October is Texas Wine Month, y’all, and what better way to celebrate this once-a-year occasion than by touring some of our region’s finest vineyards and wineries. This month, we compiled a list of places that grow and harvest Texas grapes and produce some of the finest local wines in the Lone Star State. From quaint small-town wineries to sprawling vineyards with luxurious amenities, we’ve found something to please even the most discerning wine aficionado. We hope you savor the season by drinking unique Texas-made blends and supporting our local winemakers. Enjoy using this regional wine guide to create your own wine-tasting adventure.
Bernhardt Winery
Take a short weekend drive to Bernhardt Winery in the soft rolling hills of Grimes County. Enjoy the Texas sunsets and relaxing grounds of this 20-acre estate and vineyard. For a premium visit, book their Elite Winemaker’s Selection Pairing and Tour. This wine-tasting experience features four of Bernhardt’s award-winning wines paired with seasonal hors d'oeuvres. The event includes a guided tour of the winery, fermentation facility and barrel aging room. Arrive on a Sunday and enjoy Bernhardt’s Sunday lawn concert series while relaxing beneath the shade of Bernhardt’s 100-year-old pecan trees.
9043 County Rd 204, Plantersville, Texas 77363
Wild Stallion Vineyards
Escape to Wild Stallion Vineyards in Spring for a taste of Texas wines grown and harvested on its beautiful acreage. Wild Stallion was founded by husband and wife duo Larry and Karen Cress, who were inspired by their world travels to plant a vineyard in 2008. Since then, Wild Stallion has grown Blac du Bois grapes, a white grape hybrid developed by a Texan. The grapes are the highlight of Wild Stallion’s Rose’s Reserve, Texas White and Sparkling Blue Eyes wines. Try a flight in their cozy tasting room or lounge outdoors on the patio. Open Wednesday through Saturday, the vineyard keeps a full schedule of happy hours, live music nights and special events.
5969 West Rayford Road Spring, Texas 77389
Texas Star Winery
Nothing says Texas quite like bluebonnets and nothing says Texas wine quite like a winery in the heart of bluebonnet country. This quaint little venue in Chappell Hill is known for crafting small batches of wines using only Texas-inspired ingredients. Stand-out blends include Texas Star’s Prickly Pear White Wine, made from cactus fruit, and its Wild Mustang wine which is crafted from wild Texas grapes. Texas Star is run by owners Jim and Susan Chisolm who also own Chisolm Cellars Wine, a high-end artisan wine brand. Visit their tasting room located just one street over from Main Street in downtown Chappell Hill.
10587 Old Chappell Hill Rd, Chappell Hill, Texas 77426
West Sandy Creek Winery
Sip and savor distinct wines crafted from Texas-grown grapes on the edge of Sam Houston National Forest. Take in the patio views with your favorite wine in hand at this sprawling 360-acre ranch. You can extend your stay by booking a fully-furnished private cabin located on the property. The winery—one of the largest in the state—grows three different grapes: Blanc du Bois, Lenoir Black Spanish grapes, and tempranillo grapes. From these grapes, come nine award-winning wines, including the best-selling Blanc du Bois Dry Estate and Bounty Land Crossings blends. With its comfortable outdoor spaces, beautiful property and impressive wine list, West Sandy Creek Winery is a must-see for the Texas wine aficionado.
1 Winery Road 1773 FM 1791 Richards, Texas 77873
Pleasant Hill Winery
Bob and Jeanne Cottle started this Brenham winery after decades of making wine at home. The couple—who both have a family history of winemaking—now operate Washington County’s oldest winery. Visitors can taste wines from Texas grapes and even see the Zaffiro and Corsetti family wine presses, which are proudly displayed honoring Bob and Jeanne’s winemaking grandparents.
Pleasant Hill Winery grapes are sourced from its Brenham vineyard as well as vineyards all over Texas. From smooth reds to tangy whites, they carry something for every taste. Wine lovers can also enjoy a good old-fashioned grape stomping in July and August. Leave your footprints on a t-shirt and make some memories at this family-friendly “Crush for Fun” event.
1441 Salem Road Brenham, Texas 77833
PleasantHillWinery.com
Messina Hof Estate Vineyard, Resort, and Winery
Enjoy an intimate getaway at this iconic luxury destination. Messina Hof, the leading producer of 100 percent Texas wines, offers more than 90 wines with flavor profiles for every palate. Learn about Messina Hof’s legacy in the Texas winemaking industry while sipping your way through the vineyards and beyond. After that, enjoy garden-grown cuisine at The Vintage House Restaurant where chefs serve up dishes perfectly paired with Messina Hof wines. Finally, you can stay the night and unwind inside one of the spacious and romantic rooms at The Villa Bed and Breakfast, the only Four-Diamond resort in the Brazos Valley.
4545 Old Reliance Road Bryan, Texas 77808
B E Winery
Located on 15 acres of Texas piney woods, this friendly, locally-owned winery carries an assortment of red and white wines for everyone. At its forest-side tasting room, you can escape the hustle and bustle of city life while enjoying the outdoors. A second B E Winery, located in downtown Conroe, offers an intimate indoor setting best described as “urban upscale meets country.” Owned by former law officer James Barber, this winery focuses on producing high-quality wines in a relaxed atmosphere.
400 Bryant Rd, Conroe, Texas 77303
Windy Winery
From fruity reds to robust whites, this Brenham winery prides itself on crafting high-quality wines with delightful flavor combinations. The winery is owned by husband and wife team August and Linda Meitzen who focus on the science behind winemaking and farming. Together, the two create new and unique combinations such as the Lady Lavender, a lavender-infused white wine, and the Jal-spice, a sweet and spicy red wine blend infused with locally-grown jalapeno peppers. Vist during the summer for their annual grape stomp. Enjoy the grapes, memories and purple feet as you squish your hand-picked grape harvest.
4232 Clover Rd, Brenham, Texas 77833
Saddlehorn Winery
Sip on your choice of estate-grown wines inside a stylish renovated red horse barn. Saddlehorn Winery is located on a 390-acre ranch with scenic views of Washington County’s rolling hills. The Saddlehorn vineyard produces about 12 tons of Blanc du Bois and Black Spanish grapes—enough for roughly 900 cases of wine. At the winery, choose from more than a dozen wines to satisfy your palate including sweet whites and robust reds. Enjoy your glass at the tasting bar where you can view the winery’s fermentation tanks which make up a key part of the winemaking process.
958 Farm to Market Road 1948 North, Burton, Texas 77835