Piyush Bakshi

10 Unmissable Wineries in Texas Hill Country 25 counties make up the hill country in central and south Texas. The weather and soil in Texas Hill Country are conducive to the cultivation of vineyards. The wineries, in and around Fredericksburg, are particularly noteworthy, considered by many to be second only to the wineries in Napa Valley, California. If you’re an oenophile, a.k.a, a wine connoisseur, and you’re planning a visit to this beautiful part of Texas, then you should include the wineries in your itinerary. Even if you don’t harbor any particular dreams of owning your own wine cellar, but enjoy a glass of red wine and wish to educate yourself about wine-making, visits to these wineries will definitely be worth your time. 1. Ten miles east of Fredericksburg, Texas on US Hwy 290, lies the Torre di Pietra Winery, which has its own vineyards. The establishment promises the romance of Tuscany in Texan wines. The owner is a fourth generation practitioner of viticulture. The facility offers wine tasting and tours every day. Taste six samples for $15. Take home a souvenir crystal stem. It’s a great spot for a picnic. The staff here is courteous and knowledgeable, and the wines…you be the judge. 2. The Duchman Family Winery in Driftwood is another winery, which with its outdoor seating and beautiful views evokes comparisons with Italian landscapes. In the Vermentino, a white wine, the Duchman has a certified winner. The winery’s proximity to the famous Salt Lick Barbecue is an added incentive to enjoy the tasting sessions here and then head off to enjoy some very tasty meats. 3. The vintners at Pedernales Cellars in Stonewall have mastered the craft of growing the hardy Viognier grapes and the white wine they produce is a winner. A visit to the winery includes a tour of the geothermal barrel cellar, six wine tastings for $15, and a wine glass as a souvenir. The stunning views of the Pedernales River Valley are complementary. 4. Spread over 46 acres, Becker Vineyards in Stonewall is among the oldest wineries in the Hill State. It produces around 1.3 million bottles annually. Wine tastings are held in the 1800-square feet Lavender Haus, built after the architectural style of a 19th century stone barn. Summers are a great time to visit the winery, because that’s when the lavender is in bloom. If you’re lucky and there aren’t many other visitors, you’ll have the knowledgeable staff to yourself. 5. Texas Hills Vineyard in Johnson City is nestled in the beautiful Pedernales River Valley. It produces twelve wines using grape varietals like the Sangiovese and Pinot Grigio. The winery and vineyard are open to the public. A visit to a vineyard educates one on the art and craft of environment friendly viticulture. The winery and tasting room offer a unique experience; they are built from mud, using the “rammed earth” construction technique. 6. Located between Stonewall and Fredericksburg, the vineyards, winery & the tasting room at Hilmy Cellars offer an intriguing collection of wines made from fruit grown in Texas. Hand-harvested varietals planted on the estate include the Petite Verdot, Sangiovese, Tempranillo & Tenat. A tasting session costs $12 and includes six wines. 7. Flat Creek Estate covers 80 acres. It is located in Marble Falls. The estate invites visitors for wine tastings in the tasting room, which is situated next to a 10,000 case winery. Guided tours of the facility on the weekends are a special treat. Or, you can choose to enjoy the wine and food experience which includes lunch at the bistro. Along with the informed staff, you will also have the winemaker and the chef at the Bistro to talk to you and share information. 8. Fiesta Winery on the 600-acre Baxter Ranch in Lometa offers visitors expansive views of the vine cultivating area from a historic outhouse. The patio is as good a place as any for having a picnic. If you’re planning a visit to the Colorado Bend State Park, this vineyard is a great place to stop and check out the fabulous collection of wines. The cheese and meats accompanying the wines make for excellent pairings. 9. Hye Meadow is another winery that is playing a sterling role in the development of the Texas wine industry. A visit to the premises will inform you on the fine art of preparing white wines and the craft and care that goes into creating reds. Wines are offered paired with artisan cheeses procured from Antonelli's Cheese Shop in Austin. If its Texas wines and Texan hospitality that you’re talking about, then Hye Meadow is a great place to check out. 10. Santa Maria Cellars in Fredericksburg create wines using Texan fruit; the wines reputedly have an Argentinean twist. The wines balance spice notes and fruitiness nicely. While the white wines are fermented in steel drums, the reds are allowed to mature in Chilean oak. $10 gets you eight samples. Most of the wines produced in Texas Hill Country are consumed locally. The area, spread over 9,000,000 acres, is today the second-largest AVA (American Viticultural Area) in the country. Plan your winery tour of the picturesque Hill Country such that you don’t end up drinking and driving. Have a hearty breakfast before you begin. Wine tasting and checking out the sights can be hungry work. And yes, you’ll encounter less crowds on weekdays. All the wineries mentioned above feature information on the best route to take, timings, and also events that are held on the premises.