Peach Wine – Texas South Wind Vineyards & Winery, Refugio, Texas

As one of the first wines that this winery has produced, they certainly have done a fine job with their peach wine.  It’s peachy, it’s sweet, and it just taste downright good.  You can’t go wrong with this one.  Have a bottle or two with friends and family and enjoy as a snack or after dinner treat.  Yum!

www.texassouthwind.com

Paris Vineyards – Paris, Texas

This local and family operated winery and vineyard has the distinction of being the first for Lamar County.  Located in the middle of the Red River Valley, this place is making some fine hand crafted wines.  They have a very fine selection of reds, including an award winning Tempranillo.  The Cabernet Sauvignon is a keeper for your wine cellar and will only get better with age.  Both sweet and dry Blanc du Bois wines are available for tasting.  The tasting room is located in the downtown square of Paris.   The owners are great to chat with and give service with a genuine smile.  This makes the trip to Paris worth the long journey! Come on, you know you’ve always dreamed of sipping wine in Paris…so stop in and enjoy!

www.parisvineyards.com

Moscato D’Asti – 2006; Dezzani Winery; Asti, Italy

This “bubbly” wine is light, gently fizzy and very crisp to the pallet with a clean finish.  It has fragrances of citrus and honey.  It is low in alcohol and sweet, buy not syrupy sweet.  It is like a slightly effervescent cousin of a true Asti Spumante, only delightfully sweet and fruitful.  If you’re looking for a not-so-typical Moscato, then this is a light and refreshing alternative to peak your interest.  It pairs nicely with slightly spicy dishes, with brunch, and also stands on its own to be enjoyed as a nice after dinner wine. Enjoy!

www.dezzani.it

St. Rose Vineyard & Winery – Pittsburg, Texas

Muscadine and fruit wine lovers, this is the place to visit!  Here, you’ll find some unique blends of Muscadine and various fruit wines, including stand alone red and white Muscadine wines.  The fruit for these wines is all locally grown and Texas sourced. The tasting room is located in a 100-year-old sweet potato smokehouse.  Don’t be distracted by the one lane old road and outside appearance of the winery.  Great surprises can be found by just opening the door.  You’ll feel welcomed and appreciated. Plus the front porch offers cozy seating for you to enjoy a sunset as you admire the vineyard next to the tasting room.

www.strosewinery.com

Fragaria (Strawberry) – Barking Rocks Winery, Granbury, Texas

This sweet, crisp, delightful wine is a pleasure to serve to all your friends and family.  You can really taste the full essence of strawberries in this wine.  Though this is a sweet wine, it is not syrupy sweet, and the berry taste is so clear, it literally tastes like you have just bitten into a strawberry. This wine has a very clean and beautiful finish. We highly recommend this one as a dessert wine, or to be served at brunch.  Love this so much; we believe it is simply the best Strawberry wine in Texas.

www.barkingrockswine.com

Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards – Pittsburg, Texas

The tasting room at this winery has just the right inviting ambiance that makes you feel like lingering the rest of the day with your fellow wine lovers.  Your tasting selections will include a good and equal selection of reds and whites in miniature carafes.  To compliment your tastings, do try some of the tapas from the in-house restaurant.  They are quit delicious!  Don’t worry about being rushed at this place no one will be trying to hurry you along. Just pick your favorite wine barrel table and listen to some cool Jazz music as you sit back and relax and enjoy your wine and fine dining here. You’re at a lovely scenic and sensory haven at this destination. Weekends also offer live music and when the weather is nice; you can sip and dine out on the covered patio or inside. Either way, you can’t go wrong. Stop by and sit a spell and let your senses be overjoyed.

www.lospinosranchvineyards.com

Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve – 2002; Travis Peak Select; Marble Falls, Texas

This incredible wine is a great way to end off the 2011 Thanksgiving holidays!  Produced by Flat Creek Estates, It has been aged at least two years in French oak followed buy one year in the bottle.  Bold, strong, aromatic….whatever quality term first comes to mind fits this wine perfectly.  The quality of the taste just gets better and better as you let it breath for a while.  Your palate will be pleased by what the nose has already sensed.  The wine is full bodied, with lovely tannins and a beautiful finish with a nice light smokiness. If you happen to still have this bottle around, don’t feel bad having this one just by yourself.  It was wonderful going into the bottle and has aged nicely. This wine could definitely go toe-to-toe with any world class wine.

