Wine, Dine and Art Walk in Lubbock, TX
Deep in the heart of West Texas, is the friendly town of Lubbock. With a little over 260,000 residents, it’s known as one of the biggest cotton producers in the U.S., and home to Texas Tech University, the second largest university in the Lone Star State. Located on 1,900 acres with an undergraduate and graduate school, plus a law school and medical school, many graduates stay and work in Lubbock.
Lubbock airport is about a five minute drive into the heart of the city, making it easy to visit for a long weekend or Texas staycation. Here’s some of the top spots to visit while exploring Lubbock, Texas:
Stay
Cotton Court Hotel is a charming 165-room boutique hotel located on Broadway. It’s a straight shot to Texas Tech University and minutes from the Depot District offering shops, a variety of restaurants, bars, craft brewery and nightlife. The onsite pool has plenty of lounge chairs to relax and soak up the Texas sunshine. There is a grassy area with seating around fire and water features. This dog friendly resort appeals to travelers exploring Lubbock with their furry pal.
Cotton Court pool – Photo Jill Weinlein
Sweeping porches display bright red rocking chairs next to spacious and well appointed guest rooms. Eye catching design elements tell a story about Lubbock’s history in the cotton industry, music superstars, and roots across the South Plains.
Rock on the porch at Cotton Court – Photo Jill Weinlein
Each room has a large beautifully tiled bathroom with a large walk-in shower. The large SMEG refrigerator is stocked with an array of beverages, beers, sodas and wine. Local snacks are available for purchase in a wire basket in each room.
Dine at The Midnight Grill
The onsite The Midnight Shift Restaurant & Bar provides complimentary coffee in the morning, and meals and drinks throughout the day. In the evening live entertainment is set up between restaurant, lobby and pool area. Complimentary bicycles are available for guests to take for a spin to explore Texas Tech University.
Texas Tech graduate
Texas Tech University System Public Art Collection
Artwork is displayed all over Lubbock, even throughout the sprawling Spanish Renaissance design University campus. Named one of the top 10 university public art programs in the U.S., 1% of the total budget cost for each new capital improvement is dedicated to high quality local and international art.
Take in the art at Texas Tech
This not only enriches the cultural and intellectual life on campus, it’s also a fun scavenger hunt to locate many of the pieces on the ‘ArtTrek’ app. This digital app offers self-guided walking, driving or biking tours.
World class art at Texas Tech University
Wine Tasting
Located about 3,256 feet above sea level, the region offers a semi-arid climate that is ideal for grape production. This area grows over 85% of the wine grapes in the Big Plains AVA (American Viticultural Area). The pioneers of wine making in Texas were two professors at Texas Tech University. According to Madi White wine educator at McPherson Cellars, “Two Chemistry professors, specializing in soil science and plant physiology, planted Sangiovese grapes back in the late 1960s.”
McPherson Cellars – Photo Jill Weinlein
Clinton “Doc” McPherson, along with colleague and business partner, Bob Reed made wine in the chemistry lab, before they established the Llano Estacado Winery in 1976. It was one of the first post-Prohibition wineries in Texas. McPherson was one of the first to grow wine grapes on cotton-farming land, creating a legacy for the next generation of Texas winemakers and grape growers.
McPherson wines – Photo Jill Weinlein
The legacy was passed down to his son, winemaker Kim McPherson, founder of McPherson Cellars. “He opened the winery to honor his father ‘Doc’,” said White. “His mother Clara McPherson started the hospitality program at Texas Tech.” Kim took in all of the knowledge his father and mother instilled in him and studied enology and viticulture studies at world-renowned UC Davis in California the 1970s. Then he worked in the epicenter of wine and hospitality in Napa Valley before returning to Texas. While repurposing a former 1930’s Coca-Cola bottling plant into a winemaking facility, he shares his knowledge and creates some stellar wines for locals and visitors to enjoy in wine tasting rooms and beautiful indoor and outdoor event celebration venues. McPherson Cellars was nominated a semi-finalist for the James Beard Foundation in 2019 for the best wine, beer, or spirits producer category.
