Where Shall We Go? Scents, Sips, and Scenic Drives
If you’re looking for a weekend escape that’s equal parts scenic drive and satisfying sip, point your wheels toward Hermann, Missouri—a hidden gem in the heart of Midwest wine country. Nestled along the Missouri River, this historic town is just 90 minutes west of St. Louis and feels like it was plucked straight from an old-world village.
We clipped a Drive Time® Truck Puck® into place, loaded up with Citrus Sky, and hit the road. Crisp and clean with just enough fruit on the nose, it felt right at home with the rolling hills and vineyard views ahead.
A Taste of the New Rhineland
In the mid-1800s, German immigrants saw something special in the Missouri River Valley: sloped terrain, fertile soil, and a climate ready for grapevines. Their dream? To create a "New Rhineland" in America. By the late 19th century, Missouri was the second-largest wine-producing state in the country—only behind California.
Then came Prohibition. Vines were torn out. Barrels smashed. Cellars once used for aging wine were converted to grow mushrooms. But history has a way of circling back—and Hermann's wine culture is thriving again.
Where to Sip
Stone Hill Winery was our first stop. It’s the largest and oldest winery in the area—and home to the largest series of underground arched wine cellars in the U.S. Touring those cool, cavernous cellars, it’s easy to imagine the centuries of craftsmanship soaked into the stone. Six tastings later, we walked out with a bottle of their Cream Sherry—smooth, rich, and worth the stop alone.
Next, we headed just outside town to Adam Puchta Winery, the oldest continuously-owned family farm winery in the U.S. This one wins bonus points for being dog-friendly. Our pup, Tosh, rocked his denim jacket like a local and joined us for the tasting. We grabbed a bottle of Mull It Over—a spiced red they recommend warming up with a touch of brown sugar. Come winter, it’ll be our go-to fireside pour.
And then there’s G. Husmann Wine Company, steeped in both local and global history. George Husmann—Missouri’s own “Father of the Grape Industry”—once helped rescue European vineyards from disease by shipping them American rootstock. Later, he brought that expertise west to help shape California’s iconic Napa Valley wine scene. A Missouri-to-Napa crossover we were proud to name-drop on a past Napa trip.
Why Hermann Belongs on Your Map
Beyond the wineries, Hermann is simply a beautiful place to park for a while. Red brick buildings line the narrow streets, many dating back to the 1800s. Locals still take pride in their town—and it shows in the manicured sidewalks, tidy yards, and laid-back pace. Whether you’re into wine, architecture, or just cruising with the windows down and your favorite scent riding shotgun, this is a drive worth making.
There are seven wineries within sipping distance of downtown, along with B&Bs and inns that make staying overnight an easy call.
Drive Time Tip: Choosing the Right Scent for the Road Ahead
A road trip’s more than a destination—it’s a vibe. And nothing locks in that vibe like the right fragrance in your car.
We get this question a lot:
“How do I choose the right scent for my car air freshener?”
It really comes down to how—and why—you drive.
Match the season: Bright and citrusy for spring and summer (like Citrus Sky), or deep and warm for fall and winter (Amber Vanilla, we see you).
Match the mood: Want to stay sharp? Go crisp and energizing. Need to relax? Earthy and woodsy scents can ground the space.
Match the lifestyle: If your vehicle doubles as a mobile office, gym locker, or family van, go with something clean and subtle—or even a bold neutralizer that elevates, not overwhelms.
A good car scent should feel like it belongs—just like your favorite jacket or that go-to playlist for winding backroads.
At the end of the day, the best scent for your car is the one that makes you want to keep driving.
Lori Herr for Drive Time® Brand
Got a favorite Drive Time scent you take on the road? Tell us where it's taken you—tag us on social @aerondrivetime and let’s swap road trip ideas.