Julie Blacklidge

Wine education began at an early age for Julie Blacklidge. By the age of 17, shehad already toured vineyards in California, Germany, Italy and France. Sincethen, she has expanded her knowledge by becoming a certified sommelier throughthe International Sommelier Guild (levels I & II). Blacklidge has written for DMagazine, Vineyard & Winery Management, Park Cities People, Fort Worth BusinessPress and The Land Report. She is obsessed with Zinfandels from Sonoma andSpanish reds.

From left: Master Distiller Michael Pfeiffer, John Straits, Evan Batt and BenJenkins of JEM Beverage Co.
Photo by Julie Blacklidge Kinzie
Western Son Vodka is distilled 10 times before it's bottled.
Photo by Julie Blacklide
Stingray Spiced Rum has hints of almond, vanilla and cinnamon.
Photo courtesy of One Fast Buffalo
Red River Texas Bourbon Whiskey is aged five years in American oak.
Photo courtesy of JEM Beverage

Get in the Spirit

Dallas distillery does small-batch spirits worthy of Texas drinkers

The winery at Delaney Vineyards in Grapevine is styled after a French chateau.
Delaney Vineyards/Facebook
Calais Winery
Calais Winery/Facebook
Times Ten Cellars
Times Ten Cellars/Facebook
Kiepersol Estates in Tyler has a bed-and-breakfast.
Kiepersol Estates/Facebook
Redfish Creole at LightCatcher Winery & Bistro.
LightCatcher Winery & Bistro/Facebook
Fuqua Coco's Cuvee
Photo courtesy of Fuqua Winery

Winery Tour

6 North Texas wineries where we like to sip, savor and linger