The History of Homestead Winery
Homestead Winery, located in Ivanhoe, Texas, holds the distinction of being the oldest continually operating winery in the Red River Valley of North Texas. Founded in 1983 by Barb and Gabe Parker, the winery was born out of a desire to continue the Parker family’s century-old farming tradition. What once were fields of wheat and corn on their Ivanhoe farm were transformed into lush vineyards, with grapevines taking root in the sandy, fertile soil that proved ideal for winemaking. By 1989, Homestead Winery had produced its first vintage, setting the stage for decades of growth and acclaim.
Homestead Winery Today
Today, Homestead Winery is known for its award-winning wines, including favorites such as their signature Rose of Ivanhoe. The rich soil of Ivanhoe, combined with the expertise of a winemaker, results in wines that are both rich and full-bodied. In the early years, Dr. Roy Mitchell, assisted in capturing the essence of North Texas’s unique terroir. Visitors to the Ivanhoe location can experience these wines firsthand. The restored family home is not currently open to guests but when open guests can sample and purchase wines or arrange for tours and special events by reservation.
Our Denison Location
In addition to the Ivanhoe facility, Homestead Vineyard & Winery has expanded to include a location in Historic Downtown Denison, Texas. The Denison location, housed in a historic 1920s art deco building, not only offers a tasting room but also serves as a cultural hub, featuring an art gallery and a light menu. The Denison winery is known for allowing visitors to sample a wider variety of their offerings. This location also holds historical significance as Denison was once home to the renowned horticulturist T.V. Munson, who helped save the French wine industry in the 1880s by sending phylloxera-resistant rootstocks to France, cementing a special relationship between Denison and Cognac, France.
Visit Us!
From its humble beginnings on the Parker family farm to its current status as a beloved North Texas institution, Homestead Winery continues to celebrate both the legacy of its founders and the rich history of Texas winemaking. Whether you visit Ivanhoe or Denison, you’ll find a commitment to quality, community, and a deep connection to the land that defines the heart of Homestead Vineyards & Winery.
