Florida company to invest $100m in 700-acre Missouri wine project

Florida-based Hoffmann Family of Companies will invest US$100 million in a wine project in Missouri covering 700-acres, creating what it claims will be the largest vineyards and winery in the Midwest.

In a statement, the company, which has a portfolio of brands which include food and drink businesses, said it had already acquired a number of assets in the city of Augusta in Missouri.

Hoffmann has already bought the 90-acre Balducci Winery and Vineyards; Knoernschild Vineyards, which comes with 53-acres of land; The Old Augusta Wine Company building; and the old county feed store and grocery.

It is due to complete a deal on a vacant property on Locust Street in mid-January and will also be buying two further wineries in the area in late January or early February, which come with a further 250 acres. A company spokesperson said Hoffmann is in “ongoing discussions” with other wineries in the area.

The plan is to consolidate the wineries over an area covering 700-acres and also build a hotel, nine-hole par three golf course, five-star restaurant and other attractions. The statement said the company is set to meet with city officials to further outline its plans

The company’s owners, David and Jerri Hoffmann, grew up in Washington, Missouri and own property in the city as well as offices in Clayton.

David Hoffmann said: “We see a unique opportunity to consolidate the Augusta, Missouri wine country to enable us to provide not only great wine from the beautiful countryside of Missouri, but to create a national destination similar to Napa Valley.”

“It’s going to be a significant venue and the land lays as well as Napa Valley,” he told ksdk.com. “It’s every bit as pretty and the vineyards out there have done a wonderful job.

The Augusta AVA was the first federally approved American Viticultural Area, gaining official status in June 1980. Missouri now has four AVAs, some 125 wineries, and around 1,700-acres (690ha) under vine.