A look back at our journey
This adventure of wine has been a spiritual experience that has added so much depth to our lives.
Nearly a decade ago, Firelight Vineyards opened its doors with just five distinctive wine styles in a cozy tasting room nestled on a quiet, historic square. What began as a “hidden gem” has since flourished into a vibrant, multi-story destination, complete with scenic balconies, inviting patios, a gourmet bistro menu, and over a dozen wine styles and specialty drinks. This growth has sparked a revival on Valley View’s town square, inspiring five new businesses to life in recent years. Join us to sip award-winning wines, savor gourmet dishes, and experience the energy of this newly thriving historic square.
2014
Lease location for wine tasting room.
2015
Remodel complete, open for business.
2018
Purchase building and expand!
Timeline of Adventure
2008
The journey of hobby winemaking began for George & Meredith Eaton.
2009
The discovery that the Eaton family 10-acre property, located on the north side of Lake Ray Roberts, sits within the boundaries of the Texoma AVA (American Viticulture Area). An AVA is a designated region for growing wine grapes in the United States.
2010
The Eaton’s experienced their first hobby wine grape harvest in Ponder, Texas.
2011
Meredith enrolled in the viticulture & enology program at Grayson College in Denison, Texas.
2012
The first grapevines were planted at the Eaton’s family property for Meredith’s viticulture II project at Grayson College. This grape is a French-American hybrid called Lenoir. The Eaton’s will later use this fruit in a blend called Valley View Violet, as well as a port-style dessert wine called Hometown Salute.
2013
Meredith began her winemaking & grape growing internship at a local winery and vineyard. Photo taken of Meredith standing inside a 1000 gallon wine tank.
2014
The Eaton’s earned their first gold medal in hobby winemaking from the Texas Non-Commercial Wine Competition with a 2013 Tempranillo. They used a délestage winemaking technique and aged the Tempranillo with French oak.
2014
Meredith graduated from Grayson College with a degree in Applied Science for Viticulture and Enology, the study of grape growing and winemaking.
2014
Firelight Vineyards was established as a commercial business.
2014
The Eaton’s experienced their first commercial harvest in the high plains of Texas with a lot of help from family & friends.
2015
The full production winery at the Firelight Vineyards Estate was complete.
2015
The Firelight Vineyards wine tasting room was open for business on the historic town square of Valley View, Texas. The tasting room is about 12 miles from the Firelight Vineyards Estate and family home.
2018
Firelight Vineyards earned their first commercial wine medals with many more to follow.
2018
The Eaton’s purchased the tasting room real estate they were leasing and construction for expansion began.
2018
The Firelight Vineyards Bistro was opened and the gourmet food menu became available full time.
2018
The estate vineyard was expanded by adding 6 more grape varietals including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Teroldego, Moscato Giallo & Malvasia Bianca. Heavy rains began shortly after planting and 2 of the varietals did not survive as a result of “wet feet”. The Eaton’s plan to replant in 2025 & 2026.
2020
A six hive apiary was installed at the Firelight Vineyards Estate and is managed by Lawson Honey Farm. Keep your eyes peeled for their estate honey, it sells out fast!
2025 & beyond!
The Eatons are working to expand their estate vineyard to cover the full 10-acre property, with exciting plans to offer more immersive destination experiences and vibrant wine-tasting events for their guests at their vineyard. Don’t miss out—join their wine club and stay connected for the latest updates!
Stay in touch
We have a weekly email to help everyone stay connected. Sign up and keep up to date on upcoming wine releases and events. You don’t want to miss out!