HOUSTON – You don’t have to jump on a plane to Napa for wine country charm - Chapelton Vineyards in Washington County, Texas, brings that experience to life just a little over an hour from Houston. Houston Life reporter Melanie Camp spent the day exploring the property, tasting wines, and discovering why this destination is quickly becoming a Texas favorite for wine lovers and weekend adventurers alike.
From Cattle Ranch to Vineyard Retreat
It’s hard to believe that just a few years ago, the rolling rows of Chapelton Vineyards’ grapevines — stretching across the fields of Lyn Ranch — were nothing more than wide-open cattle pastures. In 2018, owners Kurt and Dr. Michelle Lyn envisioned something entirely new: transforming their family ranch into a serene escape for Houstonians craving a taste of wine country without the long flight.
“They wanted to give people in the city an easy getaway,” said General Manager Allie Ferguson, noting how the old cow pastures slowly gave way to vineyards, tasting rooms, and villas. “Now this is a place where people can slow down, sip, and savor the moment.”
Today, Chapelton grows hybrid varietals like Blanc de Bois, perfectly suited for Texas’s heat and humidity, alongside Merlot, Tempranillo, and newly planted Sagrantino grapes. Every Fourth of July weekend, the team - often joined by wine club members - hand-picks each cluster in a harvest celebration that has become a Chapelton tradition.
Happy Grapes, Happy Wines
Not every grape thrives in Texas soil, and Ferguson says they’re fine with that. “Happy grapes make happy wine,” she laughed. For Chapelton, that means growing the varietals that flourish locally while sourcing Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and even Argentinian Malbec from vineyards around the world.
Those grapes all make their way to Chapelton’s production facility on Lyn Ranch, where winemaking happens on-site. Inside the barrel room, Melanie sampled a Cabernet Sauvignon straight from a French oak barrel. “I’ve never done this before!” she said, swirling the deep red in her glass. The 2022 vintage she tasted will be bottled and released just in time for the holidays.
Wine Tasting Experiences & More
Guests can choose between signature or premium tasting packages, which include multiple wines, guided production tours, and sneak-peek samples of upcoming releases. Premium tastings also feature curated charcuterie boards designed to complement each pour.
And Chapelton isn’t just about wine. Visitors can join yoga classes among the vines, learn candle making, try leather stamping, or take bouquet workshops - events designed to make each visit feel like an experience rather than a simple tasting. “It’s elevated but approachable...People leave here not only enjoying the wine but learning something new,” said Tasting Room Manager Caitlin Gibson.
The Chapelton Wine Club
For regulars, the Chapelton Wine Club opens the door to exclusive events, behind-the-scenes vineyard access, and even hands-on winemaking opportunities. Members come for the wine but stay for the community - about 75% of them drive in from Houston for harvest parties, pickup events, and private celebrations.
Wayne and Suzanne, the very first wine club members, even spent their wedding night in one of Chapelton’s villas and have been part of the vineyard’s story ever since.
Stay for the Weekend
With two luxury villas on the property at Lyn Ranch, guests can turn a day trip into a full wine country retreat. Each villa has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a front-row seat to the vineyard’s sweeping views. “You don’t have to leave...That’s the best part,” Ferguson said.
Enter to Win a Chapelton Getaway
Chapelton Vineyards is giving one lucky winner the chance to experience it all - a villa stay for two, a signature wine tasting, and a behind-the-scenes vineyard tour.
Scan the QR code shown in the segment or visit chapeltonvineyards.com/getaway to enter.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re looking for award-winning wines, stunning scenery, or a weekend retreat close to home, Chapelton Vineyards at Lyn Ranch delivers a wine country experience unlike any other in Texas - and it’s all just a little over an hour from Houston.