www.flatcreekestate.com

Enoch's Stomp Vineyard & Winery - Harleton, Texas

Atop the rolling hills of East Texas is a winery tucked away and surrounded by a lovely vineyard landscape.  You’ll find some fine Blanc-du-Bois wines ranging from dry to sweet.  This winey also makes a quality Norton that you’ll want to add to your collection.  Your last tasting should definitely be the sweet Lenoir.  Wow!  You’ll be happy that you’ve found this place after tasting that one.  The evening is a great time to visit and watch the sunset over the rolling hills with a glass of their wine.  If you happen to be out and about at lunchtime or in the early afternoon, they also offer light snacks to complement your wine tasting. This tasting room is open late on the weekends, so keep that in mind if you’re looking for something to do after dinner.  So, have a glass under their trees, but don’t back your car into one!

www.enochsstomp.com

Dixie Wine Company - Mt. Selman, Texas

There’s something to be said about “wine-street” experience.  After self teaching himself for about 10 years, this wine maker is producing some great tasting fruit wines.  They are all natural with no preservatives, so don’t spend too much time watching the bottle on your counter sit and smile at you.  Drink it!  Ask for the special “love potion” wine.  It’ll make you feel country all over again.  The tasting room resembles a very eclectic cabin with many farming, antique and interesting “old” items hung up on the walls or hanging from the ceiling. It has its own unique charm that is well worth seeing!  Check this place out on your next Piney Woods Wine Trail journey.

www.dixiewine.com

Mead – Oberhof Wine Cellars, Fredericksburg, Texas

This mead is made from pure light amber honey.  It has a light yellow color with a slightly spicy aroma.  It  may not come across as your typical mead.  The flavor is sweet and herbal with a bit of a lemon taste.  The taste of honey tends to be secondary.   It is produced on the Edwards Plateau.  As a real Texas wildflower honey wine product, Texas mead lovers may want to do a special ritual before drinking it.  It’s great by itself or paired with your favorite dessert.  Either way, you’ll enjoy the sweetness of Central Texas.

www.bellmountainwine.com/oberhofwines.htm

Maydelle Country Wines - Rusk, Texas

Deep in the heart of East Texas, is the second largest fruit wine producer of the state.   Texas fruit wine lovers will definitely find something here that fits your taste buds.  With selections including Elderberry (yes, Elderberry!), Grapefruit, Blackberry, Lime, Peach, Lemon, Pear wine and more, there is something for everyone to try.  The award winning Grapefruit wine is wonderful and has been dubbed “Maydelle Margarita”.  You can find their wines at a few select Specs stores.  If your local store doesn’t carry it, keep pestering them until they do.  Don’t be put off by the inconsistent bottle styles or color as they are Texas green friendly at recycling wine bottles.  If you judge a book buy its cover or a dirt road on the other side of the railroad tracks in this case, you might miss one of the jewels of East Texas.   Don’t expect any fancy restaurant or Bed & Breakfast, just some good ol’southern hospitality this side of the Trinity River to make you feel warm and welcomed. Miss Daisy the hound might be waiting out front for you to welcome you too!

www.maydellewines.com

Riesling – 2006; Noble House Wines; Bernkastel-Kues, Germany

Missed Oktoberfest?  No Problem.  There’s nothing keeping you from whipping up your own German-style sausage and spaetzle to be accompanied by a lovely little Riesling.  Break open a bottle of this wine and your set!  It’s a light, semi-sweet wine with peach and apricot aromas.  There might be a slight minerality to it, but that’s likely due to the region where the grapes were grown. This makes a great wine for your typical German dishes or on its own.  Just make sure you have some extra wine glasses on hand, as you may be asked to share with friends and family once they see you have opened this bottle. Prosit!

www.noblehouse-wine.com

Texas Vineyard and Smokehaus – Palestine, Texas

Located along the winding roads of East Texas, is this small family run winery.  Pull up a stool to the bar and make yourself at home.  The owners will make you feel quite welcomed as you try each of their European style wines, plus two Sangrias that’ll make you glad stopped for a tasting. This cozy little winery is located on a lovely corner spot with ample front porch seating with tables and chairs for you to relax at as you enjoy the fall scenery.  Once you step inside, you will be delighted by the ample selection of wines, as well as the lovely décor that has been thoughtfully appointed to match the season. Make sure you stop in and visit, it is worth the trip.

