Eden Hill Opens New Tasting Room at Dallas Farmers Market

It finally feels like fall at the Dallas Farmers Market. Late summer crops have been replaced by pumpkins and shops are already showing holiday merchandise. The biggest news from the downtown destination, though, is the arrival of Eden Hill Vineyard’s new tasting room called Eden Hill Winery at the Lofts. I visited on the second day of operation, one day after a soft opening that was announced on Facebook.

Since March, Eden Hill has been operating out of a booth inside the Shed. While that spot was popular with shoppers, many expressed an interest in a spot to sit and linger over their wine. This tasting room should satisfy the many downtown residents and visitors who come to the Farmer’s Market for not only produce, but locally made products, dining options, specialty gourmet items, plants and flowers, and more.

Saturdays are hopping at the Dallas Farmers Market, and a much-awaited break in the heat made last Saturday especially busy. After parking in the multi-level parking garage, it took only a moment to locate my destination. The Eden Hill tasting room shares a space with Charming @ the Market, a floral and gift shop in the Lofts building. The winery has taken over the shop’s workshop space during afternoon and evening hours on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Many guests were seen checking out the tasting room after visiting the shop.

The combined space, located on a busy corner, has large garage doors that open up to the outside. On this perfect day, all of the doors were open. There are a few small tables outside for guests, but most seating is inside. Live music by Michael Allyn was another draw that summoned passers-by. “Take It Easy” on electric guitar was a perfect pairing with the Tempranillo-Cabernet blend!

Eden Hill winemaker Chris Hornbaker was on hand to provide a bit of wine education and service with a smile. He reported that in the first night of operation, the staff signed up three new wine club members and had a full house. Saturday afternoon was busy as well.

Visitors are able to purchase tasting flights, wines by the glass, and wines by the bottle. Chris plans to change the wines featured for the flights regularly. The day I visited, selections for the tasting flight consisted of:

• Marsanne
• Montepulciano
• Divine Red (a Tempranillo/Aglianico blend)
• Tempranillo-Cabernet blend
• Wine=C² (blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot)

The tasting menu and other materials on the table provided educational information about Eden Hill. The full wine list also includes an indication of whether the wine is dry, semi-sweet, or sweet. Soon the spot will offer cheese plates but permitting was not finalized for opening weekend.

Chris met Alicia Aguilar, Charming’s owner, while pouring wine inside the Shed. The shop holds floral workshops and classes in the creative space that Eden Hill occupies on the weekends. Charming’s remaining fall workshops will be moved to the patio. The general vibe of the space is modern and industrial. It has plenty of creative touches that keep it interesting and even Instagram worthy.

Chris said the tasting room is open through the end of the year on a trial basis. The grab-and-go location inside the Shed called Eden Hill Winery in The Shed will remain as well. If opening weekend is any indication, Eden Hill’s tasting room is coming up roses.