Red River Wines – Take Me to the River!

There is a new star rising in North Texas.

Nestled in the heart of the Texoma AVA, just south of Lake Texoma, lies a new winery that should be on every Texas wine lover’s bucket list – Red River Wines and Provisions. Owned and operated by Krista (“KK”) and Scott Hartman, Red River Wines is located on the family-run Hartman Vineyard, a thirty-acre property in Sadler, Texas.

The Hartmans purchased the property in 2015, just days before KK graduated from the viticulture and enology program at Grayson College. Working with friends and mentors, including Fritz Westover and Denise Gardner, a vineyard was planted in 2016 to Merlot, Syrah, Tempranillo, Alvarinho, and Viognier, and later expanded to Garnacha, Graciano, Viura (Macabeo), Picpoul Blanc, and Roussanne. From its onset, the Hartmans were fully committed to “having the land produce great fruit to produce great wines.”

And produce great wines, they have. After renovating a former horse barn on the property and converting it to a production facility, KK began making wine under the Red River Wines label and released her first wines for sale in 2022. The first public debut was at the Gainesville Wine Stroll in November 2023, where it was received with much enthusiasm and acclaim. The next phase of the project was the opening of a tasting room in November 2024. Affectionately known as the “Wine Shack,” the tasting room shares space with the existing production facility.

Visitors to Red River Wines will notice a decidedly Spanish-based influence in the portfolio of wines offered and the format of the tasting experience. This is attributed to a trip to Spain the Hartmans took in 2017 on the advice of Les Constable. “To understand and make great Tempranillo, you have to go to Rioja.” That trip demonstrated to them the similarities in terroir between Spain and Texas (e.g., soils, climate, etc.) and cemented their passion for Spanish varieties.

That same passion is reflected in their approach to guided tastings. Done in an Old World style, a tasting at Red River Wines is both a sensory experience and an educational journey. Prior to embarking on their current path, the Hartmans had travelled extensively across the Lone Star State visiting wineries. One of the many things they learned was that visitors generally enjoy meeting the producer and hearing their stories. This motivated Scott and KK to create a guided tasting that offers just such an experience. Visitors to Red River Wines are treated to a ninety-minute tasting with the Hartmans and learn about the varieties they are enjoying. It is a fun and educational experience that sets them apart from the typical tasting room format.

All Red River wines are sourced from 100% Texas grapes. In addition to estate-grown fruit, the Hartmans also work with local growers in the Texoma AVA, such as Breaking Bud Vineyard in Whitesboro, who share their passion for the region.

The wines are made in an Old World style. KK’s philosophy is to “start with good clean fruit, keep it simple, and make high-quality wine.” Preference is always given to blending rather than the use of additives in order to achieve the desired profile. All wines are matured for a minimum of two years to allow the wine to develop its full potential. “Time and temperature are your friend,” says KK.

In the short time they have been open, my wife and I have made two trips to Red River and were thoroughly impressed with the quality of the wines and the presentation of the tasting on each occasion. Red River’s current portfolio consists of a lovely Picpoul Blanc, a Picpoul-Roussanne blend, an Estate Tempranillo, a Monastrell (Mourvèdre), a rosé of Monastrell, and a light-bodied unoaked Tempranillo. I found the wines to be of exceptionally high quality. The whites are crisp and bright, well-balanced, and refreshing. The Tempranillo-based reds display a roundness and character that reflect well on the quality of the fruit and remind one of a good Rioja. But best of all, the Hartmans’ passion for their craft and dedication to making the experience memorable is evident in everything they do.

Red River Wines is open Friday through Sunday. Note that reservations are required and can be made through the website or by phone. All tastings are done at the Wine Shack’s “Winemaker’s Gathering Table,” which can accommodate up to 12 guests, so seating is limited, but several seatings each day are available.

Red River offers two levels of wine club membership:

• Founders Club – Members receive six bottles quarterly, a 20% discount on all bottles, 10% off food and merchandise, and four complimentary tastings for up to four guests.
• Explorers Club – Members receive four bottles quarterly, a 15% discount on all bottles, and two complimentary tastings for up to two guests.

Membership in either level incurs no fees and provides an option to skip or customize your club package. And, of course, all members receive invitations to special wine club events.

Red River Wines is a proud member of the North Texas Wine Country (North Texas Winery Association) and the Craft Winery Association. Krista Hartman also holds a position on the board of directors of the North Texas Wine Country and the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association.

Red River Wines offers guests amazing wines and a unique tasting experience. It is the newest bright star in North Texas and well worth your time to visit.

In the immortal words of Al Green in his 1974 song… “Take me to the river!”

1098 Gilbreath Rd, Sadler, TX 76264