Texas’ Vine Voyages: 10 Off-the-Beaten-Path Wine Wonders

Texas has emerged as a vibrant wine destination, with numerous wineries and vineyards scattered across the state’s diverse landscapes. From the rolling hills of the Texas Hill Country to the vast expanses of the High Plains, wine enthusiasts can embark on scenic drives to explore the burgeoning Texas wine industry. These journeys offer opportunities to taste unique varietals, learn about winemaking processes, and enjoy picturesque settings.

Texas wineries and vineyards worth the drive combine high-quality wines with stunning natural beauty and warm hospitality. Visitors can experience a range of wine styles, from bold reds to crisp whites, often crafted from grapes well-suited to the Texas climate. Many wineries also feature on-site tasting rooms, tours, and special events, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the Texas wine experience.

1) William Chris Vineyards

Rolling hills of lush green vineyards at William Chris Vineyards, with rows of grapevines stretching towards the horizon under the warm Texas sun

William Chris Vineyards stands out as a premier destination in Texas wine country. Located in Hye, this winery has gained international recognition for its exceptional wines.

The vineyard specializes in crafting Old World-style wines using Texas-grown grapes. Their commitment to quality has earned them a spot on the prestigious 100 World’s Best Vineyards list for three consecutive years.

Visitors can enjoy expertly paired wine tastings while taking in scenic views of the picturesque property. The winery’s charm and attention to detail have made it a favorite among wine enthusiasts.

William Chris Vineyards has become the first and only Texas winery to be featured in the top 100 list, alongside just six other American vineyards. This accomplishment highlights their dedication to producing world-class wines.

The vineyard offers a unique experience that keeps visitors coming back. Many guests find the wines worth every penny and appreciate the beautiful surroundings.

William Chris Vineyards
10352 W US Highway 290, Hye, TX 78635
Website: williamchriswines.com

2) Fall Creek Vineyards

Fall Creek Vineyards holds a special place in Texas wine history as one of the pioneers of winemaking in the Hill Country. Founded by Ed and Susan Auler in 1975, it was the first winery established in the region.

The Aulers were inspired to start their vineyard after a trip to France in 1973, where they fell in love with the wine country. They decided to plant a test plot on their ranch near Lake Buchanan, which eventually grew into Fall Creek Vineyards.

The winery now has two locations. The original Tow tasting room sits on 400 acres adjacent to the Auler family ranch, offering scenic views of Lake Buchanan. In 2013, they opened a second location in Driftwood.

Fall Creek Vineyards produces award-winning wines and has played a significant role in establishing the Texas Hill Country as a respected wine-producing region. Visitors can enjoy tastings of their premium wines while taking in the beautiful Texas countryside.

Fall Creek Vineyards at Tow: 1820 County Road 222, Tow, TX 78672
Fall Creek Vineyards at Driftwood: 18059 FM 1826, Driftwood, TX 78619
Website: www.fcv.com

3) Messina Hof Winery

Messina Hof Winery stands as a pioneer in the Texas wine industry since 1977. This award-winning winery has made significant contributions to the state’s viticultural landscape.

Messina Hof produces premium 100% Texas wines, showcasing a commitment to quality and local terroir. Their Angel Late Harvest Riesling was the first Texas wine to score 90 points in Wine Spectator.

The winery offers visitors a range of experiences. Wine tastings allow guests to sample their diverse portfolio. Weekend tours provide insights into the winemaking process, from vineyard to barrel room.

Messina Hof’s Estate Winery in Bryan features an on-site vineyard and hosts various wine events. The winery also embraces the concept of “Vineyard Cuisine,” infusing wine into their culinary offerings.

For those seeking a complete experience, Messina Hof Hill Country location along Route 290 offers stunning views and houses the Manor Haus B&B.

Messina Hof Winery, 4545 Old Reliance Rd, Bryan, TX 77808
Phone: (979) 778-9463
Website: www.messinahof.com

4) Becker Vineyards

Rolling hills of lush green vineyards surround a rustic winery nestled in the Texas countryside, with a clear blue sky overhead

Becker Vineyards stands as a premier Texas winery, established by Dr. Richard Becker in the 1990s. Located in the picturesque Hill Country, it has grown to become one of the largest and most awarded wineries in the state.

Dr. Becker pioneered the cultivation of Viognier grapes in Texas, setting a trend for the region. The vineyard’s commitment to quality has earned it numerous accolades, including multiple gold medals at prestigious competitions.

Visitors to Becker Vineyards can enjoy guided tours and tastings, experiencing a wide range of wines produced from both estate-grown and Texas-sourced grapes. The winery offers a beautiful setting for events and picnics, with lavender fields adding to its charm.

