Drink North Texas Wine Festival -- One Hit After Another

The floor at Drink North Texas, 2026

by Andrew Chalk

I have just returned from Drink North Texas Wine Fedstival 2026, held in the spectacular, unforgettable setting of the Frontiers of Flight Museum next to Dallas Love Field Airport. The setting brings in hundreds of people keen to learn about Texas wine because they get the run of the museum too. Everything from early biplanes to F/A-18 Super Hornets that flew in The Blue Angels. Little wonder that the festival has already emerged as one of the best attended Texas wine events, in just its second year.

Twelve Texas wineries were selected via random ballot of all 40 active wineries of North Texas Winery Association. Each offered from 4 to ∞ number of wines, but attendees exchanged one coupon for each wine, and had two available at each winery. VIP tickets offered an upstairs private tasting area with additional wine coupons and hot and cold food (much like an airline club). 

Both upstairs and down I was impressed how many wineries sent their winemakers and principals. This is very much a meet-the-producer event. 

A Few Trends That Emerged

Among whites, the best varieties were Picpoul Blanc and Albarino. 

Picpoul from Lonesome Vine, and 5 Fifty-Five Vineyard & Winery were notable. 

Albarino seemed to sing wherever it came from. I tasted Eden Hill Vineyard and Winery, Edge of the Lake Vineyard, and Rosini Vineyards.

As far as the reds went, there were lots of successful varieties and blends, but Tempranillo was the best executed. 

I most enjoyed Tempranillo from Eden Hill Vineyard and Winery, Lonesome Vine, Red River Wines and Provisions, and Wintergrass Vineyard & Winery.   

All of these wineries are open for tasting and purchases. Reservations are preferred, in order to give the best experience. I recommend you enjoy a day trip around some of them. If you are reading this on the day after the event then I am already out there in St. Jo and Montague.

Disclosure: I attended Drink North Texas Wine Festival as a media guest.

Closed - for Texas Wine!