Visiting Texas Wineries?
Intro to Texas
Texas wineries attract visitors from all over the world. The state's grape veriety guarantees you will find a wine to add to your list of favorites.
If you are a Texan, you must be proud to be one of the fastest growing wine states. The sunny Lone Star State has the climate, the space, and the love of the wine makers, which result in some of the best chardonnays, full bodied cabs and velvety smooth merlots.
If you are just visiting, I’m sure you’ll love it as much as the locals.
Bobby Champion Jr., TDA's state coordinator for Texas winery marketing says, "Texas is the fifth-largest wine producing state in the nation and one of the fastest growing wine regions on earth. Look at a map - it's a big state with varied terrain and every climate you can imagine. And in every part of Texas, they're making premium wine. Every label is unique, and there's a Texas wine to satisfy any taste. The secret's out - this state makes truly amazing wines."
Quick Facts
First Texas Wineries were established almost a century before those in California, by Spanish missionaries, and then further developed by German and Italian immigrants.
With over 110 wineries in Texas, the state ranks fifth in wine production - the other top wine states are California, New York, Washington and Oregon respectively.
The grape growing climates of Texas wineries are quite varied. In the north, the summers are hot and the winters are cold. Therefore, frost can be a problem and hailstorms during the summer can ruin the vineyards in a matter of minutes. In the south, excessive rainfall can bring about rot and disease.
A sales tax of 8.25% is added to almost everything.
Y'all is singular (as in 'What y'all having?') All y'all is plural.
Wine Tours
If checking out TX wineries is not the primary goal of your visit, a day trip to Austin area could be an option. Bell Mount Estate winery is on Route 16. Becker Vinyards, Texas Hills Vineyard, or Akashic Vineyard, are not far from there as well. They all have tasting rooms featuring best red and white varietals.
Fredericksburg is another option for a winery explorer, since many wineries are located nearby. The town also holds many events, including music festivals, fairs and shows.
If you’re into BIG, the largest Texas winery, Ste Genevieve, near Lubbock is owned by the French wine giant Domaine Cordier Estates, and the wines are widely available in supermarkets.
If you’re into limos, The Highland Tour offered by Texas Wine Tours, for example, will take you to 4 wineries, some of which offer exclusive dining. They also offer a hot air balloon ride.
If, however, you plan to explore the region, you have plenty to choose from. After considering many sites that are more than happy to take your money, the site I selected provides you with an addresses and interactive
Texas wineries map.
Best Wine Picks
Texas Hills Sangiovese
Cana Cellars Merlot
Dry Comal Creek Sauvignon Blanc
Fall Creek Merlot
Llano Estacado Zinfandel
Cap Rock Garnet Royale
Ever thought of yourself as a Wine Personality? Check out what your wine personality is by taking a quiz here
Attractions
The state hosts a number of high-profile events like the Saveur Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival, Grapefest and the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo International Wine Competition.
For other tourist attractions in Texas
click here.
Seven Things to Keep in Mind
1. Bring or rent a car - Texas is big and few roads have sidewalks.
2. Wineries are very welcoming and will pour you a taste of every wine they make unless you say otherwise. Saying you don't want to taste every wine offered because you are driving is taken as a sign you are eccentric, or simple.
3. Most Texan wines are only available within the state and their label states "For Sale in Texas Only".
4. People can legally carry concealed guns.
5. Texas drivers are very considerate to each other, rarely sounding their hooters and never making rude signs.
6. You can turn right at a red traffic light. Nearly all the many traffic accidents I saw occurred at traffic lights.
7. If stopped by police while driving keep your hands on the steering wheel, do not reach for your driving licence as you are likely to get shot.
Lodging Options
Depending on what tickles your fancy, you can stay in a luxurious suite overlooking a vineyard, or camp at a nearby campground. With a variety of tastes and plenty of options Texas has to offer, you can find a place to stay by clicking
here.
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