Texas Wineries and Vineyards Worth the Drive
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Looking for a last-minute road trip before the end of the year? The Texas Hill Country is the perfect place to go. With its beautiful scenery and plethora of wineries, it's the perfect place to relax and enjoy some time with friends or family.
The Texas Hill Country has a long tradition of wine-making. Local farmers have been cultivating grapes for wine-making for centuries. The climate and soil in the Hill Country is perfect for grape-growing, and as a result, the region has become home to some of the best wineries in Texas.
A Tradition of Wine Making in the Texas Hill Country
The Texas Hill Country is famous for its wine. But did you know that the history of wine making in the Texas Hill Country goes back centuries?
It is believed that the first vines were planted in the Texas Hill Country by Spanish missionaries in the 1600s. These missionaries were trying to convert the local Native Americans to Christianity, and they thought that wine would be a good way to do that. Unfortunately, the Native Americans didn't take to wine very well and the vineyards were soon abandoned.
But in the late 1800s, German and Italian immigrants came to the Texas Hill Country and they brought their love of wine with them. They started planting vines again and they soon became successful winemakers.
Today, there are more than 100 wineries in the Texas Hill Country where the region is known for its beautiful scenery and a number of the best wines that you can get in the country.
The Texas Winery Experience
To maximize your visit to the Texas Hill Country, be sure to plan way ahead and build a schedule that will span a 5-day visit [we really love wine tastings] where you should ideally have a handful of tasting room visits of Texas wines. Most wineries in this region of Texas are located in sprawling estates. Visiting them makes for the perfect Texas Hill Country wine excursion.
The 15 wineries here on this list are representative of the wine-making and grape cultivation in this picturesque region that Texans are proud of.
Duchman Family Winery
The Duchman family established the Duchman Family Winery in 2004. In an effort to introduce top-notch winemaking to Central Texas and the Texas Hill Country, Lisa and Stan Duchman. They collaborated with producers in the Texas High Plains AVA to produce grapes so that winemaker Dave Reilly could experiment with crafting wines like Vermentino, Sangiovese, and Dolcetto. Their efforts have reaped distinctive Italian grape varieties that thrive well in Texas' climate.
If you ever get to visit this Texas winery, be sure to roam around the grounds and be fooled to think that you were at a French vineyard because of the panoramic views and stunning architecture.
13308 FM-150, Rm Rd, Driftwood, TX 78619
(512) 858-1480
Texas Legato Winery
Texas Legato Winery is an award-winning wine destination that's consistently providing Texans some great vintages. Bill Bledsoe's 9 years of informal training under his brother at the Pillar Bluff Vineyards eventually led him to establish his very own vineyard back in 2002. He started out with 2 acres of Malbec, Petite Verdot, Merlot, and Petite Syrah and has grown that to 10 acres. By 2007, his very own on-site winery opened its doors to the public.
Visiting Texas Legato's own winery, you'll find that they have a wide range of sweet, dry, and port wines. In fact, there are over 17 wines where five of them have won awards in the State and across the country. Visiting guests will get to enjoy their preferred bottles of wine at their tasting room and patio.
2935 FN 1478, Lampasas, TX 76550
(512) 556-9600
Becker Vineyards
Becker Vineyards is one of the most well-known wineries in the Texas Wine Country. Founded in 1992, Becker Vineyards has won numerous awards for their wines, including a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco International Wine Competition for their 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon. Their vineyard is a sprawling 56 acres with Sangiovese and Petite Sirah varieties thriving.
In addition to their award-winning wines, Becker Vineyards is also home to a beautiful tasting room and event space that overlooks the vineyards. And if you want to enjoy your bottle of wine outdoors, there are also acres of laws where you can relax or enjoy a picnic. You can also schedule your own wine tastings at Becker Vineyards if you book in advance.
464 Becker Farms Rd., Stonewall, TX 78624
(830) 644-2681
Pedernales Cellars
Pedernales Cellars is a family-owned and operated winery located in Stonewall, Texas. Founded in 2007, Pedernales Cellars specializes in Texas Hill Country wines made from grapes grown in their sustainably farmed vineyards.
