When you think of Texas, wineries aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. But believe it or not, there are some quality options here in the desert. Make one of these four must-visit West Texas wineries the venue for your next night out, whether it’s an unforgettable date night, an epic girls (or boys) night out, or a laid-back happy hour meetup.

McPherson Cellars

A lifetime of experience backs the McPherson Cellars brand. Clint “Doc” McPherson got it all started with “experimental vine planting” back in the 1960s – well before the Texas wine scene took shape in earnest. His son Kim expanded on his dad’s legacy as a “founding father” of Texas wine with McPherson Cellars, which set up shop in a repurposed, 1930s-era Coca-Cola building in 2008. This popular Lubbock winery trots out an unreal lineup of reds and whites and is an absolute must-visit.

Texas Sun Winery

With an expansive selection of reds and whites sourced from vineyards around the world, satisfying sangrias, and tasty fruit-infused wines, Texas Sun Winery in Midland has a little something for everyone. And don’t skip the food while you’re there. Texas Sun goes all out with its menu, offering everything from meat-and-cheese-filled charcuterie board-style apps to hearty sandwiches and flavorful flatbreads.

Homemade Wines

This Odessa winery features a laid-back vibe and a quality selection of reds and whites – many labeled with oil and gas-themed names, an homage to the region’s prominent industry. Homemade Wines’ quirky lineup of wines features a fun selection of largely fruit-based flavors – everything from orange sangria to cranberry and watermelon to green apple. They’ve also got a decent mix of more traditional reds and whites.

Find inspiration for more Midland-area explorations with the help of the Anatole on Briarwood blog.