Taste a Bit of All That The Hill Country Has To Offer
Driving along a scenic
Texas highway in the Hill Country, your eye might catch a glimpse of a rather majestic sight. Rows of grapes growing in vineyards make up many acres of land in the Hill Country. Reminiscent
of the Italian countryside, the rows of grapes will make you feel as if you’ve been transported to
Europe . Vineyards were not always a common sight in rural
Texas , but over the past few years they have become something that draws visitors to the area from all over the world.
Vineyards and wineries often are housed at the same location. Even though popular belief leads people to think that they are one in the same, that is not always the truth. Vineyards are a farm where grapes are the primary crop and wineries produce wine, sometimes on site and sometimes from a surrounding vineyard. Whether you visit one of the vineyards, wineries or combination of both that dot our landscape, you are sure to find a unique taste blend.
The Hill Country currently claims about 22 wineries. All of these wineries have helped make Texas the number 5 grape and wine producer in the country. They not only beautify the area with a European feel, they also significantly impact the economy, bringing more than $1 billion a year to it.
Our Hill Country ancestors made their wine from the native Mustang grapes that grew wild. They were very plentiful and grew wild along fences. Some of their recipes still remain. Today, our winemakers have experimented with different types of grapes. Some of the varieties of grapes used in the wine making process include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah, Riesling, Blanc du Bois and Viognier.
Grapes grown in the Hill Country thrive in the ample soil, the amount of rain experienced and the sunshine. The moderate climate provides the perfect environment for growing
Texas friendly grapes.
Did you know that the roots of the
Texas wine industry date back more than three centuries? Settlers produced their own wine from the grapes growing wild. During the 1900’s wine was produced from several wineries, then during Prohibition, it ceased to exist. Commercial vineyards and wineries have been in existence in the Hill Country since the mid 1970’s.
Join a wine trail for a look and taste of a bit of all that the Hill Country has to offer. If you prefer, just take a weekend excursion on your own. Sample a bit of wine and enjoy a tour. Any way you choose to go, you will be met by friendly people who love to showcase their fine wines.
You'll want to enjoy each of the Hill Country wineries.