Calling all wine enthusiasts! Did you know that there are over 25 wineries in North Texas? I was surprised too. So I ventured out to find the very best wineries in North Texas and create this ultimate guide.
Typically, when people think of Texas wine, their minds immediately go to the Fredericksburg wineries. As much as I love Fredericksburg, I am here to tell you…Move over Fredericksburg because some of the best wineries in Texas are in the North Texas Wine Country.
My ultimate guide of the best wineries in North Texas in the North Texas Wine Country has everything you need to know. I include road trip itinerary ideas, what each winery is known for, my personal favorite wines, information about each winery, and more. So sit back with a glass of wine, and enjoy!
I have made this guide user-friendly, here is how it works. Each winery is alphabetized and features a snippet of my favorite wines, dining options, tasting prices, and what the winery is known for. To read an informative guide on each winery, click “Read more”. Enjoy!
Full disclaimer – We were invited and sponsored by The North Texas Wine Country to write this guide. As always, our opinions are non-biased and our own. I want to thank everyone for following and supporting us on all of “Our Sweet Adventures.”
About the North Texas Wine Country
Texas is quickly becoming one of the largest wine producers in the United States. In fact, there are over 500 wineries in Texas. Of those 500, some of the very best wineries in Texas are all within the North Texas Wine Country.
Moreover, the North Texas Wine Country is quickly becoming one of the largest winemaking and grape growing regions in Texas. The wineries are spread throughout the Dallas/Ft. Worth (DFW) metroplex to Denison, Gainesville, Saint Jo, Waxahachie, and other surrounding cities. So depending on where you live in the DFW metroplex, you can easily find one of the best wineries in North Texas within a 1-hour drive.
Each winery has something unique that makes them stand out from the rest. From a casual wine experience to a more formal tasing room, wine pairings with food, craft wine cocktails, wine slushies, and more. There are special qualities and features to every winery that will surely leave its mark on you. Who knows, maybe you will become a wine club member at one or all of them!
Read Next: Best Charlottesville Wineries on the Monticello Wine Trail
Road Trip Itinerary Ideas for the Best Wineries in North Texas
Ideally, you can spend all day at just one winery, but if you are eager to do a little wine hopping, I have a few itineraries for you. The itineraries range from the perfect day trip to a weekend getaway.
Here are a few road trip itineraries from DFW to some of the best wineries in the North Texas Wine Country.
Day Trip to Celina
Take a day trip to Celina and visit up to three wineries in one day! You can enjoy a lovely afternoon outside at Caudalie Crest, a formal wine tasting experience at Eden Hill Winery & Vineyard, or a unique experience enjoying Italian and Californian wine at Carmela Winery.
It is possible to visit every winery in one day, but it would be slightly rushed. So I recommend picking two of the three wineries. Trust me, you will want to relax and enjoy every sip at these wineries in Celina.
Day Trip to Historic Downtown McKinney
Historic Downtown McKinney has two wonderful wineries on the square, Landon Winery, and Lone Star Wine Cellars. Enjoy a little shopping at the boutique shops, dine at some award-winning restaurants, and finish with wine tastings at the respected wineries for a quick romantic getaway in McKinney.
Day Trip to Van Alstyne and Whitewright
Take a relaxing and fun day trip on Sunday to Van Alstyne and Whitewright. I recommend Sunday because Cooley Bay has an amazing bottomless mimosa brunch with their sweet wines and “Cooleys”. After a delicious brunch, head to FarmResort Winery in Whitewright for a fun day on the lake with all-inclusive activities, pizza, and of course, wine.
Day Trip to Ennis During Bluebonnet Season
One of the best places to find bluebonnets in Texas is Ennis. In fact, Ennis is famously known for its Ennis bluebonnet trail. And what better way to end a day trip to Ennis than with some sweet wine tasting (pun intended). Ennis might be known for its bluebonnets, but Sugar Ridge Winery is known for its budget-friendly 15 wine tasting and abundant sweet wines.
Weekend Getaway to Denison and Saint Jo
For a fun wine weekend getaway, you can easily visit six wineries in several cities within two days. Drive to Denison and begin your wine journey at Hidden Hangar Winery & Vineyard. Enjoy a grand winery tour on-site followed by a lovely wine tasting. Then make your way into downtown Denison to enjoy another wine tasting at Homestead Winery.
After a wonderful afternoon in Denison, make your way to Fitzel Winery in Gordonville and spend the entire evening here. Rent one of their cozy cottages and watch the sunset while enjoying a glass of wine paired with a delicious dinner.
In the morning, drive to Muenster and Saint Jo to wine hop at the three local wineries – 4R Ranch Vineyards & Winery, Blue Ostrich Winery & Vineyard, and Arché Winery & Vineyard. Each winery offers something different than its neighbors. 4R Ranch Vineyards & Winery has breathtaking views of three valleys, Blue Ostrich Winery has several wine flights with an ostrich pen, and Arché Winery & Vineyard has some of the best Chardonnay in North Texas.
Weekend Getaway to Aubrey, Valley View, and Gainesville
For a short weekend getaway, visit Fortunata Winery for a fun evening on the patio with live music, wine jello shots, and wood-fired pizzas. Spend the night in one of their beautiful villas and wake up fresh to make your way to Valley View.
Firelight Vineyards is a hidden gem in Valley View and the perfect place to spend the afternoon. Enjoy a wine tasting with a fabulous lunch from their extensive menu. Or kick it up a notch and sip wine cocktails made with 48 proof Chardonnay.
