Top 10 Boutique Wineries – My Winespill
Texas wine has started to make a name for itself, by experimenting with new varietals that are more suited to the weather fluctuations in this climate. Nation wide weather patterns have increased cause for another look at what will survive. Thankfully, Texas has been expanding its acreage to over 4,000 acres producing vineyard farmland and several new wineries to try this weekend.
Plan to visit a Top 10 Boutique Winery this weekend
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One
Narrow Path Winery
My family and I approached Narrow Path from the south as we were driving up South Ranch Road from San Antonio. We entered this very modern building that serves as their tasting room where for $15 you can purchase a sampler. Our wine server was extremely friendly and told us so much about the wine we were drinking. My personal favorites were the Dreamchaser Blanc and Dreamchaser (Merlot), both of which were reasonably sweet but also fragrant and floral.
The tasting room displays sweeping floor to ceiling windows that draws the outdoors in and floods the inside with light, but keeps you cool on the sweltering South Texas summer months. We visited on a lovely day in the spring and I suggest going to their actual winery where the tasting room gives you the comfort of home in their beautiful country setting.
Two
Ab Astris Winery
This boutique winery is just north of highway 290, but worth the extra effort to get there. It is a family run winery and we were served by the wine maker and his mother in law who filled us in on their story. The open floorplan tasting room is new and clean. You can pick from their list of 35 wines to taste for $15 and enjoy them outside in their seating area. I love that they are trying to be a true TX winery by getting their fruit from Texas.
Situated on about 110 acres of Hill Country land, they offer some fine wines. Their Roussannes are very interesting. One created using Hill Country grapes from the Marble Falls region is light and airy with a dry finish. Another sourced from grapes in the High Plains area of Texas and has a complex, almost sweet version of Roussanne which could pair with many offerings. The reds are equally delightful including their Tenant which is quickly becoming a major hallmark of Texas wine making. Stop in for a visit, to experience a true Texas boutique winery, you won’t be disappointed.
Three
HyE Meadow Wineryy
A short trip from Austin or San Antonio, the Texas Hill Country Wine Country continues to provide a respite from the cities. Hye Meadow Winery is laid back and friendly. Peaceful, relaxed ambiance on the back patio and the wines keep getting better. The wine club is reasonable, delivers some good wine and they aren’t afraid to try new grape blends.
Four
Hilmy Winery
The Vineyard was planted in 2009, then the Hilmy’s began constructing the winery. Hand-harvested grapes at the Estate Vineyards at dawn to produce 100% text wine. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Excellent wine especially if you enjoy unique red blends. The tasting room is very inviting and they have a good outdoor patio area with food trucks. Be sure to try the politics and religion wine!
Five
Ron Yates Winery
Ron Yates is off the beaten path and away from the tourist scene found in Fredericksburg. The staff was great and so was the wine. We sat out on the patio and had a great time. Definitely a place to return. What a lovely outdoor tasting area!
Six
Wedding Oak Winery
Wedding Oak winery has a nice tasting room which is part of wild seed farms. Ask about the painting on the wall which is the wedding oak that the winery was named after. Many of the wines are named with a wedding theme, great place to pop the question!
Seven
Pilot knob vineyard
Pilot Knob is tucked away on a classic Texas county road surrounded by ranches. Luckily there are signs that guide the way. There is seating inside, covered seating outside and tables peppered around the area that include inside a few rows of grapes.Their Cabernet is so good they can’t keep it in stock because it sells out. If you are lucky enough to be there when they have it, then enjoy and buy a case!
Eight
Bushy Creek Vineyard
This is a rustic location just a short drive from Fort Worth. Very quaint tasting room and deck area to sit and enjoy looking over the vineyards as you sip a glass of your favorite.
Nine
Hawk’s Shadow Winery & Vineyard
This winery is off the beaten path from Dripping Springs but they do have signage. As you approach the winery you notice a large covered patio with a spectacular view for miles. Be sure to book a reservation to visit the tasting cellar and listen to the process of winemaking.
Ten
Kiepersol Estates Winery
The view of the vineyard was beautiful and we were given the gift of a beautiful sunset while there. The atmosphere is casual and quite the perfect mix of rustic elegance. There is a B&B, a distillery and a restaurant, why not make a weekend out of this trip!