Texas and Wine .com
Right on the beaten path, traveling Hwy 287 through Childress, TX (if you're a skier headed to Colorado from Dallas, you can't miss it) take a break and check out this gem! One of the newest Texas Wineries offers several great Texas wine styles from the 501 Winery as well as great wines from the Wichita Falls Winery just down the road. When you drive through Childress you can't help but notice the billboard that beckons you. Turn south on Commerce and drive 3 1/2 blocks - the winery is on the left in downtown Childress. While you're there, you might want to drive a couple of blocks further and check out the winery's namesake - Engine 501 - a Childress landmark which was donated to the town in 1959 by the Fort Worth and Denver Railroad. It's just a couple of blocks further south in Armstrong Park.
Winemaker, viticulturist and owner, Adam Bishop has already had visitors from both coasts (New Jersey to California) sample the fruits of his labor. He has a U.S. map and patrons pin their home locations. As word gets out, I suspect he's going to need a world map soon! The winery includes a tasting room, retail shop, the original building's metal ceiling, wine barrels, fermentation tanks, and everything else a first class Texas wine making operation could possibly want. There's also an awesome staff that will make you feel right at home with their good old Texas hospitality.
Along with Adam's wine expertise, he also raises Longhorn Cattle! In addition to the wine, there's several intriguing displays to peruse, including unique items from local artisans. I have to brag a little - Childress is my hometown and there is an old wine press on exhibit that we used to make wine back in the 80's. The wine press, along with grapes we planted in my parents back yard that managed to thrive without much attention, were part of the inspiration for Adam's journey into viticulture and oenology! When you stop by, be sure to tell the gang Stephanie says hi!