Off the Beaten Path: Discovering Wine in Northeast Texas
- Steven Richardson
- Aug 6, 2025
- 2 min read
Stretching from the piney woods to the Red River, Northeast Texas may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of wine—but it should be. With loamy soils, a humid subtropical climate, and a growing number of bold, creative winemakers, this underappreciated region is quietly putting East Texas on the viticultural map.
Where Pines, Pastures, and Wine Collide
Unlike the high elevations of the Hill Country or West Texas, Northeast Texas vineyards are often tucked among pine forests and rolling farmland. These wineries face different challenges—more rainfall, humidity, and pests—but they meet them with Southern grit, hybrid grapes, and serious passion.
From family-run estates to boutique tasting rooms with a loyal local following, this is a region where wine is personal, and every stop has a story.
First Stop: Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards – Pittsburg, TX
One of the original pioneers in Northeast Texas wine, Los Pinos brings a touch of elegance to the countryside. Their vineyards, restaurant, and tasting room offer Spanish-influenced wines in a rustic-meets-modern setting.
🍷 Sip This:
Texican: a bold blend of Tempranillo and Syrah—an East Texas icon
Blanco Grande: a crisp, semi-sweet white perfect for summer
💡 Pro Tip: Book a dinner and tasting combo—Los Pinos has one of the best vineyard dining experiences in Texas.
Second Stop: Eden Hill Vineyard & Winery – Celina, TX
Just north of Dallas, Eden Hill is known for growing estate grapes in black clay soil and producing award-winning wines with European flair. Their Tempranillo, Albariño, and Montepulciano have earned national recognition.
🍇 To Try:
Albariño: bright, mineral-driven, and surprisingly expressive for North Texas
Tempranillo Reserve: balanced oak and earth tones that reflect Texas terroir
💡 Insider Tip: They offer curated tastings and behind-the-scenes vineyard tours—great for small team outings or weekend travelers.
Third Stop: Kiepersol – Tyler, TX
A destination winery with its own inn, restaurant, and distillery, Kiepersol blends sophistication with East Texas hospitality. The winery uses sustainable methods and French varietals grown on-site.
🍷 Recommended Pours:
Merlot or Syrah: rich, bold reds from their estate
Texas Rosé: dry, crisp, and built for front-porch sipping
💡 Pro Tip: Kiepersol also has a distillery—try a wine + spirits flight for the full experience.
Bonus Stop: Maydelle Country Wines – Rusk, TX
For a completely different experience, Maydelle specializes in country-style fruit wines—blackberry, elderberry, plum, and more—made in small batches using old-school methods.
🍷 Must Try:
Wild Mustang Grape Wine: native to the region and wildly unique
Blackberry Wine: bold, jammy, and unapologetically Texan
💡 Fun Fact: Housed in an old train depot, the winery is open on weekends and full of charm.
Why You Should Explore Northeast Texas Wineries
Northeast Texas might not have the name recognition of Hill Country, but its winemakers are doing something special—blending traditional European styles, Southern roots, and a DIY spirit that reflects the heart of Texas.
Whether you're chasing bold reds, crisp whites, or just a relaxing day in the pines, Northeast Texas is full of surprises—and well worth the pour.
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