Becker Vineyards is known for its limited production wines and new releases, which are eagerly anticipated by wine enthusiasts. The winery’s success has contributed significantly to the growth and recognition of the Texas wine industry.

Becker Vineyards: 464 Becker Farms Rd, Stonewall, TX 78671. Phone: (830) 644-2681. Website: www.beckervineyards.com

5) Pedernales Cellars

Pedernales Cellars stands out as a premier Texas winery in the Hill Country. Founded in 2006, this family-owned establishment specializes in Mediterranean-style wines crafted with sustainable practices.

Visitors can explore the largest underground barrel cellar in Texas through guided tours. The winery’s tree-covered deck offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, perfect for savoring a glass of their award-winning wines.

Pedernales Cellars produces a diverse range of wines, including Tempranillo, Viognier, and Albariño. Their commitment to quality has earned them recognition in the wine industry.

The estate tasting room provides an opportunity to sample their signature vintages. Throughout the year, Pedernales Cellars hosts various events, dinners, and live music performances, enhancing the visitor experience.

Pedernales Cellars: 2916 Upper Albert Road, Stonewall, TX 78671. (830) 644-2037. www.pedernalescellars.com

6) Grape Creek Vineyards

Grape Creek Vineyards stands out as a premier destination in the Texas Hill Country wine region. Located in Fredericksburg, this family-owned winery offers visitors a taste of Tuscan-inspired elegance.

The vineyard boasts award-winning wines, including their popular Pinot Grigio sourced from Texas High Plains grapes. This wine features fresh tropical aromas with sweet caramel and butterscotch notes on the palate.

Visitors can sample wines from various collections, including those from the Heath Family Estate and Heath Vineyards. These wines showcase grapes grown in both the Texas Hill Country AVA and the Willow Creek District of Paso Robles.

Grape Creek Vineyards produces an impressive 150,000 gallons of wine annually. The winery’s commitment to quality has earned it numerous accolades and a loyal following among wine enthusiasts.

For those interested in exploring Grape Creek Vineyards, it’s conveniently situated on the Texas Wine Trail. The picturesque setting and diverse wine offerings make it a worthwhile stop for wine lovers.

Grape Creek Vineyards: 10587 E US Highway 290, Fredericksburg, TX 78624. Phone: (830) 644-2710. Website: www.grapecreek.com

7) Duchman Family Winery

Duchman Family Winery stands out as a premier destination in the Texas Hill Country. Located in Driftwood, this winery specializes in producing 100% Texas wines using only Texas-grown grapes.

The winery’s picturesque Italian-style villa and surrounding vineyards create a captivating atmosphere for visitors. Duchman is renowned for its high-quality wines, particularly its Vermentino and Trebbiano varietals.

Wine enthusiasts can enjoy tastings of six preselected wines for $20. The on-site kitchen offers a menu of delectable food options to complement the wine experience.

Duchman Family Winery has garnered recognition for its innovative winemaking techniques and commitment to showcasing the unique terroir of Texas. Its wines have received numerous accolades in competitions.

Visitors can sample and purchase all of the winery’s current releases, making it an ideal stop for those looking to explore Texas viticulture.

Duchman Family Winery, 13308 FM-150, Driftwood, TX 78619. Phone: (512) 858-1470. Website: duchmanwinery.com

8) Lost Draw Cellars

Rolling hills of vineyards surround a rustic winery nestled in the Texas countryside. The sun sets over the horizon, casting a warm glow on the rows of grapevines

Lost Draw Cellars offers a distinctive Texas wine experience in the heart of Hill Country. Located at 1686 US-290 in Johnson City, this winery sits on 9 acres of picturesque vineyard.

The tasting room provides visitors with the opportunity to sample award-winning wines made exclusively from Texas-grown grapes. Lost Draw takes pride in showcasing the unique terroir of the Lone Star State through their varietals.

Andy Timmons, the managing partner, brings generations of farming expertise to Lost Draw Cellars. His background in cotton and peanut farming translates into meticulous grape cultivation, with over 500 acres under management in the Texas High Plains AVA.

Wine enthusiasts can join the Lost Draw Cellar Club for exclusive access to new releases and invitations to special events. The winery’s commitment to quality has earned it a reputation as a must-visit destination for those exploring Texas wine country.

Lost Draw Cellars, 1686 US-290, Johnson City, TX. Website: www.lostdrawcellars.com

9) Bending Branch Winery

Rolling hills, lush vineyards, and a rustic winery nestled in the Texas countryside

Bending Branch Winery stands out among Texas wineries for its innovative approach to winemaking. Founded in 2009 by Dr. Robert W. Young, the winery combines modern science with traditional practices.

