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| Photo: Samantha Lamb |
Vineyards and wineries have sprung up all over Oklahoma due to the favorable weather and soil conditions, which produce wonderful grape harvests. Central Oklahoma, in particular, is home to a large number of popular wineries, so we dedicated an entire tour to scoping out some great places to relax and enjoy a glass of vino.
Tres Suenos Vineyard and Winery
Our first stop for this winery tour was Tres Suenos Vineyard and Winery in Luther, just northeast of the Oklahoma City metro area. As you pull through the gate and onto the property you are greeted by beautiful vines winding around tightly stretched wire making them appear to float. Nestled in a tall gathering of pine trees directly in front of you is the wine tasting room and gathering hall.
Stepping through the front doors you catch a glimpse straight through the back doors and into a picture-perfect setting for a wedding or just a relaxing getaway with friends. Pine trees create a canopy above your head, and the lights that are strung from tree to tree make for a fairy tale scene. Sit on the balcony of the tasting room building, picnic under the pines, or enjoy a view over the vineyards on the opposite side of the building.
Tres Suenos offers a varied list of wines ranging from dry to sweet and they can accommodate any palate delightfully. This winery and vineyard comes highly recommended by our staff.
Tidal School Winery
From Luther, we headed northeast to Drumright for a visit to Tidal School Winery. The historic school building that Tidal School Winery calls home is a beautiful red brick building originally built in the early 1920s during Oklahoma’s early oil boom days. The school has been saved from the ravages of time and is now well loved by the people who visit her. The tasting bar has a nostalgic flair and only makes the wines you sample that much more pleasing. The basement is filled with kegs containing all the white, red and blush varieties of wine made on the premises.
The winery sports a large deck that is raised above the grapevines to create a spectacular view at sunset. By calling ahead you can order lunch and have it served to you on the patio while you enjoy a sweet glass of luscious wine. We enjoyed our lunch here and I highly recommend the experience. Tidal School frequently hosts special events including live music on the patio and even dinner theatre.
StableRidge Vineyards and Winery
StableRidge Vineyards and Winery, on historic Route 66 in Stroud, was our third winery stop for the day. The tasting room and gift shop are located inside a quaint wooden structure that was built in 1898 to serve as the town’s Catholic church.
Greenfield has put a unique twist on the tasting room by locating it on the second floor, with a fabulous balcony that we never wanted to leave.
Jerimiah’s Red is just one of the many delicious wines StableRidge is known for in Oklahoma and on Route 66. Wine tastings are served with cheesecake to bring out the flavor of the wine. Tours of the vineyard and wine-making facility are available with advance notice. StableRidge is truly one of Oklahoma’s best kept secrets.
Territory Cellars
Also located in Stroud, just a short hop off Route 66 on Highway 99, Territory Cellars welcomed us for yet another tasting. The grand room was beautiful with a large stone fireplace that made me just want to snuggle into the comfy couches with a glass of their wine on a cold day and stay awhile.
We lined up along the bar and around bistro tables in the tasting room and enjoyed a tasting of Territory Cellars wines and delightful goodies prepared by their chef. Chef Raquel is a culinary artist capable of creating food that will make you melt. When you visit Territory Cellars, there are a variety of ways for your inner wine connoisseur to enjoy the experience - sit inside in the cozy grand room or tasting room, kick it on the back deck, or relax at tables on the covered front deck.
Greenfield Vineyard and Winery
Our last stop of the day was at Greenfield Vineyards and Winery in the countryside near Chandler. Greenfield is a winery far from everything except peace and quiet. I instantly fell in love with Greenfield and its stunning surroundings. Set on a hill overlooking the neatly spaced rows of the vineyard, the large, white winery building is very welcoming. A large pond creates the perfect scenic addition to this little slice of heaven. Greenfield has put a unique twist on the tasting room by locating it on the second floor, with a fabulous balcony that we never wanted to leave.
Alas, we had to pry ourselves away from the peaceful haven of Greenfield’s balcony and head home. But this tour certainly gave us all a vast appreciation for Oklahoma’s burgeoning cottage winery industry. In addition to these fine establishments, there are many more fantastic wineries in Oklahoma waiting to offer you a tasting and tour, and maybe even a chance to enjoy live music or other events along with your wine.