In the evening, drive or take a train to Gainesville and finish your getaway watching the sunset behind the woods at Deschain Cellars. Enjoy a unique winery tour and special wine experience with single grape varietal wines from the award-winning winemaker.
Best Wineries in North Texas
Every winery offers something special to offer its guests. Whether it’s award-winning wines or a unique winery experience, you will not be disappointed when you visit these wineries in the North Texas Wine Country.
4R Ranch Vineyards & Winery
Location: Muenster
Known For: The best scenic views in North Texas, unique barrel tasting tour, mountain biking trails, and their award-winning dessert rosé wine.
My Favorite Wines: Viognier, Ranch Red, Nectar Nero (award-winning), and Blackberry & Red Wine.
Tasting Price: Four wines of your choice for $8. Additionally, there is also a winery tour and barrel tasting that you should not miss for $18.
Dining Options: The on-site Camo Cafe serves a variety of delicious food such as cowboy caviar and chips, Caprese salad, fish tacos, flatbread, and more.
Lodging: Several campsites, and a spacious guest house that accommodates up to 8 people.
If you are looking for a winery that has fantastic wine and breathtaking views, look no further than 4R Ranch Vineyards & Winery. This is hands down one of the best wineries in North Texas because it offers visitors incredible experiences.
Guests can enjoy some of the best views in Texas of three valleys full of trees. The views are especially beautiful during the fall season because believe it or not, 4R Ranch Vineyards & Winery has fall foliage.
In addition to the best views and award-winning wines, 4R Ranch Vineyards & Winery also has an awesome 9-mile mountain biking trail. Guests can bring their own biking equipment and enjoy a thrilling trail finished with a glass of wine.
More importantly, 4R Ranch Vineyards & Winery is eco-friendly. On the 1100-acre property, there are 7 turbines, solar panels on the barn house, and geothermal at the barn house and tasting room. The property also includes a fabulous wedding venue, 10 acres of vineyards, a guest house, and more.
Lastly, a visit to 4R Ranch Vineyards & Winery is not complete without an educational barrel tasting. This is one of the most unique and special barrel tastings you will ever experience. Guests have the opportunity to taste young wines and mature wines to see the progression of winemaking. As a bonus, guests will also be able to taste what is coming on the menu soon.
Arché Winery & Vineyard
Location: Saint Jo
Known For: One of few Texas wineries that grow Chardonnay, 100% Texas grapes, and a focus on French varieties.
My Favorite Wines: Chardonnay, True Friends, and Roussanne Dessert.
Tasting Price: Four wines of your choice from the tasting menu for $15. In addition, there is a vineyard and winery tour (60 minutes) which includes an educational wine tasting with the winemaker for $20 per person.
Dining Options: Light fare options of hummus and chips, Margherita flatbread, cheese & charcuterie board, chocolates, and a lemon bar.
If you love Chardonnay, then you will love Arché Winery & Vineyard. Arché Winery & Vineyard is one of the best wineries in North Texas because they are one of a handful of wineries in Texas that grows Chardonnay and grows it well.
In addition to Chardonnay, Arché Winery & Vineyard also grows a majority of two other French grapes, Syrah and Roussanne. With that said, the winemaker enjoys focusing on French varieties, especially grapes known in the Rhône region and aging wines in French oak.
For a unique wine experience, Arché Winery & Vineyard offers a vertical wine tasting once a year. This is a tasting in North Texas that you do not want to miss because it is a truly immersive and educational experience. A few lucky guests get the opportunity to taste one grape varietal, such as Chardonnay, for every year the winemaker produced it (up to four years). So you can taste the progression of the wine.
Blue Ostrich Winery & Vineyard
Location: Saint Jo
Known For: Ostriches still on-site, family-owned and operated winery, an extensive winery tour, and a variety of wine tastings.
My Favorite Wines: Six Harts Cab (most popular and favorite wine), Poco Seco, 2 Muscateers, Rosato Moscato, and Orange Muscat.
Tasting Price: There are three different wine tastings to choose from – Blue Ostrich (all white), Red Ostrich (all red), and Black Ostrich (all sweet). Each wine tasting comes with four wines for $12. In addition, there is an extensive winery tour which includes a tasting in the barrel barn and cellar for $22 per person.
Dining Options: Light fare options such as a smoked salmon plate, hummus, mixed nuts, ostrich beef stick, chocolates, and more.
Lodging Options: A guesthouse with beautiful views of the Red River Valley – accommodates up to 8 people.
One of the most unique wineries in North Texas is Blue Ostrich Winery & Vineyard because of its history as a working ostrich ranch. Though the ostrich ranch has retired, its history lives on through the winery, and the few ostriches still on-site today.
There are plenty of ways to experience Blue Ostrich Winery & Vineyard. Guests can sit back and relax under the pavilion listening to live music with a wine-tasting flight, enjoy views of the beautiful vineyards and scenic Red River Valley, hang out with the ostriches, and partake in the extensive winery tour.
The winery tour takes guests on a grand journey through the history and winemaking process at Blue Ostrich Winery & Vineyard with wine tastings along the way. There are four parts to the tour with an added bonus at the end. Guests have the opportunity to explore the ostrich pen, crush pad, vineyard, barrel barn, and wine tasting cellar for a fantastic winery experience.
Carmela Winery
Location: Celina
Known For: Port wines, and a majority of imported wines from Italy, France, and California.
My Favorite Wines: Sangiovese and Nero D’Avola.
