Muscat du Bois Reserve – 2006; Lone Star Wine Cellars; McKinney, Texas

This unique and original wine produced from Wales Manor combines the best fruits of Muscat Cannelli (75%) with Blanc du Bois (25%) grapes.  The Muscat was aged in steel while the Blanc du Bois was aged in oak.  This is one white wine that you’ll find surprisingly different and a pleasant alternative to other Muscat or Blanc du Bois blends. The wine is semi-sweet with citrus notes and a smooth mellow finish.  As summer approaches, a chilled bottle will pair nicely with lighter spring meals and desserts.

http://www.lonestarwinecellars.com/

CrossRoads Winery - Frisco, Texas

Located in far west Frisco is a boutique winery that makes some fine reds and blends.  Some of their more unique reds include CSM (Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot) and Vintner’s Blend Red.  Both are well balanced and full bodied.  Of the more unusual wines you’ll find here is “My Cheeky Bastard” - a sweet blush wine in the loveliest pale pink shade.  It tastes really great and make sure to order it with your best British accent.  The White Port Pearl is also noteworthy and makes a fine after-dinner drink.

http://www.crwinery.com/

Homestead Winery - Ivanhoe, Texas

Homestead Winery is the oldest continuously operating winery in the Red River Valley area.  Their grapes come from vineyards grown in the rich fertile red river valley soils.  North Texas grape rootstocks were used to help restore the Charante Region of France when scientist grafted their native grape varieties to the local disease-resistant rootstocks.  This winery produces a fine selection of dry and sweet whites, to dry and sweet reds.    Included in the mix of available wines are some tasty blushes and rosés.  With tasting rooms located in Denison and Grapevine, you’re sure to enjoy a quality tasting session.

http://www.homesteadwinery.com/

El Miracle 120 – 2004; Vicente Gandia Winery, Chiva-Valencia, Spain

One could just enjoy the aroma of this Tempranillo/Shiraz wine all day.  The bold and earthy flavor provides a complexity that is outstanding.  It strikes a balance between the peppery Shiraz and the soft side of a Tempranillo and is a strong full bodied blend.  It’s a good bottle to open for those warm days and cool nights of Texas style spring weather and some steaks on the grill.

www.vicentegandia.es

Khatter Vineyards – Parker, Texas

Located in the northern suburbs of Dallas, is one of the smaller boutique wineries.  From a half acre lot, this family owned business grows their own grapes and makes their own wine.  Their tasting room is referred to as the peacock room where wines are available for tasting on Saturday afternoons only.  The site is also for sale.  So for those of you looking to take over an existing vineyard and winery, this may be your opportunity. They have a number of cabernet wines available and a wonderfully friendly  vineyard dog ready to greet you when you arrive.

http://www.khattervineyards.com/

Carlos Muscadine – NV; Emerald Coast Wine Cellar; Destin, Florida

This particular sweet white Muscadine wine is actually made from the Carlos grape.  Its sweet tasting pleasures will help put you in the spring time mood during that perfect clear sky March day.  By the way, it goes pretty well with truffles, too!

www.emeraldcoastwinecellars.com

William Chris Vineyards - Hye, Texas

Traveling to Hye on U.S. 290, one could easily pass by this small dirt road leading to an old looking shack, but don’t speed by too fast!  That’s the tasting room of one of the newer Texas wineries. No matter what grapes this winemaker touches, he seems to produce some quality reds that are worthy of your tasting.  From the red blend called Enchanté, to Malbec, Merlots, and Cabs---you won’t be making use of the discard bucket when tasting these fine wines, but instead using those Jacksons, Franklins, and maybe a few Grants as you exchange your bills for bottles. Revel in the delight of their fine wines while enjoying the company of their staff and sitting just off their front porch with your glasses as you watch a perfect hill country sunset. Cheers!

www.williamchriswines.com

Riesling – 2005; Wichita Falls Vineyards & Winery; Iowa Park, Texas

Not too sweet and not too strong, this Riesling has the typical floral taste with accents of peach.  With a nice signature Riesling color, you won’t be wasting your valuable wineglass with this one. This is a sweet wine with a pleasant crispness to provide a refreshing accompaniment to sandwiches and spicy food, or to stand alone as a wonderful drink to enjoy with friends at the end of the day. Anyway you choose to serve this one, we hope you enjoy it!

www.wichitafallsvineyardsandwinery.com