www.texasvineyard.org

Cherry Wine – NV; Wimberley Valley Wines; Driftwood, Texas

This light bodied and rose colored wine has a nice balance of sweet and tart fruit flavors.  It definitely has a discernible cherry taste, yet it is not so overwhelming and is more a note in the taste spectrum. The wine has some lingering tartness but a nice finish. If you are seeking something different as we head into the holidays, this would make a nice after dinner wine to enjoy with those holiday cookies.

www.wimberleyvalleywinery.com

Kerrville Hills Winery – Kerrville, Texas

There is no sin in a winemaker letting his/her creations age as long as he/she wants.  The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2007 Merlot are a testament to this winemaker’s philosophy that all things in due time.  With these inaugural reds and the Blanc du Bois to select from, this recently opened winery has already made a name for itself with some award winning double medal red wines.  Built atop and older homestead that had burned down, the original brick chimney and concrete foundation provided architectural elements for the new tasting room and winery. You’ll find plenty of room to taste wines in this lovely tasting room and we encourage you to take the short tour and find out a little of the history of the spot and how the winery got its start.  You also will note when you step outside to the parking lot, that the location offers an ideal panoramic view of downtown Kerrville and the surrounding hills that help give this spot its charm.

www.kerrvillehillswinery.com

Westcave Cellars - Round Mountain, TX

How do you top running a successful Texas vineyard for the past 12 years?  Why start your own winery!  Having supplied Texas wineries with grapes for years, this establishment now has its own tasting room with a nice selection of home crafted wines.  The white selections include the Estate Viognier, High Plains Viognier, and Muscat Blanc. You will enjoy comparing the contrasting flavors of the estate grapes with those of the High Plains, as the same grape can taste very different due to various conditions and locations where they are grown. Complimenting the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon reds is a Tannat that will just get better with age. Rounding out their sweets are White Zinfandel, White Merlot and a sweet red blend.  Maybe it’s just our personal preference, but the estate wines’ minerality enhances the flavor and provides that extra pizzazz that you don’t find in other Texas wine regions.  While you’re here, take a peek at the white board by the tasting bar.  You’ll see some future selections in the works that will make for a worthwhile repeat visit. This winery may be a little farther down the country road, but the drive is lovely and exciting with interesting turns and switchbacks. The winery has over seven acres of vines planted and is off to an excellent start. On weekends they are also featuring live music, so if you want a nice evening out to enjoy the hill country as fall begins to make the air a little crisper, stop in and sample and stay a while, you won’t be disappointed!

www.westcavecellars.com

Prim Rose – 2004; Flat Creek Estate; Marble Falls, Texas

This is the real deal!  No blush here.  A real rose to complete your evening.   It’s almost like this wine is just itching to get out of the cellar and into your glass.  This rose has a brilliant and vibrant pink color and an equally pleasant bouquet.  If you are looking for a very nice and easy to drink sweet rose, this is the one for you. The wine has beautiful rich fruit forward flavors that envelope your taste buds.  Enjoy every sip and don’t waste a drop!

www.flatcreekestate.com

Lone Oak Winery – Burleson, Texas

Surrounded by stately oak trees, the tasting room and vineyards present itself as a pleasant place to just unwind with your favorite glass of Lone Oak Wine.  You’ll find a full selection of good red and white wines to suite your pallets.  The Crimson Oak will certainly catch the taste of red wine lovers with its full body and nice, lingering finish. The White Mosaic and Rosa Blanca are some blends that will put the “A” in “Ahh” after each sip.  The staff is wonderful here too.  They will make you feel more than welcomed for return visits.

www.loneoakwinery.com

Grapevine White – NV; Cross Timbers Winery; Grapevine, Texas

This off dry wine is a blend of Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay.  It is a light wine with a smooth, slightly crisp finish that compliments some its citrus notes and aromas.  This wine is very easy to drink alone or share with friends and good conversation. It would pair nicely with spicy meal, or fish. What a great chilled white to cap off the unbelievable Texas heat wave of summer 2011!

www.crosstimberswinery.com

Weinhof Winery - Forestburg , Texas

If you’ve been looking for that special fruit wine depot in Texas, then this is the place.  Peach, apple, blackberry, blueberry and watermelon are some of the tasty fruit wines offered.  All the fruit comes from Texas and nothing is added – no concentrates or syrups.  What you get is some wholesome fruit wines to enjoy.  Great things do come in small batches and this family-owned winery is a testament to just that.  Somehow they have found a way to bottle that ripe peach taste in their peach wine, like no other! This is a delightful German winery with great atmosphere that invites you to sit and stay a while sampling and literally enjoying the fruits of their labor with friends and family.

