Updated April 17, 2010
Rivaled only by California's Napa Valley, the Texas Hill Country has fast become a major wine destination. With rolling hills, historic farm houses and a growing number of first class tasting rooms, we quickly understood why.How to Tour Wine Country
Luxury Mini-Bus: Texas Wine Tours provides tours on cushy sofas inside a luxury mini-bus (limosine coach). With big windows for sightseeing and a knowledgeable guide with a sense of humor, Texas Wine Tours is a great way to travel from winery to winery in style. Have fun, try all the wines and leave the driving to someone else. (Ideal if you are staying in the Fredericksburg area).
Wine Tours of Texas Limos: Another way to tour in style is by stretch limo. Wine Tours of Texas Their limousine fleet includes a "Texas Truck" limo, Excursion SUV limousines, a Party Bus and Limo Coach, a Hummer H2 limousine, Lincoln Town Car limousines, and Mercedes sedans. They offer wine and wildflower tours. (Ideal if you are staying in Austin).
A Sampling of Wineries
At many restaurants we were served Texas wines with much pride. Texas wineries work hard to keep up with the demand and, I was amazed to find out, many Texas wines are kept in Texas, not imported to other states. So our stereotype of the Lone Star Beer drinking Texan was put to rest. Texans love their wine. One name kept coming up... Becker Vineyards.
You Must Visit Becker
Located in the Texas Hill Country between Fredericksburg and Stonewall, Becker Vineyards was established in 1992 by Richard and Bunny Becker. Richard is a prominent endocrinologist. But this is more than a hobby farm. There are lavender fields, historic cabin B&B and acres of vineyards. The winery's first tasting room, which opened June 1996, includes a large working stone fireplace and an antique bar originally from the Green Tree Saloon, established in San Antonio during the 19th Century.The new huge tasting room maintains the classic look while accomodating many more visitors.
When we were there, we found out how good the Texas reds were. Becker Vineyards is one of the Texas Hill Country wineries that specializes in European style wines. I especially liked their oaky Cabernet. While you are at the Becker Vineyards relax on their veranda and take advantage of the beauty of the location. Behind the Tasting Room are the lavender fields. More on Becker Vineyards.
Grape Creek Vineyard
A newer winery, Grape Creek, is also located on scenic Texas Hill Country acreage. They have an Italian Villa style tasting room. They have a place for private events. Grape Creek Winery and Vineyards is open daily (excluding major holidays). More on Grape Creek Vineyard.
Pedernales Cellars
Pedernales Cellars is set back from 290, about a mile. You'll enjoy the drive through the countryside to their tasting room. They have some surprisingly excellent wines.
Torre di Pietro
Torre di Pietro features Texas wines and has a large outdoor space for concerts. They have a tasting room and gift shop. The winery is located ten miles east of Fredericksburg, TX on US Hwy 290.
Each of these wineries has knowledgeable staff to help you learn more about Texas wines or choose a bottle to take home with you.
Tips on Touring Wine Country
If you are on your own, I suggest picking up a box lunch at Fromage du Monde, a French cheese and herb shop on Main St. in Fredericksburg. Their cheeses are tops and, if you are lucky, you will get a bar of French chocolate in your lunch. Their manager is a chef and herb expert so expect some surprising cuisine.
When you are at the wineries, take your time and savor the beauty of the grounds as you tour. You'll find yourself relaxing, even without the benefit of the extraordinary wines you will be tasting.
Texas Wine Country Information