DFW Tasting Trails: Beer, Wine & Spirits You Must Sample
The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex boasts over 75 diverse craft beverage destinations worth exploring. You'll find walkable wine adventures in Grapevine, aviation-themed tastings at Hidden Hangar Winery, and Fort Worth's beer-focused Ale Trail.
Don't miss Strangeways’ deep craft-beer list with barrel-aged specialties on tap or Acre Distilling's unique spirits-and-coffee combination. Plan your visit around seasonal festivals like GrapeFest in September or the Dallas Arboretum Food & Wine Festival in March. The perfect pairing awaits below.
The Urban Wine Trail: Grapevine's Walkable Wine Adventure
Wine enthusiasts rejoice! Nestled in Historic Grapevine, Texas, the Urban Wine Trail offers an accessible tasting adventure with numerous wineries within walking distance. You'll discover everything from crisp whites to bold reds highlighting Texas terroir.
Bull Lion Winery provides dog-friendly experiences with its climate-controlled patio, while Cross Timbers Winery's historic 1874 farmhouse setting creates the perfect backdrop for family-friendly activities amid oak trees. Bingham Family Vineyards offers a unique experience in a historic farmhouse that gives a castle-like impression. Don't miss Grape Vine Springs' 30+ wine varieties or Messina Hof's award-winning selection in their tasting room inspired by the historic Wallis Hotel replica.
Year-round events like the Spring Wine Trail and September's GrapeFest complement daily tastings. Most locations offer food pairings from charcuterie to specialty dips, creating a complete experience that blends seamlessly with Main Street's shopping and dining options.
Landon Winery: McKinney's Multi-Location Tasting Experience
While Grapevine offers walkable wine experiences, Landon Winery has developed a regional footprint across North Texas that started with its flagship location in historic downtown McKinney. Since 2005, they've expanded to multiple locations across the region, including newer spots in Grapevine and Denison.
You'll find over 30 different wines to sample, including their award-winning Tempranillo and popular red blends that have received recognition in Texas wine competitions. The Tuscan-inspired McKinney location offers both indoor and outdoor seating with live music on weekends. Visitors can pair their wines with delicious cheeseboards and snacks while enjoying the atmosphere.
Can't visit in person? Join their virtual tasting events held on select Saturdays, where you can sample their wines from home. Their locations typically operate from noon until 9 PM Sunday through Thursday, with extended hours until 11 PM on weekends, though individual tasting rooms may vary slightly by day.
Fort Worth Ale Trail: A Beer Lover's Journey Through Cowtown
For beer enthusiasts seeking an extensive tasting experience, Fort Worth's Ale Trail offers an impressive journey through Cowtown's thriving craft beer scene. With around 13 participating breweries, you'll collect memories (and often digital check-ins or stamps) in your Ale Trail Passport while exploring establishments ranging from local nano operations to nationally recognized producers.
Don't miss Wild Acre's spacious, air-conditioned restaurant and beer garden or HopFusion Ale Works' award-winning Coco Añejo coconut milk stout. Panther Island Brewing showcases local ingredient sourcing in their award-winning Allergeez American wheat ale brewed with honey, chamomile, and rose hips. Collecting stamps or check-ins across several breweries makes a great keepsake of your Ale Trail adventure, even when formal prize programs change over time.
Plan your route using online interactive maps, and consider rideshare options when visiting multiple locations. Many breweries offer educational tours, food options, and special events like trivia nights to enhance your experience beyond just sampling their exceptional craft beers.
Hidden Hangar Winery: Aviation Meets Winemaking in Denison
From foamy pints in Fort Worth to vineyard vistas in Denison, North Texas offers diverse libation experiences for every palate. When visiting Denison, you'll discover Hidden Hangar Winery's fascinating blend of aviation heritage and viticulture.
This unique destination began as a 1920s barnstorming hub before transforming into a vineyard decades later. Formerly known as Gray Field municipal, the airport trained pilots and served as a fuel stop between major cities from 1928 through the 1950s.
Today, the property is home to vineyards that have produced award-winning varietals like a Double-Gold Cabernet Franc, with aviation-themed labels such as "Riveter Rosie" and "Barnstormer."
In addition to its winemaking legacy, Hidden Hangar now emphasizes regenerative farming practices, sustainable livestock production, and diversified agriculture without synthetic inputs. The property's 11-acre lake and rolling pastures continue to showcase North Texas's agricultural potential while honoring its unique aviation past.
