Sarah on February 13, 2014 0 Comments The Texas Hill Country was recently named one of Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s 10 Best Wine Travel Destinations 2014. This may have surprised a lot of people, but not us. We’ve known for some time that Texas offers visitors a unique wine experience that goes beyond award-winning wines to incomparable hospitality, rolling Hill Country landscapes, and toe-tapping live music. Located here in Austin, TX, we are just a short drive away from the beautiful wine country of Central Texas. A common weekend getaway for some and practically a second home for others, we thought we should weigh in on what we think are some of the best spots for beautiful hill country views and enticing Texas wines. William Chris Vineyards The Venue If you’re looking for a Texas wine experience, look no further than William Chris Vineyards. Located on an old pioneer farming settlement, their tasting room is housed in a beautifully restored 100 year old farmhouse. The experience doesn’t end there, though. Lounging outside on the large wooden deck is encouraged and will likely include live music, delicious bites, and gorgeous vineyard views. Co-owners Bill Blackmon and Chris Brundrett have a hand in every aspect of their winery, and you will likely see one or both of them on any given visit to the location. On my first visit to William Chris, I was pleased to meet co-owner Chris Brundrett in the tasting room. He was graciously helping to pour wine while also chatting with customers passionately about what they were tasting. The Wine One wine you simply cannot leave without tasting is the 2011 Artist Blend, which is a delicious red blend made up of 49% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Sangiovese, 24% Mourvedre, and 11% Syrah. The label features artwork done by Bill Blackmon in his youth. Hilmy Cellars The Venue Hilmy Cellars may be new on the scene, but they are quickly making a name for themselves. You enter their tasting room through a huge and impressive oak door made entirely from barrels. Erik Hilmy, who started winemaking as a personal hobby, is fearless and experimental in his efforts. The Wine Don’t leave without trying the 2012 oaked Viognier, which is comprised of 100% Texas Viognier, 55% of which was aged in oak for 26 weeks. Becker Vineyards The Venue Located in a renovated 19th century stone barn, Becker Vineyards has both Texan charm and International accolades to offer its visitors. Guided tours are offered generously if you’d like to take a look at their state-of-the art facility or over 2,000 French and American oak barrels. Dr. and Mrs. Becker frequent the venue and often greet visitors for tastings in their cellar deemed “The Library.” The Wine Don’t leave without trying the award-winning 2012 Reserve Cabernet-Syrah, which is an oak aged blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Syrah. This wine won the Gold Medal at the 2013 San Francisco International Wine Competition. Save it for the end of your tasting, as this is a rich, bold red wine. Six Shooter Cellars Winery The Venue Six Texas wineries have partnered to bring us Six Shooter Cellars, which is designed to showcase a number of Texas wines from all over the state in one quintessentially Texan location. In true Texas fashion, a “Git Yer Wine Tasting Here” sign bordered in shotgun shells greets you at the door of this Wild West themed tasting room. A true attention to detail is evident at this winery, including the eclectic wine bottle chandelier and wood siding reclaimed from a tobacco barn in rural Kentucky. The Wine Don’t leave without trying the Cross Timbers Winery Chenin Blanc, made from 100% Texas Chenin Blanc grapes. Cross Timbers Winery is located in Grapevine, TX. Don’t Miss… In order to get the full Texas Hill Country experience, here are a few other activities we suggest you take in while you’re in the area: Spend the Afternoon on Historic Fredericksburg’s Main Street Less than 15 minutes from Wine Country is the charming town of Fredericksburg. Called “The Magic Mile,” Fredericksburg’s Main Street is a fantastic place to spend an afternoon window shopping, eating delicious food, or listening to live music. Shops, art galleries, and boutiques feature impressive local artistry. Hike Enchanted RockLess than 30 minutes away from Wine Country is Enchanted Rock State Park. This beautiful park features an enormous pink granite rock formation. If you climb to the top, you will see a breathtaking 360° Hill Country views. Two-Step at Luckenbach Texas This trading post turned dance hall, with its centuries-old oak trees and daily live music, is the perfect place to perfect your two-step. If dancing isn’t for you, relaxing is also a common pastime at Luckenbach. Wearing cowboy boots is strongly encouraged. Whether you’re a certified city slicker or a lover of all things rural, we think that the Texas Hill Country has something for everyone, especially wine. So, get on down here and get to sippin, y’all! Recommended Reading: Spicewood Vineyards – A Hidden Gem Wine and BBQ Deep in the Heart of Texas REVIEW: 2008 Sandstone Cellars VI from Sandstone Cellars 4 Dirty Little Secrets About Regional Wines
