The Texas Hill Country is a wondrous place: rolling, shrub-strewn vistas, lovely land and good people. And, oh, did we mention marvelous wine? There are some 30 Texas Hill Country wineries arrayed throughout the Hill Country, from Austin to Fredericksburg, wineries whose owners share a common passion for producing superb varietals.
Fly into either Austin or San Antonio, rent a car and head for these hills. Among the wineries you’ll discover are:
- Fiesta Winery, located in Bend, along the Colorado River. This winery is pure Texas, from the family cowboy boots to the “historic outhouse.” Buy a bottle of their wine and kick back on the patio for the view.
- Perissos Vineyards and Winery is 60 miles away from Austin, near Marble Falls and Burnet. The vistas here are also vivid. They’ve got 13 acres of fruit here and ferment it to perfection. This wine possesses “quality, character and sophistication,” according to the owners.
- Wimberley Valley Winery has been around these parts for a while, since 1983. You’ll find it in Driftwood, Texas, a relaxing drive from either San Antonio or Austin. Wimberley specializes in varietals, fruit and seasonal wines. This time of year the best place to imbibe is by the winery’s cozy fireplace. Hold the glass up to the light from the flickering flames, swirl it a round a bit and sip serenely.
- Stone House Vineyard is just a 35-minute drive from Austin, on the shores of Lake Travis. The award-winning winery itself is constructed of limestone rocks.
- Fredericksburg Winery has been tabbed by USA Today as one of the one of the top three wine producers in the state. It produces reds and whites – dry, semi-dry, medium-sweet and sweet. There’s even a nice port and sherry.
(Image: gtall1)
