Open: Year-Round
History of the Winery
It all began in 1969 on the 10th wedding anniversary of Raymond and Gladys Haak. Gladys' gifts to Raymond that year were two Concord grapevines. What began as a hobby with those two vines soon turned into a great passion for both of the novice winemakers. With these and numerous other grape varietals that came after them, Raymond tested which varieties would survive the climatic conditions along the Gulf Coast of Texas.
A few years later, Raymond read about a hybrid grape variety that was said to be resistant to Pierce's Disease and grew well in dry, hot environments. It was called Blanc du Bois.
Haak became one of the first wineries in the country to cultivate Blanc du Bois. And his foresight has proven positive as the winery has produced numerous medal-winning wines from the Blanc du Bois grapes. The once-small gathering of two lonely grape vines in 1969, has turned into 3 acres filled with 1800 vines and production of the first commercial Haak wines in 2000.
Today, the winery consists of more than 25,000 sq. ft., including an 1,800 sq. ft. cellar, which is used for storing and aging wines in oak barrels. Artwork throughout the winery is reminiscent of Italy, Greece, Spain and Portugal with many angels watching over and protecting the vines and grapes. The winery has grown into a destination for many locals and a major tourist attraction for Santa Fe, Texas and Galveston County.
