Hill Country wineries?

[TheFied]

A few of us were thinking of doing a tour of some of the Hill Country wineries. I didn't want to get as far as Fredricksburg and I know that there are some closer than that. Any recommendations? I think we were thinking of doing this on a Saturday and then swinging by the Salt Lick for dinner....

 

[Mrmyke709]

Too bad you can't go that far, Becker is pretty damn good.

 

[TheFied]

might be able to but trying to find out what was closer.....

 

[Stuck_At_Work]

Mandola's winery is around the corner from the Saltlick. I wasn't too impressed with their wine, but the winery itself is pretty spiffy. Just google 'texas hill country winery tour' or something along those lines and you'll find maps listed all 20+ wineries in the area.

 

[flyingdoggystyle]

It is actually a quick drive in to Driftwood from Fredricksburg, and most of the wineries are located in that area. Where to go depends on what you like in your wine. Driftwood had very high residual sugar in their wines -- not something I typically enjoy. Becker used to be great, now not so much. They produce enough now to supply Costco. Hard to maintain quality at those levels. Their reserve wines are a little better, but those have fallen off as well. Overall they probably have the best atmosphere with the outdoor patio, but I really enjoy Chisholm Trail for their patio and live music. They moved to a higher residual sugar model as well in the last few years which is a shame. McReynolds has some of the best wine in the area, but their operation is not set up for lounging like Becker or Chisholm Trail.

So what you want to get out of your trip will help determine where you should go.

 

[Driftwood]

There are 3 wineries in Driftwood. Wimberley Valley Winery on Loneman Mountain Rd, Driftwood Winery on Hays County 170 and Mandola Estate Winery on FM 150.

The view from Driftwood Winery is impressive. I like Mandola's wines a lot, particularly their Sangiovese and their Montepulciano. They have a new Tuscan style restaurant open now and their food is excellent. I have not been to the Wimberley Valley property.

If you are willing to drive a bit further, check out the Dry Comal Creek winery in New Braunfels.

 

[TheFied]

Driftwood, that is exactly what we were looking for. 3 wineries and then the Salt Lick sounds perfect.

 

[Driftwood]

The tasting room for the Wimberley Valley winery is apparently in Spring, TX near Houston. Go Figure. Perhaps you can go to Dry Comal Creek instead.