Houston does not have a wine country like other cities. But within a reasonable drive, there are genuinely good wineries. Texas wine has improved a lot in the past decade and many producers near Houston are making wine that would surprise anyone who has not tried them.
The real problem with a winery day trip is not finding the wineries. It is the driving. You visit multiple wineries and enjoy wine tasting at each stop, but someone in the group has to drive and cannot fully enjoy the experience. The whole purpose of a wine tour is to relax and enjoy the tastings, and if one person has to remain the designated driver, the whole experience is compromised.
A chauffeured day trip solves that completely. Your driver handles all navigation stress for you so that you can enjoy the trip in Houston. This guide covers the best wineries near Houston, how far each one is and how to travel together to these wineries.
Why Texas Wine Near Houston Deserves Your Attention
Texas is the fifth largest wine producing state in the United States. Many people are surprised to hear that because California, Washington and Oregon are more well known for wine. But Texas has built a strong wine industry over the years. There are several wineries within driving distance of Houston, TX where you can enjoy local wines and experience unique wines.
Many grape varieties grow best in this climate. Tempranillo thrives in the Texas heat and produces some of the most interesting red wines in the state. Viognier does well and produces aromatic whites. Blanc du Bois is a hybrid variety specifically developed for the hot and humid Gulf Coast climate and produces fresh and lively whites that you cannot find anywhere else.
Bernhardt Winery
Bernhardt Winery is located in Plantersville, TX approximately 60 miles northwest of Houston. The drive takes about an hour from central Houston under normal traffic conditions. It is one of the most accessible full vineyard and winery experiences available for a day trip.
This winery has been operating since 2005 and produces a wide range of wines from Texas-grown grapes. The winery has a peaceful atmosphere with outdoor seating where visitors can relax and enjoy the countryside. On weekends, there is often live music, which makes it a great place to spend more time to stay and enjoy rather than rushing between stops.
Bernhardt produces both red and white wines with consistent quality. The Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Blanc du Bois are mostly liked by visitors. The tasting room staff are knowledgeable and take time with each visitor.
- Location: Plantersville, TX
- Distance from Houston: Approximately 60 miles
- Drive time: About 60 to 75 minutes from central Houston
- Best for: Full vineyard setting, outdoor seating, live music weekends
- Standout wines: Tempranillo, Blanc du Bois, Cabernet Sauvignon
Messina Hof Harvest Green
Messina Hof is one of the most recognized names in Texas wine. The original Messina Hof winery is located in Bryan, TX near College Station, approximately two hours from Houston. But the Harvest Green location in Richmond, TX brings Messina Hof closer to the city.
The Messina Hof Harvest Green sits within the Harvest Green master planned community in Richmond, TX in Fort Bend County, TX. This is a best option for a wine experience that does not require a long drive into the countryside. The tasting room setting is modern and the wine quality shows Messina Hof’s decades of Texas winemaking experience.
Messina Hof produces a wide range of wines. Their flagship Angel Late Harvest Riesling is one of the most recognized Texas wines nationally. The red wine variety includes Tempranillo and their Bordeaux-style blends show the range of what Texas can produce at its best.
- Location: Richmond, TX
- Distance from Houston: Approximately 30 to 35 miles southwest
- Drive time: About 35 to 50 minutes from central Houston
- Best for: Premium Texas wine, convenient location, polished tasting room
- Standout wines: Angel Late Harvest Riesling, Tempranillo, Bordeaux blends
Haak Vineyards and Winery
Haak Vineyards sits in Santa Fe, TX, approximately 36 miles southwest of Houston near the Gulf Coast. It is one of the few wineries in the county that produces wines specifically adapted to the hot and humid Gulf Coast climate.
This winery is known for its Madeira-style fortified wines, which are produced using a solera aging process similar to traditional Portuguese Madeira production. These wines are distinctive and not something you find commonly at Texas wineries. For wine enthusiasts who want to try something they cannot get anywhere else, Haak’s Fortified wine program is a must-visit point.
This vineyard has beautiful grounds with water features and outdoor areas that make it a pleasant place to spend time.
- Location: Santa Fe, TX
- Distance from Houston: Approximately 35 miles south
- Drive time: About 40 to 55 minutes from central Houston
- Best for: Unique Gulf Coast wines, Madeira-style fortified wines, beautiful grounds
- Standout wines: Madeira-style fortified wines, Blanc du Bois, Lenoir
Cork This! Winery
Cork This! is a smaller winery located in the greater Houston area. It has developed a loyal following among local wine enthusiasts. It is the perfect choice for groups that want a casual and fun tasting experience without the formality of larger winery operations. It is the kind of place where a group can relax, take their time and enjoy the tasting experience rather than feeling rushed through a procedure.
Distance and Drive Time Table
| Winery | Location | Distance from Houston | Drive Time Off-Peak |
| Messina Hof Harvest Green | Richmond, TX | 30 to 35 miles | 35 to 50 minutes |
| Haak Vineyards | Santa Fe, TX | 35 miles | 40 to 55 minutes |
| Bernhardt Winery | Plantersville, TX | 60 miles | 60 to 75 minutes |
| Messina Hof Bryan | Bryan, TX | 100 miles | 95 to 115 minutes |
What a Houston Winery Day Trip by Limo Costs
Wine tour pricing from Houston, TX is based on hourly rates.
| Vehicle | Hourly Rate | 6-Hour Half Day | 9-Hour Full Day | Per Person (6 people, full day) |
| Luxury SUV | $110 to $160 | $660 to $960 | $990 to $1,440 | $165 to $240 |
| Executive Sedan | $85 to $120 | $510 to $720 | $765 to $1,080 | $128 to $180 |
| Executive Sprinter | $150 to $220 | $900 to $1,320 | $1,350 to $1,980 | $225 to $330 |
Book Your Houston Winery Day Trip With AA Limousine and Sedan
All American Limousine and Sedan Service provides professional chauffeured wine tour service from Houston, TX and surrounding communities across Harris County, TX and Fort Bend County, TX. We offer luxury SUVs, executive sedans, Sprinter vans and stretch limousines for winery tours. Our chauffeurs plan routes for your trip and handle all logistical problems so you and your group can enjoy the trip. Contact our team today to book your Houston winery day trip and get a custom quote for your group size and itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far are wineries from Houston?
The closest wineries to Houston are approximately 30 to 35 miles away. Messina Hof Harvest Green in Richmond, TX and Haak Vineyards in Santa Fe, TX are both within 40 miles. Bernhardt Winery in Plantersville, TX is about 60 miles northwest.
Do wineries near Houston require reservations?
Many do for groups of six or more, especially on weekends. Always check the specific winery’s reservation policy before your trip.
What is the best time of year to visit wineries near Houston?
Spring from March through May and fall from September through November are the best times to visit wineries because temperatures are better at this time.
Can we bring wine home in the limo?
Yes. But let your car service know in advance if you plan to purchase bottles so they can confirm cargo space. Most vehicles have plenty of room for many cases along with passenger luggage.
