Like pairing a great meal with just the right wine, coupling the elegance and comfort of a Texas winery with your meeting agenda might well create an enjoyable time and lasting memories. The state has 443 wine producers and thousands of acres of vineyards, making it one of the top wine-producing states in the country.
“Wineries often offer a beautiful setting, both indoors and outdoors, along with different experiences to incorporate into conferences or meetings,” says January Wiese, executive director of Texas Hill Country Wineries, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting the region’s wine scene.
When you host at a winery, you will likely find there are many ways to keep it interesting and engaging for participants. “Experiences that could be added for attendees include wine tastings, educational sessions with the winemaker or owner, food and wine pairings, and so much more,” says Wiese. With the various wine-growing regions across the state, there are many wineries in Texas to consider for your meeting.
More than 80% of Texas’ grapes are grown in the High Plains area of north Texas. So, it shouldn’t be a surprise that there are several wineries in the region, particularly around the city of Lubbock. Established in 1976, Llano Estacado was one of the first vineyards in the region. Today, it remains one of the most well-known. It sells 160,000 cases of wine each year, with many orders being shipped across the country and around the world. With seating for up to 200 people, the winery’s private event space could be the right location for your meeting. Sample some of Llano Estacado’s award-winning wines, such as the 2021 Signature White, NV Viva Rosso, or 2017 Port.
English Newsom Cellars is a charming winery, also in Lubbock, with several award-winning wines, including the 2022 Albariño and the 2021 Dry Riesling. An outdoor event space, able to accommodate up to 200 seated guests, is available on-site for meetings and events.
Adelphos Cellars is a family-run, boutique winery in Lubbock that also has meeting space for groups. “Our event space facilitates gatherings up to 300 seated and offers a lovely outdoor courtyard, featuring a large fireplace and fountain, where guests can relax at an outdoor table or stroll through the vines with a glass of their favorite wine as they debrief and de-stress,” says Sara Timmons, tasting room manager at Adelphos Cellars. In the tasting room, attendees can try top wines, such as the 2019 Primitivo Riserva or 2020 Muscat Canelli. Then stop by the barrel room and the working production space to watch winemaking in action.
Located in the middle of the state, the Texas Hill Country is also home to several wineries with both stunning scenery and impressive wines. One of these, Becker Vineyards, is in Fredericksburg and offers private space for team building, meetings, and other events. Nichole A. Bendele, the marketing, public relations, and outreach director, says, “We have the Lavender Haus Reception Hall for larger events, and we have the underground Cellar Library for 26 people or less for a more intimate space. When people are needing a break from their meetings, we have winery tours and wine tastings or break for a prix-fixe meal prepared by our on-site chef.”
Texas Hill Country’s Bell Mountain is the oldest American Viticultural Area (AVA) in Texas. Offering an intimate retreat for up to 12 leaders, Pedernales Cellars in Stonewall features private access to its tasting room for groups. “Pedernales Cellars is dedicated to the creation of world-class wines using ecologically sound practices, with a focus on grape varieties that can be grown with exceptional quality in the Texas Hill Country,” says Julie Kuhlken, co-founder and CEO of Pedernales. Be sure to taste the Viognier Reserve and Tempranillo Reserve, the winery’s two flagship wines.
Flat Creek Estate in Marble Falls, with its covered outdoor pavilion, tasting room, and acres of grape vines to wander through, might also be a good fit for your Hill Country meeting or event. Don’t miss out on sampling some of the award-winning wines, including the 2017 Super Texan, the 2018 Four Horsemen, and the 2018 Buttero.
Duchman Family Winery in Driftwood offers meeting space for up to 175 guests in its event center. Rentals also include an outdoor area beneath light-wrapped oak trees, an in-house catering package, and a 25% discount on cases of wine. Planners might also request a private tasting tour to try the 2019 Duchman Family Montepulciano, the 2018 Aglianico, or other wines.
If you’re looking for an extended winery experience, look no further than a comprehensive winery resort. “Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa is in the heart of the Texas Hill Country [in Johnson City] and features two tasting rooms, a restaurant, microbrewery, 78 luxurious villas, and 16,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space, including an outdoor events center featuring musical acts, movies, and seasonal events,” says Sara Allen, director of sales and catering at Carter Creek. “Unlike many other wineries in the area, Carter Creek provides full resort accommodations, allowing attendees to stay on-site in spacious villas with private patios, so they can truly immerse themselves in the experience without needing to travel elsewhere.” A 2,500-square-foot ballroom and 6,000-square-foot pavilion provide ample room for mingling. Some award winners you might wish to serve or sample during your event include the NV Carter Creek Winery Brut and the NV Carter Creek Winery Peach Sparkling.
While the Texas Hill Country and High Plains might be the two largest AVA regions in the state, they are not the only locations to find charming wineries with the capacity to host your next meeting. The Texoma region along the state’s northern border with Oklahoma is where you will find Hidden Hangar. This winery and ranch in Denison offers private dining and event experiences for groups of up to 125 people.
Another location to consider is Grapevine in north Texas. “Grapevine is a vibrant destination that combines the charm of vintage Texas with a rich winemaking tradition,” says Elizabeth Schrack, director of communications for the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Hosting events here not only provides a picturesque backdrop but also allows attendees to engage in unique experiences, such as wine tastings, which can foster connection and creativity.”
The Urban Wine Trail in Grapevine offers a new way to experience Texas wines during a meeting: through a tour of tasting rooms in the region. According to Schrack, these tasting rooms “offer a relaxed atmosphere that can enhance team building and networking. The historic location provides the opportunity to enjoy local culinary delights and to create memorable experiences you might not find somewhere else.”
adelphoscellars.com
beckervineyards.com
duchmanwinery.com
englishnewsom.com
flatcreekestate.com
grapevinetexasusa.com
hiddenhangar.com
llanowine.com
texashillcountrywineries.org
