Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
HILL COUNTRY WINERIES
When most people think of Texas, they think of cowboys, cactus and Cadillacs - not grapes. But the Lone Star
State has become the fifth-largest wine-producing state in the country (behind California, Washington, New York
and Oregon). The Hill Country, with its robust Provence-like limestone and hot South African-style climate, has
become the most productive wine-making region in the state, and these rolling hills are home to more than a
dozen wineries. The largest concentration of vineyards is around Fredericksburg.
Most wineries are open daily for tastings and tours. Many also host special events, such as grape stompings and
annual wine and food feasts. Local visitors bureaus stock the handy
Texas Hill Country Wine Trail
leaflet, which
details the wineries and schedules of wine-trail weekends (or visit
www.texaswinetrail.com
). You could leave the
driving to someone else with
Texas Wine Tours
( 830-997-8687;
www.texas-wine-tours.com
;
tours per per-
son $109-219), which run tours in a limousine-style bus, or
Fredericksburg Limo & Wine Tours
(limo tours
$99-149, shuttle bus tours $89-139), which offer limo tours or more affordable shuttle van tours. Some Hill
Country wineries to check out include the following.
Becker Vineyards
( 830-644-2681;
www.beckervineyards.com
;
Jenscheke Lane; 10am-5pm Mon-Thu, to
6pm Fri-Sat, noon-5pm Sun) Located 10 miles east of Fredericksburg, just off US 290, this is one of the state's
most decorated wine producers. Its vineyard has 36 acres of vines and allegedly Texas' largest underground wine
cellar. Its tasting room is housed in a beautiful old stone barn.
Fall Creek Vineyards
( 915-379-5361;
www.fcv.com
;
1820 CR 222; 11am-4pm Mon-Fri, to 5pm Sat,
noon-4pm Sun) This well-known vineyard is located just over 2 miles north of the post office in the town of Tow,
close to Llano, and perched beautifully on the shores of Lake Buchanan. Fall Creek churns out several different
French- and German-style varietals, including a popular chenin blanc and a tasty Riesling. The winery offers a
colorful, modern tasting room as well.
Dry Comal Creek Winery & Vineyards
( 830-885-4076;
www.drycomalcreek.com
; 1741 Herbelin Rd, off
Hwy 46; noon-5pm daily) A smaller vineyard with wines that have begun to turn heads is the unique Dry
Comal Creek Winery & Vineyards, located about 7 miles west of New Braunfels. Proprietor Franklin Houser
gives his own tours around the tiny winery, which is constructed of stone and cedar wood.
Tours
Despite having more than its share of touristy shops, Fredericksburg's historic district has
retained the look (if not the feel) of 125 years ago. Beautiful limestone-clad buildings with
gingerbread-style storefronts, hand-hewn ceiling joists and longleaf pine floors line Main
St from end to end. A free self-guided walking tour map of the district is available at the
visitor center (
Click here
)
.
Stardust Carriage Service
( 830-992-0700; whole carriage per 15min $25)
Fredericksburg is a horse-and-carriage kind of
town, and you can clip-clop your way down Main St with this carriage service. Look for it
in front of Silver Creek Restaurant (310 E Main St) or call for a reservation.
TOUR
