As you look out your guest room window from Hermann Hill, the imposing red and brick buildings to the south make up Stone Hill Winery and Vintage Restaurant. Founded in 1847, the winery is the oldest in Missouri. It is on the National Register of Historic places, a designation it received in 1969.

Casual comfort and fine dining highlight Stone Hill's lovingly restored carriage house and stables where history and modern amenities blend effortlessly in a cozy atmosphere of Old-World charm. Guests of the Vintage Restaurant may choose among hand-cut steaks, pasta, fresh seafood and German cuisine, paired with award-winning Stone Hill wines.

Hermann-native Cate Radtke is the chef at the Vintage Restaurant. Her house specialty is German-style Schnitzel, a tender pork cutlet, seasoned, breaded, grilled to a golden brown, and topped with your choice of a German sauce of sour cream and dill or a Jaeger's sauce of bacon, mushrooms and red wine. Two wines that are recommended with this dish are Stone Hill's Hermannsberger or Seyval.

Also popular is the Smoked Pork Chop with Brandied Apples. This 8-ounce smoked pork chop is grilled and topped with apple slices flamed with brandy. Pair this entree with Stone Hill's Chardonel or Rose Montaigne.

For lighter fare, try the French Onion Soup with carmelized onions simmered in homemade beef stock, topped with a blend of white cheeses, gratineed and served piping hot. Finish it off with Steinberg White or Steinberg Red. Add the Fresh Spinach Salad for a complete meal.

The Vintage Restaurant serves luncheon and dinner. From May-October, lunch is served daily from 11-4:30. Dinner is served from 5-8:30 Sunday-Thursday, 5-9 Friday, and 5-10 Saturday. During March and April, and from November 1-December 12, the restaurant is closed on Wednesday and Thursday. Lunch only is served on Sunday. The restaurant closes for renovations from December 13 - February 4, 2005. For additional information, please check their website www.stonehillwinery.com. Click on Hermann location and then Vintage Restaurant. Reservations are accepted by calling 573-486-3479.