Galveston County’s first and only winery is proving that great vintages can come from just about anywhere as long as there’s care and commitment in play. It all started in 1969, when Raymond Haak received a 10th-anniversary gift of two Concord grapevines from his wife Gladys. What would begin as a hobby would quickly grow into an obsession, as Raymond worked to become a self-made expert on the viticulture of the Houston area, testing dozens of breeds to find the grapes that would thrive there. Eventually settling on the hardy, disease-resistant Blanc do Bois, the Haak’s started winning awards with their wines and expanded the property to three acres of grape fields and a 25,000 square foot winery. Tours of the winery are a very reasonable five dollars and include tastings of some of their most popular products, which are mostly sweet white wines. Sunday nights during the summer they host local musicians for pleasant live concerts. Check the website for details.

Haak Vineyards and Winery
6310 Avenue T
Santa Fe, TX 77510
(409) 925-1401
www.haakwine.com