Email: GeorgeCofran@Cofran.com  Web: www.HillCountryPortal.com

A Powerful Information Database & Gateway Service for the Texas Hill Country

HILL COUNTRY WINERIES & EVENTS

The Hill Country is becoming well known for wine production and is one of the largest wine regions in the nation. Local wineries are
helping Texas become fifth on the nation's list of top wine producers with a large choice of wines to offer.

According to the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Assoc (referenced below), "Texas is the site of the first vineyard established in North America by Franciscan priests circa 1662. As European settlers followed the development of mission outposts, they brought more grapevine cuttings, further developing the industry through the 1800s. Of the 25 wineries that existed in Texas in 1900, only one survived the Prohibition Act of 1919. The Texas wine and grape industry did not fully recover until the 1970s. Today, Texas boast approximately 3,300 acres of vineyard farmland and nearly 100 wineries that produce roughly one million gallons of wine annually. Typically the Texas wine and grape industry contributes about $170 million to the state economy and provides 1,800 jobs."

Visit the many wonderful local vineyards located in the Texas Hill Country. Experience exquisite wines right here in the Lone Star state! Wineries host tasting of newly released wines during the year along with wine and food pairings, seminars, demonstrations and tours. Come and meet the vintners as you tour and taste. Learn more what viticulture is all about.

From Wikipedia: "Viticulture (from the Latin word for vine) is the science, production and study of grapes which deals with the series of events that occur in the vineyard. When the grapes are used for winemaking, it is also known as viniculture. It is one branch of the science of horticulture."

(We welcome submission of updates, additions, corrections & digital photos, without compensation.)

BACKGROUND RESOURCES

JACK KELLER'S WINEMAKING: winemaking.jackkeller.net; For the beginner, novice and seasoned hobbyist.

SAN ANTONIO REGIONAL WINE GUILD: http://sarwg.jackkeller.net

TEXAS WINE AND GRAPE GROWERS ASSOCIATION: 817-424-0570; office@twgga.org; www.txwine.org

TEXAS WINERY GUIDE: 1-866-4TX-WINE; www.gotexanwine.org. Calendar of events. Texas Winery Passport available on-line. Visit and present your Passport to 4 wineries, and be rewarded with a free special gift from the TDA wine accessory collection. A Texas Dept of Agriculture Go Texan program.

TEXAS FOOD AND WINE GOURMET: www.thetexasfoodandwinegourmet.com

TEXAS WINE MARKETING RESEARCH INSTITUTE: www.depts.ttu.edu/hs/TexasWine. Timely and relevant research and education to audiences interested in the wine and grape industry and to foster the economic development and growth of the grape and wine industry in Texas.

TEXAS WINE REVIEW: www.txwinereview.com. Wine education and featured wineries.

TEXAS WINEGRAPES NETWORK: http://winegrapes.tamu.edu. Comprehensive information resource for grape growers and wine makers sponsored by Texas AgriLife Extension.

VINTAGE TEXAS: The Texas wine archive and blog from Russ Kane, wine aficionado, writer and naturalized Texan. Blog

WINE CORKS: Cork facts. Real wine, real corks. www.realcorkusa.com

(THE) WINE SOCIETY OF TEXAS: www.winesocietyoftexas.org

WINE SHIPPING

According to the Texas Dept of Agriculture, "It is legal for Texas wineries to ship to any legal buyer in the State. If you would like to order your favorite Texas wine, it is now as simple as contacting the winery with your order and working out the shipping details." 1-866-4TX-WINE. www.gotexanwine.org.

THE UPS STORE: 830-990-2544; 1406 E. Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624. Shipping for permitted wineries on the 290 corridor. Free pick up and packing services to all local wineries.

WINE TOURS

TEXAS WINE TOURS: 830-997-8687; Fredericksburg area wineries.

TEXAS WINE TOURS: 512-329-7007; 800-940-7007; www.texaswinetours.com. Tour the Wine Country in style.

