Experience Lone Star-true country life close to home via a tempting Texas vineyard, plentiful wines from locally grown grapes as well as from the Texas High Plains, horses, donkeys, split-rail fences and a rustic barn for popular, live music events. Now throw in food trucks, open fires and s’mores, and it's a perfect outing.
"We host ticketed tribute or cover band events on weekends and family-friendly ‘Sip & Shops’ with Texas wine and local vendors once a month," says BarnHill co-owner Steven Neuner.
Given that Texas helped popularize country music throughout the world with the state's rich and varied traditions stemming from the Outlaw country movement of the 1960s and 1970s, it's particularly befitting to enjoy this bluesy, rocking type of music outside, under the stars.
Corey Neuner, co-owner and Steven's spouse, adds, "We're also open on select Saturdays noon to 4 p.m. for tastings of wine flights."
After co-owners Dean and Joy Dickschat started BarnHill in 2016, it became a premier date night destination on Fridays and Saturdays. The Dickschats say they loved their working farm being referenced as: 'So much country so close to home.' They're now in the process of selling their ownership percentages to the Neuners. Full property ownership is expected to conclude before this year's end.
Texas has at least 2,500 varietals. A wine varietal is a wine made with one variety of grapes, such as Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. In the United States, a wine qualifies as a varietal if the single grape variety makes up at least 75 percent of the wine. "We appreciate not only the beauty of the fruit and vines, but the effect Mother Nature has on them. We're essentially grape farmers, and we enjoy sharing that with visitors in our special way," says Dean.
He says they partner with some of the best Texas winemakers who have vast knowledge and experience in wine making. He adds that they always seek out new flavors in hopes of discovering which Texas wine suits various guests' tastes.
Examples of the BarnHill wines include a full-bodied red, such as Sweet Sunsets; a medium-bodied, black-fruit driven Montepulciano; an earth mixed with plum and black cherry Malbec; the red plum and smoky thyme, allspice and cracked pepper tasting Alicante Bouschet; a dry white Roussanne; and a Sweet Moscato Blend. Specialty wines include ruby red Cabernet infused with dark chocolate, as well as Peach Tree Lane made from Moscato grapes with a hint of peach.
Dean says their Tempranillo has significant red fruit flavors of cherry, strawberry and raspberry, along with a hint of fig and notes of tobacco, leather, cedar and spice due to being aged in oak barrels. "This is a Texas standard," he adds.
A new BarnHill fan favorite is Sweet Hazel wine, named in memory of the farm's miniature donkey, Hazel, who passed on last fall. At press time, team members were visiting rescues in search of another miniature donkey to be a companion to Daisy.
Live events at the vineyard always start off with playing the National Anthem. Those 16 and older are allowed on-site, but must be accompanied by an adult at all times and have purchased a ticket. Any children under the age of 16 will not be permitted to enter the event. Corey says friendly dogs on leashes and birthday cakes are allowed, too. "The future is bright at BarnHill, the road is full of joy, and the great Texas wine is flowing," assures Joy.
In addition to scheduled events, BarnHill is available for private and corporate rentals on Sundays.
THIS MONTH'S EVENTS AND FOOD TRUCKS AT BARNHILL VINEYARDS
April 1: BarnHill's Saturday Sip n Shop, noon, food truck C&M BBQ, pet costume contest with prizes
April 1: Kenny Chesney by Barefoot Nation, 7:30 p.m., C&M BBQ
April 7: Led Zeppelin, Tom Petty, Aerosmith and more covered by Ashmore, 7:30 p.m., Smoken' S Barbeque
April 8: Luke Combs & covered by Like Combs, 7:30 p.m., Smoken' S Barbeque
April 14: Lynyrd Skynyrd covered by Lone Star Skynyrd, 7:30 p.m., Pizza Rocks
April 15: Elton John covered by The Elton John's, 7:30 p.m., South Steak
April 21: Stevie Ray Vaughan covered by Texas Flood, 8 p.m., South Steak
April 22: Aerosmith covered by Walk This Way - A Tribute to Aerosmith, 8 p.m., Spicy Tails
April 28: Eagles covered by Already Gone, 8 p.m., Smoken' S Barbeque
April 29: George Strait covered by Unwound: A Tribute to George Strait, 8 p.m., Howeling Pickle
Note: Tickets aren't sold at the door, and are for entry into events only. BarnHill Wine is the only alcohol allowed on premises. They take credit cards only. Gates typically open at 6:45 p.m. Visitors can bring lawn chairs or blankets for a spot on the lawn, or may grab a chair at a table in the barn. Bands typically play for 2 hours. They will perform from the outside stage if weather allows, but the events go on even if the band must move inside. Overall closing time is. Attendees may bring non-alcoholic beverages and light snacks, such as cheese or fruit trays, but no meals or outside alcohol. BarnHill is a 100% nonsmoking, nonvaping property.
The vineyard is conveniently located about 37 minutes from Frisco and only 15 minutes northeast of McKinney at 11917 County Road 509 in Anna.