McPherson Cellars Wine Tasting
During a red and white wine tasting, the refreshing 2022 Picpoul Blanc is a favorite. This French Mediterranean grape grows well in Texas. It’s naturally high in acidity, offering bright citrus and melon flavors. The label offers a fun Palm Springs summer time look.
Other wines in the tasting include a 2022 Albarino offers kumquats and lemon on the nose and ripe peach and honey on the palate. The ‘Les Copains’ Rose means ‘The Buddies’ in English. This crisp rose’ is beautiful in color and offers notes of watermelon and strawberry with a hint of tropical fruit.
The 2019 Reserve Sangiovese is ‘Doc’ McPherson’s flagship grapes, and Kim crafts this wine to offer the highest expression of winemaking. This ‘Reserve’ develops texture and balance in flavor while fermenting 12 months in French oak barrels. Sipping a 2019 Cinsault ‘Block Select’, White shared Cinsault is an expressive French grape, similar to a Pinto Noir. “This popular red wine offers notes of fig, ripe cherries and rose petals.” We finished with a 2019 Grenache ‘Block Select’ that is true to its French ancestry, yet infused with Texas creativity. Ripe red fruit tickle your nose, before you taste ripe cherry, lavender and a touch of smoke.
La Diosa Cellars
After wine tasting at McPherson Cellars, walk across the street to La Diosa Cellars, owned by Kim McPherson’s wife Sylvia. Known for her interior design, this lively spot in Lubbock offers live music, Spanish tapas, wines and sangrias, and an array of art throughout.
Sipping Coffee
Stop at Monomyth Coffee on Broadway for a fresh cup of coffee and avocado toast. This family owned coffee bar and breakfast spot offers their own roasted coffees, lattes and beautiful pastries, including a delicious handmade pop-tart.
Ninety Two Bakery & Cafe
Ninety Two Bakery & Cafe
The French inspired cafe by father and son Rick and Ron Betenbough makes their own exquisite pastries. Executive chef Andrew Seccareccio brings his experience of living all over the world to Lubbock, Texas. This is where you can order a Croque Madame and Almond Croissant to enjoy with one of their specialty lattes.
Fine Dining
Just like Kim McPherson came back to Lubbock, so did Chef Finn Walter, 2022 James Beard Semifinalist for Best Chef: Texas. As part of the revitalization in Lubbock, he opened The Nicolett. Dine indoors or outside in the stunning glass house to experience cuisine Finn refined while working in kitchens in Paris, Austin, Napa Valley, and Santa Fe. His seasonal menu includes Santa Fe-style fry bread and soft Japanese Milk Bread for guests to enjoy while looking over the menu.
The Nicolett Restaurant
As a savory and pastry chef at the luxury Meadowood in Napa Valley, he refined his skills and curated a menu that includes Wagyu flank ribs; seared foie gras with coffee roasted sweet potatoes, peppers and chicory; and elk tartare with green chile, nopales and tomatillo. Main dishes include ribeye for two, lamb neck and dry aged duck breast.
The Nicolett Restaurant
Save room for his beautiful desserts. The wine menu include an orange “The Queen” wine from neighboring McPherson Cellars.
Best BBQ in Lubbock
Evie Mae’s Pit Barbecue is the best spot for tender brisket and pulled pork, gnaw on pork ribs, beef ribs and chicken. The grilled sausage is filled with green Chile cheese.
Evie Mae’s BBQ
When the owner Arnis Robbins was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, he had to learn to eat without gluten. This inspired him to start grilling on the backyard barbecue in Tucson, AZ. His BBQ was so good that he opened a food cart and trailer to sell his delicious smoked and grilled proteins.
Evie Mae’s Desserts
In 2015, Arnis and Mallory wanted their baby girl Evie Mae to be closer to family so they moved to Wolfforth, just outside of Lubbock. They opened their first brick-and-mortar restaurant named after their daughter, and smoke their meat in a variety of smokers. Briskets and beef ribs are trimmed and seasoned before they are put into the smokers with pork shoulders for 12 to 15 hours, before arriving on the table. Low heat for a long and slow time is how they cook proteins at Evie Mae’s. He and his wife Mallory also offer a large selection of gluten-free pies, cakes, cupcakes, and cookies.
