Everything’s bigger in Texas, and it turns out their wineries are too!
In fact, Texas is the fifth-largest wine-producing state in the nation. That means that Texas comes in behind California, New York, Washington, and Oregon.
The winery and vineyard regions of Texas have a sunny and dry climate, perfect for all-year-round grape growing. The delicious wines produced in Texas rival those of some of the most renowned places in the world, the climate is one of the biggest factors in this. It allows the winemakers of Texas to grow grapes perfectly over the colder months, and this is every wine maker’s dream.
Dreaming of visiting the best wineries in Houston? Read on…
A Few Historical Facts About Wine In Houston
Texas is one of the oldest wine-growing states in America. It is well known that some of the vines planted there currently, were planted more than 100 years before California or Virginia.
Vines were planted in the 1650s by a priest in El Paso, to grow grapes for the production of sacramental wine for religious ceremonies.
Thomas Munson is a horticulturist who utilised Texan grapevines to create hundreds of hybrid grapes which have been used in precious winemaking processes all over the world.
There are still 254 counties in Texas that still have some form of dry law imposed, brought forward from the time of Prohibition.
How Many Wineries Are In Houston?
There are around 500 wineries in Texas in total, and 467 of them are in Houston.
What Is The Oldest Winery In Houston?
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Messina Hoff Winery is the oldest winery in Houston, Texas. It was established in 1977 and is a family-owned and run vineyard and winery. Two of the most important things to the Hoff clan are family and tradition. They are fully immersed in the Houston winery lifestyle, wine is their livelihood.
The family are dedicated to producing premium and well-loved wine. They pride themselves on top-notch customer service, unity, inspiration and of course, incredible bottles of wine. Even though this old and historic Houston winery has a rich tradition and long history, its values and events seem to be keeping up to date with the current wine industry trends.
Why not take a trip to this highly acclaimed winery in Houston on your next trip to Texas, if you do, then here is some important information for you to save:
- Address: 4545 Old Reliance Road, Bryan, TX USA 77808
- Phone Number: 1-800-736-9463 (WINE)
What Wine Is Houston Known For?
Houston is most known for making 4 incredible wines, they are:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Chardonnay
- Chenin Blanc
- Sauvignon Blanc (yes, even though the weather is so warm)
Where Are The Most Wineries In Houston
Most vineyards and wineries in the world usually hail from the same areas or regions or are at least relatively close to one another. In Texas, however, most of the vineyards where they grow the grapes for Texan wine are found in the Panhandle. Then most of the wineries in Texas are found in Houston and Hill Country.
A lovely collection of Houston wineries are huddled up together on the Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail. It promises to deliver spectacular views, delectable dining and award-winning wines.
The Top 5 Wineries To Visit In Houston
Clear Creek Winery, Vineyard, & Resort
Clear Creek Winery, Vineyard, & Resort opened in Kemah in 2007. This Houston winery has Italian inspired architecture and their opening times revolve around events and tasting tours and bookings. Ensure to call ahead or check their website to stay on top of what is on offer. Their weekend tours are not something to be missed.
Wine ambassadors share the story of the vineyard’s wines, winemaking information, and tasting tips on these tours, but if you are looking for something a little more private and in-depth, then enquire about a booking for their private tours. If you are looking for something a little more relaxed, they offer self-guided tours on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday afternoons. They have an undercover patio area that can accommodate up to 125 guests, making it perfect for weddings and reunions.
Try out their blending bar where you can taste and blend your own glasses or bottles of wine and even take home your own souvenir etched wine glass. The winery also produces a selection of fruit wines, as well as raspberry and cherry chocolate ports.
Solaro Urban Winery – Houston
Solaro Urban Winery – Houston is without a doubt worth a visit. The best thing to do is to phone ahead and make an appointment for a private viewing. They aren’t always open to the public, and they prefer to limit their open hours. Solaro Urban Winery offers a guided wine tasting (these come with some extra tasting fees, so come prepared). This chic, urban/industrial space has a unique elegance about it. Once you’ve been hooked by their atmosphere, you will find yourself going back for more.
Nice Winery
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Nice Winery truly is one of the nicest wineries in Houston, Texas. They offer delightful pairing events and top-class accommodation. Check out their website to see if they have any pairing events coming up. They often have events at their stunning venue, check their event calendar to see if anything tickles your fancy.
Haak Vineyards & Winery
Haak Vineyards & Winery is located close to Southeast Houston and is one of the few Houston wineries that have their vineyards and winery in the same location. They started with just two grapevines in 1969. Today, the vineyard is three acres, has 1,800 vines, and is one of the first wineries to cultivate Blanc du Bois.
Haak Vineyards & Winery is a big tourist attraction for the Santa Fe area. It attracts Texas locals and tourists alike and has plenty on offer for everyone to enjoy. Haak only stays open until 5pm, but they are open all week long. They have a huge variety of things to do, from specialised events to a variety of tasting opportunities and a unique food menu. They’re known for their friendly and knowledgeable staff, relaxed atmosphere and entertaining offerings.
While Houston may not be the first place you think of when planning a wine tour of The United States, it certainly has plenty to offer for all wine enthusiasts. Consider taking a gentle amble through one of America’s best wine regions, the next time you have the chance for a weekend getaway or family holiday.