One could say that the Texas wine industry has “fermented” during the past decade. According to the Texas Department of Agriculture’s www.gotexanwine.org, there were only 46 wineries in the state in 2001. By 2011, the number had grown to more than 220. The North Texas wine scene is alive with vintners that will delight wine connoisseurs.
Bask in blueberries at Collin Oaks Winery
Collin Oaks Winery, located near McKinney, is known for its specialty wines — blueberry, hibiscus, blackberry and ember lo, which is a bold, semi-dry merlot with cherry undertones. The winery’s tasting room is open from 1-5 p.m. every Saturday, and you’ll also find Collin Oaks Winery at many regional events, such as the Mesquite Rodeo, McKinney Oktoberfest, Grapevine Grapefest and the Texas State Fair. For more information, visit www.collinoakswinery.com. The winery is located at 6874 County Road 398 in Princeton.
Say bonjour to Calais Winery
Calais Winery in the heart of downtown Dallas calls itself “the French winery of Texas.” This boutique winery crafts small amounts of wine using traditional French techniques. Since the winery opened in 2008, Calais has released four wines, including two dessert wines: Cuvee du Saule, which has a sweet nose of tropical fruits, and Cuvee des Marrons, which has aromas of cherries, nuts and chocolate. Attend a tasting from 3-10 p.m. every Friday and Saturday. Learn more at www.calaiswinery.com or stop by at 3000 Commerce St. in Dallas.
Find complexity at Brushy Creek Vineyards
Brushy Creek Vineyards, located about 55 miles northwest of Fort Worth, features wines made on property exclusively from Texas grapes. Try the Sunset Red, a sweet and spicy blend that aficionados call “the BBQ wine.” The vineyards are open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., seven days a week. For details, visit www.brushycreekvineyards.com. Brushy Creek's address is 572 County Road 2798 in Alvord.
Enjoy wine with character at Barking Rocks Vineyard and Winery
Located in an old rock barn between Granbury and Thorp Springs, Barking Rocks Vineyard and Winery is open for tastings on Saturday afternoons and by appointment. Try the Fragaria, a sweet and crisp wine made from strawberries grown in Acton. Barking Rocks is part of the Way Out Wineries, a group of boutique wineries in North-Central Texas that work together to hold special events. Learn more at wayoutwineries.org or www.barkingrockswine.com. The winery is located at 1919 Allen Court in Granbury.
Discover balance at Arché
Arché is a part of the Red River Wine Trail, a 71-mile excursion along Highway 82 that stretches from Wichita Falls to Muenster. Arché specializes in premium red, white and rose wines. The winery’s tasting room is open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons. For more information, visit www.archewines.com and redriverwinetrail.com. Arché’s address is 228 Wagner Road, Saint Jo.
Here's to many happy afternoons sipping Texas wines.