Tasting Price: Four wines of your choice or winemakers’ choice for $10 and four red wines for $12.
Dining Options: There are no dining options, but there are dinner events throughout the year that pairs wine with lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs, and more.
Carmela Winery is the perfect winery for anyone wanting a Napa Valley or Sonoma experience without leaving North Texas. The winemaker offers guests a variety of different wines. From wine produced on-site to imported wines from Italy, France, California, and Argentina.
Most wineries will harvest, crush, ferment, and produce grapes on-site. However, Carmela Winery is different because the winemaker focuses more on bringing unfinished wines from Italy to the winery and completing the wine process on-site. The winemaker will enhance the flavor of wine, age it appropriately in barrels, then bottle and label the wine to complete the process.
In addition to the wines, what I enjoy about Carmela Winery is the ambiance. The winery has a Texas ranch style with a touch of Italian flare. Moroever, the coolest part inside the winery is the glass window showroom. Guests can watch the winemaker produce wines through the display window while enjoying the fruits of his labor.
Cassaro Winery and Vineyard
Location: Ovilla
Known For: Italian owned and operated winery, a very family-friendly atmosphere, 100% Texas grapes with traditional Italian winemaking, and Avante Rosé – a multiple, international award-winning wine.
My Favorite Wines: Ponte, Luce, Avante Rosé, Montepulciano, and Texano Superiore.
Tasting Price: Four 1 oz. wine samples of your choice for $7.
Dining Options: Light Italian fare including create-your-own wood-fired pizzas, cheese & charcuteries boards, garlic cheese bread, bruschetta dip, and more.
Cassaro Winery and Vineyard is an Italian family-owned and operated business. It is also an Italian winery through and through, but more importantly, it is a way to honor the family’s heritage.
The grandparents of the winemaker, John, were from Sicily and Naples. His grandfather passed all of his knowledge of winemaking to John along with other Italian traditions. With that said, Cassaro Winery and Vineyard is not only one of the best wineries in North Texas, but it is also a tribute to John’s family.
Keeping with the Italian family traditions, Cassaro Winery and Vineyard is one of the most family-friendly wineries in North Texas. The winery is known to make everyone who walks through the door feel like FAMILY. Moreover, there is a large outdoor lawn filled with backyard games such as bocce ball and corn hole, a fire pit for s’mores, romantic gazebos, tree swings, and more. This is truly a winery to gather with friends and family where everyone can have a great time.
Furthermore, there are several things that make Cassaro Winery and Vineyard unique. The winery is inside a 1910 Texas ranch. The Cassaro’s kept the outside historical, but once you step inside, you are immediately transported to Tuscany.
Throughout the year, the Cassaro’s will host different wine pairing events. A few events include a traditional balsamic vinegar and olive oil wine pairing or a “sweeter” wine pairing with Tuscany chocolates and recipes to take home.
As for the wine, every wine produced is made from 100% Texas grapes made with Italian traditions. John approaches the Texas grapes with an Old-World style using traditional Italian winemaking. This is why Cassaro Winery and Vineyard features more dry and red wines on the menu.
Caudalie Crest Winery & Vineyard
Location: Celina
Known For: Small and loyal community, 100% family-run winery, no oak barrel wines, High Tea on the farm, and a private wine tasting + cheese pairings with the winemaker.
My Favorite Wines: Prairie Mist, Diablo Rojo, and Red Caress.
Tasting Price: A choice of 4 wines for $9.
Dining Options: Cheese and charcuterie boards, goat cheese (made in-house) with wine jelly, and must order: Sue’s homemade savory shortbreads.
Lodging Options: Overnight parking for RVs through Harvest Hosts.
Caudalie Crest Winery & Vineyard is a family-run boutique winery on their own home property. What makes this winery special is the attention to detail. The winemaker, Ray, does everything by hand with either homemade equipment or micro-production equipment. From the winemaking to the bottling and labeling – Ray is a one-man show!
With that said, Caudalie Crest Winery & Vineyard has a very loyal community because locals will happily help during the wine process. The locals love to help because when they sip their fruits of labor, the wine tastes so much sweeter!
There is plenty to love about Caudalie Crest Winery & Vineyard, but personally, I love their support to the local businesses. Again, this touches on community and how much Caudalie Crest Winery & Vineyard includes the locals.
The grapes are 100% from Texas and come from either the vineyard on the property or from local neighbors just 15 minutes away. Additionally, Caudalie Crest Winery & Vineyard also sells local honey, jalapeño relishes, jellies, handcrafted signs, wine bottle candles, and more.
Cooley Bay Winery
Location: Van Alstyne
Known For: “The Cooley”, sweet wines, fruit wines, and weekly events such as the Cooley brunch with bottomless mimosas, Ladies Night, Food Truck Friday, and craft days.
My Favorite Wines: Blackberry, Cherry (make sure you ask for a piece of chocolate with it), Mixed Berry Cooley, Peach Iced Wine Cooley, and Strawberry Iced Wine Cooley.
Tasting Price: Wine tasting of any 6 wines and “Cooleys” for $6 and a tasting of ALL wines and “Cooleys” for $12.
Dining Options: Cheese and sausage tray, hummus & pretzel chips, and flatbread pizza.
Cooley Bay Winery is one of the best wineries in North Texas for sweet and fruit wines. Yes, fruit wines! Cooley Bay Winery specializes in producing wine from fruit juices in addition to grapes because what is wine but juice from grapes?!
The fruit juices come from outside the state of Texas and are 100% all-natural. From there, the process of fruit wine is the same as your everyday winemaking process. The result is absolutely delicious. Though the fruit wines are on the sweeter side, the sugar residue is not overwhelming at all. Moreover, the flavor and consistency taste just like a wine made from grapes.
In addition to fruit wine, Cooley Bay Winery is most popular for its “Cooley”. A “Cooley” is an all-natural wine cooler. When you purchase wine coolers at the store, you will notice malt liquor is typically a used ingredient. Whereas Cooley Bay Winery uses no extra ingredients in the “Cooley”, it is 100% wine.
Cork House Winery
Location: Waxahachie
Known For: High-quality wines with grapes from Texas and around the world, an adult-only winery (no children under 18 years of age), vast menu selection with a strong focus on sweet and red wine, and the family secret homemade pimento cheese.
My Favorite Wines: Twisted Sister, Desert Skies, Rowdy Texan, Sip of Sunshine, and Rio Grande.
Tasting Price: A choice of four wines for $10.
Dining Options: A variety of cheeses such as a traditional cheese & charcuterie board, homemade pimento cheese, hot & sweet jalapeños over cream cheese, goat cheese with honey, and more.
Cork House Winery is the perfect place to hang out with your loved one or friends. From house-made wine to fermented alcohol-based cocktails and wine-a-ritas, this is an adult-friendly winery… so leave your kids behind and enjoy yourself!
Instead of receiving grapes off the vine, Cork House Winery receives leftover juice from all around the world (mostly Italy and California). Then the winemaker produces the wines on-site in 13 stainless steel fermenters.
Cork House Winery has a strong focus on producing sweet and red wines. There are several varieties of red wines that range from medium-bodied to full-bodied, bold blends, smooth blends, strong tannins, and more. The sweet wines have some of the most creative flavor combinations you will ever find. For example, one of the BEST sweet wines is the Sip of Sunshine, a coconut Pinot Grigio that tastes like you are on the beach.
These delicious and unique red and sweet wines are why Cork House Winery is one of the best wineries in North Texas.
Deschain Cellars
Location: Gainesville
Known For: The unique decommissioned shipping containers, recycled furniture and materials, and old-world style wines.
My Favorite Wines: Trebbiano “Barrier Block”, Grenache Rosé “Purtell”, Sangiovese “La Pradera VYD”, and Deschain “Unchained”.
Tasting Price: A mix n match flight of four wines of your choice for $10.
Dining Options: Light fare of gourmet pizzas, cheese board, trail mix, and the popular “chunk of cheese”.
Deschain Cellars is one of the most unique wineries in North Texas as it is built from decommissioned shipping containers. The shipping containers provide a very cool aesthetic to the winery and atmosphere. More importantly, it has provided Deschain Cellars with the best insulation for even the hottest Texas summers.
In addition to the decommissioned shipping containers, Deschain Cellars is committed to using as many recyclable materials as possible. So if you look closely around the winery, you will notice repurposed picnic tables, cinder blocks turned into a couch, and more.
Recently opened in 2020, Deschain Cellars is quickly becoming one of the best wineries in North Texas due to the owner and winemaker, Willem Johnson. Willem has over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry with some time spent in France, Vail, and now, North Texas. Moreover, he is the first Texas-based winemaker to win a Sweepstake Medal from The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, one of the oldest and most prestigious blind wine tastings in the country.
As an Old-World style winemaker, Willem believes in minimal intervention to allow the grapes to truly speak for themselves. So a majority of the wines are of a single grape varietal. The result is absolutely delicious, but don’t just take my word for it, go see for yourself!
Eden Hill Winery & Vineyard
Location: Celina and Dallas Farmers Market
Known For: The formal tasting room, exclusive wine club membership, and award-winning wines.
My Favorite Wines: The signature wines – Divine Red, Divine White, and Garden Red (sweet).
Tasting Price: A formal wine tasting experience includes a selection of five wines for $15.
Dining Options: Delicious Napa plates with house-made dips, grilled to order hot dogs and hamburgers, and an array of cakes are available for purchase.
Eden Hill Winery & Vineyard is a family-owned and operated boutique winery. The owners, Linda and Clark, are passionate about producing award-winning wine from Texas grapes. As a family business, their daughter creates award-winning labels and their son is the award-winning winemaker. Together, this family has created one of the best wineries in North Texas.
There are several things that make Eden Hill Winery & Vineyard special and unique. Overall, Eden Hill Winery & Vineyard has the sophisticated atmosphere of a Napa Valley winery with warm Southern hospitality.
More importantly, this winery is sustainable. There are cage-free chickens at the vineyard that are used during the wine process and the eggs are for sale on-site. Eden Hill Winery & Vineyard also collects rainwater in a large vessel that supports the pond which waters the vineyard. Furthermore, the rainwater is also used to wash the glasses and guests receive it as still drinking water. How cool is that?!
Lastly, the formal tasting room is unlike any tasting room in DFW. From the ambiance to the high-level of service, and olive oil palate cleanser – this is a wine experience you do not want to miss.
The wine tasting menu changes week to week (sometimes day by day on busy weekends) to provide repeat guests the opportunity to try several wines. On most occasions, the menu will also include wines featured in the wine club so members can choose their favorites to be in the membership box.
By the end of your wine tasting, you will probably become a member because the wines and community at Eden Hill Winery & Vineyard are one of the best.
