

Looking to get into Texas wines? Try these whites, reds


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Dallas‑Fort Worth’s Best Texas Wine Brands – A 2025 Snapshot
On September 16, 2025 the Dallas News published a comprehensive guide that cuts through the hype and tells Dallas‑Fort Worth wine lovers exactly which Texas‑grown labels are worth the splash. The article, titled “Best Texas Wine Brands in Dallas‑Fort Worth,” is part of the outlet’s long‑running Food & Drinks section and provides a handy “cheat‑sheet” for anyone looking to sample or purchase Texas wines from the region’s own cellar‑door shops, online retailers, or local restaurants.
Why Texas Wine Is Worth the Spotlight
Texas has long been seen as a footnote in the U.S. wine conversation, but in recent years the state’s wine industry has exploded. The 2023 Texas Wine Institute (TWI) report highlighted a 14 % rise in domestic sales and a record‑setting 12 % increase in vineyard acreage. Dallas‑Fort Worth, situated at the heart of the Texas Hill Country, is home to more than 300 registered vineyards, many of which focus on the “high‑country” varietals that thrive in the region’s hot, dry summers and cool, fog‑laden mornings.
The Dallas News piece takes this macro view and drills down to the individual brands that best represent the state's terroir, innovation, and flavor. It notes that many Texas wineries pride themselves on small‑batch, hand‑crafted production—often limited releases that can be found only in a handful of city‑wide distributors.
The Top Texas Wine Brands Highlighted
Below is a quick rundown of the ten brands featured in the article, including the wine styles each is best known for and a few tasting notes that were cited by the publication’s wine editor, Maria Ortega.
Rank | Brand | Flagship Varietal(s) | What Makes It Stand Out | Where to Buy |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | La Vida Vineyards | Chardonnay, Viognier | “Silky, stone‑fruit forward” – the estate’s climate‑controlled oak barrels give their whites a buttery texture. | Dallas Wine Co., online at LaVida.com |
2 | Hill & Vine Estate | Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec | “Raspberry‑spiced, firm tannins” – a perfect crossover between Old‑World structure and Texas heat‑tolerance. | The Vine & Oak, local restaurants |
3 | Grape Creek Cellars | Tempranillo, Grenache | “Herbal, earthy” – the winery’s small‑scale fermentation lends a vibrant acidity. | Dallas‑Fort Worth Wine Collective |
4 | The Texas Wine Company | Zinfandel, Syrah | “Bold, pepper‑rich” – a classic Texas‑style blend that pairs beautifully with brisket. | The Texas Wine Company boutique, online |
5 | Canyon Ridge Vines | Riesling, Gewürztraminer | “Floral, with a citrus kick” – the cool nights of the hill country translate into bright, crisp whites. | Online (RidgeWines.com) |
6 | Cactus Vine Co. | Muscat, Chenin Blanc | “Delicate, floral, low‑alcohol” – ideal for a daytime aperitif. | Dallas Wine Shops, farmers’ markets |
7 | Stone House Estate | Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot | “Green‑pepper, smoky” – a niche but growing crowd favorite. | The Stone House, Dallas‑Fort Worth |
8 | Vine & Barrel | Petit Manseng, Petit Verdot | “Complex, nutty, late‑drinking” – a boutique “small‑batch” label that sells out quickly. | Exclusive distributor, online |
9 | Sierra Madre Vineyards | Grenache, Mourvèdre | “Zesty, earthy, rustic” – perfect for pairing with Texan BBQ. | SierraMadre.com, Dallas boutiques |
10 | The Red Door Wine Co. | Petit Verdot, Zinfandel | “Heady, pepper‑y, with a sweet finish” – a “secret‑menu” staple in many Dallas restaurants. | The Red Door, local bars |
Key Takeaway: The common thread among the top‑tier labels is their use of “high‑country” grapes that can survive the Texas heat, their small‑batch, artisanal approach to winemaking, and a focus on pairing local cuisine—particularly Texan BBQ and hearty meat dishes.
How the Dallas News Did Its Research
Maria Ortega, the article’s wine editor, notes that the editors consulted an array of industry sources, including the Texas Wine Institute, local viticulturists, and on‑the‑ground sommeliers. She also leveraged the Dallas‑Fort Worth Wine Collective’s tasting notes and the Texas Wine Company’s own tasting room reviews to ensure an accurate and unbiased snapshot. The editors visited the vineyards themselves, tasting the flagship wines and speaking with winemakers about the climate, soil, and unique production methods that shape each brand’s identity.
The piece also includes several links that guide readers to deeper dives: an in‑depth article on Texas wine terroir on the TWI site, a video interview with the winemaker from La Vida Vineyards, and a downloadable PDF of the Dallas‑Fort Worth Wine Collective’s 2025 “Wine of the Month” list. These resources help readers discover wines that fit their palate, budget, and occasion.
Where to Start for Dallas‑Fort Worth Wine Lovers
For the average wine drinker in Dallas or Fort Worth, the Dallas News article offers an excellent starting point:
- Try a “classic” Texas blend – The Texas Wine Company’s Zinfandel‑Syrah blend is widely available and pairs with a brisket plate at many local steakhouses.
- Sample a white that showcases the hill‑country climate – Canyon Ridge’s Riesling offers a bright, citrusy finish that’s perfect for an afternoon lunch.
- Explore the boutique side – Vine & Barrel’s Petit Manseng is a little-known, high‑value bottle that will wow any wine‑connoisseur friend.
Final Thoughts
The Dallas News guide is a valuable resource for anyone looking to explore Texas wines beyond the well‑known Austin and Hill Country labels. By spotlighting a mix of flagship, artisanal, and niche brands, the article shows that Dallas‑Fort Worth is home to a thriving, diverse wine community that can satisfy everything from everyday casual sipping to high‑end tasting events.
As the Texas wine industry continues to grow, readers can expect more brands to emerge on the Dallas‑Fort Worth radar, but the ten highlighted in this September 2025 article are sure to remain the most sought‑after and celebrated in the region.
Read the Full Dallas Morning News Article at:
[ https://www.dallasnews.com/food/drinks/2025/09/16/best-texas-wine-brands-dallas-fort-worth/ ]