Offering a special experience for wine and spirit enthusiasts in east Texas, Kiepersol Vineyards, Winery, and Distillery is a major Tyler, Texas attraction. This charming and family-owned Tyler, Texas winery produces 100% Texas wines. Guests have the opportunity to see its beautiful vineyards, explore the tasting room, enjoy food and a wine pairing classes, and take guided tours.
With a bed and breakfast and houses to stay in on property, Kiepersol creates the perfect setting for a weekend getaway. Along with the full experience, the story of how this family owned established was formed is incredibly inspiring. With so much to offer, Kiepersol provides an unforgettable visit to this beautiful countryside destination.
Where to Find Kiepersol
Kiepersol Vineyards, Winery and Distillery is located in northeast Texas near the small town of Tyler. The hidden vineyard with a bed and breakfast makes a visit to Kiepersol an ideal destination.
Situated just east of Dallas, it is also within a short drive from Shreveport, LA, Oklahoma and Arkansas. Its location makes it accessible for a quiet countryside retreat to explore one of the finest east Texas wineries. As one of the top wineries near Dallas, Kiepersol attracts both locals and tourists looking for a peaceful getaway.
From the main road, guests are greeted with a small vineyard next to a stone wall and a neighborhood. After driving close to a mile through the neighborhood, you’ll finally reach the Kiepersol property.
Looking for more vineyards to explore? Get a list of some of Texas’ vineyards you have to visit!
Explore the Grand Room
The Grand Room at Kiepersol is a highlight for many visitors. Guests visiting this Tyler, Texas attraction will find 2 bars, comfortable seating and breathtaking views of the vineyard. Guests can enjoy a variety of Kiepersol’s own wine selection and spirits, as well as delicious food options.
The Grand Room features both comfortable indoor and outdoor seating. Tables, a bar and couches are available, along with a covered deck and modern picnic tables overlooking the vineyard. There’s also a small gift shop offering unique souvenirs and products from the winery and distillery. The space provides the perfect setting for a relaxing afternoon or a memorable evening out.
The Vineyard
Kiepersol’s 63-acre vineyard has specific varietals chosen to flourish after studying the area’s climate and soil. The vineyard was planted in 1998 by hand and has grown to produce a significant amount of wine each year. There are 10 specific varietals include Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and several others, which thrive in the East Texas climate. The team at Kiepersol ensures high-quality wines for their guests.
Popular Wines
The wines at Kiepersol are a true reflection of the vineyard’s rich heritage and commitment to excellence. The winery has a large selection of wines to satisfy anyone ready to enjoy a tasting. With a variety of sweet, dry and rosés, popular white wines include the Kiepersol Vit, Texas Tjaila and the Kiepersol Dry Rose.
Light bodied dry red wines that you must try, include their Syrah, Azuca Artize and Texique Sangiovese. Their popular medium to full body dry reds include their Cabarnet Sauvignon and velvety Merlot. If you love wines with a new approach, try a tasting of their Bourbon Barrel Merlot and Sangiovese. Each bottle of Kiepersol wine is crafted with care, making it a must-try for visitors.
Spirits and Cocktails
Started in 2014, Kiepersol’s distillery adds another layer of allure to this Tyler, Texas attraction. The distillery produces a large range of spirits, including rum, gin, vodka, brandy, bourbon, moonshine and an agave spirit. All are crafted with the same attention to detail as their wines.
If you’re looking for some Kiepersol’s agave spirits cocktail recipes, try a classic Margarita or Paloma. While using the Kiepersol Bourbon, create a flavorful Old Fashion. Grab a cocktail in the Grand Room and then overlook the scenic vineyard and forest to create a relaxing experience.
Order Food
While soaking in the vineyard views, and sipping on high quality wine or cocktails, consider ordering from the Bistro. Guests can enjoy a delicious and beautifully presented charcuterie board, along with mouthwatering fancy grilled cheese sandwiches. More options of foods to order are available during certain seasons.
Book a Tour or Food and Wine Pairing Class
Kiepersol Vineyards, Winery, and Distillery is one of the most premier east Texas vineyards to visit. Take a tour with their winemaker or distiller to learn about how they make their elite products. Near the tasting room and the picturesque vineyard, is a state-of-the-art winery, and an innovative distillery. After your tour, you’ll sample many of the products you were able to learn about.
Guests can also sign up for an educational Food and Wine Pairing class. For any serious lover of wines, it is an experience that should not be skipped. Guests will learn more about their award-winning wines and sample fine dining foods.
With additional experiences like the tour and the food and wine pairing class, Kiepersol truly is a must-visit destination. It’s easy to see how this is a main Tyler, Texas attraction.
Winery and Distillery Tour
During the tour, your guide will show you an in-depth look at the distillery and winery. The process is delicate, and they have a strict and unique process. My guide was the winemaker, and it was amazing to hear about her craft.
The vineyard’s grapes are meticulously picked by hand to ensure the highest quality during the process of vine to bottle. Our guide talked about the specific varietals planted in the vineyard, and the process of how grapes are transformed. The wine barrels are stored in an underground cellar, where the wines mature and develop their unique flavors.
When it comes to the distillery, it has several different approaches. The distiller juggles between creating everything from rum, gin, vodka, bourbon, moonshine agave spirit. While some processes may be similar, each has specific details that aid to creating these highly acclaimed spirits.