FarmResort Winery
Location: Whitewright
Known For: Being a one-stop destination with fun activities on the lake, medspa, organic farm, and more – all while enjoying delicious wine.
My Favorite Wines: Roses are Redlish, Malbec, Fruits of our Labor, and a “Farmosa”, (moscato with cranberry juice) their signature beverage.
Tasting Price: There is no wine tasting available – only bottle purchases are available, but you can still enjoy the wine on-site.
Dining Options: Cheese & charcuterie boards, pizzas, and seasonal items such as BBQ.
FarmResort Winery is a premier, healthy living destination for your mind, body, and spirit. Furthermore, it is a great resource and place to visit from the DFW and North Texas area to educate yourself on sustainability – all while enjoying fabulous 100% Texas wines.
The winery is just a small component of this large and fantastic family-owned and operated business. In addition to the winery, FarmResort Winery is a wedding and event venue, an organic farm, a lake with all-inclusive activities, a medspa, a cooking class, and more.
The estate has 142 acres with plenty of space to grow. In addition to the events and activities previously mentioned, there are plans to create a farmers market with produce grown on-site, farm to table dinners with wine pairings, more cooking classes, pick your own tulip field, a farm to salad tour, cottages to stay at, bottomless mimosa brunches, and more.
Firelight Vineyards
Location: Valley View
Known For: Firelight 48, wine cocktails, gourmet cuisine, and year-round events.
My Favorite Wines: Pyro’s Peach, Dynamite White, Nightfall, Dynamite Red, and Lemon Blast wine cocktail.
Tasting Price: There are three different tastings – four wine tastings of your choice for $10, eight wine tastings of your choice for $20, and a 1/2 oz tasting of any dessert “port-style” for $5.
Dining Options: Gourmet cuisine featuring gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. (Keto-friendly options coming soon). The menu includes salads, appetizers, cheese boards, soup, signature flatbreads, desserts, and more. Must order: bruschetta and Sicilian flatbread.
Firelight Vineyards is a hidden gem in North Texas that you do not want to miss. A lot of people will pass through Valley View on their way to Turner Falls or WinStar World Casino, but Firelight Vineyards is THE reason to stop in this town. This little winery might be small, but they took us by surprise with how much they have to offer.
There is a beautiful “secret” patio with lush flower gardens and basil plants, an extensive menu of healthy and delicious entrees, a greenhouse to grow produce for the kitchen, specialty drinks made with their signature Chardonnay that is 48 proof, and of course, their vast wine selection.
Though the grapes are not 100% from Texas, it is for a special reason. The owners, Meredith and George Eaton, want to represent their home roots. This is why they receive grapes from the state of Washington, George’s home state. In addition, they also have 3 acres of vineyards near Lake Ray Roberts which provide amazing nutrients and soil to the vineyard.
What truly makes Firelight Vineyards unique and one of the best wineries in North Texas is the signature Firelight 48. Firelight 48 is their Chardonnay fortified with brandy to make the wine 48 proof. Guests can enjoy Firelight 48 on the rocks, straight, or in one of the many cocktails.
Fitzel Winery
Location: Gordonville
Known For: Chef-driven cuisine, 100% Texas grapes, relaxing atmosphere, and paying it forward with donations to a variety of causes.
My Favorite Wines: The Star, Gramps, and Preston Blend
Tasting Price: A mix n match flight of four wines of your choice for $12.
Dining Options: Chef-driven cuisine of gourmet burgers, truffle fries, shrimp tacos, and more.
Lodging Options: Cute cottages on-site and overnight parking for RVs through Harvest Hosts.
Fitzel Winery is a wonderful winery that is all about having fun and relaxing with family and friends. Moreover, this winery is a one-stop destination for a fun family weekend or a romantic getaway. In addition to the winery, there is a chef-driven menu and cottages on-site.
You can easily visit Fitzel Winery to enjoy a glass or bottle of wine, relax on the patio, watch the sunset, taste chef-driven cuisine, and spend a lovely evening inside a cottage. Wake up, and enjoy it all over again!
The cuisine at Fitzel Winery is so delicious, it deserves a stand-alone restaurant. The menu is very simple and straightforward with classic entrees such as hamburgers, shrimp tacos, and chicken wings – but everything is executed to perfection and every bite is packed with flavor.
What I love most about Fitzel Winery is its big heart, generosity, and support to local small businesses. The owner, Jeanette, feels blessed for the life she has been given. Therefore, she is committed to paying it forward. Every wine label has a unique story that is committed to helping a special cause. For example, the wine “Gramps Red”, is named after her grandfather who had Alzheimer’s. For every purchase of the “Gramps Red” bottle, two dollars are donated to the Alzheimers Association. She also donates to a veteran’s organization and pet shelters.
Lastly, the cottages. There are three cozy cottages on the property for guests to relax and enjoy. Each cottage has enough room for a queen-sized bed and a loft for 1 – 2 kids. Though small, it has everything you need – a fully equipped bathroom with a toilet and shower, small counter space with a sink, single-serve coffee machine, comfy bed, bathrobes, and more. It is a great place to stay for a wine weekend getaway.
Fortunata Winery
Location: Aubrey
Known For: Tuscany ambience, wood fired pizzas, and a fun outdoor patio.
My Favorite Wines: White Peach, Muscat Canalli, Red Blend (signature), Grenache, and Cabernet Franc.
Tasting Price: There are two wine tastings offered – 4 wines for $7 or 6 wines for $10. Guests can pick and choose which wines they would like to taste from the menu.
