The historic Texas town that needs to be on your list

The clue is in the name. While Grapevine, Texas is known for its Urban Wine Trail boasting a variety of wine tasting rooms and wine events, there’s way more to discover in this charming town.

It’s also bringing the cool, with fine art galleries, street art and big-name exhibitions, delivering the food, with modern twists on American classics, and showcasing the historic, with its perfectly preserved Main Street District.

Need more convincing? Here’s six reasons to put Grapevine on the itinerary of your US holiday.

1. The location

Bypass LA and start your US trip after a simple, single direct flight.

Qantas flies direct to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, the second busiest airport in the world, from Sydney and Melbourne in about 17 hours.

Grapevine is just an easy 10-minute drive or train ride from the airport.

Grapevine is a perfect spot from which to explore Dallas, Fort Worth and Arlington, all of which are within a 30-minute car trip.

And its location as the gateway to South Central US, makes it a perfect springboard for the rest of your travels.

2. The wine

Named by the settlers who arrived in 1844 to discover the landscape covered with wild native mustang grapes, Grapevine has since leaned into its title.

Its Urban Wine Trail features seven tasting rooms right on Main Street.

Texas is the fifth largest wine-producing state in the US, famous for its bold reds and crisp whites, and you’ll find plenty of them here.

Time your visit for September 12-15, 2024 and join GrapeFest®, the largest wine festival in the southwest.

Esparza’s, Grapevine. Photo: Grapevine

3. The food

Fine wine deserves fine food, and Grapevine delivers.

From the classic Tex-Mex and bucket-sized margaritas at Esparza’s to the 10 kitchens and two bars in the light-drenched Harvest Hall food hub, to the European flavours and rooftop bar of Piaf to the classy surf ‘n’ turf at Dino’s Steak and Claw House, located in a vintage bank building, there is a memorable dining experience around every corner in Grapevine.

4. The history

Grapevine’s perfectly preserved Main Street and surrounds showcases the ‘Folk American’ architecture of its time.

This Victorian-era style was made possible by railroads expanding into smaller towns and cities, meaning the mass-produced weatherboards could be easily transported.

Now, beautifully restored shopfronts line the walkable central business district.

Keep an eye out for Bermuda Gold and Silver. It’s located in a former bank which was robbed by Bonnie and Clyde’s gang. And be sure to fit in a trip on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad.

Take the Cotton Belt Route to the Fort Worth Stockyards, where you’ll have two hours to explore and enjoy the Texas Longhorn cattle drive through the historic streets before returning to Grapevine.

Exhibition detail of Meow Wolf, Grapevine’s The Real Unreal. Photo: Kate Russell, courtesy of Meow Wolf

5. The art

Start your Grapevine art journey at the Visitor Information Centre.

If you visit on Thursday to Sunday you’ll be able to join a walking art tour showcasing some of the 34 public art installations throughout the Historic Main Street District.

Then, take a wander around the wide variety of galleries and studios, from a blacksmith to a glass blower and everything in between.

Finish at Meow Wolf’s The Real Unreal, a mind-bending, choose-your-own-adventure-style interactive art experience formed through a collaboration between Texas and Santa Fe-based artists.

You’ll find it at Grapevine Mills. Put aside two hours to enjoy the multitude of rooms and experiences to get lost in this permanent exhibition.

6. The music

It’s not surprising that the town that produced Demi Lovato, Norah Jones and Post Malone has a thriving music scene.

More than 20 live music venues line Main Street. You’ll find something you like as the sound spills out of bars and restaurants and in dedicated music venues every night of the week.

Direct flights operate between Sydney and Melbourne to Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) Airport.

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