Must-Try Texas Wine Brands: Your Guide to Reds, Whites & Rosés
If you’re curious about Texas wines but feel overwhelmed by all the choices, you’re not alone. At the 2025 GrapeFest in Grapevine, wine lovers took part in the People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic, voting on their favorites across many wine styles. The result? A curated list of standout Texas wines — bold reds, crisp whites, sweet blends, and refreshing rosés — that are perfect for people wanting to explore what the Lone Star State has to offer.
Standout Winners by Style
Here are the top picks from the people’s voting, categorized by wine type.
| Style | Gold Winner | Silver & Bronze Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Red Wine – Bold | Messina Hof Winery (Grapevine) – Sagrantino Reserva | Whiskey Road Winery (Tempranillo); Bull Lion Ranch & Vineyards (Malbec) |
| Red Wine – Blends | Bull Lion Ranch & Vineyards – Texianti “Texas Chianti” | Deschain Cellars, Red Dirt Cellars, Los Pinos Ranch |
| Red Wine – Medium | Landon Winery – The Texan | Blue Ostrich Winery (Cabernet Sauvignon), Bull Lion Ranch (Montepulciano) |
| Red Wine – Light | Messina Hof – GSM | Blue Ostrich Winery (Dolcetto), Red Dirt Cellars (Pinot Noir) |
| Red Wine – Sweet | Silver Dollar Winery – Boot Scootin’ Boogie Chocolate | Red Dirt Cellars (Sangria), Enoch’s Stomp Vineyard & Winery (Potter’s Hand) |
| White Wine – Dry | Enoch’s Stomp Vineyard & Winery – Hell or High Water | Blue Ostrich Winery (Esprit), Llano Estacado Winery (Sauvignon Blanc) |
| White Wine – Off-Dry | Housewife Rebellion (Grapevine) – Pinot Grigio | Messina Hof (Off Dry Riesling), Tara Vineyard (Blueberry Blanc du Bois) |
| White Wine – Blends | Silver Dollar Winery (Bedford) – IM’Peached | Bingham Family Vineyards (Cloudburst), Deschain Cellars (The Hermit) |
| White Wine – Sweet | Messina Hof – Angel, Late Harvest Riesling | Los Pinos Ranch (Pinos Colada), Landon Winery (Dolce Fine) |
| Blush / Rosé | Housewife Rebellion – Rebel Rose | Bull Lion Ranch’s Bella Rosa, Bingham Family Summer Nights |
Background: GrapeFest & Texas Wine Culture
- What is GrapeFest & the People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic? It’s an annual event in Grapevine, Texas, celebrating the state’s wine culture. Attendees vote for their favorite wines across multiple categories. Dallas News
- Scale of participation: While this competition included dozens of wineries statewide, Texas is home to more than 500 registered winemakers, meaning this list is a solid starting point—not the full picture. Dallas News
- Diversity in winemaking: The winners illustrate how Texas wine isn’t just one style. From bold Sagrantino and Malbec reds, through crisp Sauvignon Blancs and Rieslings, to rosés and sweet, dessert-style wines — there’s broad variety. Dallas News
Implications for Wine Lovers & Texas Wine Market
- For those new to Texas wine: This list is a great roadmap. Try one or two from each style to find what you like best, then explore further based on that.
- For regular wine drinkers: Even if you think you have a favorite style, there may be gems you haven’t yet discovered — the Medal winners in less common categories (like sweet reds, blush/rosés) are worth a taste.
- For wineries: Getting voted by consumers is powerful. These awards can boost visibility, especially regionally in the D-FW area, and help brands stand out in a competitive market.
- For tourism & wine culture in Texas: As these events grow and attract both locals and visitors, they help promote Texas wine as a serious contender, not just a regional curiosity.
What to Try First: My Recommendations
If you’re heading out to pick something up this weekend, here are three bottles I think are excellent entry points:
- Messina Hof – Sagrantino Reserva — for a bold, big red that really says “Texas red” with authority.
- Enoch’s Stomp – Hell or High Water (dry white) — a crisp, refreshing white to balance things out.
- Housewife Rebellion – Rebel Rose (blush/rosé) — light, fun, and perfect if you want something versatile (pair with BBQ, brunch, or just relax).
Full Story at Dallas News
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