Flavors of Fall: Sip ‘til You Drop in DFW

by Taheera Washington on November 8, 2023 in Food+Drink,
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The colors of the leaves are finally changing, and we can all let out a sigh of relief that the sizzling summer of 2023 is behind us. Consider this permission to put down those bubbly Hard Ciders! There are plenty of unique spots to get your sip on across all 9,286 square miles of the  Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex! Proceed with caution; you’re definitely going to embark on many long drives, with or without the toll, so make sure you have a designated driver.

 

CaveSociety

Descend from Hotel Vin to CaveSociety’s den for an intimate wine experience! Photo Courtesy Hotel Vin, Autograph Collection.

Mix together Southern hospitality with a trendy vibe, and you’ll get Hotel Vin’s CaveSociety! Hotel Vin is located in an ideal area of the historic city of Grapevine, with the DFW Airport not too far away. Whether you are looking for an out-of-the-box staycation or monumental vacation, Hotel Vin prides itself on providing an unique experience every time.

Before you make it to the CaveSociety, you have to check out all of the attractions located inside the hotel: Harvest Hall for the ultimate foodie experience, Magnum Speakeasy to chill out for the night, Rioja Rooftop Terrace to kick off your weekend with a live DJ, Bacchus Kitchen + Bar for an amazing dining experience, and so much more! 

You can make a reservation to try out the wines on tap via OpenTable, if you are not already staying at Hotel Vin. Photo Courtesy Hotel Vin, Autograph Collection.

However, the CaveSociety is for the true wine lovers! CaveSociety is for those who share a passion for taking their taste buds on an adventure, with an exclusive wine list that ventures across the world. If you are dedicated to the cause, then you will need an access card.

You can purchase an access card in three tiers that unlock high class benefits and experiences you wouldn’t be able to find anywhere else in the area:

  • Reserve: $500 per Person Daily
  • Vintner: $1,500 
  • Founder: $2,500 
You can explore your newly-found favorite red or white wines 3-10 p.m. from Wednesday through Sunday (Friday and Saturday until midnight). Photo Courtesy Hotel Vin, Autograph Collection.

 Depending on your tier level, you can receive complimentary valet, a complimentary one-night stay at Hotel Vin, special invites to CaveSociety-only events, and much more. Regardless of your tier, you will have access to a special cave with wine on tap, ranging from reds to whites. 

This is the perfect spot to bring your partner or small group for a more intimate and relaxed wine night, perfectly suited to make you feel like a king or queen. Curious on how it looks? Check out our Instagram Reel for an exclusive sneak peek of the CaveSociety! 

Messina Hof Grapevine Winery

Known as the “First Family of Texas Wine”, Paul Vincent and Merrill Bonarrigo founded this family empire in 1977. Photo Courtesy Messina Hof Winery.

 Look no further than Messina Hof Winery for a great representation of what the Lone Star State has to offer to the wine community! Founded in 1977, this family-owned winery is now a star-studded winery with high accolades, like the largest producer of Texas wine and the most award-winning winery. They have four wineries in Harvest Green, Bryan, Hill Country, and Grapevine; we visited the one in Grapevine for a gorgeous merge of tradition and trendiness.

Try a wine that you like? You can purchase wines either in the facility or online at your convenience. Photo Courtesy Messina Hof Winery.

Seated in the heart of downtown Grapevine, Messina Hof provides over 40 different wines and even wine on tap, so there is definitely a wine for even the pickiest of taste buds! If you prefer to have something sweet with your wine, you should try the Papa Paulo Port for a sweeter red wine experience. Want a white wine? Try the Private Reserve Trebbiano for a mixture of honey and tropical fruits!

Messina Hof Winery specializes in making every event memorable, from being a prime wedding venue spot or the first choice for your private party. Photo Courtesy Messina Hof Winery.

You don’t have to come taste wines for a special occasion, but if you do, they have tasting rooms perfect for Bachelorette or Bachelor parties, corporate events, and whatever private party you want to host. This isn’t a premium location for nothing, as you could walk off the wine and shop at vintage shops, enjoy live music, and plenty of events in the heart of Grapevine!

TX Whiskey Ranch

Leonard Firestone and Troy Robertson are the founders behind TX Whiskey Ranch, one of the first bourbon and whiskey distilleries in North Texas. Photo Courtesy TX Whiskey.

Not a fan of wine? Whiskey will keep you warm this Fall! Travel further out to Fort Worth’s TX Whiskey Ranch! Owned by Firestone & Robertson Distilling Co., TX Whiskey Ranch is definitely a “Whiskey Wonderland”, full of vibrant events, tasting opportunities, and 112 acres of a modern distillery exterior with a ranch-style feel overlooking downtown Fort Worth.

Proudly known as the largest whiskey distillery west of Mississippi, you can schedule your tour of the delightful grounds, with a special taste of award-winning TX Whiskey and Bourbon for you to try straight from the barrel or in a cocktail.

TX Whiskey Ranch spans over 112 acres, and even provides a gorgeous view of downtown Fort Worth. Photo Courtesy TX Whiskey.

Even if you have never tried whiskey before, you will be appreciative of these whiskey blends to either broaden your horizons or warm you up during your visit! A stand-out would obviously be the TX Blended Whiskey, which combines sweetness in the fruitiness of pear and smoothness of honey and vanilla.

From Friday Festivities to Sippin’ Saturdays, there is always something happening at TX Whiskey Ranch! Check out their website for specialized events, especially for the pending holiday season. 

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 Cover Photo Courtesy Messina Hof Winery

Taheera Washington is a contributor to Texas Lifestyle Magazine, with a degree in Writing & Rhetoric and Digital Marketing from St. Edward’s University. Washington is also currently the Lifestyle Coordinator at Overture Plano in Dallas, TX. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her loved ones, shopping until she drops, and reading the latest books.