Mount Pleasant Estates, located in the rolling hills of the Augusta Appellation, is expecting some of their largest crowds this October. The winery is a premier event destination and offers a family friendly atmosphere. To get the most out of your trip and stay safe this season, Mount Pleasant President Chuck Dressel offers the following tips.

Ø  The winery offers plenty to see and do. Every Saturday and Sunday live bands light up the stage on the outdoor patio. Enjoy the sounds of Javier Mendoza, the Ralph Butler Band, the Well Hungarians and more—all free of charge. View the complete band schedule before you visit at www.mountpleasant.com and arrive early as seats fill up quickly.

Ø  When traveling with a group to the winery, consider renting a tour bus. There is ample, complimentary parking for busses available on-site. It is recommended that bus groups reserve seating on our patio ahead of time. Requesting a reservation is simple to do on the website. Also, traveling via bus will take care of the designated driver. Plus it’s better for the environment.

Ø  Take a complimentary guided tour of the winery. Guided tours are available on Saturday and Sundays in October at noon and 1:00 p.m. Guests will learn about the history of the first government-appointed wine-growing district in the United States and see the original hand-dug cellars that Mount Pleasant still uses today.

Ø  When visiting the winery on a weekday, consider scheduling a private tour of the winery for you and your guests. Enjoy an intimate in-depth tour of the historic cellars, the “oven house” and more. Private tours may be arranged for groups of ten or more at a rate of $8 per guest or a minimum of $80.

Ø  Enjoy a wine tasting. Mount Pleasant Estates wine experts are happy to introduce you to new wines and teach you the basics of tasting wine. Learn the “Six S’s” of wine tasting tips: sight, swirl, smell, sip, swallow, and stemware. 

For more information or directions to Mount Pleasant Estates, visit www.mountpleasant.com.

Mount Pleasant Estates, founded in 1859, is located a short distance from St. Louis in Augusta, Missouri, the first government-appointed wine-growing district in the United States.  The pioneer in sustainable viticulture for the Missouri wine industry, Mount Pleasant grows 12 grape varieties on 75 acres and its original limestone cellars are still used to age estate-bottled wines and international award-winning Augusta Ports. The winery features a café, where visitors can enjoy casual cuisine and award-wining wines in a serene atmosphere, with spectacular views of the Missouri River Valley. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with extended weekend hours, spring through fall. Call for reservations and more information.