If you’re searching for unique things to do in Kilgore, Texas, add Britt’s Wine and Dine to your list. Trust me when I tell you, you will find more than a wine bar waiting inside. At Britt’s Wine & Dine, you’ll find a place where history, community, and global flavors all come together under one roof.
Walking into Britt’s Wine & Dine, we expected a cozy East Texas wine experience. What we didn’t expect was to walk into a place with so much history attached to it. The moment we learned the story behind this property, we realized this was much more than just another stop in Kilgore.
Set inside the historic Elder School Building, Britt’s Wine & Dine is one of the most unique destinations in East Texas. What was once a school filled with students, music programs, and award-winning organizations has become a gathering place where people now connect over wine flights, chef-driven meals, and unforgettable stories.
And perhaps that’s what makes this place so special: this building has always brought people together.
If you love discovering hidden gems and planning memorable Texas road trips, Britt’s Wine & Dine deserves a spot on your list.
Full disclosure: We were a guest of Britt’s Wine & Dine and were paid for our promotional services. Of course, as always, all information and opinions in this article are our own.
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A Historic Kilgore Building With a Powerful Story
Long before wine tastings and pairing dinners graced these halls, the building that now houses Britt’s Wine & Dine served as the Elder School, a segregated school for African American students in Kilgore.
Within these walls, students and teachers became a family and built something remarkable. The school became known for award-winning music programs, successful Future Farmers of America chapters, and choral groups recognized throughout Texas.
Despite the era’s barriers and inequalities, excellence and students thrived here.
Later, the school became an alternative campus before sitting vacant for years after its closure.
That is, until Britt Davis walked through its doors and recognized the history and potential contained in the walls of the old school.
As owner Britt Davis says, “People want to know the history of the old school. We’re the next chapter, and we are going to make sure it’s a good one.”
That perspective is part of what makes Britt’s Wine & Dine different from other East Texas wineries and tasting rooms. The history isn’t hidden away; it is all part of the experience.
At the time of publication, Davis has transformed the old cafeteria and multi-use space into his wine tasting room, but take note that he has big plans for the rest of the old schoolhouse as well; it’s just going to take some time. Davis would eventually like to transform the school into a resort-style lodge where guests can enjoy a full wine experience during their visit.
As we explored the old schoolhouse, it was hard not to think about the generations of students who once walked the same halls. Knowing the history adds another layer to the experience.
While touring the main building of the old schoolhouse with us, Davis noted the importance of keeping the original wooden floors and the building’s integrity because “the walls still hold stories.”
The World’s Richest Acre and Kilgore’s Big Story
Kilgore itself has never been an ordinary Texas town.
In the early 1930s, the discovery of oil transformed Kilgore into one of America’s most famous boomtowns. At the height of the East Texas oil boom, more than 1,100 producing wells operated within the city limits.
One downtown block even earned the name of the “World’s Richest Acre,” holding the largest concentration of oil derricks anywhere on Earth.
That larger-than-life energy is still woven into the Killgore community today.
Britt wants to capitalize on this history, noting, “The town that struck black gold now pours liquid gold.”
It’s a fitting description for a town built on big ideas and big stories, and let’s face it, wine really is liquid gold to many people!
From the World to a Historic Wine Destination in East Texas
Part of what makes Britt’s Wine & Dine feel so unexpected in East Texas is Britt Davis himself.
Davis grew up near Napa Valley, California, where his appreciation for wine and food first began. Over the years, he explored vineyards and culinary experiences across six continents, learning directly from winemakers, chefs, and cultures around the world.
While he could have opened a wine destination anywhere, he chose Kilgore, Texas, because he believed in this community. He wants East Texas to have an experience that feels elevated, yet approachable, because he saw so much potential in this historic school building.
Today, Britt and his team continue restoring the former school- removing drop ceilings, refurbishing original floors, and creating a space that honors the history while building something entirely new.
As Britt explains, “I want this to be a destination for people to come from all over Texas. We’re sitting in a building with a real story. People deserve to know it.”
The World’s Wine Regions, Poured in an East Texas Winery
Britt’s Wine & Dine isn’t simply about ordering a glass of wine or a delicious meal. The experience feels intentionally curated, educational, and personal.
One thing we loved is that Britt’s doesn’t feel intimidating. Whether you know wine terminology or usually just order “something sweet,” the experience feels welcoming and approachable.
Every bottle has a story, and every pairing has a purpose.
Texas Wines
Most of the wines served at Britt’s Wine & Dine are Texas-produced selections sourced from vineyards across the state, including the High Plains. Britt also produces his own labels, with approximately 250 cases poured annually.
Six Continents of Inspiration
Britt’s selections span some of the world’s most celebrated wine regions- many inspired by relationships and experiences built through his travels.
Thoughtful Food Pairings
The food program at Britt’s Wine & Dine is equally memorable, from fresh Gulf seafood to thick-cut steaks and favorites like his award-winning Britt Burger, made with elk, beef, and goat cheese. You are sure to find something you love at Britt’s.
More Than Wine Tasting: One of the Things to Do in Kilgore, Texas
One visit to Britt’s Wine & Dine might turn into a second trip pretty quickly when you experience one of the fun special events Britt hosts.
In addition to wine flights and chef-driven dining, Brett regularly hosts special events to give guests even more reasons to visit Kilgore, Texas. Throughout the year, the calendar features themed dinners, guided tastings, wine education and blending experiences, and creative nights that go far beyond the traditional tasting room experience.
Because of the nature of these events, they are limited in size and tend to fill up quickly, so if you’re planning a visit, it’s worth subscribing to Britt’s newsletter to get early access to upcoming events and announcements. Subscribers often hear about experiences before they become widely available.
You will find the sign-up for Britt’s newsletter in the footer of his website under the heading “Don’t miss the next pour.”
Why You Should Visit Britt’s Wine & Dine
Texas has no shortage of wineries, tasting rooms, and places to grab dinner, but it’s hard to find a destination where the building itself tells a story.
At Britt’s Wine & Dine, you’re not just visiting an East Texas winery; you’re stepping into a place where generations of history still matter, where a former school has become a gathering place once again, and where stories and experiences from six continents have somehow found their way to Kilgore, Texas.
We came for the food and wine, but left talking about the story. And honestly, those are usually the places that stay with us long after the trip ends.
We can’t wait to return to Britt’s to see the completed transformation of the historic Elder school.
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Michelle Snell– Founder/Writer
Michelle is a Texas-based travel creator who has spent years exploring Texas, Europe, Mexico, and destinations across the U.S. She shares thoughtful, experience-based travel guides focused on great scenery, good food, and easy, enjoyable trips.
Born and raised in Texas, Michelle Snell graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and her Master’s Degree from Texas Wesleyan University. Her passion for travel has taken her all over the world. She has received multiple awards for her writing. She has been featured in numerous publications, including Travel Awaits, Fort Worth Magazine, Fort Worth Weekly, NewsBreak, Voyage Dallas, Ella Inspires Magazine, and more. You can view her complete profile on MuckRacks and explore the section on this website, Why Trust Us?