Dish-Houston

Houston Day Trip: Yepez Vineyard, Baytown, Texas

It doesn’t look like most people’s idea of Baytown, but there it is…off a quiet dirt road, set back off the gulf: Yepez Vineyard. Cows lazily graze alongside several rows of grape vines while a gulf breeze steadily blows. An adobe-style tasting room is where you will find Lena Yepez, awaiting visitors and happily offering samples of available vintages. Yepez Vineyard offers between six and eight wines at any one time. Their most popular with the locals is the White Zinfandel, but I liked their Merlot the best. Both Lena and her husband, David, joyously answer questions about their grapes and wine-making process.  

It’s a relaxed environment and guests are invited to take a seat at one of several tables inside or out on the patio to enjoy their wine. Every Sunday, the winery offers live music and several times a year special concerts are held on the property. You are encouraged to linger, bring your family and friends, and even pack your own picnic!

It’s a family operation so expect to see the Yepez’s two daughters playing around in between the vines with their new yellow lab puppy, Elvis. Their names grace some of the winery’s most popular selections! Several events are planned for the fall including a ‘Fall Fest’ and Christmas Market. Check the winery’s website for event details.  www.yepezvineyard.com

- Submitted by DISHIE Rhia Robinson - Wine lover and Yogi extraordinaire.