Located just 65 miles south of St. Louis, MO is Ste. Genevieve, MO.
Ste. Genevieve is a French settlement founded in 1740 and is the oldest European settlement in Missouri.
Here you will find history, ambiance and charm and some wonderful food and wine. A lot of the charm can be seen thru the preservation of the settlement and the architecture of the historic buildings and homes in the area.
There is so much to explore in the downtown area but also in the surrounding countryside!
In the downtown area you will museums, guided tours, quaint shops, and dining with almost everything within walking distance. And you’ll find several convenient Bed and Breakfasts’ also.
Ste. Genevieve has a lot to offer…. or just go to relax! We love the fact that we live close enough for a weekend getaway without a ton of planning. Since it’s a short drive of only 1 1/2 hours, we are able to go for a long weekend a couple of times a year.
Our favorite place is Chaumette Vineyards and Winery. It is off the beaten path and offers award-winning wines, an unforgettable dining experience and elegantly decorated villas. The views from the winery, restaurant and your villa are absolutely beautiful. It is so peaceful and relaxing and will make you forget you are in Missouri wine country, but instead at a winery in California wine country.
And, just a short drive from downtown Ste. Genevieve and Chaumette and all the fun things to do in the area, is Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary. If you’re in the area this is a must-do. Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary is a non-profit big cat rescue and provides lifelong care to abused, neglected and unwanted big cats. They provide educational tours that allow you to see the big cats up close and take pictures of the beautiful animals. There is also nice accommodations just feet from the sanctuary where you can spend the night, or weekend, and allows time for observing the big cats in their habitat.
Within a close proximity you’ll find close to a dozen wineries and microbreweries. Here’s a few of our favorites:
- Crown Valley Brewing and Distilling
- Crown Valley Winery
- Cave Vineyard
- Charleville Vineyard and Winery
- Chaumette Vineyards and Winery
(Always check before visiting. Some wineries and microbreweries may only be open seasonally or have different hours of operation due Covid-19.)
So, whether you go for the day or the weekend, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy….or just go to take it easy, relax and take in the food, wine and scenery!
Dixie
Read our article on Illinois’ Wineries:
Enjoying Illinois’ Wineries