Located in Comfort, Texas, Bending Branch specializes in Tannat, a bold red grape variety. Their commitment to this unique grape has earned them recognition in the Texas wine scene.

The winery offers a diverse selection of wines, including Tannat, Picpoul Blanc, and Mourvèdre. Visitors can enjoy tastings of these distinctive wines in a picturesque Hill Country setting.

Bending Branch has received numerous awards for their wines. Their 2018 Tannat Rosé won accolades at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo wine competition.

The winery’s sustainable practices are evident in their vineyard management. They even have friendly chickens roaming the grounds, adding to the charming atmosphere.

Bending Branch Winery
142 Lindner Branch Trail, Comfort, TX 78013
Website: www.bendingbranchwinery.com

10) The Austin Winery

The Austin Winery stands out as an urban winery in the heart of Texas’ capital city. Located in a trendy warehouse district, it offers a unique wine tasting experience without the need for a long drive.

This winery focuses on crafting small-batch wines using grapes sourced from quality vineyards across Texas and beyond. Visitors can enjoy a diverse selection of reds, whites, and rosés in a modern, industrial-chic tasting room.

The Austin Winery takes pride in its hands-on approach to winemaking. Guests can often observe the production process firsthand and learn about the winery’s techniques from knowledgeable staff.

With its convenient location, The Austin Winery provides a perfect option for those seeking a wine country experience within city limits. It’s an ideal spot for both wine enthusiasts and casual sippers to explore Texas wines.

The Austin Winery
440 E St. Elmo Rd, Austin, TX 78745
Phone: (512) 320-0380
Website: www.theaustinwinery.com

Exploring the Texas Wine Regions

Texas boasts eight distinct wine-growing regions, each with its own unique terroir and varietals. The state’s diverse geography and climate create ideal conditions for producing a wide range of high-quality wines.

Understanding Hill Country Vineyards

The Texas Hill Country is the second-largest American Viticultural Area (AVA) in the United States. This region’s rolling hills, limestone-rich soil, and hot days coupled with cool nights provide excellent conditions for growing grapes. Popular varietals include Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Viognier.

Visitors can explore over 50 wineries in the Hill Country, many offering scenic views and tasting rooms. Fredericksburg serves as a central hub for wine tourism, with numerous vineyards within a short drive. Some notable wineries include Becker Vineyards, Pedernales Cellars, and Grape Creek Vineyards.

Lesser-Known Wine Areas

While the Hill Country garners much attention, other Texas wine regions offer unique experiences. The High Plains AVA, located in the Texas Panhandle, produces about 73% of the state’s wine grapes. This area’s high elevation and semi-arid climate are ideal for growing varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

North Texas is home to several charming wineries and vineyards. The region’s clay-based soil and warm climate support the growth of Tempranillo, Sangiovese, and Viognier grapes. Visitors can explore family-owned wineries and participate in unique wine tours.

The Gulf Coast region produces interesting wines influenced by its coastal climate. Blanc du Bois, a hybrid grape resistant to Pierce’s disease, thrives here.

History and Evolution of Texas Wineries

Rolling hills covered in lush vineyards, with historic wineries nestled among the landscape. A warm Texas sunset casts a golden glow over the rows of grapevines

Texas wine has deep roots stretching back centuries, with significant growth and innovation occurring in recent decades. The industry has transformed from humble beginnings to become the fifth-largest wine-producing state in the U.S.

Pioneers of Texas Winemaking

Spanish missionaries planted the first vineyards in Texas in the 1650s near El Paso, primarily for sacramental wines. However, the modern Texas wine industry didn’t take shape until the late 1960s. Researchers at Texas Tech University in Lubbock planted some of the first Vitis vinifera vineyards in the Texas High Plains, laying the groundwork for commercial production.

In 1976, Dr. Clinton “Doc” McPherson co-founded Llano Estacado Winery in Lubbock, marking a significant milestone. This pioneering effort inspired others to enter the industry. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, more vineyards and wineries emerged across the state, experimenting with different grape varieties and winemaking techniques.

Modern Trends in the Industry

Today, Texas boasts over 400 wineries and approximately 5,000 acres of vineyards. The industry has grown to be worth over $13 billion, with 340 growers contributing to its success. Texas winemakers have embraced their unique terroir, focusing on grape varieties that thrive in the state’s diverse climates.

Many wineries now emphasize sustainable practices and local grape sourcing. Tasting rooms and wine tourism have become integral parts of the industry, attracting visitors from across the country. Texas wines have gained recognition in national and international competitions, solidifying the state’s reputation as a quality wine-producing region.