Why you should visit wineries in Galveston, Texas
This is a blog post about the best wine bars and wineries in Galveston, Texas. We’ll cover two businesses located in the city and two located outside city limits.
Galveston is a small city located on the Gulf Coast of Texas.
This island town is about 50 miles southeast of Houston, which makes it the ideal location for a weekend getaway or short visit.
Galveston is known for its beaches, seafood, amusement parks, and rich vibrant history.
The wine bars and wineries in Galveston are within walking distance of its residential area, which is rare even for a small Texas town.
Now to be completely honest, no one will mistake Galveston County for one of the world’s finest wine regions. Galveston Island’s diverse economy is anchored by tourism and maritime industries – not wine.
But I highly suggest you skip the liquor store and grocery stores in favor of these wine bars and wineries in Galveston. You’re sure to have a delightful evening if you do.
By the way, there’s a Galveston Island Wine Festival this August that looks GREAT.
The wine festival features chef presentations led by top-tier chefs from Gulf Coast restaurants. There are wine tastings, distilled spirit tastings, and sensational dishes.
Check out the Galveston Island Wine Festival if you’re the kind of wine enthusiast who’d love to watch a special presentation on wine while drinking good wines.
How to access wineries in Galveston, Texas
The city of Galveston is located 51 miles from downtown Houston, Texas.
Depending on traffic, the drive should take about one hour by car.
If you live in Houston, then great! It’ll be super easy for you to access Galveston. If you’re not from Texas then you’ll need to fly into Houston, rent a car, and drive to Galveston. The George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) serves the city.
The first two businesses on this list are located in the city of Galveston. They’re very close to one another. You could actually walk from the Galveston winery to the wine bar in about two minutes.
The second two businesses on this list are located outside the city limits. You’ll definitely need a car in order to reach the second two wineries in Galveston’s surrounding towns.
The best wine bar and winery in Galveston TX
Florvino Flower Winery (Galveston)
Florvino Flower Winery is a winery located in Galveston, Texas. But this is not your typical grape juice.
Florvino makes flower wine.
That’s right – they make wine from “all flower ingredients.”
This unconventional winery crafts Jasmine wine, Peach Blossom wine, Wild Rose wine, Hibiscus wine, and Dandelion wine.
We typically see wine made from fruit, honey, or grapes. But flowers?! You’ve got to try it. It’s sure to be a unique experience.
The Florvino Flower Winery tasting room is located within the Galveston Arts Center. It’s a beautiful historic brick building in downtown Galveston.
The tasting room is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday from 12-5 PM. On Friday and Saturday they’re open from 11 AM to 6 PM. They’re closed Monday and Tuesday.
Old Oleander (Galveston)
Old Oleander is a wine bar that only serves Texas wine. That’s some serious state loyalty!
This Galveston wine bar offers wine flights, deli sandwiches, and cheese and charcuterie boards.
They offer both indoor seating and a nice outdoor patio. There’s live music from time to time. Plus the wine bar is pet and family friendly.
And it gets better… During happy hour a snack board costs about $10 and a glass of Texas wine starts at $8.
It’s a pretty good deal. Happy hour at Old Oleander runs Tuesday through Friday from 6-7:30 PM.
Tasting your way through Old Oleander’s selection is a great way to experience Texas wine.
Old Oleander wine bar is open Tuesday through Thursday from 2-8 PM. Friday and Saturday they’re open from 12-9 PM. On Sunday they’re open 12-6 PM. Monday they’re closed.
The best wineries located just outside of Galveston TX
The following two wineries are located just outside of Galveston, Texas. Both are sandwiched in between Galveston and Houston. Either winery would be a great place to stop as you travel from Houston to Galveston (and vice versa).
Haak Vineyards & Winery (Santa Fe, TX)
Haak Vineyards & Winery in Santa Fe, Texas is situated a little more than twenty miles from Galveston.
Out of the three wineries on this list, Haak is the first winery you’ll pass as you drive from Galveston towards Houston.
Haak Winery has a strong commitment to crafting premium wines from Texas grapes.
They make a variety of wines from Gewürztraminer to Tempranillo to Madeira. In fact their Texas-made madeira wines have garnered dozens of national and international awards.
Haak Winery also makes wine for the Texas Renaissance Festival. Fun!
But you don’t need to dress up and visit a Ren fair to try this wine.
Haak Winery has a beautiful building nestled amongst scenic vineyards.
Guests can enjoy tours, tastings, live music, and simple food bites.
Haak Winery also hosts seasonal dinners complete with a multi course menu and lots of wine. If you’re a Haak Wine Club member this is a great way to spend a very special evening.
Whether you spend an evening here or pop in for a quick wine tasting, be sure to pause and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the vineyard.
The winery is open Wednesday through Monday. They’re closed Tuesday. Check the Haak Winery Facebook account for special event updates.
Clear Creek Winery (Kemah, TX)
Clear Creek Winery in Kemah, Texas is located mere minutes from Galveston Bay and the Kemah Boardwalk.
It’s a great low key winery by day and a fancy fine dining establishment by night.
This Texas winery makes various red wines, white wines, fruit infused wines, and dessert port wines.
They also serve a variety of wine friendly foods like charcuterie, cheese, and olives.
The Clear Creek Winery tasting room is open Thursday through Saturday from 12-5 PM. Walk-ins are welcome but reservations are recommended.
Wine tours begin every Saturday at 1 PM if you’re interested in getting a closeup look at the winemaking facilities, oak barrels, and fermentation tanks.
P.S. If you’re looking for an amazing food and wine experience check out their restaurant eculent. It’s a fine dining restaurant open Thursday through Saturday by reservation only. This unique taste experience consists of 25 to 35 experimental dishes. And of course there’s a wine pairing.
Similar wine regions to explore
If you’re the kind of wine enthusiast who loves to listen to live music with a glass of great wine in hand then you’ve come to the right place.
Texas is full of wonderful wineries! Especially if you know where to look. Luckily we’ve covered Texas wine country getaways both big and small in the following blog posts:
- 9 Amazing Wineries in Fredericksburg, Texas Hill Country
- The 5 Best Wineries in Boerne & Comfort, Texas Hill Country
- 5 Fun Salado Wineries and Wine Bars in Salado, Texas
- The Best Wineries in Granbury TX for a Wine Tasting
- The 4 Best Waco Wineries and Wine Bars
- The 3 BEST Georgetown Wineries (just outside Austin TX!)
