The Hermann Wine Trail has some of the most talented winemakers in the state making wine in our beautiful wine region. Not only are they passionate about wine but also about the historic Hermann area.
We are featuring one winemaker a month in our series; sharing their thoughts on making wine in Hermann, their backgrounds, their wine favorites, to get to know the person behind the scenes. We featured Shaun Turnbull, winemaker at Stone Hill Winery last month. Read more
Here is our second winemaker of the series:
Michael Rouse, Winemaker – Adam Puchta Winery
Years in the Industry: 15 years
Favorite Varietal or Blend: I prefer the dry varietals; but I don’t really have a favorite. It changes year to year.
Favorite Wine & Food Pairing: I like wines on their own; sorry. There are some great combinations; but that’s not what I do.
Top Wines to Taste Now: Legacy, Vignoles (off-dry), Signature Port, Traminette; taste them all.
What I Like Most About Hermann Wines: Hermann has unique wines to offer the world, tremendous diversity of wine styles, from Sparkling Wine to Port and Sherry, and everything in between, and generally high quality.
What wine you are most proud of: I don’t want to answer that question. I’m still working on that.
Favorite Thing to Do (when not making wine): Walking our farm, surfing, dancing, playing music. There’s just not enough time for everything!
Background: I was born in Missouri across the river from Hermann in McKittrick. I grew up mostly in Arizona and California. My wife and I moved here from Santa Barbara, California about 17 years ago. I worked in the cellars at Stone Hill for five years and came to Adam Puchta in 2004.
Thanks Michael for sharing your passion and background! How nice to have a local guy come back and put down roots after traveling the country. We are fortunate to have your wine making talents on the Hermann Wine Trail!
Cheers!
Michael Rouse, Winemaker at Adam Puchta Winery
