You might not know it but Texas has wine country, and it’s worth a sip. The relatively sunny and dry climate produces wines comparable to Portuguese and Spanish wines and, thanks to the many Missions from the 1600s that needed sacramental wine, Texas has one of the oldest wine regions in the country. Most vineyards are in the Texas Hill country (which, as the name implies, is the hilliest portion of Texas.)
To try the best Texas has to offer, make a loop hitting Comfort, Fredericksburg and Marble Falls, Texas. The only problem you’ll have is deciding where to skip. We’ve got an epic booze cruise set up. Get ready, winos! (But don’t cruise while under the influence of booze. Have a designated driver or go on a party bus wine tour.)
Here’s your wine-ready Texas tour:
1851 Vineyards
Enjoy the views from the winding road up to the tasting room and make sure to try one of the wine varieties that is commonly grown and made in Portugal and Spain, such as Alicante Bouschet or Tempranillo.
Lost Draw Cellars
Located in an “upscale barn,” you’ll enjoy wine from grapes that do well in the semi-arid region.
Grape Creek Vineyards
This winery pairs fine dining and Tuscan architecture with classic wine varieties. This winery wants you to feel transported by the experience and learn about the wines. No booze hounds here!
Becker Vineyards
Don’t let the laid-back vibe here fool you, Beckers has been making award winning wines in Texas for 20 years. Their tasting rooms are open spaces with a country feel and their wines encompass varieties you’ll recognize and other’s you might not. The real treat though are the lavender fields that bloom in early summer.
Woodrose Winery
This cute winery boutique focuses on perfecting a few wines.
Kuhlman Cellars
Kuhlman focuses on the best grapes from each season, making hand-blended wines, including 6 proprietary blends that display the unique Texas terroir.
Hye Meadow Winery
A winery with a bit of spunky attitude, Hye Meadows produces crisp whites and Mediterranean-based reds in a relaxed, modern atmosphere.