Bharat SainiLast Updated on March 27, 2014 by Bharat Saini
Wine enthusiasts nationwide have taken notice of the irresistibly delightful productions hailing from the 37 wineries and vineyards in the Texas Hill Country region. Annually, an estimated 5 million visitors head to these award-winning Texas wineries to satiate their passion for locally produced whites, reds, and varietals harvested from primarily vineyard-grown organic fruits.
Year after year, Texas Hill Country winemakers with a passion for perfection from seed to bottling meet the challenge with top Texas wine experiences that rival the Sonoma Valley. Every satisfying drop confirms the fertility of this region’s rich soils that just so happen to be graciously nestled amid some of the most captivating Hill Country scenery.
Torre Di Pietra – East of Fredericksburg, TX
Utilizing growing and winemaking traditions passed along through their family since the 1800s, the Maxwell family welcomes wine enthusiasts to visit their Tuscan-style home at Terre Di Pietra. Situated in historic Fredericksburg, this vineyard boasts one of the finest selections of varietals in the state to complement consistently delightful traditional reds and whites. Visitor favorites include the crème brulee flavors of the Tango Port, and the ultra-smooth Sangiovese and Moscato offerings. Tour the winery, the herb garden, or take your glass outside on a shaded, secluded patio or the sunny piazza. Live music in the pavilion keeps weekends – and the libations – flowing.
Flat Creek Estate – Marble Falls, TX
The drive alone to Marble Falls can justify the trip, particularly during the Wine and Wildflower Trail season, when dozens of other colorful blossoms join the bluebonnets to grace the winding country roads around the Highland Lakes. Expect the unexpected at Flat Creek Estate. Many guests end up taking tours of the vineyard and barrel areas with the actual winemaker or accompanied by the resident farm dog. After a tour and tasting, take a bottle of your favorite estate crafted wine out to the butterfly-filled property garden or pair it with a gourmet meal at the vineyard’s distinguished restaurant. Don’t miss the popular rose and the award-winning reds, and check their calendar before visiting to catch the many monthly events at Flat Creek.
Spicewood Vineyards – Spicewood, TX
Another official member of the Texas Wine Trail, Spicewood Vineyards is a cozy and more relaxed Highland Lakes winery that serves up high-class bottle variations to satisfy all palates. From bright whites and sultry reds to mouth-watering varietals, Spicewood Vineyards offers only 100% estate-produced wines, many of which are national award winners. Take a tour of the gallery, the tasting room, and then relax on the veranda to soak in the Hill Country views.
Perissos Vineyard and Winery – Burnet, TX
Along the winding road through Inks Lake State Park, prepare for magnificent views of rolling hills, stunning pink granite outcroppings, and the calm waters of the lake. Suddenly, the grounds clear way for 13-acres of vines of the family-owned and operated Perissos Vineyard and Winery – and you’re there. These serious winemakers incorporate only estate and Texas-grown fruits into their concoctions and provide an authentic boutique Hill Country wine experience. Top selections at Perissos include the estate grown 2011 Syrah, the 2012 Bella, and the 2012 Viognier doles out an incomparably refreshing finish.
Duchman Family Winery – Driftwood, TX
The magnificent Italianate villa and the surrounding grounds are simply striking on their own, but the inclusion of its own barrel room, fermentation tanks, and viewable production and bottling area take the Duchman Family Winery to unexpected heights. Fostering sustainable growing practices with future generations in mind, all wines hail from Texas-grown efforts. From the lavish legs of the highly favored Montepulciano to the sweet nuances of the nationally regarded Vermintino, each variety within the estate’s extensive portfolio of current and vintage wines renders a lasting impression.
Several of these wineries offer onsite dining, shaded picnic areas, and most host special events such as grape stomps, wine pairing dinners, and family-friendly festivals.
Each of these Hill Country wineries are participants in the Texas Wine Trail, and there are at least four official wine trails annually where the vineyards open their doors, give out souvenirs, offer special bottle discounts, and open their finest tasting vaults to those who stop by.
T.L. Mastic may not have known of the abundance of wineries in the Texas Hill Country when she took up residence, but soon learned to love the weekend wine tasting options. She writes about lodging, dining and activities in the Highland Lakes region of the Texas Hill Country and potential visitors can learn more on Facebook and Twitter.