WINE TASTING TOURS OF HORSESHOE BAY: 830-265-0044

WINE TOURS OF TEXAS: 512-458-5466, 512-473-8336, or 1-877-693-0800; Kingsland, TX 78639

WINE TRAILS

HILL COUNTRY WINE TRAIL: Includes 22 wineries in the Hill Country. Dates of Trail Events include February: Wine Lover's Trails, April: Wine & Wildflower Trail, August: Harvest Wine Trail, October: Texas Wine Month Passport Trail, and December: Holiday Wine Trail. For more information about these Wine Trail events call 1-866-621-9463 or see www.texaswinetrail.com.

GUADALUPE VALLEY WINE TRAIL: www.guadalupevalleywinetrail.com

WINE ROAD FREDERICKSBURG 290: The #2 wine destination in America. www.wineroad290.com

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY ART & WINE TRAIL: www.texasfineartandwine.org

TEXAS WINE TRAIL: www.texaswinetrails.com

WAY OUT WINERIES: "a group of boutique wineries in an area of the state you can generally describe as the "middle", from the north part of the Texas Hill Country to just south of the metroplex." www.wayoutwineries.org

WINE FESTIVALS & EVENTS

For specific event dates, see our detailed calendar at Calendar.

HIGHLAND LAKES FINE ART & WINE FESTIVAL: Marble Falls, April, sculpters, artists and painters in the Historic District. Wine tasting, live musical entertainment and juried fine art event. www.thunderbirdartists.com

TEXAS HILL COUNTRY WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL: April. Held at different locations. 512-249-6300; www.texaswineandfood.org

FREDERICKSBURG WINE & FOOD FEST: Saturday, October. Fredericksburg. Held downtown on Marktplatz (the 100 block of West Main Street). It is a full-course celebration of Texas food, wine, music, specialty booths, food court, and fun for all. www.fbgfoodandwinefest.com

HILL COUNTRY WINE EVENTS: www.localwineevents.com/Texas-Hill-Country-Wine. Wine and Food events by city, worldwide. Spirits and Beer events as well. Post your own event or sign up to be notified when new events are posted to your area.

WINE EVENT SCHEDULE: www.texaswinetrail.com/wevents.html

BEND

ALAMOSA WINE CELLARS: 325-628-3313; 677 CR 430, Bend, TX 76824; www.alamosawinecellars.com; Fri-Sat 10-5; Sun 12-5; or by appt. Sangiovese, Viognier, Tempranillo and Syrah. Specialize in Mediterranean style wines made exclusively with Texas grapes. Wines include Texas Port, Orange Muscat and Texas Sherry. Complimentary tasting. Open til 9p on the 4th Fri for Picnic Night with live local music. Gift shop, gourmet items, picnic area, veranda and scenic setting on the Colorado River. Tim & Karen Johnson. wine@alamosawinecellars.com. Directions: 3 mi W of Bend on Hwy 580 between Lampasas and San Saba.

BURNET

PERISSOS VINEYARD AND WINERY: 512-656-8419; 7214 Park Road 4 W, Burnet, TX 78611. Creating wines of great quality, character and sophistication using 100% Texas-grown fruit. Open Sat & Sun noon-5p. [Ed, 11/1/09: Our visit to this new family owned and run boutique winery was most enjoyable, the hospitality warm, the proprietors energetic and creative, and the new wine very tasty. Give them some time and they should become well known.]. Pronounced: "PEAR-ah-sus". Directions: Take FM 2342 8 mi N from Kingsland or go W from Burnet on TX 16 to Park Road 4, go S to just past the intersection of CR 116 (Hover's Valley Rd) for total of 15 mi. Seth & Laura Martin, proprietors. www.perissosvineyards.com, jennifer@perissosvineyards.com

CANYON LAKE AREA,
(Cranes Mill, Hancock, Sattler, Startzville, Canyon City)

FAWN CREST VINEYARD: 830-935-2407; 1370 Westside Circle, Canyon Lake, TX 78133. Tasting room open noon-7p and by appointment. Deck overlooking Canyon Lake. www.fawncrest.com; fawncrest@hotmail.com

LA CRUZ DE COMAL WINERY & DICKSON WINES: 830-899-2723; Startzville, TX. Not open to the public. No tasting room. Visit by special appointment. Direct purchase available. www.lacruzdecomalwines.com

LEEWARD WINES: 830-964-2165; 1677 McIver Rd., Canyon Lake, TX 78133

COMFORT

COMFORT CELLARS WINERY: 830-995-3274; 723 Front Street, Comfort, TX 78013; www.comfortcellars.com; Sun-Wed 12-6; Thu-Sat 11-6. Fine wines, unique wines and wine blends. Gift shop and complimentary wine tasting. Directions: 723 Front Street (also known as Hwy 27). I-10 exit 524, Hwy 87 one mi then L on Hwy 27 1/4 mi just past Lindner's feed mill in Comfort.

