The Ultimate Texas Winery Tour: Best Picks by Region

Author:
Thad Warren
Last Updated:
March 3, 2025
Hill Country
North Texas
Houston

Texas is a powerhouse in the wine world, with incredible wineries spread across its diverse regions. Whether you’re road-tripping through the Hill Country, exploring Lubbock’s High Plains, or discovering East Texas gems, these wineries offer top-tier wines and unforgettable tasting experiences. Here’s your guide to the best wineries in each Texas wine region.

Texas Hill Country Wineries

The second-most visited wine region in the U.S., the Texas Hill Country is home to limestone-rich soils, rolling hills, and some of the state’s most celebrated wineries.

1. Becker Vineyards (Stonewall, TX)

Why go? A Texas wine pioneer with Bordeaux-style reds and a lavender-field setting.
One of the most awarded wineries in Texas, Becker’s Cabernet Sauvignon, Viognier, and Petite Sirah have even been served at the White House. The 19th-century German stone barn tasting room is surrounded by fields of lavender, making for a truly scenic experience.

2. Grape Creek Vineyards (Fredericksburg, TX)

Why go? A taste of Tuscany in Texas with an adults-only experience.
Branded as “Tuscany in Texas,” this winery boasts a Tuscan-style estate, an on-site trattoria, and a wine club-exclusive tasting room. Their Super Tuscan-style blends and Tempranillo have won over 200 medals in recent years.

3. William Chris Vineyards (Hye, TX)

Why go? One of the world’s best wineries, focused on 100% Texas-grown grapes.
Recognized as a “World’s Best Vineyard” for three years running, William Chris offers Bordeaux-style blends and Rhône varietals. Their rustic-modern tasting room and oak-shaded patio create a relaxed, intimate experience.

4. Pedernales Cellars (Stonewall, TX)

Why go? Award-winning Tempranillo and Viognier with breathtaking Hill Country views.
Their Tempranillo and Viognier have earned Double Gold at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. The spacious deck overlooks the Pedernales River Valley, making it a perfect spot for sunset wine sipping.

5. Fall Creek Vineyards (Driftwood & Tow, TX)

Why go? Texas' first Hill Country winery, still setting the bar for quality.
Founded in 1975, Fall Creek was the first winery in the Texas Hill Country AVA. Their Meritus Bordeaux-style blend is particularly acclaimed, and their tasting room in Driftwood is right next to the famous Salt Lick BBQ.

Texas High Plains Wineries

The High Plains AVA, centered around Lubbock, produces over 80% of Texas’ wine grapes, thanks to its high elevation and cool nights.

1. Llano Estacado Winery (Lubbock, TX)

Why go? Texas’ largest and second-oldest winery with a diverse lineup of award winners.
Founded in 1976, Llano Estacado helped put Texas wine on the map. Their “1836” red blend and crisp Pinot Grigio have earned Best of Class awards at national competitions.

2. McPherson Cellars (Lubbock, TX)

Why go? A pioneer in Rhône and Spanish varietals with an urban tasting room.
Housed in a renovated 1930s Coca-Cola bottling plant, McPherson specializes in Rhône and Spanish varietals like Roussanne, Viognier, and Grenache. Their wines consistently win Gold at top competitions.

3. English Newsom Cellars (Lubbock, TX)

Why go? One of the most awarded High Plains wineries.
Located at the historic Cap*Rock winery, English Newsom crafts 100% Texas wines, including standout Roussanne and Chenin Blanc. They were the top gold-medal-winning winery in the High Plains region for 2023.

4. Reddy Vineyards (Brownfield, TX)

Why go? A grower-turned-winery producing top-tier estate wines.
Reddy Vineyards grows over 30 grape varieties and now bottles estate wines that win big at competitions. Their Viognier and Petit Verdot blends have been consistent award winners.

5. Burklee Hill Vineyards (Lubbock, TX)

Why go? A chic downtown tasting room with excellent Tempranillo and Muscat.
Located in downtown Lubbock, Burklee Hill serves up small-batch wines paired with gourmet food. Their Tempranillo and Muscat wines frequently earn top honors.

East Texas Wineries

The Piney Woods region has sandy loam soils and a warmer climate, ideal for growing certain grape varieties.

1. Kiepersol Estates (Tyler, TX)

Why go? A hidden gem with a vineyard-side B&B and fine dining.
Their estate-grown Chenin Blanc and bold reds have won numerous accolades. With an on-site fine-dining restaurant and accommodations, Kiepersol is perfect for a weekend getaway.

2. Messina Hof Winery (Bryan, TX)

Why go? Texas’ most awarded winery, offering a full wine resort experience.
Messina Hof has earned hundreds of Gold medals and multiple “Best Texas Winery” titles. The Bryan estate includes a tasting room, wine-themed cottages, and a fine-dining restaurant.

3. Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards (Pittsburg, TX)

Why go? A relaxing retreat with live music and Spanish-style wines.
Los Pinos is known for their Tempranillo and Sangiovese, along with their laid-back atmosphere and live jazz on weekends.

4. Enoch’s Stomp Vineyard & Winery (Harleton, TX)

Why go? An East Texas hilltop vineyard with incredible views.
This family-owned winery specializes in Blanc du Bois and Black Spanish wines, offering tastings with a beautiful overlook of rolling East Texas countryside.

5. Maydelle Country Wines (Rusk, TX)

Why go? Unique fruit wines in a quirky, rural setting.
Maydelle produces small-batch wines made from everything from blackberries to elderberries. It’s a fun and offbeat tasting experience.

Gulf Coast Wineries

This humid region excels in hybrid grapes like Blanc du Bois and Black Spanish.

1. Haak Vineyards & Winery (Santa Fe, TX)

Why go? The only Texas winery making award-winning Madeira.
Haak is famous for its Blanc du Bois-based Madeira, which has won top awards. Their tropical-themed tasting room offers a relaxed Gulf Coast vibe.

2. Bernhardt Winery (Plantersville, TX)

Why go? Italian-style wines with live music and a scenic countryside setting.
Their semi-sweet and dry wines pair perfectly with the rolling vineyard views and weekend concert series.

3. Pleasant Hill Winery (Brenham, TX)

Why go? A historic winery with small-batch Texas wines.
One of the oldest in the region, Pleasant Hill focuses on estate-grown wines like Black Spanish red blends and crisp whites.

Plan Your Texas Wine Adventure

With standout wineries in every region, Texas offers endless opportunities to explore and taste world-class wines. Whether you prefer bold reds, crisp whites, or unique local varieties, there’s a perfect winery waiting for you!

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