#oklahomawineries

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WHAT IS AN ESTATE OKLAHOMA WINERY?

While exploring a discover Oklahoma winery, you may notice “estate winery” in the title or “estate bottled” or “estate grown” on the wine labels. The meanings of these terms vary throughout the world. Some countries use the term “estate” in the same way the United States uses the term “estate-bottled” when discussing wine.

Although these words are often used interchangeably, each has a different meaning in American winemaking, providing some insight into how your local wine was produced.

What Is An Estate Winery?

If an Oklahoma winery uses the term “estate winery,” the winery controls the winemaking process. The winery has complete control, from growing the grapes to bottling the wine.

Many wineries use the terms “estate” or “estate-grown” on their labels freely because it is not a legally-bound term in the federal government. These terms, while indicating how the wine may have been produced, are a broad definition.

Estate or estate-grown wines are typically grown on the same property and region. Still, the vineyards themselves may be on different plots of land. An Oklahoma winery near I-40 manages or controls the production of the wine, but they may own all, some, or none of the land in which the grapes are grown. In sum, as long as the same entity farms the wine, wineries can use the terms “estate” or “estate-grown.”

What Are Estate-Bottled Wines?

Using the term “estate-bottled” grows more complicated. Wines labeled as “estate-bottled” are backed by specific legal requirements determined by the federal government. For a winery to use this term, 100% of the wine must be owned and farmed by the same entity. An Oklahoma winery must own all the land, vineyards, and grapes and produce the wine within the same American Viticultural Area. From wine to bottle, an estate-bottled wine never leaves the winery’s premises, giving them complete control of the entire process.

The American Viticultural Area, or AVA, must be classified on an estate-bottled wine label. The AVA is the specific type of appellation of origin indicating that growing grapes used in the wine distinctly differ from growing grapes in other geographic regions. Contact an Oklahoma winery near I-40 to discover your wine’s AVA.

What About Single-Vineyard Wines?

Single-vineyard wines are when the grapes are grown in one vineyard. Because of some overlapping characteristics, estate or estate-bottled wines can also be considered single-vineyard wines.

It is commonly assumed that estate, estate-bottled, and single-vineyard wines are of the highest quality. However, this is not necessarily true. Several factors, such as climate, grape varietal, fermentation process, individual preferences, and more, play a role in determining the quality of the wine.

Ready to Discover Oklahoma Wineries?

Whether you are looking for single-vineyard or estate-bottled wines, you are sure to find some new favorites in Oklahoma. At the Oklahoma Grape Industry Council, we have over 60 members that are ready to help you cultivate a love for Oklahoma wine. Contact us today for more information, or visit our website to find a discover Oklahoma winery near you.

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Oklahoma Wineries - The Fantastic Place to Taste Amazing Wines

Oklahoma wineries are fantastic places to taste new wines, spend time with friends, and talk to local experts. Plan your next getaway to Oklahoma Wineries today. Visit the link today!

https://discoveroklahomawines.com/

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Does the Shape Of the Wine Glass Matter at a Wine Tasting OKC?

Attending a wine tasting OKC is an excellent way to try local wines and broaden your horizons. Many elements affect your tasting experience, from your perfume to the way you swirl your glass. As such, the shape of your wine glass is an often-forgotten but important detail that can make a difference in the taste and smell of the wine.

Why Does the Shape Of a Wine Glass Matter?

Wine glasses come in various shapes and sizes. Although some glasses are shaped purely for aesthetic purposes, many are designed to enhance your wine tasting experience on the Oklahoma wine trails.

The anatomy of a wine glass typically consists of three parts: the foot, the stem, and the bowl. Aromas are released as oxygen reaches the wine in the bowl. As they release, the aromas collect in the space between the wine and the edge of the bowl. The shape of your glass affects the density and position of the aroma vapor at the bowl’s opening, significantly adding to the flavor of your wine.

Different Shapes of Wine Glasses

Whether you are tasting wines at a travel Oklahoma winery or in the comfort of your own home, it is recommended to know which glasses are best for enjoying certain wines to make for a great tasting experience.

