Derek Gavey/Flickr Creative Commons
No offense California, but Texas has a reputable wine country of its own. Ranging from as far north as San Saba to as far south as New Braunfels, Texas wineries are dotted across the Texas Hill Country. If you’re interested in driving the Texas Wine Trail you’re going to get a two-for-one deal!
The biggest cluster of wineries and vineyards are nestled between Johnson City and Fredericksburg on Hwy 290. Alongside the wineries, there is plenty to do in this region as well. Johnson City is famous for antiques, bed and breakfasts, and being home to former President Lyndon B. Johnson’s family ranch (located just west of town). As you drive west from Johnson City through picturesque little central Texas towns such as Hye and Stonewall, you’ll see plenty of old style German/Texas stone houses, neat, tidy farms, roadside stalls selling peaches, orchards, and of course vineyards as well. Those of y’all familiar with country music will recognize the turnoff for Luckenbach, TX where Waylon and Willie and the boys used to play, and they still feature live music regularly.
Once you get to Fredericksburg, also famous for antiques as well as German/Texan culture and cuisine, there are more activities to partake in. One natural wonder nearby is Enchanted Rock, which is due north of town on ranch road 965. Enchanted Rock is an incredible place to have a walk and a bit of a climb. It’s a beautiful exposed granite dome that is legendary throughout Texas history. As a matter of fact early Texas Ranger, Captain Hays, surrounded by Comanches, was able to climb to the top of Enchanted Rock and defend himself until the Comanches suffered such losses they had to retire from the field. From the top of Enchanted Rock you feel like you can see all the way to Mexico.
But getting back to the wineries, many of the wineries in and around Fredericksburg offer lodging as well as dining. If you are interested in making a day of it, don’t forget to hydrate, have a little something to eat in between tastings, and maybe even have a designated driver, wink wink.
What is your favorite Texas wine? Please feel free to tell us about it in the comment section below, and don’t forget to swing by PPL Motorhomes and say howdy!