In Grapevine, Texas, a Hallmark-Worthy Main Street Doubles as an Urban Wine Trail
North of Dallas-Fort Worth, a magical place exists. Here, Santa and his elves mingle merrily among wineries and tasting rooms in a scene that’s equal parts Hallmark movie and family-friendly Bacchanalia. Famous as both the Christmas Capital of Texas and the heart of North Texas wine country, Grapevine has discovered the secret formula for blending small-town charm with events and activities that can put a smile on anyone’s face.
The city hosts events throughout the year, including GrapeFest, the largest wine festival in the Southwest, each September and the live music-filled Main Street Fest in May. However, the holiday season is arguably the best time to go. So consider booking a trip now.
To make it easier, we chatted with four local experts with an intimate knowledge of the destination to get their picks for the best things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and, of course, where to drink wine (and other delicious beverages, too), most of which is conveniently located right on Historic Main Street. Take a look below.
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Hit up Pro-Loved Tasting Rooms
Wine is one of the biggest draws in town. With eight wineries and tasting rooms on the city’s Urban Wine Trail, you could theoretically hit them all in a day. That’s a bit excessive, though. To really appreciate the wines at each, we recommend breaking up your visits over at least two days or prioritizing the ones recommended by the pros.
Landon Winery is the top pick for out-of-town visitors for Karen Bonarrigo, chief administrative officer at Messina Hof Winery; Zevin Spears, co-lead server at the Grapevine location of Bingham Family Vineyards and local adjunct professor in hospitality, travel, and tourism; and Richard Wales, general manager of Hotel Vin, Grapevine.
“Located right on historic Main Street in Grapevine, Landon Winery has a really nice indoor tasting room as well as outdoor patio seating,” Wales says. “The service is fantastic, as [are] the tasting flights.”
Spears suggests ordering the Tempranillo, who calls it “one of the shining stars of Texas wine.” The grape “thrives in the warm, dry climate and sandy loam soils of the Texas High Plains, where a majority of the state’s grapes are grown,” he says.
He also recommends Red Dirt Cellars, just down the block. The industrial-style spot features an extensive tasting room list with both Texas and global wines, available by the glass or by the bottle. “Red Dirt Cellars is one of those hidden gems in the heart of historic Grapevine, where Texas hospitality meets handcrafted winemaking,” Spears says.
For something a bit different, Michele Wilson, owner of Giddens Gallery of Fine Art, recommends a trip to Bingham Family Vineyards. She loves the Historic Main Street tasting room, which boasts wine bottles stacked on geometric shelves throughout the space and colorful landscape and vineyard art in between. Her go-to pour is the 2019 Dugout, a Bordeaux-style red blend that she says “gets the most amazing reviews.”
Grab an Adult Beverage
Though the tasting rooms are a huge draw, there’s more to Grapevine than wineries and tasting rooms. The following places offer some of the best cocktails, beers, and other adult beverages in town.
It may sound like a simple restaurant at first glance, but the casual Tolbert’s Restaurant & Chili Parlor, where Texas flags hang from the beams, should be on every visitor’s list, according to Wales. He suggests grabbing a drink (ice-cold beer is always a smart choice here) and listening to some live music, which happens nightly and on some weekend afternoons. Plus, if hunger strikes, the original “bowl of red” can’t be beat.
Another restaurant that gets a nod from Bonariggo, Dino’s Steak and Claw House features “an extensive wine list, full bar, and mid-week happy hour that locals and visitors love.” (Speaking from experience,the bartenders make a mean Tito’s dirty martini.) With its dim lighting, white tablecloths, and candlelit tables, it’s fancy without pretense and suitable for date night and business dinners alike.
For some of the best craft beer in the Dallas-Fort Worth region, check out Hop & Sting Brewing Co. Snag a seat on the spacious umbrella-covered patio or step up to the wood-paneled inside bar to start working your way through the options on draft. Seek out whatever seasonal creation they have on tap (the spiced/herbed Christmas Cookie Ale is delicious this time of year). Much like at the wineries in town, you can create your own flight and try a few options before settling on the perfect pint. The Fire Engine Red, an American Red Ale, is a perennial hit.
Fill up on French, Texan, and Other Top Fare
If you’re drinking—or not—you’re going to need to eat. From laidback burger joints to candlelit bistros with chef-driven fare, you’ll find a vast array of food options in Grapevine to fit any budget or craving.
Chez Fabien Bistro must be doing something right because three of our Grapevine insiders selected the cozy brick-clad spot as the best place to eat in town. “Don’t miss out on ordering the traditional French onion soup or the duck confit,” Wales says.
Wilson recommends the escargot, which she says the restaurant prepares perfectly. Swimming in garlic herb butter, the snails are served in a cast iron dish topped with delicate puff pastry and grilled baguette slices to soak up all the flavors.
Bonariggo loves the bistro for its “eclectic interior and unexpected culinary moments that make this standout as our go-to option,” she says. “Their truffle fries are dreamy, and their wine list features high-end Champagne all the way through local wines from wineries that are steps away on Main Street.”
For baked goods, Bonariggo’s go-to is Fabien’s sister establishment, Main Street Bistro & Bakery. The counter-serve spot is a favorite for brunch staples like French toast, eggs Benedict, and a killer almond croissant.
For dinner, Spears suggests Mac’s on Main. The “refined-yet-comfortable steakhouse captures the essence of Grapevine,” he says. “Upscale without pretension. The atmosphere is warm and timeless, and the service is genuinely Texan. The filet mignon and lobster bisque are must-haves, but the wine list, featuring several Texas producers, ties the experience together beautifully.”
