When you think about Texas, you may not necessarily associate the state with great wine. If you’re in this boat, it’s time to visit some of the top wineries in Hill Country, located just four hours south, near Fredericksburg. With rich Mediterranean-inspired wines available at several wineries along the trail, you’re sure to enjoy your trip to any (or all) of these spots.
Becker Vineyards
When the owners of Becker Vineyards visited France, they fell in love with the fragrant and beautiful lavender fields spread across the country. Upon returning home to Hill Country, they decided to recreate the ambience at their winery. When you visit this location, you can gaze over the fields of purple while breathing in the relaxing scent. The tasting room at Becker Vineyards is open on Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m.
With a variety of wines to choose from, you can sample several options during your tasting experience. Don’t forget to visit the gift shop before you head home, where you can find all kinds of lavender-infused goodies and buckets of wine.
William Chris Vineyards
The two owners of William Chris Vineyards believe that everyone who visits their winery can “share a piece of their world.” They believe that making great wine starts in the fields, so they spend a lot of their time walking through the vineyard and getting a feel for the grapes. These owners also play a major role in the making of the wine from start to finish in the process. The structure that sits on the land is over a century old, fitting well with the overall vibe of this winery.
Some of the most popular wine options include merlot, cabernet sauvignon, mourvedre, and Malbec. If the weather is nice when you visit, enjoy your tasting experience out on the shaded patio and listen to live music. You can visit the tasting room at William Chris Vineyards between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m., and 6 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday, or 12 and 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Grape Creek Cellars
The award-winning wines from Grape Creek Cellars are some of the best in the state. In fact, the owners took home over 150 awards in a two-year period, making this spot one of the top places to visit in Hill Country. The estate spans over 100 acres, covered with oak trees and grapevines. You can also pay a visit to the wine cellar and the production area on the tour. The tasting room sits within a Tuscan-inspired villa, where locals and visitors enjoy relaxing and sipping on a variety of wines.
During the summer months, refreshing white wines like pinot grigio and Viognier are some of the most popular. If you’re hungry, pay a visit to the new trattoria, where chefs create Italian entrées and wood-fired pizzas that complement the wines. The tasting room at Grape Creek Cellars is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Pay a visit to one of these Texas wineries this weekend and enjoy a refreshing, flavorful experience.
Image via Flickr by timcorradino | Licensed under CC BY 2.0 | Cropped from original