Howdy! It’s Sunday Funday and today we are going to explore some of the best Texas wineries! When you think of domestic winery experiences, Napa and Sonoma Valley probably come to mind first. What you might not realize is that Texas offers some incredible wineries.
In the Texas Hill Country, you can find a little over 50 wineries to explore and enjoy some fantastic tastings. If you’ve never been to Texas, you are in for a real treat!
Most people assume Texas is a sweltering dessert full of cowboys. What they don’t realize is that Texas offers a variety of climates, including the Texas High Plains. The cooler temperatures and a more “continental” climate are conducive to producing fine wines made from Italian grape varieties. This allows growers and wine makers to provide you with incredible varietal wine blends, sure to delight and maybe even surprise your taste buds.
Grab your wine glass and lest discover what makes these Texas wineries so special.
Duchman Family Winery
In the heart of the Texas Hill Country, outside the quaint town of Driftwood, you will find this beautiful winery, reminiscent of Tuscany.
The Duchman Family Winery was founded in 2004 by Drs. Lisa and Stan Duchman. They were on a quest to bring world-class wine making to the Texas Hill Country.
Guests can take self guided and private tours throughout the onsite vineyards. For the ultimate outdoor experience, take a walk through their gardens and enjoy a picnic. Duchman is dog friendly as well in their outdoor areas only.
Tastings include 6 of their most popular varietals. Varietals include Trebbiano, Viogier, Tempranillo, Vermentino, Aglianico, Roussanne, and Montepulciano. Walk-ins are accepted Monday through Thursday. Visits Friday thru Sunday require reservations due to the volume of guests on the weekend.
Private tastings include a semi-private space, followed by a tour of the production areas, as well as thoughtfully curated small bites from their in-house chef.
After a beautiful afternoon of wine tastings, walk next door to Trattoria Lisina for some delectable Italian food.
Grape Creek Vineyard
Located in idyllic Fredericksburg, Texas you will find Grape Creek Vineyards. The estate includes 25 acres under vine and Tuscan inspired tasting rooms. You can also enjoy a tasting in downtown Fredericksburg at their local shop.
The beauty of downtown Fredericksburg is you can take you wine sample with you as you stroll up and down Main Street window shopping at some of the most incredible antique and boutique stores Fredericksburg has to offer.
Visitors will sample 90+ point wines from their portfolio during a tasting or private tour. Walk-ins are welcome and subject to availability. Although, reservations are recommended due to the volume of visitors, especially in the spring and fall.
Private tastings are by reservation only and include a specially selected flight or primarily dry reds from the best of their portfolio. Cheese is included as part of your tasting. Private tastings are limited to four guests, with no more than six.
Limestone Terrace Vineyard
Limestone Terrace Vineyard is located in Wimberley, Texas. Their varietals bring flavors traditionally known from Italy, Spain, and Portugal and include Albarino, Docetto, Mourvedre, Sangiovese.
In 2016 two business partners came together and purchased the estate. The property had previously been destroyed by fire, and a new start was desperately needed. They replanted with Mediterranean varietals, a nod to the old while creating something new. Thus the ashes on their label symbolize their journey-fire to rebirth.
Limestone is kid and pet friendly. Visitors will enjoy a tasting of 5 preselected wines at their outdoor tasting tent that overlooks the vineyard.
It is not necessary to make reservations, but you are welcome to do so. Charcuterie boards and snacks are available for purchase to complement your wine. Relax in the shade on their two-tiered deck situated under live oaks while enjoying the beautiful Texas Hill Country.
Sister Creek Vineyards
Located in a historic 1885 Cotton Gin in Sisterdale, Texas (population 25) you will find Sister Creek Vineyards. Sister Creek has been producing award winning wines for over 30 years. Their Bordeaux and Burgandy wine making techniques use minimum filtration and fining that allows their wines to retain it’s fullest flavors.
Sister Creek is kid & pet friendly and offers RV parking for all road warriors.
There is no need to make reservations, but weekends and holidays are their busiest times. We highly recommend you call in advance for groups of 10 or more so that they are able to accommodate you better.
Varietals include Chardonnay, Merlot, Muscat Canilli, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Sauvignon Blends.
Torr Na Lochs Vineyard & Winery
The owners of this beautiful winery bought their 180 acre ranch while they were living in Scotland. Their time in Scotland inspired the name, Torr Na Lochs, which loosely translates from Gaelic to Hill Over Lakes. The winery sits high above the Colorado River valley overlooking both Inks and Buchanan lakes.
Three acres of vines were planted in April 2014, and the tasting room opened in September 2015.
Torr Na Lochs is family friendly. You can enjoy live music and the gorgeous views of the Hill Country in Burnet, Texas. Pack a picnic or enjoy some of their light fare options along with your tastings.
Their varietals include Albarino, Muscat, Malbec, Tempranillo, Malvasia Bianca, Roussanne, Sangiovese, Muscat Canelli, Vermentino, and Syrah.
What are you Waiting For?!
These are only 5 of some of the best wineries Texas has to offery ! You can also find packages that will take you to multiple wineries via a private, chauffeured bus. To make the most out of your Texas Hill Country winery adventure, contact your Travel Guru today! They can curate the perfect winery adventure! Oh, and if you need a payment plan to fund your winery adventure-we got those too!
Namaste