White Wines

Full-bodied white wines are often served in wider glasses, as they taste better when slightly oxidized. Most lighter-bodied white wines are best served in smaller bowled glasses, allowing less oxygen to reach the wine. This allows the wine to maintain its crisp, light flavors.

Red Wines

At a wine tasting OKC, red wines are often served in glasses with rounded bowls and wide openings. The oxygen exposure helps soften the intense tannins prominent in most red wines. There are different glasses for light, medium, and full-bodied reds:

Large Bordeaux glass — These glasses are designed to help smooth the tannins in full-bodied, bold red wines.

“Standard” red wine glass — These are best for medium-to-full-bodied reds with spicy notes or high alcohol content.

Burgundy glass — The large bowl is best for collecting the delicious aromas of lighter-bodied, delicate red wines.

Sparkling Wines

Sparkling wines like Champagne are often served in tall, narrow flutes. These glasses are meant to be held by the stem to prevent body heat from warming the wine. Likewise, the narrow shape keeps oxygen from diminishing the delicious bubbles.

Discover Local Wines on the Oklahoma Wine Trails

If you are looking to discover local wines, you are sure to find a favorite when you visit a travel Oklahoma winery. At the OGIC, our members throughout Oklahoma serve delicious local wines and provide exceptional experiences for you and your loved ones. Contact us today for more information.

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HOW TO PLAN A WINE TASTING PARTY WITH OKLAHOMA WINES

With the warmer weather approaching, you may begin planning your summer gatherings with your loved ones. A great way to entertain your guests is by hosting a wine tasting. Planning your wine tasting allows your friends and family to taste Oklahoma wines in a comfortable environment. However, wine tastings are unlike any other event, and there are specific details to keep in mind when planning.

Things to Keep in Mind When Planning Your Wine Tasting

Determine a Theme

Choosing a theme for your wine tasting will help create a cohesive, fun event. Some popular themes include:

Regions – choose a variety of wines from specific areas nationally or internationally, such as France, Italy, California, or Oklahoma wines.

Variety – taste a single variety, such as Pinot Grigio, from different regions to compare.

Blind Tastings – hide each bottle of wine in a brown bag, allowing your guests to use their senses to determine the wine style and varietal.

Random – themes can be centered around anything you want, such as holidays, movies, or destinations. Be creative!

Adorning your space with matching decorations, including fun costumes, and offering themed hors d’oeuvres are great ways to liven up your wine tasting and take your guests on an adventure.

Decide Which Wines to Purchase

Having a theme can help narrow down when looking to buy local wines for your party. Do your research online to discover which wines would be best for your theme, or get in touch with a local store or winery for more personal expertise.

Likewise, ensure you buy the appropriate amount of wine for your number of guests. Each bottle is about 24 ounces, allowing you to serve 2-ounce tastes for 12 guests or a generous 6-ounce taste for four guests. As a general rule of thumb, always buy more wine than you need and contact your local winery for estimates if needed.

Do Your Research

Before your event, learning about the discover Oklahoma wines your guests will be tasting is essential. Create information cards for each wine to hand out to guests, providing information about the wine’s history, varietal, region of origin, and more.

Another important aspect to research is your desired serving method. Decide if you would like your guests to self-pour their samples, pour yourself, or hire someone to help pour. Likewise, determine which order your wines will be served. For multi-varietal tastings, hosts generally start with bubbly or light white wines and finish with bold reds and dessert wines.

Keep the Food Light

Food is an essential component of any wine tasting. Whether making the food yourself, having a potluck with your guests, or hiring a caterer, keep the menu light to ensure the wine isn��t overpowered. Research and sample which foods and hors d’oeuvres pair best with each wine. Classics include charcuterie boards, bitter chocolates, and fruits. Likewise, try to avoid serving smelly foods, as the scents can greatly affect the taste of the wines.

Discover Oklahoma Wines for Your Wine Tasting Party

Wine tasting parties are a unique way to spend time with friends and family. As such, there are many options available in Oklahoma to buy local wines. Visit our website to find a local winery or vineyard near you, or contact us for more information.

