The view from Stone Hill Winery on Oct. 11, 2009. Photo by Charles Williams

Several years have passed since my last trip to Hermann, but changing leaves and an anniversary prompted a trip last weekend.

The colorful view from Stone Hill Winery is magnificent. Splashes of orange, red and yellow appear just beyond the vineyards, signaling a full-blown spectacle in the next couple of weeks.

We started with lunch in the Vintage Restaurant. For a unique experience, try to get a table in a refurbished stall. I opted for the sauerbraten sandwich, which includes sauerbraten and muenster cheese on marble rye bread, served with horseradish sauce. I took the restaurant’s advice and washed it down with a glass of Chambourcin.

With my gullet satisfied, I headed to the tasting room, where generous samples are poured. Based on the tasting, Reserve Chardonel (white, $24.99) and Norton (red, $18.99) wouldn’t have any problem finding a spot in my picnic basket. Grab a bottle and enjoy the view; it’s a tough experience to beat.

The Inn at Hermannhof and Haus Wineries. Photo by Charles Williams

I also explored the new Inn at Hermannhof and Haus Wineries, which is charming and has a fantastic view of the town and Missouri river.

The experience won’t come cheap. Rooms now start at $143 and go as high as $364. But it’s stumbling distance from the Hermannhof Winery, albeit uphill. The location is well worth a splurge, especially if you book a room during the week or off season, when rates are cheaper.