www.weinhofwinery.com

Enchanted Rock Red – NV; Fredericksburg Winery; Fredericksburg, Texas

This sweet red wine is a good selection for when you just need a break from it all.  You don’t have to worry about what food to pair or desserts to serve with it, because it’s just fine on its own.   Made from a blend of Pinot Noir and Ruby Cabernet grapes, the two seem to meld well in this blend. This selection will compliment spicy food, but also stand up nicely as dessert with the fruit forward juicy fresh flavor that lingers a bit after the sip. Yum!

http://www.fbgwinery.com/



Arché Winery - Saint Jo, Texas

Located in the heart of Texas' Red River Valley, this estate vineyard is producing some quality grapes that are worth the price of gas to make the trip.  The vineyards were planted in 1999; however the winery opened in 2007.  Wines currently available are Roussanne, 228 blend, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Tempranillo.  The surrounding scenery is a good place to savor a glass of wine while you visit. The drive up the gravel dirt road toward the vineyard is scenic in a beautiful country setting.  We enjoyed the winery and their wines as well as our short visit with the family running it. Watch out for the speed limit sign as you drive up the drive way!

 http://www.archewines.com/

Merlot – 2003; Sunset Winery; Burleson, Texas

With hints of cherry, and oak, this red wine has a deep strong flavor worthy of pairing with some mighty fine beef.  It has medium tannins and a long clean finish.  Cab lovers may be pleasantly surprised when drinking this Merlot.  This wine is a nice rich merlot that compliments a meal, or chocolates, as well as one that is easy to enjoy on its own.  Definitely allow this wine to breath before serving.  You will enjoy it even more!

www.sunsetwinery.com

Sugar Ridge Winery – Bristol, Texas

Are you making that long trek between Houston and Dallas on I-45?  The summer of 2011 has certainly been a hot one, but if you stop on over in Bristol than these folks will fix you right up with some soothing and delicious slush wines!  Just make a selection from your favorite fruity wine and you’ll have found your antidote to triple digit heat.  You’ll just have to try it for yourself! They also have a lemon wine, yes; you heard that right…which makes awesome lemonade slush. Very unique in its own right, the lemon wine also makes a delightful cooking wine. They’ve been open since April of 2011 and have already made a name for themselves with their Mora Negro style wine – one of their best sellers!  Just saying these chilled wines hits the spot does not do justice.

www.sugarridgewinery.com

Riesling – 2005; Messina Hof Winery; Bryan, Texas

If you want a nice Riesling in Texas, then you need to get one from a top quality winery in Texas!  This Father and Son Cuvee Riesling has done well aging in the wine cellar over the years.  Somewhere between semi-sweet and dry with hints of apples, the aroma and taste balance well together. The slightly green and honey hued wine is smooth and well balanced with a clean finish. This one is fine alone, or enjoyed with cheese, or lighter fare.

www.messinahof.com

Texas Hills Vineyard – Johnson City, Texas

No matter where your Texas winery adventures take you, don’t miss this winery located off of U.S HWY 290 just east of Johnson City.  The vineyard is settled near the Perdernales River Valley.  With a variety of Italian style wines to choose from, you’ll find some good wine selections. From the Kick-butt Cab to the soothing Ruby Port, we’re sure you’ll squeeze some space in your cellar for these bottles. The wine selection continues to grow over the years at this winery and they continue to add new varietals to their menu. During the fall they offer a wine stomp and there are other events throughout the year, to tempt you to stop in and enjoy yourself. Make sure to stop in and sample, as you should be able to find something you like here.

http://www.texashillsvineyard.com/

The Vineyard at Florence – Florence, Texas

Located at the northern end of the Texas Hill Country, this latest start-up winery is making wines and growing grapes from Norton, Lenoir, Cabernet and Blanc du Bois varietals.  Dan Gatlin of Inwood Estates has been serving as the winemaker for this establishment guiding them toward producing some good Texas vino. Their first estate wines have been released and the Roma (Norton grape) has already sold out. Not to worry though, more will follow in the next vintage. From outside the tasting room, one has a great view of the rolling plains of the Texas Hill Country and the estate vineyards. In addition to the tasting room, are villas, spas, and a café.  This is a great location for a date, afternoon outing spot with friends or family, or girl friends getaway where you can spend some quality time with your favorite glass or bottle of wine, enjoy the surrounding scenery and take in some of the lively energy of the winery when live music is available on the weekends. Fortunately, you can also visit the winery next door, Inwood Estates Tasting room to compare the two styles and selections and make it a nice afternoon outing.

