There are a lot of things the Lone Star State is known for, however many might be surprised to find the great state of Texas boasts some of the country’s finest vineyards and wineries, and is home to North America’s first vineyard. Hailing all the way from the West down to the Gulf Coast, you can find a robust array of state-wide wine found in five diverse regions and climates of the ever-expansive Texas landscape. With help from our friendly Texas Yelp Community Managers, you’ll find a variety of vino in this sumptuous survey of wineries and vineyards just in time for sipping season.
North Texas
4R Ranch Vineyards and Winery
Just 1.5 hours from Dallas, Ranch Vineyards is an easy weekend escape that really impresses. You’ll want to visit for their grand selection of wines. But you’ll really want to stay for their weekly Saturday night live music jam session. With its breathtaking views, this vineyard is a popular choice for weddings, engagements and special events.
Conveniently located in the heart of the city, Bishop Arts Winery is undoubtedly a Yelp Dallas favorite. As the name suggests, this winery is in the vibrant Bishop Arts community. Buy some local art, try one of the many delicious dining options in the area, and then pop on over to this winery. Bonus: the winery also serves up a rad breakfast and lunch daily!
Leave the city behind for an afternoon indulging in Lost Oak Winery’s 52 acre property, complete with three cultivated vineyards, a gorgeous event venue, winding paths, and majestic oak trees. Just South of Fort Worth, Lost Oak has a seriously long list of awards for their wine, plus they put together international wine trips – this October they’re taking locals to explore Bordeaux and Alsace!
Umbra is a true Texas winery with its home-base in Little Elm and its vineyard gracing Springtown for the last 40 years. Belly up to their bar for award-winning wine, their new Honey Mead, and a chocolate board for dessert. You read that right: chocolate board. Best paired with a glass of Red Velvet or something sparkling.
Founded by two military vets with a passion for vino, Sloan & Williams is serious about producing a beautiful bottle of wine. Their grapes are sourced from the Texas Hill Country, the Texas High Plains, and California to create internationally recognized and award-winning wine. Plus they have frozen wine pops on their menu – what’s not to love?
Central Texas
Pontotoc Vineyard
Hawk Shadow is nestled deep in the Texas Hill Country. They craft a select portfolio of Texas wines featuring their own estate varietals, and warm-climate grapes carefully chosen from Texas growers.
Bent Oak Winery brings you tastes of Texas and California grapes in Cedar Park. Even though the winery is close to the city, the location feels secluded and unique.
This family-owned vineyard boasts a beautiful tasting room situated in a cabin-like building. The owners are very passionate and love to interact with visitors giving the background on the vineyard and history of wine. If you’re looking for a romantic outing make sure to take advantage of their picnic baskets, which include homemade bread, pimento cheese, rosemary-roasted pecans, sausage, and a brownie. For those of y’all who aren’t heavy wine drinkers, yelpers attest to giving their sangria a try.
The Texas Hill Country is known for their signature flavors at their wineries; however, Alexander Vineyards gives you the opportunity to step out into European wines. Some of the offerings you can find here are Bordeaux, Champagne, Rieslings and Spanish Tempranillos. While you’re enjoying the scenic view make sure to say ‘hi’ to Gizmo and Pinot, the two infamous pups at the vineyard!
One of the few true vineyards in Fredericksburg, Texas, you’ll be able to see a picturesque moment of rows upon rows of grape vines. With a rustic charm at 1851, it’s quite easy to see why folks can spend the day here getting carried away with the beauty and taste their 5-star wines. Plus, you’ll want to make sure to snap a photo on their wrap-around porch.
Southeast Texas
Yepez Family Vineyards
Established in 2007 by Le Cordon Bleu trained Chefs, Sommeliers, and Winemakers Ryan Levy and Ian Eastveld, this boutique winery handcrafts wines made from grapes at their vineyards in Texas, Argentina, Napa and Paso Robles. Their wines have won double gold medals and hold 94+ point ratings in internationally recognized wine competitions (including Houston Rodeo Uncorked). Tastings are by appointment only.
There are many note-worthy wineries along the “Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail,” but what sets Texas Star Winery apart from the others is their menu of non-grape wines: hibiscus, plumb, prickly pear. They’re perfect for summer sipping! Enjoy a bottle of wine on their serene property and check out the gift shop to find a little something for your wine-o friend.
Located in Baytown, Yepez Family Vineyards features something most Southeast wineries do not: an actual vineyard! Opt to do your tasting inside or outside nestled between the vineyards during regular business hours or after. If you’re traveling with a group, check out the group and event space options, too. The vineyard is family-friendly, dog-friendly, and hosts some noteworthy local events, like the grape stomp fest, harvest events and their weekly “community toast” each Sunday 4-6pm.
Head South towards the Gulf and stumble upon Haak Vineyards. The tasting room is opened seven days a week (unless hosting a private event); and tastings start at $15 per person which includes a tour and tasting of four of their pre-selected wines plus one Madeiras.
