If you’re heading to Texas, there are so many things that you would be looking to do and see. What you probably wouldn’t be looking for are the Texas wineries. For a long time, wineries in Texas were lacking. There were very little and the ones that were available were not quite there yet.
The great news is that the Texas wine industry is finally taking off. After trying to keep up with California and failing due to poorly planned crops. After research, they finally figured it out and planted crops more suited to the Texas climate. This included grapes found in Italy, Spain and Rhone, more specifically Vermentino, Sangiovese, Mourvedre, Tempranillo, Syrah, Roussanne and viognier.
Visiting The Best Wineries In Texas
When it comes to visiting the best wineries in Texas Hill Country, you need to be prepared for crowds. The area has been coming close to 1.75 million visitors annually, driving the need for more wine tasting rooms and experiences. Local tourism business plans for wineries have started to include more and more of this to cope with the growing demand.
Wineries in Texas take up around 5,000 acres of planted crops and has almost 400 wineries to choose from when it comes to visiting Texas wineries. It is worth noting that changing weather conditions can affect the crops, prompting winemakers to use grapes from other regions. Texas law dictates that the labels on the bottles need to specify where the grapes have come from. A generic “Texas” label means that grapes may have been sourced from out of state farms.
In addition to the need for tasting rooms, wineries have also started building accommodation onto their grounds, providing overnight accommodation to visiting wine lovers. It has gone from being a purely functional setup to a welcoming, fully immersive experience.
Tips For Planning Your WineTasting Getaway
Before we dive into the best wineries in Texas, it’s important to have an idea of how you will be planning your trip. This can include:
- Renting a shuttle or selecting a designated driver
- Plan your trip beforehand and make note of any events in the area
- Book in advance to avoid disappointment
- Consider the weather on the day
- Eat beforehand and try to plan a meal or two in between – picnics are always a good idea.
- Stay hydrated
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions
7 Texas Wineries You Need To Visit
This list has the potential to go on for days given that there are 400 wineries available, so to keep things short and sweet by sharing our top 5 Texas wineries that we think you should visit.
Ron Yates
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If you’re travelling along, Johnson City to the Fredericksburg corridor, this winery will be one of the first that you encounter. They have over 20 wines available ranging from grenache rosé to single-vineyard Sangiovese. There is also a small selection of snacks available if you’re feeling peckish.
Tastings run from 11:00 – 18:00 daily and cost $15 per tasting.
Kuhlman Cellars
This winery has indoor and outdoor tasting rooms and even offers food and wine pairings for a more unique – and filling – experience. Their speciality is eclectic red and white blends.
Tastings run from 11:00 – 18:00 Thursday to Saturday and 12:00 – 17:00 from Sunday to Monday. The cost ranges from $20 – $35 per tasting.
Lewis Wines
Another stop along the Johnson City route is a must-see. The estate uses vines planted in 2014 to grow their crops and is known for developing several Texas rosés as well as their Swim Spot wine which is a slightly fizzy white wine.
Tastings run from 10:30 – 17:00 Thursday to Monday and costs $25 per tasting.
Adega Vinho
This winery is still fairly new and is located just off the main winery route in Texas. The large tasting toom features retro couches, wood panelling and mirrors to create a welcoming space for visitors.
Tastings run from 12:00 – 18:00 Monday to Thursday, 11:00 – 18:00 Friday to Saturday and 12:00 – 18:00 on Sundays. Tastings range from $20 to $35 with food pairing options available.
Pedernales Cellars
A stunning deck surrounded by shady trees allow guests to take in the stunning countryside view. The space is also kid and dog friendly.
Tastings run from 10:00 – 17:00 Monday to Thursday, 10:00 – 18:00 Friday to Saturday and 12:00 – 17:00 on Sundays. Tastings range from $20 to $35.
Duchman Family Winery
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Located close to tourist hub Salt Lick, this winery is the perfect spot for a day out. The bottles are reasonably priced and the large lawns are ideal for sipping on the incredible wines on offer.
Tastings run from 12:00 – 18:00 Monday to Thursday, 12:00 – 20:00 Friday to Saturday and 12:00 – 19:00 on Sundays. Tastings cost $15.
Sandy Road Vineyards
Off the beaten track is this newcomer. They may be small, but they’ve already made quite a name for themselves. An elegant setup complements the bespoke wines and allows guests to enjoy a unique wine-tasting experience.
Tastings run from 11:00 – 18:00 Friday to Saturday and 12:00 – 17:00 on a Sunday. Tastings range from $20 to $41 per tasting.
For The Best Time Ever, These Wineries Should Be On Your List
If you’re heading to Texas in the near future, looking into the wineries along your route is definitely recommended. In addition to the fabulous wines, there are also amazing sights to take in and scenic views to help you relax after a busy week.
By following our simple guide, you’ll have everything you need to plan a memorable wine tasting experience while taking in the sights of Texas. You also already have a great starting point for wineries to visit along the way. A good rule of thumb to follow is no more than three a day and to ensure that you have eaten something beforehand.
All in all, a day of wine tasting is worth experiencing and should be on your list of things to do this year.