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!