Discover a wine region as robust as your favorite cabernet. Just an hour west of Austin and north of San Antonio you’ll find a mecca of oenophile exploration that was voted one of the Top 10 Best wine Regions by USA Today 10Best Readers in 2018. However, this one comes with that signature Texas heart and German soul you’ll only find in Fredericksburg.
Texas Hill Country winemaking owes its roots to German immigrants who quickly realized the terrain and climate were ideal for the vitacultural expertise they brought with them. Today, with over 40 wineries and vineyards to choose from, you’ll never experience the same varietal twice. Each venue has been carefully and meticulously crafted for your enjoyment — just like its award-winning wine.
Among the rolling hills and beautiful vistas, Texas Wine Country is cultivating not just one or two grape varietals, but more than half of the same grape varietals grown worldwide.
The same varietals grown in places like Spain, Italy and the Mediterranean you’ll find right here in Texas Wine Country including Mustang, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Viognier, Muscat Blanc, Lenior, Muscat Canelli and Merlot. That’s not surprising considering that the Texas Hill Country American viticultural area is the second-largest in the nation, covering an area of more than nine million acres.
Because of its breadth, you might want to spend some time planning your wine excursion at visitfrederisburgtx.com. You’ll find wineries with impressive courtyards overlooking rows of grapevines; some with relaxing patios offering spectacular views; and others with intimate indoor spaces to sit and sip. Keep in mind, a few of the tasting rooms require reservations to assure you get the best experience and, so be sure to call ahead and secure your spot.
At the very least, plan to do a tasting at your select wineries, but taking advantage of some of the other events and activities is highly recommended to really immerse yourself in Texas Wine Country. Taste an aging varietal directly from the barrel. Go behind the scenes and tour a state-of-the-art wine production complex. Or indulge in a guided food and wine-pairing experience. The opportunities are endless.
Many wineries hold special events including live music, vintner dinners, cook-offs and more. During harvest season, the popular grape stomp events are hard to resist, allowing visitors to “jump in with both feet.”
If all this talk is making you hungry, no worries. You can find a variety of charcuterie options to pair with your wine purchases during your visit. A couple of wineries even have on-site restaurants.
You might be surprised to know that you can experience many of the area’s wines right in downtown Fredericksburg. Yes, several of the local wineries have smaller in-town tasting rooms for your convenience. But don’t let driving keep you from visiting the beautiful wineries and vineyards. To make your Texas Hill Country winery experience even more enjoyable, just leave the driving to Fredericksburg’s hospitality partners, wine shuttle and wine tour professionals. There are almost as many tour operators as wineries, which means you can stay safe on the road. If you have a larger group, reserve your own private charter, or simply catch a ride with the shuttle that leaves Fredericksburg’s Main Street every 10 minutes (Saturdays 10am-3pm and select Sundays). How is that for convenience?
Here’s one last tip. For the most rewarding experience, lodging is a must because a wine region this robust cannot be properly explored in a day.
Learn more about Texas Wine at visitfredericksburg.com
Read more here: Texas, the Other, Other Wine Country