Other can’t-miss favorites include Winewood Grill for a lively brunch (start with the Texas-sized cinnamon roll), Mi Dia From Scratch for quesadillas de huitlacoche, and Old West Cafe for nine different types of flapjacks during breakfast or a crispy chicken fried steak at lunch.
Explore Art, History, and More
Over the past few decades, Grapevine has become a reliable entertainment destination, with activity-packed resorts, seasonal festivals, and one-of-a-kind attractions.
Start with the Grapevine Observation Tower, 150 feet above Hotel Vin. Visitors can book a self-guided tour that includes a stop at the tower for only $3. It “overlooks the entire city of Grapevine and other areas in DFW,” says Wilson.
Then consider visiting Grapevine Vintage Railroad, which was a top suggestion from Wilson, Bonarrigo, and Spears. The train features 1920s-era luxury coaches with bench-style seating for two on either side of the aisle, some facing each other to create a lounge-like effect, ideal for socializing among groups of friends.
“The rhythmic chug of the engine, the echo of the whistle, and the vintage details that fill each car create an experience that’s nostalgic, cinematic, and entirely unique,” Spears says. “Throughout the year, the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau hosts a variety of themed excursions aboard the train, from wine and beer tastings to festive holiday and seasonal themed-rides.”
Bonariggo has equal enthusiasm for the Palace Theatre, a revived 1940s theater on Main Street, which always has a packed schedule of classic movies. Catch films like Casablanca, It’s a Wonderful Life, and even the occasional appearance by an Elvis impersonator for one of the theater’s live shows. “It still captures the heart and small-town feel of Grapevine’s Main Street,” she says. “It’s a piece of history, a beautifully restored Art Deco-style theater, and even has balcony seating.”
Newer on the Grapevine scene within the last couple of years, Meow Wolf Grapevine: The Real Unreal represents the first Texas outpost of the immersive art experience that began in Santa Fe. It earns the highest praise from Wales.
“It’s one of the most unique places that I have ever visited,” he says. “Each room/location can be viewed or interpreted differently by people. There is so much to take in that it could take hours to explore.”
Art enthusiasts have plenty of options throughout town, too, but Giddens Fine Art Gallery earns Spears’s seal of approval. One-of-a-kind pieces range in price from under $200 up to several thousand, appealing to collectors with a variety of budgets. It’s a must-visit for those who appreciate creativity and culture, says Spears: “The gallery showcases a vibrant mix of local and regional artists, each offering a distinct perspective that reflects the heart and soul of Texas.”
Nash Farm gets a nod from Spears, too. Located less than a mile from Historic Main Street, the farm offers a glimpse into the past through organized tours, participating in a heritage workshop to learn a bygone skill, or attending a barn dance or one of the many other public events throughout the year.
“Nash Farm is a preserved 19th-century homestead that brings Grapevine’s agricultural roots to life. It’s peaceful, educational, and feels like a step back in time,” he says. “It’s a beautiful contrast to the bustle of downtown. Great for families, history buffs, and anyone who appreciates how the city’s past connects to its present.”
For a broader overview of town, consider booking a spot on the Grapevine Foodie & Winery Tour. These group tours always include at least one tasting room stop for a full glass of Texas wine, as well as stops for smoked barbecue, Tex-Mex favorites, and hidden gems. The tastings are substantial enough to equal a full meal by the time the tour’s complete.
Another great option is GrapeFest, the four-day event that takes place every September. It’s the largest wine festival in the southwest and is celebrating its 40th anniversary next year . “They started with only five wineries and now they have over 200,000 people attend, great vendors, great food, great live music,” says Wilson.
Bonariggo agrees, calling it “a wine lover’s paradise!”
Where to Sleep
To best experience everything this Texas wine haven has to offer, plan to stay a few nights. The city boasts a wide array of accommodation options from boutique hotels and massive resorts to popular chains.
One of the most popular picks is the elegant Hotel Vin, Grapevine. With only 120 rooms and suites, it’s a true boutique experience, highlighted by a top-notch wine program and multiple food and beverage venues. “Hotel Vin is Grapevine’s crown jewel of hospitality, a luxury boutique hotel just steps from Main Street and the train station,” Spears says.
For families who want to keep their kids occupied, Great Wolf Lodge is the spot. It has a gargantuan indoor water park along with other activities guaranteed to wear them out, any time of year. Each family suite offers plenty of room for kids and parents, while themed suites replicate mountain cabin and camping experiences, some with bunk beds and tent-themed sleeping areas.
Meanwhile, Wales recommends the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center. This massive resort is situated under a giant glass dome, creating the illusion of outdoor spaces through parks, pathways, and water features, while benefiting from year-round climate control.
“The Gaylord is a city within a resort,” he says. “There is something for everyone, from multiple restaurants and bars to a water park, full-service spa, and their winter attractions like ICE!”—the annual holiday-themed ice sculpture exhibit, which features characters from the movie Elf this year.
More Texas Travel Coverage
- Drinking in Dallas? Check out these pro-loved bars.
- These Houston bars are also top-notch.
- These are the best wineries (and more) to visit across Texas right now.
- We’ve also rounded up 13 essential bars in San Antonio, according to industry pros.
- And did you know the remote arts mecca, Marfa, is Texas’s latest wine destination?
In the Shop
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