Waddell Vineyards in Ada is a Rustic Oasis of Wine and Romance

Did you know that “Pontotoc” is the Chickasaw word that means “Land of the Hanging Grapes?” I recently learned this on a trip to this beautiful winery in Pontotoc County where grapevines literally hang overhead on a patio overlooking acres of vineyards. Ada, Oklahoma might not be the first place that comes to mind when you imagine a place like this yet, here I sat enjoying the some of last of this season’s bold cabernet.

However, hidden among the rolling hills and serene countryside, you’ll find a family-owned gem that promises an unforgettable experience. Waddell Vineyards, nestled in the heart of Ada, offers a unique blend of rustic charm, chic elegance, and, of course, exceptional wine.

Pontotoc is a Chickasaw word meaning “Land of the Hanging Grapes.”

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The Roots of Waddell Vineyards

Founded by Robert and Debbie Waddell in 2007, Waddell Vineyards is a testament to the enduring passion of wine lovers turned vintners. What started as a hobby, with Robert crafting wines for friends and family, quickly transformed into something remarkable. Their wines have dazzled judges and earned the vineyard a collection of prestigious gold, silver, and bronze medals.

Today, Waddell Vineyards has blossomed from a one-acre vineyard into an expansive seven-acre estate. The moment you step onto their property, you’ll understand why it has captured the hearts of so many. The vineyard is not just a place for growing grapes; it’s a labor of love, a family tradition, and a dream turned into reality.

A Chic and Picturesque Winery in Pontotoc County

Waddell Vineyards effortlessly blends rustic charm with chic aesthetics. Every corner of the property is Instagram-worthy, making it a haven for couples seeking the perfect backdrop for their special day or for travelers looking to escape the ordinary.

A Rustic Wedding Wonderland

Waddell Vineyards isn’t just about wine; it’s a destination for romance and celebration. The vineyard boasts an array of stunning features, making it an ideal location for weddings and special events. One of the standout attractions is the enchanting little white chapel, where love stories come to life beneath its quaint steeple.

For the reception, there’s a charming rustic barn that exudes elegant warmth and character. It’s the perfect setting for an intimate celebration. Inside, you’ll find a cozy honeymoon suite, ensuring that your special day is as memorable as can be.

Wine and Relaxation on the Patio

One of the best ways to experience Waddell Vineyards is by relaxing on the covered patio. As you sit in an Adirondack chair, with lush grapevines draping the pergola, you can sip on the very wines that were lovingly crafted on the property. The atmosphere is peaceful and inviting where wine lovers can unwind and enjoy their favorite varietals.

Exploring Wadell Vineyards

For those with a curious spirit, a tour of the winery and vineyard is a must. Learn about the winemaking process from grape to glass, and gain insight into the dedication and craftsmanship that goes into each bottle of wine. It’s a journey that will deepen your appreciation for the art of winemaking.

How to Get to Waddell Vineyards from Oklahoma City

To get to Waddell Vineyards from Oklahoma City, you can follow these directions:

Option 1: Via I-40 East and US-377 South

1. Begin by heading east on I-40 E from Oklahoma City.
2. Continue on I-40 E for approximately 28 miles.
3. Take Exit 181 for US-177/270, OK 3W toward Shawnee, Tecumseh.
4. Keep right onto SH-3W/US-177 and continue for approximately 32 miles.
5. Keep right for SH-1 East/377 North and continue for about 2.5 miles.
6. Turn right onto County Road 1510
7. Turn right onto County Road 3570.
8. Watch for the sign to Waddell Vineyards. You”ll turn right to enter the property. It’s located at 11533 County Road 3570 in Ada, Oklahoma.

Option 2: Via I-35 South

1. Start by heading south on I-235 S/US-77 S from the Oklahoma City area.
2. Merge onto I-35 S via the ramp to Dallas.
3. Take Exit 86 and then turn left onto SH-59.
4. Stay on this highway for about 18 miles and then keep left onto SH-3W.
5. Keep right on the roundabout onto SH-1 East.
6. After approximately 4 miles, turn right onto County Road 1510.
7. In about 2.3 miles, turn right onto County Road 3570.
8. In about .5 mile, turn right into the entrance.

Please note that road conditions and traffic can vary, so it’s a good idea to use a mapping or GPS service for real-time updates.

How to Get to Waddell Vineyards from Tulsa, Oklahoma

Here are two options for traveling to Waddell Vineyards from Tulsa, Oklahoma:

Option 1: Via I-44 West and US-377 South This is the fastest route from Tulsa, but it requires tolls.