SINGING WATERS VINEYARDS: 830-995-2246; 316 Mill Dam, Comfort, TX 78013; www.singingwatervineyards.com. Sat 11-5 Trail Weekends Fri Sat Sunday 12- 5. Enjoy a visit to this scenic Hill Country vineyard and winery located up in the hills just S of Comfort on the banks of Bruins Creek. The tasting room, a rebuilt 100 year old Hill Country barn, greets you as you drive up to the winery. Park in the shade or tie your horse up to the old recycled wagon tailgate/sign out in front - and make yourself at home. A tour and tasting in this relaxed country atmosphere is sure to lower your stress level! Bring your picnic lunch and relax on the winery porch with a glass of Singing Water wine.

CYPRESS MILL

MCREYNOLDS WINERY: 830-825-3544; 706 Shovel Mountain Road, Cypress Mill, TX 78633; www.mcreynoldswines.com; mcreynoldswines@hillcountrytx.net. Fri-Sat 10-6; Sun 12-6; or by appointment. Award-winning, hand crafted, premium Texas table wines. Picnic facilities available. Directions: We are halfway between Marble Falls and Johnson City. From Austin, 25 mi W of Bee Cave (via Hamilton Pool Rd/ RR 3238) or from Round Mountain 6 mi E on RR 962 to Shovel Mountain Rd (Blanco Co Rd 304). N on Shovel Mtn Rd 1/2 mi to winery.

DRIFTWOOD

DRIFTWOOD VINEYARDS: 512-692-6229; 4001 Elder Hill Road (CR 170), Driftwood, TX 78619; www.driftwoodvineyards.com; info@driftwoodvineyards.com; Mon-Sun 10-6. Mediterranean style wines. Breathtaking hilltop view overlooking the vineyard. Tours, tastings, picnic area and covered deck. Weddings & private parties welcome! Directions: Located 6 mi S of Hwy 290 on RR 12 between Dripping Springs & Wimberley.

MANDOLA ESTATE WINERY: 512-858-1470; 13308 FM 150 West, Driftwood, TX 78619; www.mandolawines.com; info@mandolawines.com; Mon-Sat 10-5; Sun 12-5. Producing fine Texas wines from traditional Italian grape varieties in a beautiful Hill Country setting, just 25 mi from downtown Austin. In the Italian, way we combine innovative equipment and techniques with traditional methods to produce uniquely Texas wines with an Italian sense of style. If you share our love of Italian wines, or if you are just looking for a fun outing, join us. Directions: Located on FM 150, 2.3 mi S of the intersection of FM 1826 and FM 150.

WIMBERLEY VALLEY WINERY: 281-350-8801. Located on Lone Man Mountain Rd, just N of Wimberley off RR 12, in Driftwood, TX. Since 1982, produces a number of fine varietals and table wines, as well as our widely popular flavored and fruit wines. We select juices, fruit and wines for blending based on strict criteria from both in and outside of Texas which allows for the creation of the finest and most distinct wines possible. www.wimberleyvalleywinery.com

