Need a short break from work? Want to take in the Texas hill country in its Springtime beauty? Want to test out your new muscle car on curvy roads? Want to taste some really fine wines?
Well then, if you answered any of these questions with the word “Yes”, I’ve got a suggestion for you. It’s time to set out on a hill country road trip and take in these four wineries: Bending Branch Winery in Comfort, Duchman Family Winery in Driftwood, Spicewood Vineyards in (where else) Spicewood, and Pedernales Cellars in Stonewall. These four are strategically located to give you a good look at the hill country and some good tasting wines from the four points of the hill country compass.
As you a see in the map, you can reach each winery over one or two days and they are less than an hour apart.
Duchman Family Winery gives you the view of the eroded eastern edge of Edward Plateau and just a short hop to the famous Salt Lick BBQ. While there check, out the Duchman 2020 Rosé of Aglianico/Montipulciano/Dolcetto that yields tart but pleasantly light refreshing strawberry and raspberry notes with an added floral component with a great smooth mouth feel. It pairs incredibly with Prosciutto and soft fresh Spanish Manchego.
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Spicewood Vineyards provides the nearby southern shore of Lake Travis and is invitingly located at the end of a meandering country road, a great place to loose your worries. While there enjoy Spicewood Vineyards 2019 El Guey, Texas Hill Country. It’s a multifaceted Tempranillo blend that has medium plus body dark fruit flavors with smoke and herb notes. It pairs nicely with Spicy Italian sausage, hard Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes.
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Pedernales Cellars in Stonewall is just a turn southward off what has become known as the Route 290 Wine Trail that parallels the limestone festooned Pedernales River and the historic compound of Lyndon Johnson. At Pedernales, welcome this exotic multinational blend, the Pedernales Cellars 2019 Valhalla. It is an Italian-Iberian “hands-across-the-Mediterranean” red blend bringing ripe black cherry with old-world earthy notes that pair with richly flavored Capacolo, citrus-marinated olives and Piccorino cheese.
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Last here but definitely not least in any manner to the wineries above, Bending Branch Winery brings you to the friendly country town of Comfort and the road gives view of the meandering Guadalupe River lined with majestically tall cypress trees. It’s time to put your feet up, relax and enjoy Bending Branch Winery 2019 Petite Sirah, Newsom Vineyards, a true relaxing red.It exudes blackberry, cassis, cedar, and has a wonderful tannic feel with full-bodied expression that pairs well with black peppered Calabrese, black olives and aged cheddar cheese.
Well, these are some of my recommendations for you at these four Texas Fine Wine wineries. You might well have other selections and you might bring your own food pairings. Each winery has splendidly unique and shady outdoor areas to enjoy your wines and accompaniments.
As a final note, Please remember, if you plan to hit a number of wineries or enjoy a number of wines in one day, you should seriously consider planning some rest time or bringing a designated drive, just to be extra safe on the hill country highways and byways.
Lastly, remember as I always say… ”Sip and Savor Texas!
Photo credits: Texas Fine Wine Wineries and other public sources
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