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WHAT IS A CRUSH PAD FOR AN OKLAHOMA WINERY NEAR I-40?

If you tour an Oklahoma winery near I-40, you may see some of the equipment used to produce delicious wines, such as tanks, pumps, and barrels. One area that has a vital role in winemaking is a “crush pad,” as it is where the process of transforming grapes into wine begins.

There are five primary stages of winemaking: (1) harvesting, (2) crushing and pressing, (3) fermentation, (4) clarification, and (5) aging and bottling. As referenced in its name, crush pads are used during the second step of the process.

The History of Crush Pads

For thousands of years, winemakers would manually crush grapes to prepare the juice for fermentation. When considering this process, the first image to come to mind is likely that of people stomping on grapes in barrels or large vats. The area or platform where this took place became known as a “crush pad.”

Modern Crush Pads at an Oklahoma Winery Near I-35

Due to many advancements in winemaking technology, crushing grapes into pulp and juice is no longer an entirely manual process. Current crush pads can be understood as the part of an Oklahoma winery near I-35 designated for the equipment used to process harvested grapes into wine.

How Are the Grapes Crushed?

After the grapes are harvested, everything is brought to the crush pad. After unwanted materials (like leaves) are removed and the best grape clusters are selected, winemakers move the clusters into a machine to be crushed. There are various types of machinery used for this process; for example, a winery may have a:

Crusher-destemmer: the equipment crushes the grapes before removing them from the stem.

Destemmer-crusher: the machine removes the stems from the grapes before crushing them.

Destemmer-only: the equipment only removes stems, with a different method used for crushing.

These machines vary in size and price. They may also be manually operated or fully motorized. This allows each Oklahoma winery to select the ideal equipment for its needs.

What Happens After the Grapes are Crushed?

Once the grapes are crushed, the resulting mix of juice, skins, and seeds is referred to as a “must.” From this point, the winemaking process slightly diverges based on the type of wine that the Oklahoma winery is making:

White wine: the must is pressed before fermentation, often shortly after it is crushed. This process separates the juice from all solids, meaning that the wine’s flavor and color are unaffected by the skins and seeds.

Red wine: the must is fermented as-is, allowing the wine to gain its strong color, flavor, and tannins from the seeds and skins. The must is pressed after fermentation, removing all solids to leave a smooth red wine.

After fermentation and pressing (in either order), the next step is clarification. At this time, leftover pulp, stems, and skins become suspended in the wine, along with any unwanted proteins, tannins, and other phenolic compounds. Once these unwanted materials are filtered out, the red or white wine is bottled and aged until it is ready to be enjoyed.

Interested in Visiting an Oklahoma Winery Near I-40?

While the crush pad is an important part of any winery that produces wine, it is only one of the many key parts of the business. To build a true appreciation of the hard work that goes into creating delicious, high-quality wines, consider scheduling a winery tour that brings you through the entire winemaking process.

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CAN HYBRID GRAPES BE THE FUTURE OF OKLAHOMA GRAPE WINES?

Currently, 129 acres of land are dedicated to growing grapes in Oklahoma. That number has steadily increased over the years, and with the growing popularity of locally-made wines, that amount is sure to increase. As such, vintners and winery owners often look for new methods and strategies to expand and strengthen Oklahoma’s wine and grape industry. Part of that includes cultivating the right grape varieties.

Because of our state’s unique climate, some varieties grow better here than others. As such, to create Oklahoma grape wines, many vineyards will grow:

Cabernet Sauvignon. These grapes create a full-bodied red wine that is rich in tannins. Its aroma features cherries, cassis, and tobacco.

Muscat Blanc. This variety makes a white wine that can be sweet, dry, fortified, or sparkling. Its flavor profile features honey, citrus, and peach.

Riesling. These grapes yield an acidic white wine that can be sweet or dry. The wine tastes like lighter fruits and smells like honey or ginger.

Sangiovese. Rustic versions of this red grape create smokey and herbal wine. Wines can also be made from the more fruit-forward varieties.

