I’ve been known to wander off and/or modify plans to accommodate winery visits when traveling. So when we were in the Dallas area earlier this summer for a birthday party, we made a slight detour to the northeast to the small and charming Texas town of McKinney and visited a couple wineries within walking distance of each other. We parked in downtown McKinney and visited Landon Winery and Lone Star Wine Cellars within a flew blocks of the car (even in this Texas heat, it’s an absolute pleasant walk).
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What we thought of the winery: Warm, “cellar” atmosphere with the coolest reading nook and largest wine rack wall I’ve ever seen (left images above). There’s plenty of bar space, inside and outside seating, and they offer live music in the evenings. This is my kinda place!
What we tasted: Pretty much everything down the list between my husband and I (we typically alternate tastings to get a wider range of tastes). Seriously, we tried more than I’m able to list.
What we brought home: 2015 Bingham Family Vineyards Viognier, Dry Rose, and 2014 Bingham Family Vineyards Tempranillo Reserve
Since we weren’t in a hurry, nor were we hitting up the 4+ wineries that we typically try to visit in a day on the wine trail, we wandered around downtown McKinney in search of a sandwich and espresso.
We stopped at Snug on the Square for lunch and caffeine and were delighted with their healthy options. Cute place!
What we thought of the winery: This cute winery nestled into a shopping center looked like a local’s favorite. Everyone seemed to know each other, and the staff were so friendly.
What we tasted: We shared a wine flight (Flight of the Grey Ghost: 2014 Grey Ghost Pinot Grigio, 2011 Whitetail Chardonnay, 2011 Arabian Sangiovese, and 2013 Vidigal Tempranillo). Loved the presentation!
What we brought home: 2011 Whitetail Chardonnay
Usually when we take road trips to Texas wineries, at some point we have to ask for a box to keep our bottles from rolling around the trunk or floorboard. But now that I have a VinGardeValise Petite wine suitcase (holds 8 bottles), I brought it for transport and to keep the wine pseudo-insulated from the Texas heat during stops (read all about how I pack my wine suitcase here). Damn, I love that suitcase.
VinGardeValise – Up to 8 Bottles & All Purpose Wine Travel Suitcase (Silver)
Until next time, Dallas/McKinney!