Texas Wine Country

Wine tours with a bit of Texas charm

A little more than two hours from Houston, on the outskirts of Austin, is the charming little town of Marble Falls. This is a great home base for a couple days of imbibing at some of Texas’ most quaint wineries in the Texas Hill Country. The state’s wine industry is still in its infancy, so Houstonians may not realize that good wine is so close to home. Advocates of the Texas wine movement remind us to “dance with the one who brung ya.” Here in wine country, they interpret this to mean “Drink Texas Wines.”

Sleep
The Marriott tower is a new addition to the Horseshoe Bay Resort. This spectacular destination is perfectly complemented with an amazing putting course that includes waterfalls, pyramids and temples. It’s called the Whitewater Putting Course and putting is definitely a privilege, as you are surrounded by parrots and flamingos. There are also two resort pools for the family to enjoy. In addition, the Marriott has a luxury motor coach to take you from winery to winery in first class, air-conditioned comfort. What more could you want from a weekend getaway?

Tour and Sip
Lost Creek Vineyard &Winery
Winemaker David Brinkman started making wine at home as a hobby. In 1999, his friends urged him to plant a few vines. What sprouted was a full-fledged business with cabernet sauvignon and Shiraz grapes. His 2002 Vintner’s Reserve Shiraz was a Texas Champion at the Houston Livestock Show &Rodeo, where a six-liter bottle of it was auctioned for charity and garnered $17,000.

Fall Creek Vineyards
Established in 1975 by Texas businessman and rancher, Ed Auler, and his wife, Susan, Fall Creek is located northwest of Austin. After traveling to France, the couple noticed similarities in the French soil and the soil on their own ranch. Additionally, they knew the warm days and cool breezes off of Lake Buchanan would provide an excellent climate for growing grapes. To date, the winery has planted chardonnay, chenin blanc, sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, zinfandel, semillon, Johannisberg Riesling, Shiraz, Tempranillo, Voignier and malbec. In the last decade, a focus on red wines has led to the production of Meritus, a super-premium red wine.

Flat Creek Estate
You can produce good wine in Texas, and the people at Flat Creek Estate are out to prove it. The Tuscan-style grounds recently welcomed a new event center that is perfect for weddings and corporate events. They are currently growing nearly 20 acres of Italian, Rhône and Portuguese port grape varietals.

Essentials:
Horseshoe Bay Resort Marriott
200 Hi Circle North
Horseshoe Bay, TX 70657
1 (830) 598-8600

Lost Creek Vineyard &Winery
1129 RR 2233
Sunrise Beach, TX 78643
(325) 388-3753
www.lostcreekvineyard.com

Fall Creek Vineyards
1820 County Road 222
Tow, TX 78672
(325) 379-5361
www.fcv.com

Flat Creek Estate
24912 Singleton Bend East Road
Marble Falls, TX 78654
(512) 267-6310
www.flatcreekestate.com