Pedernales Cellars' flagship wine is their Texas Tempranillo, which has won numerous awards including a Gold Medal at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Wine Competition. Driving up, you'll find that, like many other Texas Hill Country wineries, sits on a picturesque landscape. Expect other interesting vintages and enjoy a glass at their tasting room or patio.
2916 Upper Albert Rd, Stonewall, TX 78671
(830) 644-2037
Spicewood Vineyards
Spicewood Vineyards is an open and sprawling vineyard in Spicewood, Texas. Bought by owner Ron Yates in 2007, Spicewood Vineyards specializes in Texas Hill Country wine that are made from grapes grown in their sustainably farmed vineyards.
With the main goal of putting forward wine and wine-making as a celebration of life, Spicewood Vineyard's approach to actively working on the vineyards despite that season has yielded them award-winning vintages.
Their flagship wine is their Texas High Plains Cabernet Sauvignon, which has won numerous awards including a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco International Wine Competition. If you ever get to visit, you can pre-book wine tasting at their expansive tasting room. Also, if you ask for the menu they have different wine pairings like cheese and charcuterie boards.
1419 County Road 409, Spicewood, TX 78669
(830) 693-532
Texas Star Winery
Texas Star Winery is one of those Texas Hill Country wineries that specializes in handmade wines in Brownfield, Texas. Founded in 2006, their Texas Hill Country wines are made from grapes grown in their sustainably farmed vineyards.
Texas Star Winery's very own artisan wine brand Chisolm Cellars Wines has a good number of vintages for varying tastes. Their Chisolm Cellars 59 Delegates, is red wine aged in whisky barrels that gives an interesting taste that makes it truly a pride of our very own Texas wine country.
10587 Old Chappell Hill Road, Chappel Hill, TX 77426
(979) 251-7282
Texas Wine Collective
Texas Wine Collective is a collaborative winery located in Fredericksburg, Texas. Founded in 2010, it was originally known as 4.0 Cellars and has grown into a joint venture between three Texas wineries: Brennan Vineyards, McPherson Cellars, and the Lost Oak Winery. This winery provides a good variety for wine-lovers who value an awesome wine-tasting experience in their Rosé room where you can knock back those wine glasses in style.
Their 2020 Lost Oak Winery Merlot leaves something to be talked about with its aromas of ripe cherries, figs, raspberries, and a hint of herbs. And you have notes of red berries, ginger, and nutmeg (how long does nutmeg last?) to the taste-making for an easy-going wine. Of course, if you're going to work up an appetite with all that wine, they have seasonal food pairings for their wines.
10354 E US Highway 290, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
(830) 997-7470
Flat Creek Estate
45 minutes outside of Austin, Texas is the Flat Creek Estate. Founded in 1999, Flat Creek Estate specializes in best in-class wines and, of course, Southern hospitality. Their 80-acre property features their very own tasting room, a full-service restaurant, and a gold course if you're up for a game.
A must-try is their Moscato Secco 2020 that has white jasmine and honey to the taste that is rooted from the tart grapefruit taste profile of the Muscat Canelli. This wine is best enjoyed with their offered Outdoor Wine Tasting [no bookings needed].
24912 E Singleton Bend Rd, Marble Falls, TX 78654
(512) 267-6310
Fall Creek Vineyards
Fall Creek Vineyards is one of the pioneers of wine growing in the Texas Hill Country. Owners Ed and Susan Auler took a trip to France in 1973 where they fell in love with the French wine country. This is where they eventually decided to plant a test plot in 1977. Nowadays, they are one of the Texas wineries that have received different awards for their world-class wines.
Their 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Texas is one of their classics that their regulars get. This is because of its notes of worn leather, tea, and tart cherries on the nose. While its tasting profile has soft tannins to the mid-palate and finishes with Cassis and licorice (how long does licorice last?).
1820 County Road 222, Tow, TX 78672
(325) 379-5361
Inwood Estates Vineyards
With over 42 years of winemaking experience, Inwood Estate Vineyards prioritizes the quality of their wines using the best grape genetics, and precise farming producing low yield but high quality grapes.