http://www.thevineyardatflorence.com/

Sweet Red – NV; Wimberley Valley Winery; Driftwood, Texas

This sweet red wine has a lighter body than most reds.  As you swirl a sip around your tongue, your taste buds will note a full berry fruit forward flavor that wows. Chilled, this makes a great summer wine.  This wine pairs lovely with spicier dishes like Mexican or Barbeque and equally stands up on its own.  Texas wine lovers should save the bottle as a souvenir of the chilled wines that saved you from the record 2011 scorching summer!

http://www.wimberleyvalleywinery.com/

Inwood Estates – Dallas, Texas

Whether you go to the tasting room in Dallas or the one in Florence, Texas, you will be introduced to some of the higher quality wines that would please the ancient gods of Olympus.  As one of the first people to plant grapes in Texas during the early 1980s, Dan Gattis has been making boutique and hand-crafted quality wines based on the Palomino and Tempranillo varietals.  Serving both red and white wines at their tasting rooms, the reds will certainly be the ones that will make you say “wow” six ways to Sunday!  The Tempranillo Reserve and Magellan (Bordeaux Blend) will be the two that stand out the most.  The Palomino –Chardonnay white wine is quite unique as it is a white that truly drinks like a red. Put a blindfold on and sip this one, you’ll never guess it’s a white wine! Its unique nectar-like fragrance makes it an enjoyable aromatic and flavorful wine.  There are no fancy gimmicks, just straight forward superb premium wine.  So, don’t be embarrassed or ashamed to walk out with a case or two after your visit.  These are cellar quality wines that will last at least 10+ years or more and make excellent gifts for picky wine lovers.

http://www.inwoodwines.com/

Petite Syrah – 2004; Castle Rock Winery; Calistoga, California

Made from the grapes of the Lodi region of California, this Petite Syrah has a beautiful dark blackberry hue and coffee like aromas.  The full-bodied wine has tannins that tend to be long-lasting. You will also taste hints of something between blackberries and plums.  If you like a rich, full-bodied red with depth and a great finish, we suggest you give this one a whirl in your glass. Your palette will not be disappointed. Pair this wine with your favorite grilled game.

http://www.castlerockwinery.com/

Pilot Knob Vineyard – Bertram, Texas

Located on the northern frontier of the Texas Hill Country Viticultural area, this new vineyard and winery is staking a claim for themselves with some award winning wines.  Currently, one can sample Proprietor’s White (Viognier blend), Viognier (already an award winner), Sweet Rose (Ruby Cabernet), and Franco-Rojo (Tempranillo/Merlot blend).    The wines are worthy of the glasses they are poured into.  The aromas and taste will entice you to buy all these initial releases for safekeeping in your wine cellar. They are all well balanced and each one equally good as the next. The views from the tasting room of the Texas Hill Country are spectacular!  It is worth your valuable time to share a bottle of wine with friends and just enjoy the surrounding scenery.  The name is derived in honor of the highest point on the horizon, a long extinct volcano. Planted on the estate are vines of Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo.  With the experience and assistance of the McPherson’s from Lubbock, The Pilot Knob owner has one of the best Texas wine family names to guide them to a promising future.  With plans to plant more varietals in the future on this 100+ acre estate, this vineyard will certainly establish itself as a future prime producer of quality Texas grapes and wine.

http://www.pilotknobvineyard.com/

Texas White – NV; Three Dudes Winery; San Marcos, Texas

With a hint of citrus aroma, this clean crisp white wine should pair well with just about any dish.  It comes across as well balanced, and aromatic, sweet wine with slight mineral flavors. It is very easy on the palate and is quite refreshing and lovely chilled on a hot summer day. This is the perfect wine to enjoy when you want to unwind or sit and visit with friends. Very drinkable and should be shared!

