GrapeFest

GrapeFest is an annual grand tasting wine festival held over 4 days each September in Grapevine, Texas — now in its 40th year and recognized as the Southwest's largest wine festival. Running September 17–20, 2026, the event takes place along Historic Main Street in Grapevine and draws on the city's deep connection to Texas winemaking heritage. GrapeFest earned the #7 spot in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, placing it among the top 10 wine festivals in the United States. Ticket prices for 2026 have not yet been announced.

The festival's signature event is the People's Choice Wine Tasting Classic, sponsored by Audi Grapevine, where attendees sample Texas wines and vote for their favorites. A separate Liberty Park Plaza International Wine Experience, sponsored by Gaylord Texan Resort, offers access to varietals from around the world. Beyond tasting, GrapeFest includes competitive events like the GrapeStomp and the Champagne Cork Shoot-Off, live music across multiple stages, and food from local chefs and vendors. Families are accommodated with kid-friendly rides and games throughout the grounds. For guests seeking a more structured experience, the festival offers elevated tasting events and expert-led workshops on pairing wine with food.

Grapevine sits minutes from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, making the festival accessible to out-of-town visitors. The source recommends arriving early to take full advantage of programming. Guests can also extend their visit by exploring Grapevine's Urban Wine Trail, which includes local tasting rooms within the festival area. Nearby hotels and resorts, along with the city's restaurants, galleries, and shopping districts, make it practical to stay for the full 4-day run.

Grapevine's name traces directly to the wild mustang grapes that once grew abundantly in the area, and the city has built a genuine wine identity around that history. GrapeFest is the most visible expression of that culture, presenting 40 years of Texas winemaking heritage alongside international selections — a combination that speaks to both Texas wine newcomers and those already familiar with the state's growing wine scene.