Golden Oak Micro Cellar

Golden Oak Micro Cellar in New Waverly, Texas, pairs a small farm vineyard with an unusual reason to linger: tea-infused wine tastings. Danhong and Alex Bader’s winery dates to 2016 and occupies 13 acres near Sam Houston National Forest. About 600 vines grow here, including Blanc du Bois, Syrah, Merlot, and Camminare Noir. Cattle graze the south pasture, wild dewberries grow along the fence, and oak trees draw bees in spring.

Blanc du Bois anchors the dry white and also appears alongside Lenoir in Mona Gold, a semi-sweet blend. The range reaches beyond the property, too: Texas High Plains Tempranillo, Petite Sirah, and Nebbiolo share space with California-sourced reds. That distinction matters—this is a small estate vineyard, not an estate-only wine list. Bottles range from $23 to $38.

The most distinctive tasting is TAVIN, a 45-minute session in the Tea-Lounge. Guests compare dry Blanc du Bois with two tea-leaf infusions selected from six tea styles from China, Taiwan, and Japan, then finish with tea. Sessions cost $40 per person, accommodate no more than six guests, and begin at 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Regular tasting room hours span Friday afternoon through Sunday. For private gatherings, the covered porch overlooks the oak-shaded courtyard, while the Marianna Deck faces the cattle pasture.