The Oldest Winery in Texas is Aged to Perfection – Visit Val Verde Winery in Del Rio

Val Verde Winery is the oldest, continuously running Texas winery, and it can be visited in beautiful Del Rio. First opened in 1883 by Frank Qualia, Val Verde Winery has remained in his family for three generations now. Its originator found that Lenoir grapes prospered in Del Rio and took a chance in starting the winery based on this observation. His son, Louis, is also credited with introducing the French Herbomont grape to the state of Texas – one which is still used to this day in the making of wine. Continuing to thrive and now employing the fourth generation of the Qualia family, Val Verde Winery is working to maintain its high quality and continues to welcome Texas sommeliers through its doors.

Located in southwest Texas, the Val Verde Winery is situated in one of Del Rio’s historic residential neighborhoods. Here you will have your choice of wine tastings with the first wine being complimentary. Their tasting fees are designed as follows: five wines can be sampled for the smaller price or all wines available at the time of your arrival can be sampled for a greater fee. The latter option also entitles you to keep the Val Verde Winery wine glass as a souvenir, and you’ll be provided with oyster crackers to cleanse your palate.

Photo: Facebook/Val Verde Winery

Although, for the most part, the winery makes use of grapes from the High Plains, Val Verde’s vineyard includes 12 acres of Lenoir grapes. They produce between 2.5 and 3 thousand cases of wine annually, and they also grow and harvest their own olives to produce olive oil. Following a tasting, a free tour of Val Verde Winery is available, on which you can learn about its fantastic history. The main building is actually the original from its 1883 establishment! The winery is available for special events like weddings, and their gift shop sells unique wine accessories and tasteful glassware, not to mention their very own olive oil. Visiting the oldest winery in Texas is worth the road trip. It’s an experience which you can toast with some fine quality wines at the end of the day!