Their Blue Agave spirit, Kiepersol’s version of tequila, begins with organic blue agave nectar sourced from Mexico. It is then fermented and distilled on-site at Kiepersol. They also have a Blue Agave Spirit that has been aged in oak barrels and is elegant and perfect over ice.
One of the most celebrated spirits that the distillery produces is Jimmy’s Texas Bourbon. Aged for 4 years, it won a Gold Award at the 2019’s “The Fifty Best Bourbons,” and in 2018’s “North American Bourbon & Whiskey Competition.” It’s described as having a vanilla toffee taste, cinnamon aromas and a smooth finish.
The tour was very educational, and you can tell that the winemakers and distiller have pride in their work. They strive to not only compete with Texas wines and spirits, but with others on a national and international level.
Food and Wine Pairing Class
The food and wine pairing class at Kiepersol is both educational and delicious. Led by a knowledgeable staff member, they explain in detail which wines pair best with specific foods. My biggest appreciation from the class, was that she explained why the wine pair with certain foods. She also encouraged the class to try wine with foods she didn’t pair together. This would help to train your palate in recognizing the differences or find what works for each person. I loved that there was no wrong answer, just suggestions.
Participants sample five award-winning wines, each thoughtfully paired with small portions of food prepared by the estate’s fine dining chef. The menu changes with the season, so even repeat visitors will enjoy a fresh experience each time they attend. The class was engaging, and I highly recommend it when searching for Tyler, Texas attractions.
Fine Dining
Visit the elegant steakhouse at Kiepersol, where the walls are adorned with repurposed 120-year-old barn wood. Serving lunch and dinner, business-casual attire is required for dinner.
For parties of eight or more, reservations require a credit card. The restaurant, now part of the Winery & Distillery, allows guests to purchase Kiepersol wines and spirits to take home. Located in a gated community, access can be granted by dialing 000 on the keypad if the gate is closed.
Stay on Property
Experience rest and relaxation on a beautiful wine farm in East Texas. Breakfast is served in the main dining room from 7:00 to 9:30 a.m., with coffee starting at 6:30 a.m. Guests must check in at the main B&B between 3:00 and 8:00 p.m. at 21508 Merlot Lane, Tyler, TX 75703. Pets are not allowed unless they are service animals.
Bed and Breakfast
Unwind on a stunning wine estate in East Texas, offering fifteen bed & breakfast rooms for ultimate comfort and scenic views. Near the Restaurant at Kiepersol, the Bed & Breakfast includes five luxurious rooms with fine linens, king beds, and private baths.
Rent a House
The Stable House, a five-bedroom bungalow next to the vineyard, was once home to four Clydesdale horses. The Vines Chalet is a cozy three-bedroom house with vineyard views. The Cottage is a two-room cottage offer perfect accommodations for families or groups. It is also steps away from the vineyard.
RV Camping
Planning on staying in the area for a while? If you have an RV that you’re traveling with, look into the availability of the Bushman’s RV park. Owned and operated by Kiepersol, it’s a great way to stay in the area for an extended amount of time.
It has raving reviews and amenities like a fishing pond, pool, hot tub and full hookups. Located on 3 miles away from Kiepersol’s winery and more, it’s a great option when looking for places to stay.
History and Story of Kiepersol
The Kiepersol food, wine, and spirits destination in East Texas is passionately run by sisters Marnelle and Velmay. Their father, Pierre de Wet, arrived in America in 1984 with big dreams and 2 small daughters. Before moving to Tyler, Texas to join the rose growing industry, he lived in South Africa as a farmer.
Pierre’s dream of creating a family legacy began in 1998 when he planted the vineyards that would become Kiepersol. The following year, he opened East Texas’ premier steakhouse. Together, the family built Kiepersol into a beautiful countryside escape that continues to produce award-winning, easy-to-drink wines and smooth spirits.
The name Kiepersol originates from a legendary place in South Africa. During the Boer War in the 1900s, British soldiers were being chased by a lion. They ran through an open field toward a single-trunk tree, shouting “Kiepersol, Kiepersol, Kiepersol.” The Boers named the tree Kiepersol, later realizing the soldiers were actually yelling, “We hope the tree will keep us all.” This tree’s symbolism was adopted by Kiepersol, hoping that everyone who visits can find that same sense of comfort.
A Review After My Visit
I seriously had no idea this was in northeast Texas. After visiting the famous 290 Wine Trail in the Texas Hill Country, I didn’t think it could get much better. The level of hospitality, detail and dedication this family business provides their guests has created an incredible Tyler, Texas attraction you can’t miss. Producing high quality 100% Texas wines and Texas spirits, they have created products that are not only known in Texas, but throughout the nation.
It’s absolutely one of the prettiest and most impressive wineries and distilleries I’ve visited in Texas. I’m so glad I was able to participate in the food and wine pairing class along with taking a tour of the winery and distillery. Knowing the detailed process definitely makes me appreciate it more and understand why it’s a major Tyler, Texas attraction.
For those seeking wineries near Dallas, Kiepersol is an ideal choice. The combination of a working vineyard, winery, and distillery on a single estate makes it a standout among Tyler, Texas wineries. Guests can spend a leisurely day sampling exquisite wines and spirits, and then stay on property for a quiet countryside getaway.
If you love wine or spirits, definitely add Kiepersol Vineyard, Winery and Distillery to your list of places in Texas to visit.
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