http://www.threedudeswinery.com/

McPherson Cellars – Lubbock, Texas

Located in the city of Lubbock, this winery was originally founded in memory of Dr. Clinton “Doc” McPherson, one of the original pioneers in the Texas wine industry.  The son of Dr. McPherson takes a "planting to the land" philosophy with the vineyards. The wines you’ll enjoy from the winemaker are mostly Rhone and Italian varietals which just happen to do quite well in the Texas High Plains. In the tasting room, one can also enjoy Roussanne, Sangiovese and a great tasting Chansa Sherry, just to name a few.  Don’t worry if you’re relatively new to wine lingo and pronunciations.  The folks here will be glad to help navigate you through the menu to help find something to your liking.

http://www.mcphersoncellars.com/

Rose of Ivanhoe – NV; Homestead Winery; Ivanhoe, Texas

This full-bodied sweet wine can pack a punch! Or maybe it has just been in the wine cellar longer than we thought?  Who needs a late night coffee espresso, when this wine will surprisingly stimulate your senses just as well.  This is a hearty fruit forward and initially sweet wine, that finishes with deeper tannins to complement its darker hue. Best served chilled, a glass or two of this wine is a great way to beat the incredible hot Texas nights of summer 2011. You may also wish to use it to craft your own version of deeper, richer Sangria, by adding your own fruit and mixers. The unique character of this wine should pair well with your favorite Tex-Mex dish too!  They’ll both taste great together.

http://www.homesteadwinery.com/

Cap*Rock Winery – Lubbock, Texas

Located just south of Lubbock, this winery has been making many good wines for over a couple of decades. Most wine lovers may be familiar with their Palo Duro Whites and Reds, but you can’t go wrong with the Viognier or Blush Royal.  The tasting room has to be one of the more elegant and picturesque places to see.  Although the place has undergone a few owner changes over the years, it still is worth the visit. Though the selection of wines may not be exactly what they were many years ago under the original owners, we look forward to seeing what the new owners have in store and hope they can resurrect some of the deep, earthy, dry and wonderful bold reds from the past.

http://www.caprockwinery.com/

Red Table Wine – 2003; B & E Vineyard; Paso Robles, California

This wine has a wonderfully strong bouquet with a powerful dry French oak taste. There are lots of lovely tannins here to tempt your taste buds if you’re a lover of bold smooth reds with a strong full body.  Savor this with pasta dishes or just enjoy it by the glass on its own.  We don’t think you will be disappointed by this one.



http://www.bevineyard.com/

It’s our official one year anniversary!

Yes, there was an “unofficial” blog for a while on a personal site, but hey, great ideas get started somewhere!  We hope you’ve had the opportunity to taste some of the wines and visit some of the wineries posted on this site.  Every winery and every bottle has its own characteristics that make them unique and enjoyable.  There are still many more wineries to visit and wines to sample for year two as so much work lies ahead! We also are starting a new endeavor and hope to be adding updates on that as well as it develops.  Stay tuned…who knows… maybe we’ll run into you at the next wine tasting room.  Cheers!

Llano Estacado Winery – Lubbock, Texas

Who would of thought in the 1970’s that a couple of professors from Texas Tech would actually try to figure out how to grow grape vines and make wine in the Texas High Plains?  Never underestimate the curiosity of mad scientists and what they can do! As it turns out the long, hot and dry summers and cool nights meld nicely with the well drained sandy loam soil creating the perfect growing environment. These environmental conditions result in a good balance of sugar and acidity levels in the grapes. Today, this winery has established itself as one of the larger premier wine producers in the state. Here, you’ll find almost two dozen or more selections that will please just about the entire spectrum of any Texas wine lover.  This place has also helped lay the foundation for Texas viticulture and wine making. The original vines that got things kicked off were actually planted well before the scientists started thinking of wine making and were stumbled upon when road construction was going to take place in the area. Given the uniqueness of the find, a call was made and the rest is history! Who knows who planted the original vines, we only agree that Texas High Plains definitely do produce some of the most outstanding grapes in the state. Eureka…what a discovery!

www.llanowine.com

Muscat Canelli Reserve – 2008; Sister Creek Vineyards; Sisterdale, Texas

With a floral bouquet flavor, this White Italian style wine is well balanced between the different aroma and flavors.  The touch of effervescence adds just the right amount of “tingliness” with each sip to wake up and energize your taste buds. This wine is wonderful served cold on a hot summer day and has a great fruit forward flavor that also has a buttery hint and a smooth finish. Great alone or with light creamy summer desserts like cheesecake, it is highly recommended for summer sipping and entertaining.

