Missouri

As one of the oldest grape growing regions in the United States, wine is an integral component of the history, culture and economy of Missouri communities across the state. The region of Missouri consists of northwestern upland plain or prairies, as well as lowlands in the extreme southeast that are part of the Atlantic Plain and the Ozark Plateau. Known as the Cave State, the northern half of Missouri is covered in glacial drift and loess from Pleistocene glaciation, while the southern half is largely a carbonate terrain rich in caves, springs and clear streams. Given its inland location, Missouri is also prone to temperature extremes. Missouri consequently deals with inclement weather quite regularly, including thunderstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes, snow, ice and flooding.