With their dedication to both growing and making wine in the Texas Hill Country, Inwood Estates Vineyards has their own line of world-renowned vintages. Their 2019 Illumina Petite Sirah that hints at notes of fruit with well-rounded tannins and a tasting profile that leans towards black raspberry and fresh blueberries.
10303 E US Highway 290, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
(830) 997-2304
Kiepersol Estate Winery
Kiepersol Estate Winery is 60-acres of vineyards that produce both white and red wines. This vineyard specializes in Old World methods of wine-making with a mix of a Texan touch. At present, they're growing over 16 varieties of grapes that produce some of the best bottles of wines in the Texas Hill Country.
A must-try from their wines is their best-selling and award-winning 2018 Kiepersol Mengsel vintage. To the nose, you'll find notes of cinnamon, fig, and fresh dates. And a balanced taste profile consisting of earthy notes that hints towards charred wood that mingles with wild blackberry, and dark plum.
21558 Merlot Ln, Tyler, TX 75703
(903) 894-8995
Grape Creek Vineyards
Grape Creek Vineyards is a members-aligned wine club that is also open to first-time visitors who want to enjoy their award-winning wines at their expansive grounds. Their wine-making process uses state-of-the-art approaches that has made them one of the best Texas Hill Country Wineries. Of course, the Grape Creek Vineyards follows a member-centered approach, so you can expect big perks if you sign up.
They have three wines that are exclusive for members only but they have over 16 different wines to choose from that's open to any wine-lover out there. The 2020 Pinot Grigio that is made from Pinot Grigio grown in the Texas High Plains by Grape Creek Vineyards themselves. This award-winning bottle from Grape Creek Vineyards has fresh tropical aromas with sweet caramel and butterscotch to the taste.
10587 E US Highway 290, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
(830) 644-2710
Perissos Vineyard and Winery
Premier wine tastings backed by picturesque views is what you can expect from the family-owned Perissos Vineyard and Winery in Burnet, Texas. Walking in, you'll notice the inviting atmosphere from their first-rate tasting room and winery.
Their wide variety of red wines has some exceptional finds like their 2018 Tempranillo vintages that make great Texas food pairings with tacos. This is because of its aroma which is a mix of red fruits, leather, and light vanilla with the fruit aroma bridging towards the palate and mingles with the savory flavors of tomato and pepper. Their Main Tasting Room is large and comfortable.
464 Becker Farms Rd., Stonewall, TX 78624
(830) 644-2681
Messina Hof Winery
Messina Hof Winery was established with family and tradition in mind. Because of this, this Texas Hill Country winery produces premium 100% Texas wines.
Their Estate Sagrantino is deep ruby-red in color and has bold tannins from the Sagrantino varietal. To the nose, you'll find find light hints of bell peppers and soft leather coupled with jammy red fruit flavors. This bottle is best enjoyed at their tasting room where they have great gourmet tasting menu food items to pair with your preferred wine.
9996 US-290 E, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
(830) 990-4653
Texas Hills Vineyard
Texas Hills Vineyard has two locations where their Texas Hill Vineyard location is a must-visit. Founded in 1986, Texas Hills Vineyard grows their grapes in Texas Hill Country AVA. This produces flavorful wines that are made from 100% Texas-grown grapes.
Touring the vineyard in Johnson City, you'll find that their winery is made from a type of construction called rammed earth construction where they use building materials available around their area.
Their 2018 Rosato di Sangiovese is a light wine that both seasoned and casual wine drinkers will enjoy. This is because of the notes of berries and faint notes of caramel that mingle well with its fruity finish.
878 Ranch Road 2766, Johnson City, TX 78636
(830) 868-2321
Before You Go
Before looking for your car keys and buckling up for that drive up to the Texas Hill Country, be sure to double-check your itineraries. There are some vineyards in the Texas Hill Country that you have to book in advance.
As we all know, there are a lot of wineries up North but eventually, you'll find your very own favorite winery where you can enjoy panoramic vineyard views that are the best in the lone star state, a bottle of chilled 100% Texan grown red wine, and good conversation.
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