Llano Estacado Winery

The Texas High Plains AVA Is One of the Largest AVAs in the U.S.

"Established in 1976 as the state’s second-oldest winery and the oldest in the High Plains, this Lubbock-based producer commonly uses locally grown High Plains grapes and offers an accessible tasting experience—featuring a tasting room, a pleasant patio for outdoor sipping, and guided winery tours about 10 minutes from downtown. Its “clay block” Merlot earned a gold medal at the 2024 Lone Star International Wine Competition, illustrating the region’s ability to produce award-winning wines from high-elevation, dry soils." - Amanda Ogle Amanda Ogle Amanda Ogle is a writer and editor who specializes in travel, food and drink, sustainability, and general lifestyle topics. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, National Geographic, Condé Nast Traveler, Texas Highways, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines