Perhaps the biggest event of the season in
Grapevine, Texas is
Grapefest. Known for its wine-tasting rooms, Grapefest provides that extra impetus to break your routine and make it out to Grapevine for the best in Texas wines.
Named for the wild Mustang grapes that blanketed the land when settlers first arrived to the area in 1844, the City of Grapevine is an internationally recognized leader and trendsetter in the wine industry. The history of winemaking in Texas stems from the 1600’s when Spanish missionaries began growing grapes near present day El Paso. The annual Grapefest celebrates this rich history and showcases historic Grapevine to affirm the state’s position as a destination for all wine connoisseurs.
In recent years, the number of wineries in Texas blossomed from 46 in 2001 to 181 in 2009. That same time period saw the addition of a million gallons of wine culminating in 2.4 million gallons of production in 2009. In that same period, estimated economic impact has gone from millions of dollars to more than a billion dollars.
Lasting for four days from September 16 to 19, the event actually starts a week before with a wine auction. The GrapeFest Vintners’ Auction Classic takes place on September 11 at the Grapevine Convention Center. The lavish auction will feature rare and collectible wines, domestic travel packages, antiques and incredible works of art. Proceeds benefit the benefit the Grapevine Heritage Foundation and the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association.
During GrapeFest, the People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic showcases some of Texas’ finest wines in the largest consumer-judged wine competition in the nation. Texas is the fifth largest wine-producing state and guests will have the chance to sample more than 125 Texas wines submitted from some 30 Texas wineries.
Grapefest is a community event as well as a celebration. It’s about more than just wine and includes sporting events such as golf and tennis, a culinary pavilion, a carnival and midway, arts and crafts, min-train rides and food booths. When you’ve exhausted the tastes of Texas, there’s also an international wine pavilion and a draft beer pavilion.