning.
Fabulous food is also the theme here, with breakfast to order at whatever time you wish and whereever you want to enjoy it. I enjoyed breakfast one morning from a lovely sunny deck and the next morning from the kitchen overlooking a view of the vineyard. Breakfast choices include two entrees, or lighter fare including a wonderful fruit, granola and yogurt parfait. Surprisingly, most people opt to eat breakfast in their rooms, which are set up perfectly with a table for two next to the window. While romance prevails here, innkeeper Terry Hammer tells me that the privacy here is what attracts people for getaways to Hermann Hill.
I got the chance to visit the cottages while I was at Hermann Hill. They are located across the town of Hermann from the inn. They humorously refer to them as an adult water park. There are many ways to enjoy getting wet in each cottage, including a fabulous hot tub on the decks overlooking a dramatic view of the river, along with an inside spa tub and a fabulous multi-jetted steam shower. Each cottage comes complete with a refrigerator stocked with breakfast items, ice cream, drinks, and more. The decks also feature grills, so cooking and soaking are the prevailing themes here.
I can't end this review without mentioning Hermann Hill's signature Port Raspberry Chocolate Sauce. The Port used in the sauce is made from the grapes grown at Hermann Hill. This chocolate sauce is served over ice cream with warm cookies every night. Listen for a knock on the door between 9:30-10 p.m., from Terry or Peggy, the innkeepers/owners, and you will find the most delicious way to end the day you've ever tasted. WOW!