Seyval Blanc. This variety creates an acidic white wine that is dry with some minerality. Its profile has notes of melon and green apple.

Tempranillo. These grapes make red wines that taste like blackberries and figs. Its fairly complex aroma features dill, tobacco, and wood.

Vignoles. This variety is used for both very dry and very sweet white wines. Its fruit flavors and floral aroma make it a popular dessert wine.

In addition to these grapes, there are many varieties of hybrid grapes that thrive in Oklahoma’s unique weather conditions.

Hybrid Grapes for Made In Oklahoma Wines

Why Hybrid Varieties are Used when Growing Grapes in Oklahoma

Hybrid grapes are created by crossing two or more existing varieties to get the best qualities of both. For example, with a hybrid variety, a vineyard owner can ensure that their crop has a natural resistance to local weather conditions, yet yield a wine that has the delicious flavor profile of something like a European merlot or chardonnay.

Two hybrid grape varieties that are especially popular for made in Oklahoma wines are Traminette and Chambourcin.

Traminette

This white wine has delicious flavors of various fruits, notably apricot and peach, which are complemented by hints of honey. Whether it is dry or fairly sweet, Traminette wine almost always pairs well with rich foods.

Traminette grapes were created by crossing Gewürztraminer grapes with another existing hybrid (Joannes Seyve 23.416). The cross resulted in grapes that are cold-hardy, resistant to many diseases, and feature the flavor profile that Gewürztraminer wines are known for.

Chambourcin

Well-known for its dark purple color, this red wine is made from one of the most popular hybrid grapes. Chambourcin’s plum and black cherry flavors are beautifully balanced with aromatic hints of herbs and spices.

Unlike the Traminette variety, the exact source of the Chambourcin grape hybrid is unknown. However, it likely contains some Seibel grapes in its lineage. Chambourcin grapes are very productive, resistant to many diseases, and create a wine that is bold and strongly flavored.

Enjoy Oklahoma Grape Wines

Whether you prefer classic flavors or want to expand your palette with something new, you are sure to enjoy quality wines whenever you try something made in Oklahoma. To learn more about local wines or the winemaking process, schedule a winery visit or vineyard tour with a member of the Oklahoma Grape Industry Council.

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Our Members | Oklahoma Grape Industry Council

From vineyard and wineries owners to hobbyists, our members stay connected and informed about legislation, education, and available resources. Learn more!

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WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT PAIRING DISCOVER OKLAHOMA WINES WITH FOOD

Whether it be a birthday, holiday, or get-together, enjoying delicious Oklahoma grape wine with your meal is an excellent way to enjoy time with your friends and family. It is always best to pair your wine closely with your meal of choice to enhance your dining experience. Here is what you should know when pairing your favorite wines with your meal.

The Basics of Wine Pairings: Food Flavors

To help select your wine choice for your gathering, categorize the main dish of your meal into one of the five food flavor profiles. These profiles can help you determine which wines work best with certain flavors.

Acidic

Acidity is a common flavor in a variety of dishes. The general rule of thumb is that the wine should be equal to or more acidic than the dish, adding a crisp freshness to your meal. If the dish is more acidic, the flavor of the wine will fall flat. Crisp white discover Oklahoma wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc, pair well with acidic dishes such as fish or a fresh salad with an acidic dressing.

Bitter

Unlike acidity, bitter foods should not be paired with bitter wines, as it only enhances the bitterness. Complementary pairings, or those that do not share many flavor compounds, work best with bitter foods. Consider pairing bitter foods with an acidic white wine or red wine with lower tannins, such as Pinot Noir.

Umami

Umami is a unique, earthy flavor that enhances the acidity and bitterness of wine and decreases the perception of sweetness. It is crucial to consider the dish’s salt content. If the meal has an umami flavor with low salt content, it can make the wine taste harder, so try sweet or off-dry discover Oklahoma wines packed full of fruitiness. If the food has an umami flavor with high salt content, it tends to have the opposite effect. Try pairing it with a more fruity, acidic wine to bring some crispness.

