Did you know that Texas is the fifth largest wine producer in the United States? The Hill Country is considered one of the major centers with approximately sixteen wineries that are active. In the beginning, California paved the way in developing the wine industry. After some time, a few brilliant Texans took note of the soil and climate of Tuscany. They soon realized that it closely resembled the Hill Country. Texas has the perfect conditions for viticulture; warm sunny days, sandy well-drained soil, cool nights, constant air movement, and low humidity. Since Texas was the producer of the interesting concept of ‘jug wine’, they had a lot of work ahead of them to put this bad reputation behind them. Texas was more than successful with their proven award winning wines and soon, ‘jug wine’ was thankfully forgotten. Wine tasting tours are readily available but there are five you absolutely need to experience. In February you have ‘The Wine Lovers Trail’ that is held close to Valentines Day. In the month of April you can go to the Wine and Wildflower Tour, which is beyond breathtaking with the fields of bluebonnets as far as the eye, can see. Picnic anyone? Of course in October we have Texas Wine Month Passport Tour, which celebrates the new releases. If you’re thinking of trying out the Holiday Wine Trail in December, it sells out quickly so book early. The only winery in Texas that is exclusively dedicated to warm climate varietals is Alamosa Wine Cellars. This vineyard is nestled in High Valley in san Saba County Texas. Their philosophy is that blending produces the most complex and interesting wines as well as the blends that are made in the field and/or fermented together. They are also insistent on the least bit of handling and gentle processing. A delightful port you may like to try would be the 2002 Texas Port. It’s made with 100% Grenache as well as fine brandy, so it’s only a small bit sweet. It has dark berry as well as spicy flavors so it has a bit of ‘oomph’! They’re open every weekend and open until 6pm on Texas Hill Country Wine Trail Weekends. For more information on this and other trails, check out www.texaswinetrail.com. Whichever winery you choose to discover, it’s a sure bet that you will have a more than enjoyable experience!
By: Allen Shaw So, you have decided to take a weekend wine tasting trip through the Lone Star State. What better place to start than the Texas Hill Country…known across the United States as the Napa Valley of the Southwest. With more than 35 wineries in the Texas Hill Country, tourists can "taste" and "feel" what real wine should taste like without having to travel to western United States or the rolling hills of Europe. THE MOST POPULAR TEXAS WINE TOURS Let's take a look at why Texas holds a place in the wine making industry along the distinguished sides of Italy and the Napa Valley. Highland Trail – North Hill Country Wine Tour One of the most popular wine tasting tours in the Texas Hill Country is along the Highland Trail, just a few hours north of Austin. This one-day trip encompasses four wineries, including, Fall Creek Vineyards, Lost Creek Vineyards, Spicewood Vineyards and the Texas Hills Vineyards. During the tour, you will experience every type of wine from homegrown recipes to Texas-styled wines concocted with old style Italian recipes. Enchanted Trail – South Hill Country Wine Tour The South Hill Country tour along Enchanted Trail includes stops at four wineries, including Fredericksburg Winery, the premiere winery in the state of Texas. After a stop at the Fredericksburg Winery, the tour makes the rounds through the Grape Creek Winery followed by stops at Becker Vineyards and Texas Hills Vineyards. You can end the day back in Austin with dinner at one of the state capitals fine dining establishments. From Italian food at Buca di Beppo to homegrown Tex-Mex at Pattons on Main, there is no cuisine out of the realm of Austin's eclectic restaurant district. OTHER TOURS FOR THE WINE-TASTING CONNOISSEUR For the wine tasting connoisseur with a little country in their soul, the Luckenbach Wine Tasting Tour should not be missed. Just 50 miles north of San Antonio, Willie Nelson made historic Luckenbach, Texas famous when he sang of the city in a song by the same name. The tour starts with a 1 ½-hour drive through the Texas Hill Country and stops off at the Texas Hills Vineyards. The next stop on the your is the city of Luckenbach itself with a stop at the historic Luckenbach Bar where visitors can experience live music everyday. The next stop on the tour is the Sister Creek Vineyards, housed in an old-fashioned cotton gin built in 1885. The tour ends at the Beeker Vineyards, winner of numerous state and national awards.
Tymon Hytem has sinced written about articles on various topics from Fitness, Legal Matters and Legal Matters. Jennifer Cole is a freelance writer with family from San Antonio . She loves trying new cuisine and vintage wines. She encourages everyone who is planing to visit the great state of Texas to enjoy all that. Tymon Hytem's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.