Saying I like wine is like saying Wes Anderson likes saturated colors and things organized neatly — we’re super into it, people. In fact, when I turned 21, my parents took me on a long-awaited trip to Napa, and I soon found myself staring up at Francis Ford Coppola’s Geyserville estate with the reverence of a pilgrim reaching Mecca.
While my budget tends to draw me to the Yellow Tail and Barefoot varieties, the budding sommelier in me craves something a bit more interesting. I mean, yeah, I’d love to jet off to Tuscany or Bordeaux on a moment’s notice, but usually it’s a bit more practical to give it a go with a grape found closer to home.
Oklahoma may not have the pedigree of, say, California when it comes to making wines, but we have our own little thing going and it’s pretty cool. So the next time you’re in the mood for a Sideways-esque sojourn, hit up one of these Oklahoma vineyards, wineries, or tasting rooms. Winos unite.
Native Spirits Winery
Who knew a winery existed in Norman, home to football, David Boren, and Dope Chapel? Situated along Lake Thunderbird, Native Spirits’ vineyard plays host to Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, and Syrah grapevines, plus they have a tasting room where you can sample the rest. I am absolutely not normally a fan of blush or rosé (I just don’t trust pink liquids), but a friend brought me the Dragonfly Blush Wine once and I honestly really liked it. With the sweetness of strawberries, it would be perfect as the base for a refreshing sangria or summertime punch.
Chapel Creek Winery
Talk about feeling like you’re in a different world – upon arrival at El Reno’s Chapel Creek Winery, you’ll be greeted by a weathered, old Spanish-style chapel, with its twin bell towers serving as beacons for winos from miles around. Besides your everyday Cabernet and Sauvignon Blanc varietals, Chapel Creek also serves up the likes of Peach Chardonnay, Blackberry Merlot, and Strawberry Moscato, all of which are staples during their annual Grape Stomp Festival – finally, a real-life excuse to pull a Lucille Ball.
Waters Edge Winery
I first came across Waters Edge Winery on a shoot I was doing for work and was totally blown away by this seemingly unassuming little joint in Automobile Alley. While the good people at Waters Edge don’t actually grow their own grapes, they do, however, gather them from all over the world and blend, ferment, oak, rack, filter, and bottle the wines right here in their local Oklahoma facility. If you have a special occasion, come in and create a custom label or even pick out a wine and bottle it yourself. Otherwise, they offer tastings on the reg — most pours are $5, and when I say “pour,” I’m referring to a “damn, that’s how much I pour myself when I’m at home” type of situation. Plus, if you’re in a pinch, they’re open on Sundays and sure as hell will sell you a bottle. You’re welcome.
The Rusty Nail Winery and Tasting Room
The next time you’re driving to or from Dallas, take Exit 55 and follow Highway 7 to Sulphur. There’s more going on here than meets the eye: They have the Chickasaw Cultural Center, the super cool Artesian Hotel, the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, and, of course, a little ole winery and tasting room called The Rusty Nail. Owned and operated by a local mom and her two daughters, The Rusty Nail produces privately labeled wine on the premises of its 1906-era former hardware store. Each wine has a unique label and a name with an obvious theme, from the Peep Toe Chardonnay and Mary Jane White Merlot to the Boogie Shoes Pinot Noir and Blue Suede Shoes Shiraz. Cutesy to the point of being a bit too much, sure, but these ladies know how to bottle a wine.
Waddell Vineyards
Another one that’s kind of out of the way (but worth the drive) is Waddell Vineyards in Ada. It’s completely picturesque and will leave you feeling like you’re in the rolling French countryside rather than the plains of Oklahoma. The family-owned-and-managed vineyard opened in 2007 on a single acre, and it has since swelled to six acres with 20 different varieties of grapevines. Waddell is for the traditionalists — you won’t find any fruit-infused stuff on this list — and features a few whites, reds, and a special Ada Red Reserve. Simple, straightforward, and no frills involved is how the Waddells do it, and they do it well.
