Perfectly positioned between Dallas and Fort Worth—and just minutes from DFW Airport—Grapevine feels like a world apart. 

While travelers often pass by en route to somewhere else, those who stop discover a charming town with a strong sense of place. Historic Main Street is lined with adorable shops and inviting restaurants, including longtime favorites like Tolbert’s, while the surrounding vintage residential neighborhoods add to the authentic small-town feel.

Hotel Vin: Where Texas Wine Culture Takes Center Stage

In the heart of Grapevine sits Hotel Vin, now in its sixth year and part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. The 120-room property—set to expand in 2027—has quickly become a cornerstone of Grapevine’s hospitality scene.

Located in what’s affectionately known as the Christmas Capital of Texas, the hotel fully embraces the season with festive interior décor each winter. Yet wine is the true throughline here, woven into nearly every detail. Hotel Vin celebrates Grapevine’s historic role in launching the Texas wine industry, offering wine-themed events throughout the year, including a “Rosé Soirée” in May. Even the guest rooms carry the theme, complete with hardback wine books that invite you to linger a little longer.

Just off the lobby, Bacchus Kitchen + Bar draws both locals and hotel guests with its seasonally rotating menu and lively central bar. After arriving late one evening, we opted for the classic burger and fries—simple, satisfying, and exactly what we needed. The bar itself is a destination, often filled with locals, which is always a good sign.

Behind Bacchus, the Wine Yard offers live music seasonally with the Grapevine Vintage Railroad as a nostalgic backdrop. During the winter months, this space transforms into a magical experience featuring nine private “winter bubbles” from mid-November through Valentine’s Day. Each 90-minute reservation includes cheese fondue for four to five guests and champagne, all beautifully illuminated with holiday lights.

Magnum is the perfect spot for a date night, feeling cool but intimate. Video Marika Flatt.

For those who enjoy a hidden gem, Hotel Vin offers Magnum, a one-room speakeasy tucked off a main hallway. Guests are greeted by a recorded message from Clint Eastwood explaining how to proceed—reservations required. The prohibition-style setting feels intimate, and I can confidently say the dirty martini earns a solid five-star rating. Reservations are available Thursday through Saturday via OpenTable.

Cave Society offers memberships for $200 a month. Video Marika Flatt.

Another standout experience lies below the hotel in Cave Society, a speakeasy-style wine lounge where members can purchase personal lockers to store up to 12 bottles. Members receive a 50% discount on bottles and access to what I like to call “wine vending machines,” allowing guests to sample one-, two-, or three-ounce pours of high-end wines.

One of the most educational and memorable experiences was the guided glass tasting. Led by a knowledgeable sommelier, we tasted the same wine in different glass shapes—Chardonnay, Cabernet, and Pinot Noir—and the difference was undeniable. After enjoying wine for more than 30 years, I still found this experience fascinating. Learning how aroma, bouquet, and taste shift depending on the glass was truly eye-opening.

Even more to explore…

Hotel Vin sits between a public parking garage and Harvest Hall, a city-owned food hall featuring eight kitchens in a modern food-court format. Inside, Third Rail hosts live music and seasonal themes, including Thursday-night karaoke—complete with a live band!

On the fourth floor, Rioja Rooftop comes alive on Friday and Saturday nights as a DJ spins music in front of a large video screen, offering a lively contrast to Grapevine’s historic charm.

Thoughtful touches extend beyond food and wine. Hotel Vin partners with Riedel Glass to enhance the wine-drinking experience utilizing their crystal glasses, and valet service is streamlined through a text-based system that makes retrieving your car incredibly easy. Customer service throughout the hotel was outstanding, making Hotel Vin a phenomenal place to stay in the heart of Grapevine.

The Elmore Hotel, Southlake: A Newcomer with Old-Soul Hospitality

Just a short drive away, The Elmore Hotel opened in October 2025, already a welcome addition to the area. Inspired by the elm trees surrounding the property, the hotel incorporates nature-forward design elements throughout, creating an atmosphere rooted in relaxation.

The lobby restaurant and bar, Sagewind, features live music on weekends and walls decorated with wildlife photography sourced from a local art gallery. The space feels warm, inviting, and thoughtfully curated.

Chef Brandon Williams delivered an impressive dinner experience that included brisket and lobster cones, arancini with a burst of vodka sauce, best-selling chicken lollipops, grilled chicken pesto malfadine, brisket tostadas, harissa truffle fries, and a burger he confidently calls “the best in the area.” We paired the meal with a Davis Bynum River West Vineyard Chardonnay, which complemented the menu beautifully.

Breakfast was equally enjoyable, featuring avocado toast with avocado purée, a bowl of fresh berries, and expertly prepared cappuccinos and lattes.

Social Outlaw was the perfect combination of western style with classic drinks. Video Marika Flatt.

Just across the hall from Sagewind is Social Outlaw, a one-room speakeasy styled with an Old West theme. A bartender dressed as a vintage barkeep crafts everything from a creative cocktail to a perfectly poured Pinot Noir or a classic martini.

The Elmore impressed us with its spacious, comfortable rooms and the genuinely kind people who bring the hotel to life. Its proximity to Grapevine and quick drive to DFW Airport make it a compelling option for travelers seeking a refined yet relaxed stay.

Final Sip

From wine-focused indulgence at Hotel Vin to the calming, nature-inspired hospitality of The Elmore, Grapevine and Southlake offer travelers a rich blend of charm, flavor, and thoughtful experiences. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best destinations are the ones hiding in plain sight—right between where you’re coming from and where you’re headed.

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Cover Photo Hotel Vin

Marika Flatt, Outstanding Austin Communicator 2021, is the Travel Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She began her travel writing career in 2002, and can be seen as a contributor on TV shows across Texas, such as Great Day Houston, San Antonio Living, Spectrum News product showcase and Spectrum News Travel (airs statewide), Good Morning Texas, KVUE, Daytime (airs statewide), and Studio 512! Marika spent five years as the voice of the “Weekend Trip Tip” on NPR’s Texas Standard pre-Covid. Follow Marika on Instagram.