Dining Options: Delicious appetizers (must order the pull-apart bread), wood fired pizzas, and cheese & charcuterie boards.
Lodging: There are luxurious villas that accommodate 1 – 5 people and houses that accommodate up to 10 people. These villas and houses are perfect for a romantic getaway or hosting family and friends for a special event.
Fortunata Winery is one of the best wineries in North Texas because it transports you to Tuscany, Italy. The winery has an old-world stone exterior, Tuscan-style villas, wood-fired pizzas, and fantastic wines that all represent Italy.
A few of the grapes come from the High Plains in Texas, while a majority of the grapes are from Northern California. Moreover, the wine list at Fortunata Winery offers a variety of wines such as classic Texas peach wine, Chardonnay, a rare dry Moscato, Grenache, and more. For something a little less traditional and fun, Fortunata Winery also serves wine jello shots!
In addition to a variety of wines, Fortunata Winery is special because of its lively outdoor patio. There are string lights hung from the trees, beautiful greenery, a fireplace, an authentic wood-fired oven, and a stage for live music. Being on the outdoor patio is the perfect place to bring family, friends, and loved ones for a relaxing afternoon or evening.
What more could you need than an outdoor patio with wood-fired pizzas, appetizers, wine, live music, and good company?
Hidden Hangar Winery & Vineyard
Location: Denison
Known For: Rieslings, being a unique property of a historical airport in the 1920s – 1950s, the largest winery in the Texoma American Viticultural Area (AVA), 100% Texas grapes produced on the estate’s vineyards, and a variety of different winery tours.
My Favorite Wines: Dry Riesling, Rosé, Barnstormer, Cabernet Franc, Sweet Riesling, and Riveter Rosie.
Tasting Price: Three wines of your choice for $6 and five wines of your choice for $10.
Dining Options: A rotating menu of daily specials made in house – options can include chili, soup, BBQ, tamales, and more.
Hidden Hangar Winery & Vineyard has a lot of uniqueness and excitement making it easily one of the best wineries in North Texas. It is the largest winery in the Texoma American Viticultural Area with 38 acres of vineyards. Moreover, the vineyard supplies ALL of the grapes to the winery. There is no need to receive grapes outside of the property. That is pretty amazing!
There is also a lot of history on the land that Hidden Hangar Winery & Vineyard sits on. The property used to be an airport in the 1920s – 1950s which was home to the Barnstorming planes. This historical airport had one large hangar and several small “T hangars”, but unfortunately, the hangar was destroyed in the 1960s. Only a partial concrete slab of the hangar exists today.
Fortunately, the history of this historical airport still lives on today with Hidden Hangar Winery & Vineyard. There are touches of history and aviation everywhere you look. From model planes hanging from the ceiling to a plane wine bar, video footage, photos, and even the labels represent aviation.
The winemaker produces wine with a traditionalist approach and has a strong focus on rieslings. In addition, you can also find a variety of sweet summer wines such as peach and pineapple + peach wines, rosé, dry reds, and sparkling wine made with yeast. Needless to say, there is something for every palate at Hidden Hangar Winery & Vineyard.
Homestead Winery
Locations: Denison and Ivanhoe
Known For: Being the first brew-winery in Texas, oldest and largest winery in North East Texas, and 100% Texas grapes.
My Favorite Wines: Rose of Ivanhoe and Chocolate Rose
Tasting Price: Five tastings of your choice for $7, but if you buy a bottle the tasting is complimentary.
Dining Options: Connected to Devolli’s Italian restaurant.
Homestead Winery is the oldest and largest winery in Northeast Texas with over 30 years in the business. It is also the first brew-winery in Texas making it a one-stop destination for good wine and craft beer.
The Ivanhoe location is on the Parker family’s 100-year-old farm is the main production facility with a tasting room. Whereas the Denison location is a small tasting room adjacent to the brewery (where beer is produced on-site).
The wines are made from 100% Texas grapes – some come from the Parker family farm in Ivanhoe, Texoma, and the High Plains. Overall, Homestead Winery has a well-balanced wine list featuring dry reds and whites, sweet reds and whites, and one rosé.
When you visit Homestead Winery in Denison, make sure you ask for their special pickled jalapeño shooter! It is a “shot” of the Rose of Ivanhoe with pickled jalapeños on the bottom. The spiciness of the jalapeño and the sweetness of the wine pair perfectly together to create one of the most magical wine tastings you will ever experience.
Landon Winery
Locations: Greenville (main production facility), Grapevine, McKinney, Dallas, and Wylie.
Known For: Being one of the largest wineries in Texas, the trademarked Texan wine, and single barrel-aged wines in spirit barrels.
My Favorite Wines: Chardonnay Reserve, Chardonnay Tequila Barreled Unfiltered, Texan, Red Rose, and Raspberry Chocolate Finale.
Tasting Price: Five wines of your choice or a guided tasting for $10.
Dining Options: Light fare of charcuterie boards, artisanal flatbreads, chocolates, and more.
Landon Winery is one of the best wineries in North Texas as well as one of the largest in the entire state of Texas. There are five locations in North Texas, but the main production facility is in Greenville. You can purchase wine tastings, a glass of wine, and bottles of wine at every location, but you can only enjoy a unique barrel tasting tour in Greenville.
As one of the largest wineries in Texas, Landon Winery has one of the largest selection of wines. When you visit the tasting room in Greenville, it feels like you stepped into a beautiful library full of wines. The vast wine list has dry whites, dry reds, sweet wines, dessert wines, select barrel-aged wines, and Napa dry wines. With that said, a majority of grapes come from Texas with the exception of the few Napa dry wines.
