Wine Enthusiast named the Texas Hill Country wine region as one of ten top wine destinations in the world! It’s no surprise that a Hill Country vacation often means a visit to some of these vineyards and wineries along the Texas Wine Trail. If you’re looking for an excuse for a weekend getaway this summer, Friday, May 25 is “National Wine Day” as well as the beginning of Memorial Day Weekend. Need more excuses? Chardonnay lovers, May 21 is the day to celebrate. If you prefer a crisp rosé as the season warms, mark your calendar for June 9, “National Rosé Day”.
Of course, any time of year is the perfect time to sample the wines from vineyards near Llano! Three wineries lie within a half hour’s drive of your accommodations here at the Mustard Seed Bed & Breakfast on the Llano. All three can be included in a route that takes less than two hours of driving time. Each of them uses Texas grown fruit that feature the unique terroirs of the Hill Country and High Plains. All three wineries have tasting rooms (tasting fees charged), light fare, and picnic areas with relaxing views for visitors to enjoy at this time of year.
After a leisurely breakfast in your room or cottage at our B&B, start your personal wine trail with the half hour drive to nearby Buchanan Lake. You’ll find Fall Creek Vineyards at Tow, the oldest vineyard and winery in the Hill Country, along its shores. Their wines include chardonnay, chenin blanc, sauvignon blanc, Grenache rosé, and mourvèdre plus red blends from varietals including merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and sangiovese. The Terroir Selection wines feature different individual vineyards. Current chardonnay and rosé offerings include their Vintner’s Selections Chardonnay 2017, Grenache Rosé 2017, Creekside Rosé 2016, as well as their Classic Fall Creek Vineyards Chardonnay 2016. Check their website for tasting notes and more information about the wines.
Next, visit Torr Na Lochs Vineyard and Winery, the youngest of the three wineries. Its tasting room and patio opened in 2015. A half-hour’s drive from Tow, it overlooks both Buchanan and Inks Lakes. Currently, their wines include reds such as tempranillo, sangeivese, and blends, a 2014 Rosé di Montepulciano, and whites including Muscat Blanc, Orange Muscat and Albarino. For those of you visiting later in the summer, National Albarino Day is August 1! Sometimes the winery hosts live music on Saturdays. Visit the website for the entertainment schedule and tasting notes.
Perissos Vineyards and Winery, established in 2005, is just a short 10 minute drive from Torr Na Lochs. They will be offering live music on their patio and lawn every Saturday throughout the summer. Their current white wines include the Double Gold Medal Winning Estate Viognier, plus several white blends. Many of their reds have won awards, including their aglianico, petite sirah, tempranillo, and malbec. The website details tasting notes and awards.
For more vineyards and wineries to explore in our region, Texas Hill Country Wineries lists over 50 wineries with short descriptions, directions, links, and a comprehensive map of the Trail. The guest accommodations at our bed and breakfast are unique, so choose your favorite “wine day” – or any day – to celebrate and book your summer stay in the Adelyn Suite, Ratliff Retreat, or Perry’s Cottage!
Fall Creek Vineyards at Tow
Days & Hours: Monday – Saturday 11 am -5 pm Sunday 12 – 4 pm
Location: 1820 CR 222, Tow, TX Phone: 325-379-5361
Torr Na Lochs Vineyard & Winery
Days & Hours: Thursday & Sunday 1 – 5 pm Friday & Saturday 1 – 6 pm
Location: 7055 W State Hwy 29, Burnet, TX Phone: 512-766-0555
Perissos Vineyards and Winery
Days & Hours: Thursday – Sunday 12 – 5 pm
Location: 7214 Park Road 4 W, Burnet, TX Phone: 512-820-2950
Photo by Elle Hughes on UnSplash