Sweet

When it comes to sweet dishes and desserts, it is best to pair these with sweet wines equal to or higher in sugar content than the food. If the dish is sweeter than the wine, your wine will be stripped of its delicious flavors. Likewise, sweet foods can make wines taste bitter and lose their fruit flavors, so avoid pairing sweet foods with wines with high tannins.

Salty

Salt rounds out the taste of many dishes, from fried foods to pasta sauce. Salty foods can help bring out the sweetness of Oklahoma grape wine and hide bitterness and tannins. To bring more balance to a salty dish, try pairing it with acidic, fruity wines or sparkling wines.

Discover Local Wineries On the Oklahoma Winery Map

If you are searching for a wine to compliment your meal, browse your local wineries to find the perfect match. At the Oklahoma Grape Industry Council, we have members throughout the state that sell delicious, locally-made wines. For more information about the OGIC or to learn more about the Oklahoma winery map, please contact us today.

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How Is Rosé Wine Made at an Oklahoma Winery? | OGIC

When you visit an Oklahoma winery, there will be many unique wines to try, including rosé. These wines are known for their color, with varieties ranging from pinks so pale that they are almost white to deep shades of raspberry. In addition to the palette, rosés have a delicious flavor profile featuring citrus, spice, fruit, and floral notes.

Because these selections are so unique, you may be interested in learning how these wines are made. Overall, rosés are produced in the same way that red or white Oklahoma wines are. However, there are some key differences.

How Are Oklahoma Wines Made?

After the grapes are grown and harvested, they are brought to a winery. There, they are crushed into a mixture called “must” and fermented. The mixture will also be pressed at some point (before or after fermentation, depending on the type of wine). The wine is then clarified, bottled, and aged to perfection.

When making rosé, there are a few more steps in-between.

An Oklahoma Winery Can Make Rosé Through:

Maceration

The most common rosé production method is “maceration.” For this, red wine grapes are harvested and crushed. Afterward, they are left to soak for 2 to 48 hours, allowing the grape skins to start influencing the juice. This process is called “maceration” – the longer the grapes are macerated, the darker the juice. After this, the skins are strained out of the grape juice, and the fermentation process begins. Due to extended contact with the grape skins, the resulting wines have more texture and body than some other rosés.

Direct Press

The “direct press” style of rosé production is also a very popular approach. To create this wine, red grapes are harvested and pressed to extract their juices. Unlike maceration, the skins and the grape juice are separated almost immediately. While this contact is limited, it still leads to a finished wine that has a lovely pink color. From there, the winemaking process continues in the usual way until the rosé is ready to be enjoyed.

Saignée

Another method is the “saignée” approach. If you create rosé wines this way, you must also make red wine. This method involves “bleeding off” some of the juice from a vat that is being used to make red wine. (The name “saignée” translates from French as “bleeding.”) Because the removed juice had limited contact with the grape skins, the resulting wine will be pink. Saignée wines tend to be more complex and have a fuller body when compared to some other rosé varieties.

Blending

While other methods start with red grapes, “blended” rosés start with white grapes. The winemakers begin by making a white wine; afterward, a small amount of red wine is added, leading to a pink color. If you try a sparkling rosé, it was likely made with this production style. Blending may also be used in addition to maceration, saignée, or direct press. For example, if a direct press wine does not have the desired shade, the winemaker may blend some red wine into the rosé.

Enjoy Rosé on Oklahoma Wine Tours

There are many wineries and vineyards across the state, each producing a unique variety of wines – often including rosé. If you want to try quality wines, consider visiting members of the Oklahoma Grape Industry Council. In addition to creating delicious wines, many of our member vineyards and wineries offer Oklahoma wine tours, so you can learn more about the grape growing and winemaking process.

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Locate the Nearest Winery in Oklahoma | Oklahoma Grape Industry Council

Our members include local wineries and vineyards where you can shop, eat, taste, and pick a few things for home. Locate your nearest wineries or to learn more about wineries and vineyards!

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Oklahoma Winery & Wines | Oklahoma Grape Industry Council

The Oklahoma Grape Industry Council promotes the entire wine industry in the state; to encourage camaraderie among the hobbyists, viticulturists & vintners alike.

