You don’t have to go all the way to France, Chile, Australia or even Sonoma to enjoy good wine. Oklahoma is home to numerous wineries and wine bars. With names like Black Sheep Winery & Vineyards in Poteau to Put a Cork In It in Oklahoma City, vintners are scattered across the plains. With so many choices, you can try a few in a one-day sip trip.
Vintage 1740
Tulsa’s first fully operating wine bar feels like Paris, although it’s only a walk from downtown Tulsa at 1740 S. Boston Ave. Pair a small production wine with cheese or other small plate, then puff a cigar. More than 60 wines — many from family-owned and operated wineries — are offered by the taste, glass and bottle. Stop by alone, with friends or book a room for a private event. Visit www.vintage1740.com.
Okie Wineries
Did you know that Oklahoma has 21 wineries? A website, oklahomawines.org, makes it easy to find them, mapping them so you can plan a day trip to your favorites. Oak Hills Winery & Vineyards in Chelsea? Prairie Rattler Winery in Shidler? Sailing Horse Winery & Vineyard in Eufaula? Spend the day at one or visit all three.
Girls Gone Wine
Taste, grab or make and bottle your favorite wines at Girls Gone Wine in Broken Bow. If you make your own batch of wine, simply return about eight weeks later to bottle, cork and create a custom label. Ready-made bottles include Twisted Sisters, a sweet red with pomegranate earthiness and spice for $12.95, and Chilly Willy, a dry, medium-bodied red for $15.95. For more information, check out thegirlsgonewine.com.
Tidal School Vineyards Wine Tasting
Enjoy a picnic bistro lunch on the decks overlooking Tidal School Vineyards, right off Highway 16 just 2 miles south of Drumright. Other offerings include a gourmet food tasting, wine tasting featuring many award-winning wines, a guided tour of the working winery and vineyard, plus an art gallery and heritage area. Visit tidalschool.com for details.
Territory Cellars
If you’re traveling the Turner Turnpike between Oklahoma City and Tulsa, you’ll pass through Stroud. Take Exit 179, and about half a mile north — just off Route 66 on Highway 99 — you’ll find Territory Cellars. Its offerings include a $16 full-bodied red called the Pow Wow, a $14 semi-dry white called Black Gold and another $16 full-bodied red called Boomer Sooner. Their website, territorycellars.com, has more.
When the weather’s nice, the wine is fine and the price is right, it’s time to enjoy Oklahoma’s best wines in venues across the state.