FREDERICKSBURG

BELL MOUNTAIN/OBERHELLMANN: 830-685-3297; 463 Bell Mountain Road, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624 USA. Fax: 830/685-3657. www.bellmountainwine.com. Saturday- 10a-5p, From first Sat of Feb through last Sat of Dec. Other times: call for appointment 24-hours in advance. Closed Sun except for special events. Complimentary tours and tasting at the Winery. Directions: We're 14 mi N of Fredericksburg off Hwy 16. As you approach our roadway from North or South, you'll see our sign on the E side of the road. Turn in and proceed 1/2 mi to our main gate. Turn into parking lot. Follow the pedestrian walkway to the Winery. If you're traveling from Austin, we recommend driving the scenic road RR 1323 which you can access off Highway 281 2 mi N of Johnson City. You will proceed about 26 mi through beautiful Hill Country and terminate at Hwy 16. Turn R and proceed less than a mi to our roadway. Also visit Bell Mountain Wine Cellars & Tasting Room. 5 mi E of Fredericksburg off Hwy 290. Open 10a-6p, Tue-Sat. Closed Mon. Sun 1p-5p Presenting/pouring all BMV wines, Oberhof wines, and VINA RITA.

CHISHOLM TRAIL WINERY: 830-990-CORK (2675); 2367 Usener Rd., Fredericksburg, TX 78624; www.chisholmtrailwinery.com; chisholmtrail@beecreek.net. Thu-Mon 12-6. Relaxed country setting featuring premium Estate Bottled wines. 9 mi W of Fredericksburg on Hwy 290 W, 2.4 mi S on Usener Road.

FREDERICKSBURG WINERY: 830-990-8747; 247 West Main Street, Fredericksburg, TX 78624; www.fbgwinery.com; Mon-Thurs 10-5:30; Fri-Sat 10-7:30; Sun 12-5:30. Named one of the top three producers in Texas by USA Today - Fredericksburg Winery is owned and operated by the Switzer family. We make a complete spectrum of red and white wines - dry, semi-dry, medium sweet, and sweet and even one-step further late harvest desserts. Wait, two-steps further - port and sherry! Come do "Wine 101 (WHP)" and get the real scoop. New wine club - "The Flight Club."

GRAPE CREEK VINEYARD: 830-644-2710; 10587 US 290 E, Fredericksburg, TX 78624; www.grapecreek.com; Mon-Sat 10-5; Sun 12-5. Grape Creek Vineyard produces a classic selection of award-winning wines. Enjoy bold reds, dry whites and sweet wines in French and Italian styles. Tasting room, gifts, tours, B&B, event center. Come visit one of the oldest Hill Country wineries. B&B available. Directions: On Highway 290, 9 mi E of Fredericksburg and 3 mi W of Stonewall.

RANCHO PONTE VINEYARD: 830-990-8555; 315 RR 1376, Fredericksburg, TX 78624; www.ranchoponte.com

TORRE DI PIETRA VINEYARDS: 830-644-2829; 10915 E. US Hwy 290, Fredericksburg, TX 78624; www.texashillcountrywine.com. Email: tdp@beecreek.net. Sun-Thu 10-6; Fri-Sat 10-7. Torre di Pietra, quality wines, live music, and unique gifts in a romantic setting. Come enjoy our patios, vineyard and tasting room. We use traditional wine making methods to produce our fruit forward style. Our wines include varietals: Sangiovese, Primitivo, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Moscato and popular blends: Red Flirt and Classico. Located 10 mi E of Fredericksburg, Texas on US Hwy 290.

HYE

WILLIAM CHRIS VINEYARDS: 830-998-7654; 10352 US Hwy 290, Hye, TX 78635. Open Fri-Sunday, noon-6p and by appointment. Family owned winery and vineyard operation on the W edge of Hye, Texas in the Hill Country AVA (American Viticultural Area). Founded in 2009, William Chris is first defined by a sensational portfolio of Texas grown hand-crafted wines. An unsurpassed commitment to sustainable wine making and an individualistic style shows through in every glass. Using small batch fermentation and old world “by hand” techniques we can achieve a level of wine quality which is truly unique to Texas. www.williamchriswines.com

INGRAM

SPECIALTY BLENDS INC: 830-367-3420; 510 Hwy 27, Ingram, TX 78025

JOHNSON CITY

LAMPASAS

PILLAR BLUFF VINEYARDS: 512-556-4078; 300 Burnet County Road 111, Lampasas, TX 76550; www.pillarbluff.com; Fri-Sat 10-5; Sun 12:30-5. Private tastings by appointment. Directions: From Hwy. 183/281 take 580 W 8 blocks to FR 1478. Turn L off 580 W and stay on 1478 for 5 mi. At the Burnet County Line turn L onto CR 111. The winery is the first building on the R. We specialize in French varietals.