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7 Tips For Traveling Oklahoma Wine Trails | OGIC

If you are searching for a unique way to venture across the state, consider journeying on one of many Oklahoma wine trails. Wine trails are the perfect way to visit beautiful wineries and vineyards, drink delicious local wines, and see Oklahoma’s unique landscape on display. If you are traveling on a wine trail for the first time, here are a few helpful tips to maximize your experience.

What To Consider When Journeying On Wine Trails

1. Dress Accordingly

Wine trails often involve lots of traveling and touring, so wear casual and comfortable clothes. Avoid wearing heels and dress shoes so your feet won’t get sore, and dress accordingly for the weather conditions. Likewise, many Oklahoma wine tours involve tasting local wines, so avoid wearing lighter colors to hide stains if a spill occurs.

2. Schedule Ahead

Whether you want to taste local wines or visit a vineyard to see the growing grapes in Oklahoma, planning ahead of your trip is crucial to ensure it goes smoothly. Many establishments require reservations to prepare for your visit, especially for larger groups. Make arrangements for your party beforehand, and inquire about their pricing and menu so you are prepared.

3. Plan For Other Stops

Wine tours are the perfect way to explore new places and enjoy Oklahoma’s gorgeous landscape year-round. As such, when traveling a wine trail, plan to make stops at other local spots. Try customer favorites at a local restaurant, shop for unique gifts at small boutiques, and explore fun events and landmarks near the wineries to get a feel for the local culture.

4. Practice Your Tasting Technique

The proper tasting technique can enhance your experience on the Oklahoma wine trails. The 4 S’s is a simple yet popular guide for wine tasting:

See – Hold your glass to the light to view the wine’s color and clarity.

Swirl – Gently swirl your glass for 5-10 seconds, as the added oxygen will release the wine’s flavors and aromas.

Smell – Inhale the delicious scents from the wine and note what aromas are present in its bouquet.

Spit – Take a small sip of the wine and roll it around in your mouth, coating your tongue. The heat from your mouth will unlock even more flavors. Once you have a good taste, spit out the wine to avoid the effects of alcohol.

5. Ask Questions

As you are tasting wines, feel free to ask your server any questions about the selections. The staff can provide details about its flavors, aromas, preferred food pairings, and more. Likewise, ask questions if you are touring a winery or vineyard. The staff may give you historical background or insight into their winemaking process.

6. Take Notes

Many winery attendants will provide background information about each selection, such as the type of growing grapes in Oklahoma used or where the wine is made. Carry a small notebook to write down important details about each selection. Take notes on which selections you enjoy so you can purchase again in the future.

7. Pace Yourself

Depending on the wine trail, you may visit several wineries within a day. Pace yourself when tasting wines and touring facilities so you don’t tire yourself before reaching all destinations. If you are new to wine trails, aim for 2-3 wineries per day to relax, enjoy the wines, and make memories with your loved ones.

Discover Local Wines On Oklahoma Wine Tours

At the OGIC, we have over 60 members dedicated to serving delicious local wines and providing exceptional experiences. Contact us today for more information or to find a wine trail near you.

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Oklahoma Wineries - A Fabulous Place to Try Amazing Wines

Oklahoma wineries are fantastic places to taste new wines, spend time with friends, and talk to local experts. Plan your next getaway to Oklahoma Wineries today. Visit the link today!

https://discoveroklahomawines.com/

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Blue River Valley Winery- Discover Oklahoma Wines

Blue River Valley Winery serves up sips of its finest wines, produced onsite in Caddo. Pay a visit to this winery to discover your new favorite bottle of wine in the tasting room.  Click for more information!

https://discoveroklahomawines.com/videos/

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Clauren Ridge Vineyard & Winery - Discover Oklahoma Wines

Enjoy a beautiful vineyard and winery just minutes from Oklahoma City at Edmond's Clauren Ridge. Tour the vineyard, winery, and wine cave after tasting a selection of wines in the tasting room that overlooks the large crushing and fermentation area. Click on the link to know more!

https://discoveroklahomawines.com/videos/