This small Texas vineyard and winery of Cannon Creek Vineyard actually has roots in Virginia. Back in 2005, Kelly and Steve Cannon spent a year in Virginia for his work. Visiting wineries along the Blue Ridge Parkway became a weekend hobby, and they thought it would be great to someday have a vineyard and winery of their own.
While working in oil and gas in Houston, the couple started to dream of retirement and zeroed in on a property outside of Tyler in Canton. The scenic 30-acres already had three acres planted in Black Spanish and Blanc du Bois grapes. They figured they should give it a go!
In 2017, the first harvest of the baby vines produced nine tons of grapes, and the couple was able to sell the grapes to other wineries in the area. A red metal barn was soon finished out as a production facility and tasting room. Today, the winery produces eight different wines ranging from sweet to dry. With only 90 to 120 cases of each wine, the production is small, with maybe 800 cases total produced in an average year. Sometimes they sell out of a couple of their wines and will bring in one or two other local wines to support their menu.
Located just seven miles south of the Square in Canton on Highway 198, the winery is a popular spot for folks taking a drive from Dallas to the countryside. Canton is well-known for its First Monday Trade Days each month drawing antique shoppers from around the Tyler area and truly from around the state.
The tasting room is now open most weekends on Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Reservations are not required, but groups should call ahead. The space welcomes well-behaved children and pets.
In addition to the regular wine tastings and bottle sales, the tasting room also offers a comfortable space for private events for up to forty guests. Each year, the grapes are hand-harvested by a group of friends and volunteers. If you happen to live in the Canton or Tyler area, you may want to try your hand at harvesting grapes at Cannon Creek next year.
I enjoyed the bright, crisp white Trebbiano and off-dry Blanc du Bois. New red wines are typically released in mid-June, and I got to taste a Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, a semi-sweet Black Spanish, and a port-style dessert wine.
While the menu is small, the range of flavors gives a little something for everyone. They currently welcome outside food, and with the nice view, I recommend Cannon Creek Vineyard as a great lunch break from your shopping for antiques!
I grew up in Grand Saline and am now growing grapes 5 miles south of Thurber, Texas. Glad to see winery activity in Canton. I’m 70 years old and have never been to First Monday as I left town when it got off the ground to seek other ventures. From what I hear, you need a booth at first Monday. Good luck selling your wares.