GrapeFest: A Celebration of Wine, Food, and Community
Grapevine’s GrapeFest has become a cherished highlight of Texas travel, evolving from a local festival into the Largest Wine Festival in the Southwest. As it celebrates its 40th anniversary, walking down Historic Main Street during GrapeFest feels like experiencing a vibrant community tradition shaped by decades of wine, food, and music.
Wine Traditions Old and New
A cornerstone of the festival is the People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic, where 40 Texas wineries showcase 100 wines, inviting guests to vote for their favorites. This lively event is a great opportunity to learn about Texas wine.
This year brings the delightful return of The Florence Door, a champagne window reminiscent of Italy’s wine windows, allowing guests to experience a bit of whimsy.
Inside the International Wine Experience, GrapeFest features a blind tasting event that bridges French, Napa Valley, and Texas wines, reflecting the influential 1976 Judgment of Paris.
Food, Shopping, and Festival Finds
GrapeFest has also become a culinary and shopping destination, introducing guests to new flavors like Filipino cuisine and millennial-themed Dirty Sodas, alongside beloved classics. Historic Main Street transforms into a bustling marketplace with over 70 artisan vendors offering unique items, from hand-painted wine glasses to custom western hats.
Live Music and Family Fun
The festival energizes the community with four stages of live music, celebrating GrapeFest’s history with tribute artists and local performers. Families can enjoy the KidZone, as well as the spirited GrapeStomp, where teams compete for the coveted Purple Foot Award.
A Festival That Grows with Texas
Since its inception in 1987 with just 700 attendees and six wineries, GrapeFest has grown remarkably, attracting over 225,000 visitors today. It embodies the growth of Texas wine culture and the community’s pride.
If You Go
- Dates: September 17–20, 2026
- Location: Historic Main Street, Grapevine
- Admission: Adults $12; Seniors & Kids $6; Under 5 free; Weekend Pass Pin $25
- Parking: Free shuttle service available; rideshare and train options also accessible.
For more details, visit GrapeFest.com.
Must-See Events at GrapeFest
- 🍷 People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic: 40 Texas wineries showcasing 100 wines.
- 🥂 The Grapevine Wine Pouring Society: Local enthusiasts guide guests through tastings.
- 🚪 The Florence Door: A whimsical champagne experience.
- 🇫🇷 The Judgment of Paris: A blind wine tasting featuring international selections.
- 🍴 New Food Offerings: Including Filipino cuisine and hand pies.
- 🛍️ Artisan Vendors: More than 70 vendors with unique gifts and crafts.
- 🎶 Live Music: Four stages commemorating decades of GrapeFest.
- 🍇 GrapeStomp: A fun, competitive grape-squashing event.
GrapeFest represents not only a celebration of wine but also the spirit of community and joy that Texas embodies.