TEXAS LEGATO WINERY: 512-556-9600; 2935 Highway 1478, Lampasas, TX 76550. www.texaslegato.com. A family owned and operated winery located in the northern part of the scenic Texas Hill Country on 21 acres. Located 4.3 mi SW of Lampasas. Sat 10a-6p; Sun Noon-5p; Fri 10a-6p. Only on Texas Hill Country Wine Trails and Way Out Wineries Road Trip Weekends. Other times by appointment.

MARBLE FALLS

FLAT CREEK ESTATE VINEYARD AND WINERY: 512-267-6310; 24912 Singleton Bend Street, Marble Falls, TX 78654; www.flatcreekestate.com; Tue-Fri 12-5; Sat 10-5; Sun 12-5. Experience Old-World charm throughout our 80-acre Estate. Visit the home of "Super Texan" sangiovese. Taste handcrafted Texas wines from Texas grapes. Labels include Flat Creek Estate & Travis Peak Select. Located 6 mi W of Lago Vista and 20 mi E of Marble Falls on FM 1431. Go S on Singleton Bend 2.5 mi to Singleton Bend East. L 1 mi to vineyards.

MASON

SANDSTONE CELLARS WINERY & MASON COUNTY VINEYARDS: 325-347-9463; 211 San Antonio St, Mason, TX 76856; An insightful boutique winery just off the town square in Mason. Tasting room. www.sandstonecellarswinery.com

NEW BRAUNFELS

DRY COMAL CREEK VINEYARDS: 830-885-4121; 1741 Herbelin Rd., New Braunfels, TX 78132; www.drycomalcreek.com; Mon-Sun 12-5. Featuring unique and different Texas Style Wines. Directions: 6.6 mi W of New Braunfels off Hwy 46 W (at 1741 Herbelin Rd). Only 20 minutes from Loop 1604 via IH35 or Hwy 281.

RICHLAND SPRINGS

RISING STAR VINEYARDS & WINERY: 325-452-3033; 301 E Hwy 190, Richland Springs, TX 76871; 3 blocks E of Hwy 45 Between San Saba & Brady; Tasting room, event room, gift shop. Sat 11-6, Sun noon-4p. Evenings Under the Stars are Saturdays, weather permitting, from 6-9p. Also in Rising Star north of Brownwood. www.risingstarvineyards.com

SAN MARCOS

THREE DUDES WINERY: 512-392-5634; 125 Amy Ln., San Marcos, TX 78666. www.threedudeswinery.com

SISTERDALE

SISTER CREEK VINEYARDS: 830-324-6704;1142 Sisterdale Road, Sisterdale, TX 78006; www.sistercreekvineyards.com; Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-5:30, and Sun Noon-5:30. Award winning, barrel-aged, European-style wines made in an 1885 cotton gin. Wines include Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Muscat Canelli. Directions: 12 mi N of Boerne on scenic FM 1376.

SPICEWOOD

SPICEWOOD VINEYARDS: 830-693-5328; 1419 Burnet CR 409, Spicewood, TX 78669; www.spicewoodvineyards.com; Wed-Sat 10-5; Sun 12-5; or by appt. Tours, tasting room, gallery, and gift shop. Picnic on our veranda. Special event facilities available for weddings, reunions, retreats and conference groups. Home of award-winning 100% estate handcrafted wines from our vineyard. Directions: SE of Marble Falls. From Hwy 71 go S 7/10 mi on CR 408, then W 1.5 mi on CR 409.

STONE HOUSE VINEYARD: 512-264-3630: 24350 Haynie Flat Rd., Spicewood, TX 78669; www.stonehousevineyard.com; Fri-Sun 12-5; or by appointment. Beautiful setting on Lake Travis surrounded by vineyards producing award-winning wines, 35 minutes from Austin. Winery is constructed of massive limestone blocks making it functional as well as a building of artistic architectural merit. Directions: Located off Hwy 71 W, turn onto Paleface Ranch Road, 3 mi to junction, R onto Haynie Flat Road.

