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Wine & Dine: Touring The Wineries
by Carrie Miner
Wild, Wild West
While Texas is known for producing crude oil, another-and decidedly more tastey-liquid crop has been garnering attention in the Lone Star state.
As the fifth-largest wine producer in the nation, Texas' more than 26 wineries come from a long tradition rooted with the state's first vineyards planted by Spanish missionaries in the 1600s.
Texas winemaking has come a long way from those early years. Today, the rugged state features a smattering of award-winning wineries in five distinct appellations including the renowned Texas Hill Country-one of the most charming wine regions in the country.
After landing in Austin at the Lakeway Airpark [3R9], a relaxing drive along Highway 290 follows the Enchanted Trail to nine wineries located between Austin and Fredericksburg.
Take a leisurely drive through the rolling hills of this picturesque province and you'll come to the first famed winery on our Texas tour. The environmentallycorrect Texas Hills Vineyard offer a full range of award-winning wines including Moscato, Sangiovese, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and the state's only locally produced Pinot Grigio.
Another 15 miles west on Highway 290 and you'll approach Woodrose Winery and Retreat in Stonewall. Situated in the heart of Texas Hill Country, this boutique winery offers a nice selection of fine wines paired with appetizers and stunningly scenic views.
A few miles out of Stonewall, you'll come to the next wineries on the Enchanted Trail.
Becker Vineyards' wines have graced the tables of celebrities and dignitaries. Of special note, Becker Vineyards' 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve was served at an event at The White House just last year. Established in 1992 by vintners Richard and Bunny Becker, the 46-acre vineyard produced 16 different varietals including Viognier, Grenache, Mouvedre, Syrah, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, Petite Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Fields of lavender and peach orchards add to the rustic romance.
The Homestead Bed and Breakfast at the winery provide a cozy place to stay on this casual country tour. In addition to the sense of history and strolls in the countryside, a stay at this renovated 1890 log cabin includes homemade baked goods for breakfast and a bottle of Becker Vineyards' finest.
Another fourteen miles west and you'll arrive at the historic town of Fredericksburg - a worthwhile destination on its own.
A few miles north of Fredericksburg on Highway 16 is Bell Mountain Vineyards, which is open for wine tastings and tours by appointment or on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The estate-bottled wines range from a stunning Chardonnay Reserve to a fruity Merlot.
Back in Fredericksburg, you might want to take a short side trip to the Chisholm Trail Winery. This quintessential Texas winery combines wine tastings and vineyard views with life on the open range.
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