The quality and variety of Texas wine is expanding so quickly that keeping up with it can be quite a task. A delicious task–but daunting nonetheless.
Fortunately, whether you’re a bona fide Texas wine superfan or a newcomer, you can taste wines from across the state without leaving the DFW area. The 40th Annual GrapeFest® offers a convenient place to discover your next favorite bottle of Texas wine.
And if you’ve ever wanted to taste, rank, and award medals to wines like the pros do, tickets are now on sale for the People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic sponsored by Audi Grapevine. An estimated 7,000 festivalgoers will descend on the big white tent over the four days of GrapeFest®.
Last year, 34 wineries poured over 120 wines for the consideration of the grape-loving public. When the votes are tallied, 30 Texas wines (or possibly more, in the case of a tie) will be honored with People’s Choice medals.
The Wine Fairy was at the People’s Choice Classic in 2025! Read the trip report, winners list, and our tasting notes here.
Texas wines have been racking up global acclaim this year, including at the 2026 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and the 2026 Decanter Awards. But GrapeFest® offers something different from the big-league wine competitions. At People’s Choice, wines are judged non-blind with a simple, “mark-your-favorite” paper ballot. Everyday Texas wine enthusiasts choose their top pours–no pinkie fingers or sommelier certificates required.
How to sign up for People’s Choice
Ready to be a Texas wine judge for a day? Here’s what you need to know:
The People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic requires GrapeFest® general admission and is ticketed separately. There are seven regular tasting sessions scheduled. The three VIP sessions offer a more intimate tasting experience and a souvenir glass.
All participants must be 21 or older with valid ID, and minors and pets are not allowed in the judging tent. In between sips of wine, judges can clear their palates with complimentary cheese bites provided by Southwest Dairy Farmers.
Local tip: It’s recommended to buy online tickets in advance, as popular weekend time slots often sell out. Reservation info and ticket prices are below:
People’s Choice Sessions: $28 in advance, $32 after the festival starts.
VIP People’s Choice Sessions: $55 in advance, $60 after the festival starts.
More about GrapeFest® and the People’s Choice Classic
GrapeFest® is the largest wine festival in the Southwest. It’s a multi-day consumer showcase of wines from Texas and around the world, combined with family-friendly activities, festival food, and live music. The 2026 edition will take place during September 17-20 in the historic Main Street district in Grapevine, Texas.
At the People’s Choice competition, wines are judged in 10 categories, with vote totals determining the winners. Award levels are Gold, Silver and Bronze. Each winery can pour up to four wines to be tasted by GrapeFest® attendees. Eligible entries must fit one of the existing categories and be made from at least 75% Texas-grown grapes.
The 2026 People’s Choice medals will be announced on the afternoon of September 20, 2026. We reported on last year’s winners on the blog and the official list is available here.
Disclosure: I was not compensated or provided any free products for this article. Opinions expressed on The Wine Fairy blog are entirely my own.
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