Wine country does not just mean Napa anymore! Each year, nearly 5 million wine lovers travel to the heart of the Lone Star State to taste at over 51 unique and visually stunning wineries. The Texas Hill Country of course offers the larger, more commercial vineyards of Grape Creek and Becker; however, we would like to bring to the spotlight the much smaller boutique wineries of the region.
William Chris Vineyards – Hye, Texas
This family-owned, premium boutique winery uses 100% Texas grapes and highlights varietals that work well in Texas including Mourvèdre, Tannat, Sangiovese, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Blanc du Bois, Vermentino, and Trebbiano. The highly sought after Sangiovese is available to wine club members only. The personable staff welcomes you with their “share a piece of our world” mantra all while offering knowledgeable tasting notes for their wines. William Chris Vineyards is truly a cut above the rest in the Hill Country.
Hilmy Cellars – Fredericksburg, Texas
You can barely pass through the gates of Hilmy without meeting the welcoming committee – a few sheep, some guinea fowl, and a pair of friendly Great Pyrenees. Yes, Hilmy Cellars is also a working farm and home to many animals. The artisan winery is known for its high-quality low-production bottling of excellent dry reds and dry whites. Standouts include their Tempranillo and Viognier, which you can enjoy on their beautiful patio overlooking the estate.
Lewis Wines – Johnson City, Texas
This modern Hill Country winery is situated on a 100-acre estate with soaring views of the Texas Hill Country. Using 100% Texas grapes, Lewis specializes in Mediterranean varieties with a focus on Spanish and Portuguese. Their team is committed to making wines that are a unique and intriguing expression of Texas terroir, using low impact methods of sustainable farming and minimal manipulation in the cellar. Lewis Wines may be young, but they have already made Texas Monthly’s “Wine of the Month” pick more than once.
Torre Di Pietra – Fredericksburg, Texas
The owners of this vineyard, The Maxwell family, have generations of family history and experience making wine in Texas. Their growers use traditional winemaking methods to produce their fruit forward style. Torre Di Pietra features these varietals: Sangiovese, Primitivo, Malbec, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Black Spanish, Zinfandel, Moscato, Blanc du Bois, Gewurztraminer and several popular blends. Guests can enjoy live music with a large dance floor in the pavilion, relax in the piazza, or venture inside where you will find a knowledgeable and friendly tasting staff in a Tuscan styled romantic setting. This vineyard is a favorite because of the warmth and homely feel you get upon arrival.
Bending Branch Winery – Comfort, Texas
This award-winning winery is a gorgeous 56-acre property with nearly 360-degree views of the vineyards and surrounding Hill Country. Guests often enjoy a private tour of the estate, which is always led by a top employee or even the owner himself. The winery, which is a sustainable practices and organically focused operation, has 16 grape varieties planted on 20 acres. Their notable varietals include award-winning Petite Sirah, Picpoul Blanc, Tannat, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Their signature grape, Tannat, has quickly emerged as a true champion of Texas terroir.