One of the more unique wines in Landon Winery’s collection is the variety of select barrel-aged wines. The winemaker will take select grape varietals such as Chardonnay, and age it in a used spirit infused barrel. The result is unbelievable because you can truly taste and feel the different spirits being aged into the wine.
In addition, Landon Winery also features some “Just For Fun” options which include different mixtures of wine. For example, the Raspberry Chocolate Finale is a combination of their Raspberry wine with the Chocolate Finale. The result is a wonderful chocolate-covered raspberry in the form of wine. Furthermore, after 15 years in the wine business, Landon Winery has also begun to dabble with producing some incredible cider (available on tap in Greenville).
Lone Star Wine Cellars
Location: McKinney
Known For: Being the “Cheers bar” in Downtown McKinney, finger-licking chicken wings, award-winning wines from “The Ranch Wines”, vast wine selection, and wine tasting options.
My Favorite Wines: Grey Ghost, Whitetail, Reserve Axis, and White Goose.
Tasting Price: There are five different tasting menus with four wines each varying between $10 – $12. There is an all-red tasting, all-white tasting, all-sweet tasting, and mixed tastings with both “The Ranch Wines” and outside wines.
Dining Options: There are delicious house-made appetizers, flatbread pizza, sliders, wings, and cheese & charcuterie boards for purchase. Must order: the family recipe Bordelaise Wings and Pesto-sciutto Flatbread.
Lone Star Wine Cellars is a family-owned winery from the Ross family. The winery was established in 2003, but the history of winemaking in the family was established back in the 1920s. Wine must flow through the family’s blood because the wine produced from the Ross family is outstanding.
Lone Star Wine Cellars became the first winery in Historic Downtown McKinney and quickly gained the hearts of the community. The winery is well known as being the “Cheers bar” in Historic Downtown McKinney because of its strong local community and fun atmosphere.
In addition to the fine wine and strong community, people also love going to Lone Star Wine Cellars because of the house-made cuisine. Guests can easily come for one glass of wine but stay throughout the night. Before you know it, the one glass will turn into many alongside a delicious dinner.
Moreover, guests can also enjoy food and wine pairings based on house recommendations. The best pairing you must try is the Grey Ghost with Bordelaise Wings – absolutely outstanding!
The wine list offered at Lone Star Wine Cellars is vast making it one of the best wineries in North Texas. It includes wines produced on the Ross family ranch in addition to local wineries and wines from around the world. Since there are too many great wines to choose from, you can start with one of the many wine flights. The wine flights vary between all sweet, all red, all white, and a mix of Ross family’s “The Ranch Wines” and other wineries.
Lost Oak Winery
Location: Burleson
Known For: 100% Texas grapes, Holiday red wine (family secret blend), one of few female-owned wineries in Texas, 2.25-mile hiking trail, and wine tours around the world!
My Favorite Wines: Texas Duet, Petit Syrah, Blanc Du Bois, Orange Muscat, Sweet Duet, and I hear the Holiday wine is the most popular (only releases once a year around Thanksgiving).
Tasting Price: Option of two different wine tastings – mixed dry or sweet. Both tastings include four wines for $10. In addition, there is also a winery tour that includes a guided tasting, and a premium tour with a wine and cheese pairing.
Dining Options: Cheeses, charcuterie, hummus, crackers, and local products of popcorn, chocolates, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.
Last Oak Winery is a family-owned and operated winery with a lot to offer on the 52-acre property. You can enjoy a guided wine tasting, hike the 2.25-mile trail, have a picnic on the lawn, tour the wine production facility, and more. Needless to say, you can easily spend your entire day at Lost Oak Winery.
On the property are cultivated vineyards and towering oak trees which provide beautiful scenery for a lovely picnic or view from the patio. Being encompassed by the oak trees with a glass of wine definitely makes you feel lost and miles away from all the hustle and bustle of the DFW metroplex. Hence the names, Lost Oak Winery.
The winemakers are some of the best in the country with over 100 award-winning wines under their name. Their strong focus is on dry wines and sweet wines. Therefore, the two wine tasting options include an all dry or all sweet wine tasting. To grasp the full scope of the winemakers’ talent, I definitely recommend trying both wine tastings.
Marker Cellars
Location: Alvord
Known For: 100% Texas grapes, craft cider using a wine making approach, and local cigars.
My Favorite Wines: Viognier, Marker Mustcanelli, Syrah, and the most popular wine, Lightning Cabernet.
Tasting Price: A choice of five wines for $8.
Dining Options: Cheese & charcuterie, local pecans, hummus and chips, artichoke jalapeño dip, and sometimes food trucks on-site.
If you enjoy cigars and dry wine then you are going to love Marker Cellars. Moreover, Marker Cellars has a lot of uniqueness and tricks up their sleeves to be one of the best wineries in North Texas.
In addition to award-winning wine, Marker Cellars has some of the best cider in North Texas. The winemaker approaches the craft cider the same way he produces wine – he ages the cider in oak barrels. The result is so amazing, the craft cider sells out faster than he can produce it.
Marker Cellars also supplies guests with local cigars made by their neighbors, Global Premium Cigars. So you can enjoy your cigar on the patio and pair it with a glass of wine. Note: there are smoking and non-smoking areas.
