by Christina Cavazos
In East Texas, wine country doesn’t appear as endless rows of vines stretching toward the horizon. Instead, it reveals itself slowly. It’s seen down quiet county roads, beneath tall pine canopies, and in places where hospitality makes you feel like family.
Surrounding Longview, a trio of wineries — Enoch’s Stomp Vineyard & Winery, Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards, and Rowdy Creek Ranch — anchor a growing destination for wine lovers.
Together, these wineries form a core of the Piney Woods Wine Trail, a network of East Texas wineries working not in competition but in collaboration. Each stop offers its own sense of place, its own philosophy, and its own invitation to sip and savor.
Enoch’s Stomp
Set just outside Harleton, Enoch’s Stomp is a quiet, expansive destination that’s removed from the rush of city life. Surrounded by rolling fields and active vineyards, the winery invites guests to taste the wines where they are made.
“There’s always a new experience around the corner,” says Rolf Kotulla, wine ambassador and assistant winemaker at Enoch’s Stomp. “You never know what you’re going to find.” Founded in 2004 by Altus Koegelenberg and Jon Kral, the winery sits on about 90 acres of land, including 12 acres of vineyards. Enoch’s Stomp produces more than 70 different wines, many of which are crafted from grapes uniquely suited to the humid East Texas climate. “We’re not trying to be Napa,” Kotulla explained. “We’re making wines that work here, that tell the story of this region.” The approach is both old-world and forward-thinking. Barrels line the walls, each one carefully tracked and tasted every few months. Production is constant and cyclical. Grapes that don’t tolerate the East Texas climate arrive from other parts of the state and nation to produce certain types of wine. Meanwhile, estate-grown varieties like Champanel and Black Spanish (Lenoir) anchor fan favorite wines, such as Potter’s Hand, Enoch’s Stomp’s most popular wine. Sweet and unmistakably Southern, Potter’s Hand reflects the regional taste of East Texas. “The South is a sweet-wine region. That’s not a flaw,” Kotulla said. “It’s a preference.” But sweetness is only part of the story. Award-winning dry wines, experimental releases from newly developed grape cultivars, and barrel-aged selections speak to the winery’s technical rigor. Kotulla, trained in both winemaking and formal wine education, emphasizes that wine at Enoch’s Stomp is meant to be understood but never to be intimidating. Beyond the glass, Enoch’s Stomp offers multiple experiences. Guests can opt for casual tastings and vineyard views at the Barrels Tasting Room. The Tasting Room features a casual, creative menu of pizzas, sandwiches, and salads made from fresh ingredients. For a more formal experience, guests can reserve a table at Corks Fine Dining where Chef Matt Hamilton delights patrons with an ever-changing menu of elevated cuisine to be paired with estate wines. Meanwhile, the Enoch’s Stomp Wine Club invites members to experience a blend of wine, dining, and friendship. Free to join, Wine Club members must agree to purchase at least three bottles of wine quarterly from Enoch’s Stomp. Members get together to receive their wine bottles at quarterly themed pick-up parties where they have the opportunity to enjoy food and wine pairings. On-site villas provide opportunities for out-of-town guests and local staycations. With no TVs or technology in the villas, the spaces are meant to allow guests to unplug, unwind, and reconnect.
“Wine shouldn’t be stuck-up or overcomplicated. It should be enjoyed. Your palate matters.”
Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards
For many East Texans, Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards is where their relationship with local wine began. For others, it’s where it continues.
Located near Pittsburg, Los Pinos has built its reputation on consistency, serving up approachable wines with attentive service in a setting that encourages people to slow down. That sense of ease is what keeps Sarah Sheppard of Longview coming back. A wine club member, Sheppard described Los Pinos as a place she returns to for the experience as much as the wine. “It’s just peaceful,” she said. “It’s quiet. The service, the hospitality, they’re really good.” Los Pinos has long struck a balance between casual and intentional. Guests can stop in for a tasting, settle in for dinner, or linger over brunch without feeling rushed or out of place. For Sheppard, that atmosphere is part of the appeal. “It’s not trying to be anything it’s not,” she said. “It’s just a nice place to come for dinner.” The wines themselves reflect that same philosophy. Los Pinos is known for crowd-pleasing selections, including sweet and dessert-style wines that resonate with regional tastes, alongside bolder reds and seasonal offerings. The approach has helped the winery cultivate a loyal following over the past 25 years. Favorites like Texican, a spicy, Texas-inspired red, and indulgent dessert wines such as chocolate-infused reds and ports have helped the winery build its following. Los Pinos grows some grapes on-site and sources other grapes from across the Texas High Plains and beyond, balancing accessibility with quality. The winery’s roots date back to 1999 when it first acquired its land. The first grapes were planted in 2000, and the tasting room opened in 2001. Los Pinos is often credited as one of the pioneers of East Texas winemaking, and it remains one of the region’s most beloved stops. While Los Pinos was among the first wineries in East Texas to gain broad recognition, it has remained grounded in its role as a gathering place. Weekends often bring live music and full patios, while quieter days offer a more reflective experience. A cottage on-site invites overnight visitors to further relax in the Piney Woods.
