Santamaria Cellars - Fredericksburg, Texas

Founded in 2006 by Martin and Angela SantaMaria, Martin has been producing some mighty fine red wines.  Born in Argentina and educated in Italy on winemaking, Martin has taken the best of both winemaking worlds and brought them to Central Texas.  You “old timer” Central Texas wine trail folks may also remember him as the wine maker at Dry Comal Creek.  Many regular Texas wine lovers have been to the local downtown Fredericksburg wine & beer shop (Texas Wine Cellars) where folks were able to sample his wines, as well.   We were fortunate to have picked up a few of his first releases during those “early” days.  The tasting room has been opened less than a year down on Texas Highway 16 just south of Fredericksburg.  Though somewhat small, it packs a good variety of wines to choose from for sampling. You’ll have at least seven different wines to taste from that include both whites and reds.  All wines are produced from 100% Texas grapes (Hill Country and Lubbock areas).  The Muscat Canelli and Pinot Grigio are great!  Red wine lovers will relish the deep bold flavors of the reds offered.  The Pinot Noir has to be one of the best you’ll try this side of the Colorado River!  Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec are all very fine. There are a few 2011 reds that are already released.  The 2011s have turned out so well that you’ll definitely want to stock up a few to store in your cellar.  Santamaria Cellars in one of those wineries in Texas that helps put the “Q” in quality and does the state justice in representing Texas wines well.  There is something on the menu to please any palette so stop by and check out one of the state’s newer wineries and enjoy!

www.santamariacellarswines.com

Sauvignon Blanc – NV; Fall Creek Vineyards

This lightly crisp white wine is quite refreshing when chilled. Not too harsh and not too bland, it makes for a wine suitable for anyone to enjoy.  It has a citrus and lemon aroma that translate well to the palate when drinking this selection.  This wine should pair well with many good southwestern cuisines.

www.fcv.com

Vineyard at Gruene – New Braunfels, Texas

The latest business to expand along Gruene Road just south of historic Gruene, Texas is a new startup winery that opened in November of 2011. The tasting room is very open and spacious.  You could easily hold an event here quite comfortably.  The back porch is on the east side of the building where it is much cooler during the hot summer afternoons.   On the east side, is a small plot of Black Spanish vines that do add a bit of decoration to the nearby landscape.   The Becker’s of Becker Vineyards are helping this winery get off to a good start with some handcrafted wines.  Currently, you have two crisp whites to choose from; Comal Springs and Blanco Dulce.  The Comal Springs is a Sauvignon/Viognier/Muscato blend and the Blanco Dulce is a Viognier/Chardonnay blend.  The Gruene Rosé is a well balanced blend of Mourvedre and Moscato.   The Guadalupe Valley Red is a red blend with some Mourvedre, and the not too common Carignan grapes.  If you like Syrah blends, than the Texas Red Blend mixes both the Syrah as well as the Petit Syrah.  Lastly, their dessert wine blends Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon that has a good full-body with a long finish.  Opposite of the wine tasting room and through the breezeway is their beer bar (sometimes referred to as the man cave).  Give that place a try too.  This can be your one stop shop for both beer and wine lovers alike.

www.vineyardatgruene.com