Texas Hill Country is more commonly associated with wine than with Houston. But the Texas Wine Trail is not short on readily accessible wine tasting options to Houston residents. If you’re looking to spend a day sipping on grapes or plan a weekend that revolves around wine without venturing far from your Houston apartment, here are some wineries to put on your radar.
Bernhardt Winery
Perched on a hilltop, Bernhardt’s Plantersville wine tasting room boasts excellent views of surrounding hills and valleys. In addition to wine and related merchandise, Bernhardt sells artisan jams, jellies, and glazes. This is one of the better places to spend a night in Texas wine country. Bernhardt’s Loft is a cozy B&B above the winery. Bernhardt’s also hosts lawn concerts on Sunday evenings from mid-April to mid-November.
9043 County Road 204, Plantersville, TX 77363; 936-894-9829
Cork This! Winery
Ten miles east of Bernhardt Winery, and just one hour’s drive from AMLI’s Neartown Houston apartment rentals, Cork This! specializes in fine-varietal blends. Sample those that appeal to you in the tasting room before ordering a glass of your favorite to enjoy on comfort on the winery’s expansive patio.
21123 Eva Street #100, Montgomery, TX 77356; 936-597-4030
Messina Hof Winery and Resort
A bit further from Houston, this Bryan, TX vineyard and resort is known for its exquisite cab franc and well-tended rose garden. Visit for an afternoon winery tour and wine tasting or make a weekend out of it. The four-diamond Villa Bed & Breakfast and fine dining Vintage House Restaurant are both situated on site. And Messina Hof’s calendar is packed with events like cooking and wine appreciation classes, wine pairing seminars, and murder mystery dinners. Messina Hof Winery and Resort is less than two hours from AMLI’s Houston and Austin apartments.
4545 Old Reliance Road, Bryan, TX 77808; 979-778-9463
Peach Creek Vineyards
Ken and Donna Stolpman’s College Station winery contains five acres of grape vines, an elegant tasting room, and a large event pavilion.
2029 Peach Creek Road, College Station, TX 77845; 936-825-3669
Pleasant Hill Winery
Partners in marriage and in business, Bob and Jeanne Cottle share Italian ancestry and a love for wine. When they founded Pleasant Hill Winery nearly two decades ago, their vision for the vineyard was as an ode to winemaking in the Italian tradition. In particular, they wanted to pay homage to their grandparents who were winemakers themselves. To enjoy the fruits of the Cottles’ labor, make the hour-long drive from Houston to Pleasant Hill Winery in Brenham.
1441 Salem Road, Brenham, TX 77833; 979-830-8463
Saddlehorn Winery
Set on a 390-acre Burton ranch, Saddlehorn Winery boasts one of the most scenic and peaceful vineyard landscapes in Texas. Housed in a renovated horse barn, the winery and tasting room have ranch-style charm and character. The tasting room offers samples of more than a dozen vintages. Don’t miss the Washington County vineyard’s award-winning Blanc du Bois and Black Spanish varietals.
958 Farm to Market Road 1948 N, Burton, TC 77835; 979-289-3858
Texas Star Winery
Formerly located in Richards, Texas Star Winery took on new ownership and moved to Chappell Hill in 2014. The transition was smooth, and the award-winning winery is still one of the most beloved and successful Texas Wineries.
10587 Old Chappell Hill Road, Chappell Hill, TX 77426; 979-251-7282
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