Other Wineries to Visit While in Lubbock
LLano Estacado Winery
Llano Estacado Winery
Known as the second oldest winery in Texas, Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II enjoyed sipping Llano Estacado wines. So did both Presidents George H W. Bush and son George W Bush Jr., during White House dinners. Llano Estacado’s 1999 Cellar Select Texas Chardonnay was served at The Governors of the States and Territories Dinner in 2001. Llano Estacado’s wine tasting rooms are located in their facility which produces over 1.7 million bottles of wine a year.
Llano Estacado Wines
English Newsom Cellars
Owners Tommy English and Steve Newsom are one of the only wineries that grow their own grapes, produce and bottle wines that are made 100% with Texas grapes. As a small family owned winery they focus on every detail from the vine to the bottle.
English Newsom Cellars
Their award winning wines have won some of the world’s largest wine competitions. Top wine experts, Masters of Wine and Master Sommeliers, come together to blind taste wines from across the world. English Newsom wines has won numerous national and international medals and best in class designations.
English Newsom Cellar Wines
Best Little Brewery in Texas
The Brewery LBK is walking distance to the Cotton Court Hotel. Five years ago, Sally Taylor, one of the most creative and hard working brew masters in Texas opened her working brewery near the Cultural District.
Brewer Sally Taylor at The Brewery LBK
Located inside the Pioneer Building, Taylor brews seasonal craft beers, a hazy IPA called ‘The C Word’ for its infusion of organic Calendula flowers, a Belgian Triple that offers notes of spice and touch of banana in her Kerb Crawler. She likes to infuse new flavors such as TANG into her Unemployed Astronaut, and oysters in her Sea Dog Stout. Her Western Texas hospitality shines as she guides guests in flight tastings.
The Brewery LBK
Named by USA Today as the #1 brewery in the Nation, The Brewery LBK also serves pub-style food from the kitchen in neighboring The West Table. Known as one of the upscale dining venues focusing on New American cuisine with their ever-changing seasonal menu. Owners Cameron and Rachel West support local artists and musicians by featuring their talents in the lobby. They also participate in the First Friday Art Trail, while supporting downtown Lubbock redevelopment efforts.
What Else to See in Lubbock
Buddy Holly Center
Learn how Charles Hardin “Buddy” Holley was born in Lubbock on Sept. 7, 2936, and see various artifacts from his life including his iconic glasses. A short film illuminates how Holly made a huge impact on the music industry. He and other your guitar pickers formed a band. In 1955, when he saw Elvis Presley in concert, the singer’s rhythm and performance inspired Buddy to form and name his band, The Crickets.
The great Buddy Holly is honored in his hometown of Lubbock
In 1957, they recorded “That’ll Be The Day” and soon toured all over the U.S. and Canada. In 1958, while touring around England, they inspired the Rock and Roll movement in the U.K. Sadly, during a three-week tour of the Midwest, Buddy’s charter plane crashed in bad weather, and he perished at the age of 22 years old.
Ranch Life
Take a tour of ranch life through the years
Lubbock has a rich history in ranching and agriculture. Take a step back in time while exploring the National Ranching Heritage Center, to see authentic ranch buildings and exhibits that showcase the ranching way of life.
Prairie Dog Town
Prairie Dog Town
In the 1930s, when the government were eradicating black-tailed prairie dogs to almost extinction, local residents Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy N. Clapp protected two pairs and created a safe Prairie Dog Town park for them to roam. Now there are hundreds of furry and entertaining prairie dogs at this free to see park attraction. Based on a survey, Prairie Dog Town is the 5th most visited attraction in Lubbock.
Learning from Dexter about clay
LHUCA
The Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts celebrates and cultivates all art while inspiring creativity and engaging with the community. Visitors and locals can take a ceramic class, and visit the four galleries to view local talented artists.
Art galleries at LHUCA
The thought provoking exhibitions deepen your understanding and appreciation with local art. Most of the art on exhibit is for sale.
Outdoor art and murals all over Lubbock
Lubbock provides amazing barbecue, historical preservation, fascinating art, a world-class university, high plains culture, craft beer and stellar Texan wines. To learn more go to Visit Lubbock.
