By Sarah Wilkins
On the bluffs overlooking the Missouri River in the Missouri River Valley lies the town of Hermann. Hermann was established in 1837 by German settlers looking to build a community that embraced their German roots and made the Show-Me state feel like home. Unknowingly, these early settlers laid the groundwork for what would become one of America’s first premier wine regions.
Located in the heart of Missouri Wine Country, Hermann is home to some of Missouri’s best wineries, distilleries and breweries. The region produces more than a fifth of Missouri’s total wine output — more than 128,000 gallons annually — and is frequently awarded for its quality wine production.
In addition to its significant cultural legacy, as Tammy Bruckerhoff, Visit Hermann’s director of tourism, puts it, “Well, we have something for everyone.”
The town boasts an array of museums, boutiques, antique shops, restaurants and live music, and lies only two miles away from the McKittrick Trailhead on the Katy Trail. There is even a trolley tour of the town, not to mention the easily accessible train station that drops you right in downtown Hermann.
Just an hour’s drive west of St. Louis, the town’s red-brick buildings, boutique-lined streets, German charm, historic legacy and plethora of accommodation and venue options make Hermann an ideal space for those looking to plan unique and elevated events or retreats that will leave attendees reminiscing and wanting to return to relive the magic.
Hermann’s event spaces range in capacity from 400 to six, so venues are suitable for anything from large corporate gatherings to intimate company retreats. Among these premier event spaces is the historic Stone Hill Winery, a highly awarded destination that famously holds the largest series of arched underground cellars in North America. This landmark venue offers an unparalleled historic backdrop for business and pleasure alike.
For dining and focused business sessions, the winery features the Vintage 1847 Restaurant, which includes a Private Carriage Room capable of hosting up to 40 guests. This room is the estate’s premier spot for corporate meetings and intimate events, offering specialized group dining menus for both lunch and dinner. For larger functions, the versatile Sherry House can accommodate up to 150 guests. The space features flexible seating configurations — including banquets and rounds — alongside a dedicated stage and a large television for presentations. Guests in the Sherry House can enjoy sweeping views of the vineyard and seamless flow between the indoor and outdoor areas.
To round out an itinerary, Stone Hill Winery offers engaging pre- and post-meeting museum tours and tastings. For larger groups, the winery seamlessly coordinates the experience by splitting the group in half: One half enjoys a guided tour while the other participates in a wine tasting, before swapping places.
The estate’s commitment to hospitality is well-recognized by industry professionals. Reflecting on his experience, Joe Grimm, trade development director for Southern Glazers Wine and Spirits, noted: “They were so hospitable and very thankful, humble and modest. It was a really good experience, and I’d recommend anybody to go there for anything.”
For those looking for additional unique and interactive venue options, Hermann Farm’s 200 acres feature an onsite winery, a tasting room and three distinct distilleries, altogether accommodating groups of about 40 people. For outdoor luncheons, an open-air pavilion is situated beside a pond for the perfect backdrop. The year-round Grand Tram Tour of Hermann Farm can also be tailored to seasonal festivities, hosting tours accompanied by blankets and hot chocolate in the winter.
The farm’s Stone Barn is a 12,000-square-foot architectural marvel, built in the traditional German barn style with wood dismantled and reassembled on site from 18th-century Pennsylvania barns. The airy space accommodates up to 300 guests. And because it is a working barn, the ground level houses stalls built specifically for the English Draft Shire horses that live below the first level. These endangered horses, standing taller than Clydesdales, can come dressed up and photo-ready for any corporate occasion or remain in their stalls below for guests to meet during the event.
On top of its bursting venue and itinerary options, Hermann offers more than 600 room accommodations with unique spaces attendees are not soon to forget.
The Inn at Hermannhof offers guest rooms, suites, private cottages and house rentals. Within the inn are eight guest rooms, accompanied by five cottages across the road. The cottages alone comprise 20 suites and come with amenities such as claw-footed baths, private balconies and back porches overlooking the town. The Inn recently acquired and renovated the Kropp house, adding eight rooms to its accommodation options and a space that keeps a corporate group together while allowing for relaxation and privacy.
Nicole Mark, the director of revenue cycle in the financial department of Aspire Senior Living, recounts the multiple bonding and re-education retreats her company has held in Hermann. Aspire Senior Living held group retreats of 40 to 80 people three times in the last year, staying at the Inn at Hermannhof and returning again and again to Hermann because of the hospitable nature of the town, the variety of things to do and the dedicated tourism and hospitality team behind it all.
Mark notes that the director of hospitality at the Inn at Hermannhof, Georgie Busch, “really goes above and beyond. She leaves nothing uncovered and makes sure everyone has exactly what they need. She makes things flow so easily so I can focus on spending time with my team while knowing that she has everything else covered.”
Hermann further extends its hospitality by making itself incredibly accessible for corporate events, providing group transportation options to and from events via the town’s trolley company. This allows groups to easily enjoy all aspects of their events without the taxing effort of coordinating group transportation.
Rounding out the town’s venue options, Hermann Hill stands as Hermann’s premier luxury lodging and event destination. Perched high on the bluffs with panoramic views overlooking the Missouri River, the property features more than 7,000 square feet of versatile meeting space. Venue options include five distinct indoor meeting spaces, an expansive outdoor patio, and the River Room.
Ideal for multi-day corporate retreats, Hermann Hill combines 21 upscale guest rooms, full in-house catering, and complete bar service. To ensure a seamless event, a dedicated onsite meeting coordinator handles every detail — from session logistics and dining to coordinating group transportation via the Hermann Hill van or local trolley. Known for its exceptional hospitality and attentive staff, Hermann Hill delivers an elevated, stress-free retreat experience.
The town’s outstanding reputation in hospitality, variety of venue and accommodation options, authentic German charm, and diverse activities for company fun make Hermann the perfect place to plan your next event or retreat.
MEET
Sarah Wilkins is a contributing writer from St. Louis.
For 20+ years, the MEET family of products have provided regional and national resources that have kept corporate, association, medical, education, independent, and religious meeting and event planners informed about relevant vendors, industry news, tech innovations, and resources that impact and influence how and where they plan their group business.
For 20+ years, the MEET family of products have provided regional and national resources that have kept corporate, association, medical, education, independent, and religious meeting and event planners informed about relevant vendors, industry news, tech innovations, and resources that impact and influence how and where they plan their group business.
