With more than 350 wineries, Texas is the fifth largest wine-producing state. Known as one of “the 10 best wine travel destinations in the world” (among other accolades), Texas is home to skillfully crafted wines that regularly earn gold, silver, and bronze medals in competitions around the globe.
Texas Hill Country Wineries
Home to some of Texas' best wineries, the Texas Hill Country is a key destination for first-time vineyard visitors as well as winery vets. Award-winning wines can be found throughout this lush region at more than 50 different destinations, including Ab Astris Winery, Hilmy Cellars, Kuhlman Cellars and William Chris Vineyards. Experience winery tours and tasting events at these renowned locations and immerse yourself in the region’s rich history and natural beauty.
A must-stop for any trip to the Hill Country wine region is Fredericksburg, Texas, part of the Texas Hill Country Wine Trail and home to some of the oldest wineries in the state. Fredericksburg cultivates more than half of the world’s grape varietals and is located just a short drive west of Austin and San Antonio. The quaint town includes notable award-winning wineries such as Fall Creek Vineyards and Becker Vineyards. Fredericksburg was settled by German immigrants over 160 years ago, so while you're there, experience some of the town’s authentic German culture, found in its food, festivals and architecture.
Set in the Texas Hill Country and surrounded on all sides by vineyards, the award-winning Fall Creek Vineyards offers wine tours along with guest quarters that combine early Texas and antique country French and English furnishings. Their 400-acre growing site, selected and purchased in 1975 for its unique soil and climatic conditions, is located on the northwest shores of Lake Buchanan in the heart of the Hill Country.
Located between Fredericksburg and Johnson City, the Becker Vineyards site was chosen for its bounty of native Mustang grapes, a time-honored component used by the area's German settlers. Becker Vineyards has received numerous honors, including 13 medals from the TEXSOM International Wine Awards. The vineyard itself was even named one of the most picturesque wineries in the country by HGTV. Tours are available seven
Del Rio
Outside of the Hill Country, prolific wine producers can be found across the state. Val Verde Winery in Del Rio, just a few blocks from the Texas-Mexico border, was founded in 1883 when an Italian immigrant named Frencesco “Frank” Qualia moved to the area and discovered Lenoir grapes flourishing there. The current fourth-generation Qualia vintner still uses Frank’s family traditions from the old country to produce a highly respected variety of reds and whites, including an award-winning Port blend and a very popular Texas rosé.
Lubbock Wineries
Lubbock, the heart of Texas wine country, where up to 90% of the state’s wine crops are grown. Lubbock is home to Llano Estacado, the largest, best-selling premium winery in Texas. The name means “staked plains,” in honor of those vines originally tested in the plains of the Panhandle. From its first release of just 1,300 cases in 1977, Llano Estacado has grown rapidly, and now produces extraordinary Texas wines that have been lauded at competitions throughout the world. Lubbock is home to a number of additional excellent wineries, including Bolen Vineyards, English Newson Cellars and McPherson Cellars.
Grapevine Wine Trail
Northeast of Dallas, the city of Grapevine is home to an urban wine trail consisting of eight wineries. Visitors can take a wine train or guided tour of the wineries or plan their own individual wine tours. If you plan a trip in September, make sure to attend GrapeFest, the largest wine festival in the Southwest.
The Piney Woods Wine Trail
With rolling hills and majestic forests, the Piney Woods Wine Trail of East Texas offers serene beauty and award-winning wines. Ranging as far north as Naples and as far south as Nacogdoches, there are more than a dozen spots to explore, including Kiepersol Vineyard & Winery and Enoch’s Stomp Vineyard & Winery.
Wineries, beautiful views and scenic towns leave visitors feeling relaxed and at home in Texas. Their winery tours invite you to sit, sip and stay awhile, and we guarantee that when you leave, you’ll already be thinking about your next trip back.
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