Strangeways: Dallas's Home of Barrel-Aged Specialties
Tucked away on Fitzhugh Avenue in East Dallas, Strangeways offers you a rare glimpse into the world of barrel-aged craft beer excellence. Since 2011, this family-run craft beer bar has evolved from a neighborhood hangout into a nationally recognized destination, making Draft Magazine's Top 100 Beer Bars list for multiple years.
The bar's deep family roots shine through authentic homemade tamales and other dishes prepared from treasured family recipes. Their commitment to community turned a once-troubled location into a beloved gathering spot that locals sometimes call the "Old Monk of the underdog." Founded by siblings Eric Sanchez and Rocio Ildemaro, the pub quickly established itself as a favorite among craft beer enthusiasts.
Don't miss their legendary barrel-focused tap takeovers and sour-themed events, where dozens of taps can feature specialty brews that draw enthusiasts from across DFW seeking rare and obscure craft beer experiences.
Acre Distilling: Where Spirits Meet Coffee in Fort Worth
While downtown Fort Worth buzzes with modern energy, Acre Distilling stands as a cultural bridge between past and present at 1309 Calhoun Street. Founded in 2015, this nearly century-old building sits at the edge of what was once Hell's Half Acre—a notorious red-light district on the Western frontier.
You'll experience a seamless blend of coffee culture and spirits in this uniquely retrofitted space. Sip their Texas Single Malt Whisky made from Texas barley or explore coffee-infused cocktails at the tasting bar. Guests consistently praise the Acre Tour & Tasting for its lineup of house-made spirits and engaging storytelling about Fort Worth history.
The distillery honors Fort Worth's outlaw heritage through drinks named after infamous characters like "Longhair Jim" Courtright and Butch Cassidy. Pre-booked tours walk you through the production process and illuminate the notorious past of this former Chisholm Trail watering hole.
Seasonal Wine & Beer Festivals Worth Planning For
DFW's vibrant celebration of craft beverages reaches its peak during the region's seasonal festivals, where you'll find the perfect opportunity to sample hundreds of local and regional drinks in festive settings.
Mark your 2025 calendar for signature spring wine festivals, including the Dallas Arboretum Food & Wine Festival on March 27, featuring over 125 wines and dozens of culinary creations. Don't miss the Big Texas Beer Fest on April 12, celebrating its 13th year with 300+ craft beverages and 65+ breweries at the Fair Park Automobile Building.
For German-Texan heritage beer celebrations, Maifest events in early May bring traditional music, seasonal brews, and Old World food to Texas communities.
- VIP tickets often provide exclusive early access at several festivals
- Texas Hill Country and regional festivals showcase dozens of Texas wineries in picturesque settings
- The Red River Wine & Beer Festival supports local charities while offering Texas-wide tastings
Specialty Pairings: Texas Wines With Local Artisanal Foods
Texas wines have emerged as perfect companions to the region's flourishing artisanal food scene, creating exceptional taste experiences that highlight local agriculture. When exploring DFW wineries, you'll discover Tempranillo's rich profile pairing beautifully with smoked sausages, while hybrid and heritage varieties like Black Spanish stand up well to spicy artisan meats.
For memorable wine and cheese pairings, try Landon Winery's smooth reds with aged manchego or Eden Hill's crisp Albariño with fresh chèvre or Gulf seafood. The Texas Hill Country's limestone-influenced wines provide structure that balances charcuterie boards, while North Texas's fruit-forward selections enhance local artisanal food pairings.
Don't miss High Plains reds with smoked meats or East Texas producers like Kiepersol for estate red blends that shine alongside Texas barbecue—these regional combinations showcase the distinctive character of both Texas wines and local culinary craftsmanship.
Guided Tours: The Best Way to Experience DFW's Craft Beverage Scene
Exploring the rich tapestry of DFW's craft beverage scene becomes effortless and educational through guided tours that combine transportation, tastings, and expert commentary. From the Fort Worth Ale Trail's diverse breweries to specialized BBQ-and-brew pairings, you'll discover local flavors without worrying about logistics or a designated driver.
Safety meets variety – sample craft beers or wines across multiple venues without driving concerns.
Expert-led experiences – local guides share brewing processes, winemaking insights, and DFW's beverage history during curated outings.
Customizable adventures – choose from public tours that often start around $45–$100 per person, or private options perfect for birthdays and corporate events.
Whether you're exploring Southside Fort Worth, Dallas’ brewery districts, or historic saloons, these tours connect you with makers while showcasing DFW's vibrant beverage culture. Many brewery and winery tours run for 3–5 hours and offer flexible pickup locations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