As for the wine, Marker Cellars has a strong focus on dry red wines. Specifically, European grape varietals. However, there are also a handful of white and sweet wines. A wine you must try is their signature Lightning Cab. The winemaker hand selects whiskey barrels and then ages the cabernet until it is ready to be released. This wine is so special, the winemaker only releases it by a barrel at a time.
OG Cellars
Location: Sunset
Known For: 100% Texas grapes, (sometimes) deer on premises, and concerts with cover bands.
My Favorite Wines: Albarino, Tempranillo Winemaker Select, Zinfandel, Negroamaro, and Heartbreaker.
Tasting Price: A choice of four wines for $10.
Dining Options: A variety of cheese, charcuterie, and Mediterranean plates.
OG Cellars is a boutique winery located on 300 acres of land with 20 acres of vineyards and rolling hills. The drive alone to OG Cellars is breathtaking and when you arrive, you will find that this boutique winery is a hidden treasure of North Texas.
As a hidden treasure, OG Cellars is known for having frequent visitors but I am not talking about locals, I am talking about deer! Guests can be enjoying a glass of wine under the pergola and see deer grazing the fields. Or if you are lucky, you can watch deer eat the leftover pressed and juiced grapes from the winemaker.
Speaking of the winemaker, he uses 100% Texas grapes from the vineyard on-site as well as other surrounding areas of Texas. He approaches winemaking with Old-World techniques to allow the grapes to express its flavor. From single grape varietals to well-blended wines, and a variety of white, red, and sweet wines – there is a perfect wine for every palate at OG Cellars.
Sugar Ridge Winery
Location: Ennis
Known For: Sweet wines, live music, along the Ennis Bluebonnet Trail, and a large and budget-friendly wine tasting experience.
My Favorite Wines: Papa’s Peach and Little Green Apple.
Tasting Price: Your choice of six wines for $6 or 15 wines for $15!!!
Dining Options: An Italian-inspired bistro with menu options such as bruschetta, Italian pot pie, create your own flatbread, and tiramisu.
Sugar Ridge Winery is a family-friendly winery located near the beautiful Ennis Bluebonnet Trail. It is the perfect place to enjoy wine and cuisine after a wonderful day spent among the Ennis bluebonnets.
Moreover, this is the perfect winery for those with a sweet palate. Sugar Ridge Winery is well known for its delicious and refreshing sweet wines. In fact, more than half of their wines are sweet! If you do not like sweet wines, do not worry. They also feature a few dry reds that are also fantastic.
In addition to being well known for its sweet wines, Sugar Ridge Winery is also popular for live music, fun girls night out, and karaoke nights. Local musicians of all genres will perform at the winery and on the first Saturday of the month, guests can have their opportunity to be the live music during karaoke night.
TF Vineyard & Winery
Location: Boyd
Known For: Blended wines, Blanc du Bois and Lenoir vineyards and wines, and their signature wine, Blush.
My Favorite Wines: Blanc du Bois Off-Dry, Blush, and Lenoir Off-Dry.
Tasting Price: Choice of four wines for $8 and $13 with a souvenir glass.
Dining Options: Snack trays, cheese and charcuterie trays, homemade seasoned crackers.
TF Vineyard & Winery is a family-owned and operated boutique winery on their house property with 9 acres of vineyards. The vineyards have two grapes, Lenoir and Blanc du Bois. Both of these grapes support a majority of the wine produced on-site, including their signature Blush.
The Blush is a beautiful blend of both the Lenoir and Blanc de Bois grapes. The winemaker also produces an off-dry and sweet wine for both Lenoir and Blanc du Bois as single grape varietals. The single grape varietal wines allow guests of TF Vineyard & Winery to truly taste the fruits of their labor from their backyard vineyard.
In addition to the wine, what makes TF Vineyard & Winery special is everyone who visits feels like family. Moreover, the winery and atmosphere are very family-friendly. The owners are not just inviting people into their winery, but are truly welcoming visitors into their home.
VineCrafters Winery
Location: Rockwall
Known For: 100% Texas grapes, selling local produce (almost like a mini farmers market), fresh goat cheese from goats on-site, and pairing produce grown in gardens with the goat cheese boards.
My Favorite Wines: Blanc du Bois, Black Spanish, and Cabernet Blend (Texas Jack).
Tasting Price:
Dining Options: Goat cheese boards with fresh produce.
VineCrafters Winery is a boutique winery outside the owners’ backyard. What started as a hobby, quickly grew into a passion, and eventually a business.
Roe Ann and Leo first started producing fine Texan wine for their friends and family to enjoy. After a few years, Leo was producing wine faster than their friends and family could drink it. So with the encouragement of their loved ones, VineCrafters Winery was established.
As a boutique winery in their backyard, VineCrafters is all about making wine and having a good time with the local community. Guests can relax outside, walk around the property, and explore the vineyards and goats on-site. Yes, goats!
In addition to crafting fantastic wine, VineCrafters Winery also produces goat cheese from their goats and grows pears and figs. The goat cheese, pears, and figs are all components you can find on their delicious cheese boards, which pairs perfectly with the wine.
Furthermore, VineCrafters Winery also hosts Farm Crafters on the weekends where people can purchase fresh produce, peppers, homemade jams and jellies, bison meat, mushrooms, and more from local farmers.
Richard
Saturday 7th of November 2020
Really well done you have me on the edge of my chair wanting to get out and follow your lead from winery to winery!
oursweetadventures
Sunday 15th of November 2020
Aww thank you so much! I greatly appreciate your kind words. I hope you are able to visit these wineries soon.