Rowdy Creek Ranch
A short drive from Longview toward Gilmer brings travelers to Rowdy Creek Ranch, where rustic charm meets inventive winemaking. Exclusively open for tastings by reservation, the property blends vineyard views with country flair, offering guests a distinctly East Texas experience that feels equal parts relaxed and creative.
Spanning 22 acres, Rowdy Creek Ranch is tucked into a scenic, wooded property with rolling hills, water views, and wide-open skies, the winery has earned a reputation as a hidden gem. In January 2026, the winery announced that its tasting room would be closing its doors to daily hours and would shift to a reservation-only model. Outside of reserved tastings, the beautifully rustic facility is refocusing on serving as an event venue space and will be available to rent for special occasions, meetings, and charitable events. Rowdy Creek Ranch plans to continue producing its award-winning wines, which include both Texas-designated wines (made with at least 75 percent Texas-grown grapes) and non-Texas selections sourced from outside the state. Both types are entered regularly into competitions, and both have found success. Several Rowdy Creek wines have earned gold and double-gold medals, including recent top honors at several competitions throughout the state. Grapes are sourced primarily from the Texas High Plains, where the dry, desert-like climate allows for more consistent growing conditions than East Texas weather often permits. Some grapes are grown on-site, including those used for the winery’s Blanc Du Bois which is both grown and produced at the ranch. In addition to tastings or purchasing bottles by reservation, Rowdy Creek’s wines are also available through its retail partners. Longview locations include Heritage Wine & Spirits, Harley’s Liquor, Big Papa’s Liquor, Beer, and Wine, Skinners, Fresh by Brookshire’s, La Carreta, Scotties 2.0, and Texas Best Smokehouse.
What sets the Longview-area wine scene apart isn’t just the quality of the wine. It’s the collaboration behind it. Through the Piney Woods Wine Trail, local wineries meet regularly to taste each other’s work, share feedback, and elevate the region as a whole. “It’s not a competition,” Kotulla said. “We want tourism in East Texas to succeed. If someone comes here and wants something different, I’ll gladly tell them where to go.” The Piney Woods Wine Trail is a nonprofit organization that celebrates East Texas wineries. Spanning from Marshall to Trinidad and Canton to Hemphill, it connects a vibrant community of wineries and wine lovers. Through events and unique experiences, it raises awareness and promotes more than 20 local wineries. The spirit of collaboration behind the Piney Woods Wine Trail benefits visitors. In a single weekend, travelers can experience multiple wineries, each offering a distinct personality and palate. From European-inspired vineyards to laid-back tasting rooms, the trail invites exploration. Texas is now among the top wine-producing states in the country with hundreds of wineries statewide. While East Texas isn’t currently the most famous wine destination in the state, Kotulla said that only adds to the local charm. Here, the experience feels personal. The winemakers come out to talk to their guests, and tastings turn into conversations. “Wine creates fellowship,” Kotulla said. “It brings people together. That’s what it’s supposed to do.”
Sip & Explore
Beyond the Vineyards
While the wineries around Longview offer unforgettable experiences, the region’s wine culture extends far beyond the vineyards. From curated tastings to local festivals, here are a few must-visit wine-centric stops and experiences around Longview.
Greenside Beverage Co.
A local favorite for discovering wines from near and far, Greenside Beverage Co. is more than just a bottle shop. With an ever-rotating selection of reds, whites, rosés, and sparkling wines, this Longview staple caters to both casual sippers and seasoned enthusiasts. Stop in for personalized recommendations, specialty bottles you won’t find everywhere, and frequent staff picks that spotlight hidden gems.
Downtown Longview Wine Swirl
Every year, the Downtown Longview Wine Swirl brings wine lovers together for a day of tastings, live music, food trucks, and artisan vendors. The festival showcases regional wineries and producers, turning downtown Longview into a vibrant celebration of East Texas wine culture.
Britt’s Wine & Dine
A short drive from Longview, Britt’s Wine & Dine in Kilgore pairs elevated cuisine with an inspired wine list in a refined yet welcoming setting. Known for thoughtful food-and-wine pairings and a menu that highlights seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, Britt’s is a destination for memorable meals that elevate the wine experience. It’s where great food and great wine meet.
Flatt 55
Part wine cellar, part social club, Flatt 55 offers a cozy, contemporary setting for its members and their guests to enjoy a glass without leaving town. Flatt 55 is a membership-based wine location where members pay a monthly fee for wine storage in Flatt 55’s cellar. Members have access to visit the lounge, sip on their favorite wines, and receive exclusive access to member events, live music, and engaging experiences.
Lekkar Wine Tours
For travelers who want to sit back and enjoy the wine trail without the planning stress, Lekkar Wine Tours offers guided tasting journeys through East Texas vineyards and tasting rooms. Whether you’re interested in a weekend winery crawl or a themed tour with friends, Lekkar handles logistics while you sip your way through scenic stops. It’s a great way to explore multiple wineries and learn local stories along the way.
