I'll just get to the point right now: I'm in LOVE with this winery! From the large barn-like exterior and the sizable polished western tasting room, to the friendly & interesting staff, and of course, the vino,this is a destination not to be missed. You can find it along the Wine Road 290 at 315 RR 1376 in Fredericksburg. The winery has been open a few weeks, and you want to be sure to stop by, as their delectable vintages can only be bought on-site.
You can taste 5 wines for $8 & you get to keep your glass. I was impressed by all that I tried, but two really stood out for me: Their signature 2006 Triple MBlend (Merlot, Mourvedre, Muscat Canelli) and the 2006 Max's Merlot (named after their son). The Triple MBlend offered a light Merlot where the Muscat, though not overbearing, was readily recognizable. I am not partial to dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet, or sweet, because for my tastes, there's a time and a place and a mood for any varietal. However, I appreciate a wine that can offer that unique blend of flavors, & the Triple MBlend delivers.
The Merlot was impressive enough I bought a bottle ($19.95). We both found it to be somewhat complex for a Merlot, slightly sweet, well-balanced, not overly acidic, and with a hint of sweet Texas pastureland (though I wouldn't say barnyard).
One of the characteristics of a good winery experience that will leave a lasting impression for us is the staff. As we travel throughout the state, we want to find interesting folks (quirky is great too!) who will complete the day's journey. And, as with their wines, we found memorable folks at Rancho Ponte Vineyard, particularly Roger. Through him, we learned interesting anecdotes about the Texas wine industry. Roger also grows his own grapes, and his wife has written five cookbooks (check out her beautiful website for some scrumptious recipes:
http://www.thetexasfoodandwinegourmet.com/index.asp
By the way, after visiting two wineries, we decided some java & a snack, preferably a pastry, were in order (not hard to find in Fredericksburg. Fortunately for us, we happened upon Rather Sweet Bakery, where we encountered the most mouth-watering raspberry scone & excellent cup(s) of coffee. Not only would we return to Rancho Ponte Vineyard, we'll make sure to stop by this sweet little sweetshop as well:
www.rathersweet.com
Monday, March 23, 2009
Cliffords Wine Bar - Wimberley
Ok... not a winery or tasting room, but a great place to sit back and enjoy a glass (or two or three) of wine. They also serve some good "munchies" to go along.
If you're going to Market Days or just passing through, definitely a great place to stop.
If you're going to Market Days or just passing through, definitely a great place to stop.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Texas Winery Passport
If you visit a Texas Winery, ask about "Texas Winery Passport" program. This program is sponsored by the Texas Department of Agriculture. Get 4 stamps from 4 different wineries and get a free gift! I won't say what we received in the past (I believe in surprises!) but it was very nice.
This is the websight link: http://www.bahdesign.com/passport/index.php
This is the websight link: http://www.bahdesign.com/passport/index.php
Pedernales Cellars - Stonewall
On the same day we visited Texas Hills Vineyard and Lost Creek Vineyard Tasting Room, we also visited Pedernales Cellars. From Johnson City, take 290 toward Fredricksburg, turn left on Upper Albert Road for about a mile.
Pedernales is a little off the beaten path and was a great place to hang out. The wine tasting facility is roomy, but the patio is incredible. We enjoyed a bottle of their 2007 Stonewall Voignier as we sat back and took in their spacious views. When visiting this winery, pack a picnic & be prepared to stay a while.
Tastings are $6 for 5 wines, free if you purchase a bottle. The wines we tasted were enjoyable. We both agreed the 2007 Stonewall Voignier was our favorite - a versatile white perfect for sipping on a warm afternoon.
We would definitely return with friends to enjoy the patio and scenery.
Pedernales is a little off the beaten path and was a great place to hang out. The wine tasting facility is roomy, but the patio is incredible. We enjoyed a bottle of their 2007 Stonewall Voignier as we sat back and took in their spacious views. When visiting this winery, pack a picnic & be prepared to stay a while.
Tastings are $6 for 5 wines, free if you purchase a bottle. The wines we tasted were enjoyable. We both agreed the 2007 Stonewall Voignier was our favorite - a versatile white perfect for sipping on a warm afternoon.
We would definitely return with friends to enjoy the patio and scenery.
Lost Creek Tasting Room - Johnson City
Right after we left Texas Hills Vineyard, we saw a sign for a tasting room. This tasting room is setup by the Lost Creek Vineyard in Sunrise Beach, TX. It's only a storefront in the main section of Johnson City. They carried several varieties of Lost Creek wines, wines from several other Texas wineries and a few from other states.
We found the staff to be very friendly. It was slow when we went so she offered us quite a few tastings. She was knowledgeable without being pretentious. A favorite wine was 2004 Buddy's Blend.
Was it worth the visit? Sure. But it is a storefront. Don't expect the winery experience. Maybe a nice place to stop along with Texas Hills Vineyard.
The staff person told us about the Lost Creek Vineyard and we look forward to traveling to Sunrise Beach one day to taste their wines and visit their restaurant.
We found the staff to be very friendly. It was slow when we went so she offered us quite a few tastings. She was knowledgeable without being pretentious. A favorite wine was 2004 Buddy's Blend.
Was it worth the visit? Sure. But it is a storefront. Don't expect the winery experience. Maybe a nice place to stop along with Texas Hills Vineyard.
The staff person told us about the Lost Creek Vineyard and we look forward to traveling to Sunrise Beach one day to taste their wines and visit their restaurant.
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