STONEWALL

BECKER VINEYARDS: 830-644-2681; 464 Becker Farms Rd, Stonewall, TX 78671; www.beckervineyards.com; Mon-Thu 10a-5p; Fri-Sat 10a-6p; Sun 12-6p. Featured in Wine Spectator, starred on The Fine Living Channel, and served at The White House, these hand crafted award-winning Bordeaux, Burgundian, and Rhone-styled wines are enjoyed with fine cuisine or casual fare. Events, Tastings, Tours, Picnic Areas, Reception Hall, and B&B available.

PEDERNALES CELLARS: 830-644-2037; 2916 Upper Albert Rd, Stonewall, TX 78671. www.pedernalescellars.com; info@pedernalescellars.com

WOODROSE WINERY: 830-644-2539; 662 Woodrose Lane, Stonewall, TX. On Hwy 290 just W of Stonewall. Winemaker Mike Guilette. Best known for its quality wines and relaxed, laid back atmosphere. Recently completed multi-level decks provide additional seating for the tasting room, and the decks are open to having private parties, small weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, reunions, etc. Visit us online to view pictures, listings of our wines and testimonials from our customers. Summer Hours: Open all week, Mon-Fri 11a-6p, Sat 11a-7p and Sun 12 noon-6m. Email: greatwines@woodrosewinery.com. Web: www.woodrosewinery.com

SUNRISE BEACH

LOST CREEK VINEYARD: 325-388-3753; 1129 RR 2233, Sunrise Beach, TX 78643; www.lostcreekvineyard.com; Mon-Sat. 10-5; Sun 12-5. Often referred to as an "Oasis" in the Texas Hill Country. Owner and winemaker David Brinkman has a passion to create the finest wines possible that have been rewarded with 36 medals, both local and international, in less than 3 short years. Picnics, tours, tastings. Directions: On RR 2233 1 mi N of Hwy 71; 55 mi W of Austin, 19 mi E of Llano. Lost Creek Vineyard Tasting Room: 830-868-7828. 302 W Main, Johnson City, TX 78636. Open Thur-Fri: Noon-5p, Sat-Sun: 10a-5p

TOW

FALL CREEK VINEYARDS: 325-379-5361; 1820 CR 222, Tow, TX 78672; www.fcv.com; Mon-Fri 11-4; Sat 11-5; Sun 12-4. Fall Creek Vineyards, established in 1975, is the oldest vineyard & winery operation in the Hill Country and founder of the region. Fall Creek Vineyards is at the forefront of the Texas wine industry in demand and accolades for its award-winning wines. Located on the northwest shores of Lake Buchanan, boat cruises are available to magnificent Fall Creek Falls lake - level permitting. Tasting, tours, picnic facilities with light fare for sale and gift shop offered daily.

WIMBERLEY

BELLA VISTA CELLARS: 512-47-6514; 3101 Mt. Sharp Rd., Wimberley, TX 78676. Handcrafted hill country varietals using locally grown grapes. Offers a selection of seasonal fruit wines including our popular Blackberry Wine. Tasting room. Thur-Sat 10a-1p. Sat tour at 10a & 1p. Sun noon-4p, Sun tour at noon. Group tours Mon-Wed. www.texasoliveoil.com/BellaVistaCellars.htm

WINE TASTING ROOMS SEPARATE FROM THOSE AT WINERIES

LOST CREEK VINEYARD TASTING ROOM: 830-868-7828; 302 W. Main Street (Hwy 290), Johnson City, TX 78636

OBERHOF WINE CELLARS (Tasting Room), Fredericksburg, TX

TEXAS VINEYARDS and BEYOND: 830-990-9199; 3329 1/2 E. Main St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624

SANDY ROAD GUEST HAUS:

An Upscale Western-style Guest House Bed & Breakfast in a Beautiful Ranch Setting in the Gorgeous Texas Hill Country

B&B Reservations & Information: 281-300-7177
9242 RR 1320 (Sandy Road), Johnson City, TX 78636

Web: www.SandyRoadGuestHaus.com
Email: info@SandyRoadGuestHaus.com
Come Relax & Enjoy!

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