Hidden Gem in North Texas – The Winery You Need To Visit in Denison, Texas

Are you a wine drinker? Do you enjoy aviation history?

If so, you need to give this place a try!

Make sure to add this must-visit destination to your list! 🍷✨

Let me introduce you to a hidden gem tucked away in the heart of Denison, Texas…the Hidden Hangar Vineyard and Winery!  This family-owned business combines their passion for wine and aviation to create a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors.

The Hidden Hangar Vineyard and Winery specializes in small-batch, handcrafted wines made from grapes grown right on their property.

With each sip, you can taste the care and dedication put into every bottle. Whether you prefer red or white, sweet or dry, they have something that fits your preference without making a trip to Fredericksburg.

Getting To Denison, Texas

Reaching Denison, Texas is pretty straightforward.

If you’re flying in, the closest major airport is Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport. From there, you can rent a car and enjoy a scenic drive that takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes via US-75 N.

Alternatively, if you are coming from other parts of Texas, Denison is conveniently located just off Highway US-75, North of Sherman, making it easily reachable by road.

Hidden Hangar is located a mile south of the Red River and within the renowned Texoma AVA (American Viticultural Area), which is one of the eight distinctive grape-growing regions in Texas. These regions are distinguished by their exceptional soil composition and climate, contributing to the production of exceptional wines.

Once you’re in town, the Hidden Hangar Vineyard and Winery is just a short drive away, ready to welcome you with its array of wines.

Why This Vineyard?

This vineyard stands out for several reasons, but the one that captured my heart was its aviation theme. 🛩️

As an airline employee, I was immediately drawn to the unique blend of wine and aviation history that Hidden Hangar presents.

The vineyard gets its name from its location, which was a former WWII training airfield where American heroes once learned to fly.

The aviation theme doesn’t stop at the name though, it permeates through the whole winery.

From the vintage airplane memorabilia displayed in the tasting room to the wine names paying tribute to aviation legends and lore, this place is a haven for both wine lovers and aviation enthusiasts.

Hidden Hangar Winery opened in 2019 and their wines quickly began generating awards.

They have since garnered multiple accolades for their unique and flavorful wines, solidifying their place as a must-visit destination in North Texas for wine!

All the wines they produce are classified as “estate wines.” These exquisite wines are crafted exclusively from grapes grown in the esteemed Hidden Hangar vineyard located in North Texas.

Currently, their vineyard boasts a variety of premium grape cultivars including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Riesling, Syrah, and Petit Verdot.

Aviation History

Taking a step back in time, Hidden Hangar Vineyard and Winery was once a part of Perrin Field, a significant military air training base during World War II.

Today, the vineyard continues to honor its storied past by naming each of its wines after iconic aircraft and historic figures.

For instance, their signature red wine blends are named “Riveter Rosie”, “Barnstormer”, “Tri-Plane”, “Bi-Plane”, and “Fly Girls”. One of their white wines is also named “V.F.R.” which means Very Fine Rielsing, or to aviation lovers “Visual Flight Rules”.

The vineyard isn’t just about aviation-themed wines though. It’s also one of the only wine estates in North Texas, making it a unique destination for wine enthusiasts.

Set amidst the wide-open spaces of Texas, the vineyard offers the chance to sample wines made from locally grown grapes.

The estate’s commitment to quality and authenticity shines through in every bottle, making each sip a testament to North Texas’ bustling wine industry.

Whether you’re a history buff, an aviation enthusiast, or a wine lover, Hidden Hangar Vineyard and Winery offers an experience that’s as rich and varied as the wines it produces.

First Impressions

Upon entering the Hidden Hangar Vineyard and Winery, I was instantly welcomed by the warm and inviting ambiance of the place.

The vineyard’s historic charm, combined with the rustic elegance of the tasting room, immediately sets a tone of casual sophistication. The attentive and knowledgeable staff only amplify this engaging atmosphere, ready to guide you on an unforgettable wine journey.

I initially came to purchase 2 bottles of Rose for my bosses as a Christmas present, and I ended up sitting, relaxing, and wine-tasting on a Saturday morning!

Tasting Experience

Visitors can choose from a variety of tasting experiences at Hidden Hangar Winery, each designed to showcase the unique characteristics of their wines. You can opt for a traditional wine-tasting flight or elevate your experience by adding on a cheese board pairing.

Catching Flights – Wine Tasting at Hidden Hangar Winery

One of the highlights of my visit to Hidden Hangar Vineyard and Winery was embarking on their wine flight experience. For a reasonable $25, you get to sample five 1-ounce pours of their exceptional wines.

Among those I tried was the Sweet Riesling – a light and refreshing offering with a delightful sweetness. Next was Peach Me, a playful, fruity wine with a subtle hint of peach, followed by a classic Rose, which struck a harmonious balance between its crisp acidity and delicate floral notes. Riveter Rosie was a delightful surprise, showcasing the winery’s knack for creating wines with depth and complexity. Lastly, the Barnstormer lived up to its name – a bold, robust red that was the perfect finale to a memorable flight. This selection not only reflected the winery’s versatility but also its commitment to crafting wines that truly resonate with the Texas terroir.

My favorite wines I tried in order are Sweet Riesling, Peach Me, Riveter Rosie, Barnstormer, and Rose. To be honest, I’m not a huge wine drinker but I do enjoy sweet wines and these were delicious! I loved all the wine varieties I tried and I’m hopefully planning another Saturday wine visit and a tour next time.

Hours

Saturday: 11-6 pm

No reservations required.

Sunday thru Friday RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR

TOURS, SPECIAL EVENTS AND WINE TASTING IN TASTING ROOM

Things to do in Denison, Texas

While in Denison, visitors can explore several fascinating attractions that make this city unique. One must-visit destination in Texoma is the Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site, where the 34th President of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower was born. The site, maintained as a museum, provides interesting insights into his life and legacy. Nature lovers will appreciate the Waterloo Lake Regional Park or Lake Texoma. For those interested in the local arts scene, the Denison Art & Cultural District is a vibrant hub of creativity, hosting galleries, theaters, and art events throughout the year. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to stroll down Main Street, a charming thoroughfare lined with historic architecture, quaint shops, and diverse eateries.

Places to stay

When it comes to accommodations in Denison, Texas, visitors have a range of options to suit various tastes and budgets. For those seeking a touch of luxury and convenience, the Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton Inn and Suites offer well-appointed rooms and a host of amenities. If you’re looking for a more unique experience, consider staying at a charming rustic Cabin rental. Finally, RV travelers will find a welcoming spot at the Eisenhower State Park, which offers scenic campsites with lake views.

You can click here to check the latest rates on Booking.com, and here to see Hidden Hangar’s reviews on TripAdvisor.

Where to eat

Denison offers a variety of dining options to satisfy diverse palates. For classic American fare, head to Huck’s Catfish, renowned for its fresh, flavorful seafood dishes. If you’re in the mood for BBQ, Old Iron Post has you covered with its succulent smoked meats and tasty sides. For a taste of Italy in Texas, Napoli’s Italian Restaurant serves hearty pastas, crisp pizzas, and more. Vegetarians and health-conscious dining enthusiasts will appreciate the wholesome, organic offerings at CJ’s Coffee Cafe, which also serves homemade desserts, a variety of beverages, and the best craft lattes!

If you have been to this vineyard, let me know what your favorite wine was in the comments below! If you’re planning on visiting, what are you looking forward to the most?

Share your experience or future plans in the comments!

Cheers! 🍷✨