1. Begin by heading west on I-44 W from Tulsa.
2. Continue on I-44 W for approximately 42 miles.
3. Take Exit 179 onto US-377.
4. Turn right onto N. Eighth Ave. (Eighth Ave becomes US-377)
5. After about 63 miles, turn left onto Catfish Kettle Road and then turn right onto Main Street.
6. In 1.8 miles, turn left on County Road 1510.
7. In about 1.5 miles, turn right onto County Road 3570.
8. In about .5 mile, turn right into the entrance.

Option 2: Via 75 South and I-40 West For those traveling from Tulsa, Waddell Vineyards is approximately 150 miles away. Take the US-75 South route, and you’ll reach Ada in around two hours and 15 minutes. It’s a little longer but you’ll avoid tolls.

1. Start by heading south on US-75 S from Tulsa.
2. Continue on US-75 S for approximately 48 miles.
3. Merge onto I-40 W via the ramp to Oklahoma City.
4. Continue on I-40 W for approximately 40 miles.
5. Take Exit 200 for SH-99. Turn left onto SH-99.
6. After about 37 miles, turn left onto Catfish Kettle Rd and then turn right onto Main Street.
7. In 1.8 miles, turn left on County Road 1510.
8. In about 1.5 miles, turn right onto County Road 3570.
9. In about .5 mile, turn right into the entrance.

Other Wineries in the Area

While you’re in the area, why not spend the night and explore a few more of the wineries on the Chickasaw Country Wine Trail? Alternatively, get a designated driver and add a couple of wineries to your day trip.

B & G Meadery – Stonewall Oklahoma

Mead is a different kind of wine made from honey rather than grapes. If you’ve never tried it, B & G Meadery is only about 30 minutes south of Waddell Vineyards. Admittedly, I didn’t think I would like it. I tend to prefer dry wines and “honey wine” sounded like it would be too sweet for me. Surprisingly, I loved it and bought two bottles to bring home – Ice Chest Tea and Pineapple. The Pineapple tasted almost exactly like one of my favorite cocktails, the Stoli Doli. One of things I especially appreciated is that B & G uses honey and fruit from local farms to make their meads.

To get to B & G Meadery from Ada, Oklahoma, you take SH-3E for about 12 miles. Turn right on County Road 3670 and the Meadery will be about half a mile down the road. When you see the big red barn, you’ll know you’re there. Other than the Meadery, there’s not much else in Stonewall. It’s kind of a ghost town, but they do have a downtown area with a lot of the old buildings still there. If you’re in Stonewall around lunchtime, you can grab a burger at Lori’s Onion Grill. Lori’s is a small, stand-alone diner on the end of Main Street with burgers, fries, onion rings and a few more diner style plates.

Rusty Nail Winery – Sulphur, Oklahoma

From Ada, hop on SH-1W and stay on it until you reach US-177. Turn left and in just a few miles you’ll be in Sulphur. Rusty Nail Winery is located in the heart of downtown in an historic building that was once the town’s hardware store. In fact, the name comes from the bucket of rusty nails found during renovations. Sulphur is also a great option for an overnight or weekend getaway. The Artesian Hotel and Casino is walking distance from the winery along with several other boutiques and specialty shops.

For dinner, you can head back to the hotel after your wine tasting for a nice meal at The Springs. Another cool dinner option in town is Flower Bluff Manor. Flower Bluff is just a couple blocks down from the winery. If you decide to spend a day in Sulphur, be sure to make time to visit the Chickasaw National Recreation Area before you head out of town. Even if you don’t enjoy hiking, it’s a beautiful park to spend some time outdoors.

Old Silo Winery – Tishomingo, Oklahoma

Another option is to take SH-99 South/US-377 South from Ada to Tishomingo. The drive takes a little under an hour and, here, you’ll find a boutique winery in an old grain silo just outside of town. All of the wine is made in house and the selection changes seasonally. After your wine tasting, you can head to downtown Tishomingo for dinner. If you decide to stay the night, there are a few cute Inns on Main Street. Mulberry Inn, Pennington Inn, and Stay Golden Inn are all located along Main Street with easy access to shops, restaurants, and museums.

If you need ideas for spending the day or weekend, read this article about things to do in Tishomingo or this article about how to plan a weekend getaway with the girls. Tishomingo is also a fun town to plan a trip for a special occasion. For example, the spas, boutiques, and unique lodging make it perfect for a Mother’s Day Getaway.

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