Texas is proud to be home to over 350 wineries and is quickly becoming a fun reason to travel all over the state.  Take a look at these 4 fun Texas Wine Experiences you need to try.

I’m guessing you never thought of Texas as a leading producer of wine.  Bar-B-Que, Longhorns, and Cowboy Boots are the top things that come to mind when thinking of Texas. But would it surprise you to know that Texas ranks fifth of all states in terms of wine production? In fact, Texas is the site of the first vineyard established in North America by Franciscan priests circa 1662.  From the dry northern panhandle to the ruling hills of Central Texas, the vast climate differences make for some very unique grapes.

There are many unique wine experiences found in the Lone Star State, where it is broken out into separate wine trails. We have had the opportunity to visit many wineries and tasting rooms across the state. If you are looking for a romantic couples vacation or a fun girls’ weekend trip, take a look at these 4 amazing Texas Wine Experiences.

4 Amazing Texas Wine Experiences

Texas Wine Experiences: Fredericksburg 

A few dozen wineries located throughout the rolling hills of Central Texas make up the Texas Hill Country Wine region.  With beautiful limestone hills, unique cedar trees and hidden creeks, this area is home to the most picturesque vineyards in Texas, and it is quickly becoming a top world-wide wine destination.  The majority of wineries are located on the stretch of highway between Fredericksburg and Johnson City, so it is easy to go from one to the next. But because there are so many, this is easily a weekend destination.

photo credit: Travel Texas

Stay in an 19th century home-turned-bed and breakfast, enjoy some delicious German food, and book a driver – there are several touring companies to choose from.  Take a private tour at Grape Creek Wineries and walk the vineyard and taste the wine direct from the barrels.  Grape Creek also has a beautiful patio, perfect for lunch or a light supper.  If you are lucky, you might catch one of the owners of William Chris Vineyards and hear their unique wine growing experience.  And if you are wanting to try wine from all over Texas in one spot, check out 4.0 Cellars – this tasting room features wine from vineyards in Lubbock, Brennan, and Comanche.

Texas Wine Experiences: Lubbock

Just west of Lubbock in the Texas Panhandle, the Texas High Plains Wine region are where the majority of Texas’ grapes are produced. The hot & dry summers and cool evenings make it ideal to grow grapes.  Take a private tour with Llano Estacado winemakers and learn the step-by-step process to making this award winning wine.  McPherson Cellars is located in the old Coca-Cola bottling plant in downtown Lubbock and features a beautiful outdoor courtyard, perfect for an afternoon tasting. You can enjoy live music in Juniors Listening Room at CapRock Winery.

photo credit: Travel Texas

Texas Wine Experiences: Grapevine

Located just between Dallas and Fort Worth, Grapevine is home to the Urban Wine Trail and has quickly become the destination for fun wine weekends, festivals and experiences in North Texas. Some of the state’s best wineries have tasting rooms in downtown Grapevine, where you can almost walk to each one. Messina Hof Grapevine Winery is located in the historic Wallis Hotel.  They offer a public tasting room, but check out the private tasting experience with handcrafted artisan chocolates. Cross Timbers Winery is located in the oldest historic structure in Grapevine and has a beautiful barn & backyard to sit outside and enjoy your glass. Homestead Winery brings us several different kinds of wine from the Red River Valley in North Texas.  While there, ask to taste the chocolate wine and make sure to sign their wall.

photo credit: Heidi Gollub

Grapevine also hosts several fun wine events throughout the year such as the Sweetheart Wine Trail, Blessings of the Vine & New Vintage Wine Trail, and Grape-fest – the largest wine festival in the Southwest US (September).  Grapevine is also home to a local steam train and hosts wine train events year round with live Jazz music and local wine.

Grapevine Wine Train Events happen throughout the year

Texas Wine Experiences: Bluebonnet Wine Trail

Seven wineries stitching from Austin to Houston make up the Bluebonnet Wine Trail.  Together, these wineries offer fun themed weekend trail events such as the February Wine & Chocolate Trail or the October Wine & Sausage Trail.  Aptly named, this area of the state is home to some of the most beautiful wildflower fields – especially the bluebonnets in March and April. Book a room at the Villa Bed & Breakfast at Messina Hof Winery in Bryan and try your hand at grape-stomping. Learn grape & vineyard growing tips at the Bernhardt Winery – they have a beautiful B&B as well.

So friends, you don’t have to book a pricy trip to California to have a memorable wine weekend.  Check out anyone of these 4 Texas Wine Experiences to start enjoying all the wonderful wine that Texas has to offer.  To learn more about unique experiences all over Texas, visit https://www.traveltexas.com/ 

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Travel Texas and 360 Travel Network.  All opinions are my own.