The following is a list of the some of the premier wineries near Houston:
BERNHARDT WINERY
This down-home Texas winery is set in the rolling hills near Plantersville. Here, award-winning small-batch wines of classic varietals and unique blends are created, and visitors are treated to a fun tasting experience in a warm environment. But there’s much more here, too. The winery hosts many events, like the Summer Sunset Lawn Concert Series, the Vino Piazza Primavera – an artisan marketplace – weddings and other private functions. Plus, visitors can stay at The Loft Bed and Breakfast.
CORK THIS! WINERY
Started by a former business executive that wished for greener grass (or vineyards), the people at Cork This! make wine fun and have fun making wine, producing wines with names like “Party on your Palate,” “Rich Urban Biker,” and “Irreconcilable Differences.” It’s a favorite place for locals and travelers alike because wine tasters are made to feel comfortable and welcome. Cork This! Has a strong Groupies Wine Club and hosts numerous events.
ENCHANTED MANOR MEADERY
Enchanted Manor Meadery of Magnolia brews meads onsite at the Texas Renaissance Festival. Their meads are crafted from Texas wildflower honey sourced from a farm on the nearby Texas gulf coast prairies, which was selected for its location far from sources that could affect the taste of the naturally flavorful and nuanced honey.
GRIFFIN MEADERY
Griffin Meadery is located in Willis and is producing small-batch, premium quality wine and liquid gold. Meads range from a cinnamon and vanilla combo with a festive flair, to ones that taste of black current, chocolate or even jalapeno, but beware: the last one has a kick! You can also learn how to make your own mead. The legendary griffin is known as the guardian of treasure, and that’s what they’re producing here.
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HAAK WINERY
Though Haak Vineyards and Winery is not on the Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail, it is close to home. This is the only vineyard that produces commercial wine in Galveston County, which is less than an hour from downtown Houston. Each $10 tour includes a Madeira tasting and samples of four other wines from the vineyards. The tour times and availability dates may change as the vineyard will not offer tours when it hosts any type of event, public or private. Call Haak Vineyards to verify that it will be having a tour on the Friday, Saturday or Sunday you plan to visit.
RANCHER’S DAUGHTER
Rancher’s Daughter was once a boutique in Western Winery; today it’s a boutique in downtown Montgomery with its own winery. Celebrating everything Texas, the shop sells 275 varietals of wine, while the winery produces wines with names like Highway 105, Spotted Mule, and Cowgirl Blush. Wine enthusiasts and friends gather on the third Wednesday of the month for Wine Down Wednesdays that feature speakers, wine and music.
WHITLEY VINEYARDS AND WINE BAR
Whitley Vineyards and Wine bar is located in the heart of the historic district of Montgomery and features handcrafted wines. Owner Gina Whitley used to stroll through her 1/3 acre back-yard vineyard at sunset with a glass of wine, and dream about a future as a vintner. Today, that dream is coming true. A family operation, the vineyard and wine production creates quality reds, roses, and whites. Whitley hosts regular ladies’ nights and welcomes visitors as part of the annual Antiques. Festival in the historic district of Montgomery.
WILD STALLION VINEYARDS
Wild Stallion Vineyards began in 2008 with a small test planting of Blanc du Bois grapes, a variety most suited to the gulf coast region. The vineyard has grown to over three acres and a range of varieties. Both the 2014 Sweet Moscato and the 2014 Blanc du Bois (Dry) were Southwest Wine Summit Silver Medal Winners. Located near the Woodlands, The Wild Stallion Event Center hosts many events, like Sangria Saturdays, concerts and weddings.
