One of the greatest pleasures of exploring the Texas wine industry is finding wineries where every bottle has a story. My wife and I recently made the easy hour-long drive from our home in East Texas to Ridge Creek Ranch Wine Bar in Mabank, and we quickly realized this was much more than another winery visit—it is the realization of a dream more than 25 years in the making.
Located near beautiful Cedar Creek Lake, Ridge Creek Ranch offers a peaceful setting where guests can relax, enjoy handcrafted wines, and experience genuine Texas hospitality. From the moment we arrived, Tony and Lisa Alexander made us feel like we were visiting friends rather than walking into a business.
Their story is one that many wine lovers can appreciate.
For more than two decades, Tony and Lisa traveled some of the world’s most celebrated wine regions, including France, Italy, Napa Valley, Sonoma, Temecula, the Texas Hill Country, and the Piney Woods of East Texas. Those travels strengthened not only their appreciation for great wine but also for the memories and friendships that wine helps create.
Their dream took shape when their niece married the owner and master winemaker of Noisy Water Winery in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Watching family transform a passion into a successful winery inspired them to ask, “What if we created something of our own?”
That dream became reality in June 2026 when Ridge Creek Ranch Wine Bar opened its doors. Built on family, hospitality, and a genuine love of wine, the winery continues to be supported by their New Mexico winemaking family, along with their children and grandchildren, who are often part of the experience guests enjoy.
Their philosophy is simple: wine is about connection—with the land, with family, and with everyone who walks through the door. After spending an afternoon there, it was easy to see that philosophy in action.
A Tasting Worth the Trip
Currently, all their wines are made at Noisy Water Winery in Ruidoso, NM. Future plans are to build a production room at Ridge Creek Ranch to produce some of their wines on location. One of the highlights of our visit was enjoying an extensive tasting of the wines offered that day. Rather than rushing through a flight, we took our time learning the stories behind many of the wines and discovering the personalities each one offered. There truly was something for every palate, from sparkling sweet wines to dry bold reds and reserve selections.
They offer a select number of wines that “you pick” to taste for a fixed price. We tasted all of the wines and enjoyed each one. The tasting menu during our visit included:
The JoJo – Semi-Sweet White Blend Malvasia Bianca, Riesling
Lake Days – Sweet White Malvasia Bianca, Muscat, Gewürztraminer/Riesling
Ley-Ley Rosé – Sweet Blend Tempranillo, Zinfandel, and Some White
Sweet Red Wine
Branded – Sweet Red Blend with Some White for Acidity
Dry White Wines
Lake Girls – Viognier
Double-Barrel Chardonnay
Dry Red Wines
The Rachel – Tempranillo Rosé
Smart Asses – Off Dry Red Blend Cab Franc, Pinot Noir, and Montepulciano
Lonestar Roots – Cabernet Sauvignon
Levi Red – Dry Red Blend Cabernet Franc, Chambourcin, Syrah, Petite Verdot
Reserve Wines
2022 Sangiovese
2022 Mourvèdre (Texas)
2022 Merlot
2022 Cabernet Sauvignon
From refreshing whites to beautifully structured reserve reds, the tasting showcased the diversity of Ridge Creek Ranch’s portfolio. It was evident that considerable thought has gone into creating wines that appeal to both newcomers and experienced Texas wine enthusiasts.
More Than Great Wine
No winery visit is complete without good food, and Ridge Creek Ranch has created a menu that perfectly complements its wines. During our tasting, we enjoyed several selections from their light bites menu, which is thoughtfully designed to pair with their wines rather than overshadow them.
Their offerings include handcrafted charcuterie boards, freshly prepared pizzas, decadent desserts, and even a specialty wine and chocolate pairing for guests looking for a unique tasting experience.
My wife and I decided on two menu favorites—a delicious Supreme Pizza and a beautifully presented Charcuterie Board. The pizza was loaded with fresh toppings and paired wonderfully with several of the wines we sampled, while the charcuterie board featured an attractive assortment of meats, cheeses, fruit, and accompaniments that encouraged us to slow down and savor each bite alongside our tasting.
And then there was dessert!!
Despite being pleasantly full, we simply couldn’t pass up a slice of their incredible Italian cream cake. It was moist, rich, and the perfect sweet ending to an already memorable afternoon. Even better, the desserts are sourced from a bakery in a nearby community.
Between the wines, the food, and the warm hospitality, our visit became much more than a tasting—it became an afternoon to remember. Ridge Creek Ranch has created a destination where guests can enjoy outstanding Texas wine, share a meal with friends, celebrate special occasions, or simply escape for a few relaxing hours. It’s this complete experience that makes the winery a standout addition to the growing Texas wine scene.
The tasting room itself encourages guests to slow down and enjoy the experience. Whether sitting inside or relaxing outdoors overlooking the ranch, it’s easy to spend several hours visiting with over a glass of wine. Plans are to build, by this fall, an outdoor stage just off the patio with their private lake in the background to accommodate live entertainment.
Beyond the wines, we were equally impressed by the winery itself. The spacious tasting room is beautifully constructed with warm finishes that create an inviting atmosphere for guests. Whether you’re stopping in for a tasting with friends or spending an afternoon enjoying live music, there’s plenty of room to relax and feel at home.
One feature that truly stood out was the impressive upstairs loft. Designed for private gatherings and special occasions, the loft includes its own full-service bar, allowing events to have an intimate space separate from the main tasting room. It’s easy to imagine birthday celebrations, corporate events, rehearsal dinners, or wine club gatherings taking place there.
For couples planning their special day, Ridge Creek Ranch has also thoughtfully included a bridal suite adjacent to the loft. Complete with three salon-style chairs, the room provides brides and their wedding party a comfortable place to prepare before walking down the aisle. It’s a wonderful addition that reflects Tony and Lisa Alexander’s vision of creating more than a winery—they’ve created a venue where families can celebrate life’s biggest milestones.
This thoughtful attention to detail, combined with excellent wines and genuine hospitality, makes Ridge Creek Ranch Wine Bar one of the newest destinations that every Texas wine enthusiast should add to their travel list.
Tony & Lisa Alexander
Another Great Texas Wine Destination
As the Texas wine industry continues to expand beyond the Hill Country, wineries like Ridge Creek Ranch Wine Bar demonstrate that exceptional wine experiences are flourishing throughout the state. For those of us in East Texas, it’s exciting to have another destination that’s close enough for a spontaneous day trip yet offers an experience that feels like a weekend getaway.
Our visit reminded us that sometimes the best discoveries are the ones closest to home. Just an hour from our house, Ridge Creek Ranch Wine Bar has created something truly special; a place where every bottle tells a story, every guest is welcomed like family, and every visit feels like coming home.
If you’re looking for your next Texas wine adventure, add Ridge Creek Ranch Wine Bar to your travel list. Spend some time with Tony and Lisa Alexander, enjoy a tasting, and discover why their 25-year dream has become one of the newest treasures in East Texas wine country. It’s a destination you’ll likely find yourself wanting to visit again and again.
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