www.sistercreekvineyards.com

Pheasant Ridge Winery – Lubbock, Texas

This vineyard has the honorary distinction of being one of the oldest in Texas, specifically number three.  Planted in 1979, you will find your favorite selection of quality French style wines.  No wine making is rushed here as this place has a reputation for consistently producing some of the oldest releases in Texas. The wine maker has no problems waiting three, four, and maybe even five years before bottling to ensure the winery remains true to the craft of creating wonderful boutique wines. Your taste buds can definitely tell the attention to detail in every big, bold, and complex sip of wine. You may be hard pressed to find a red bottle of wine younger than four years old and you will realize what a difference it makes. One taste from the barrels and you’ll be thoroughly convinced that great tasting wine is served in the afterlife.  Lubbock may be one of those super long drives for most Texans to make, but this place makes the trip worth it and more!

www.pheasantridgewinery.com

High Noon II (Blanc du Bois) – 2005; Chisholm Trail Winery; Fredericksburg, Texas

Best served chilled, this sweet white wine has notes of tangerine, pineapple, and other tropic fruit.  The hints of grapefruit and apple aromas are noticeable with a freshly opened bottle.  You won’t break any wine taboos if you’d prefer to enjoy an extended “aroma therapy” session before sipping.  As the long hot days of summer drag on, enjoy this one chilled to help you get your second wind at the end of the work day.

www.chisholmtrailwinery.com

Driftwood Estate Winery – Driftwood, Texas

Getting to this winery involves driving down a winding county dirt road that leads to a hill top overlooking the Texas Hill Country in Driftwood and a beautiful view of 14 acres of estate vineyards. With several varietals to choose from, you’ll find a good selection of Syrah,Viognier, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Muscat Blanc, and a Portuguese style port. You can relax on the grounds with the vast amount of scenic shady seating with both picnic tables and chairs available for you to find your perfect lookout vantage point as you enjoy the view, hopefully a cool breeze, and a lovely sunset as you savor your selection from inside the relatively new tasting room at Driftwood Estates. You can also walk over to see the view from the original tasting room and patio which is located nearby. Sipping the port after a busy day of hill country shopping and enjoying the view with a good friend or loved one is highly recommended

www.driftwoodvineyards.com

Heaven Decadent – NV; Cork This! Winery; Montgomery, Texas

This dessert wine is about as strong of a sweet red wine you may get before fortifying it and turning it into a full-fledged port. For all practical purposes, it is an unfortified port with a deep ruby red color and hints of vanilla. It is well balanced and is very fruity to boot. Keep a bottle or two of this one around the next time life throws you a fast curve ball. At least you’ll be able to play another day and it will help take the sting out of your pain.

www.corkthiswinery.com

Saddlehorn Winery – Burton, Texas

Half way between Austin and Houston is a family owned winery producing some good Blanc du Bois and Black Spanish wines.  From dry, to off-dry, to sweet, you are sure to find the right balanced varietal for your wine loving taste buds. The winery and tasting room are located in a nice barn that allows you to view the winery through windows located behind the wine bar area.  The scenery outside is a mix of rolling ranch land and vineyards.  The winery is producing wines both with California and Texas estate grown grapes. Next time you’re cruising along U.S. Highway 290 in Burton, stop in for some good wine.

www.saddlehornwinery.com

Carmenère Reserve – 2008; Terra Andina; Santiago, Chile

This Carmenère does justice to one of Chile’s signature varietals. The deep purple-red hue compliments the great smooth flavor of this full bodied wine. Initially the fruit forward component gets your taste buds excited as it transitions to the smoky tobacco flavors that linger at the end and balance well with the soft tannins.  This “lost grape of Bordeaux” is one uncommon wine that will impress you and your dinner guests.

www.terraandina.com

Tehuacana Creek Vineyards & Winery – Waco, Texas

This family owned winery located just outside of Waco produces Estate-grown Blanc du Bois, Norton, and Black Spanish varietals.  In addition to some good reds and whites, you’ll also find one of the more hard to find Roman style wines the Mulsum.  Made in the traditional white wine method, the Mulsum is sweetened with honey, but not as sweet as you would think.  A classic sweetish Glögg can be found here as well as the Norton based wines.  And oh yes, the self proclaimed first Central Texas produced Sherry wine, Flamenco, can be found here as well. Tastings are still free here and you should not overlook the garlic goat cheese that is also available for your enjoyment.

www.wacowinery.com