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