Summer made its mark for the year and Texans are happily embracing the cooler temperatures. The upcoming holiday season is within reach, which brings to mind cozy sweaters and close family and friends. For many this means enjoying a moderate fall/ winter in the Texas Hill Country, all while taking in the seasonal delights the region has to offer. Texas Wine is plentiful, so let’s delve into what you might want to explore in the coming months.
For starters, October is Texas Wine Month! It is the busiest time of year for Texas wineries, but it is also one of the best times to visit your favorite spots. The weather is comfortable, and there are gobs of red wines being released. By the time you read this, there might be a few tickets left for the Texas Hill Country Wineries’ annual Texas Wine Month Passport, and hopefully plenty of tickets available for the Christmas Wine Affair. Check out the website at www.texaswinetrail.com for more information on these events.
With the cooler months upon us, how about a glass of warmed wine? Pedernales Cellars is well known for a famous wine released on a very limited basis, which many call “Christmas in a glass”. It is their Stonewall Glögg, which is a mulled (spiced) wine. It’s quite the holiday tradition in many European countries, especially Sweden, to drink mulled wine that has been warmed. You can stop by Pedernales Cellars when it is released on October 21st to sample this tasty treat. Their seventh annual Glöggfest starts November 4th if you really want to soak up the full experience.
The perfect place to take in the season after warming yourself up with a cup of Glögg is in Johnson City, Texas. If you have not already been, the Christmas lights downtown have become an annual tradition, and the commute from Pedernales Cellars is only 19 minutes. Beautiful arrangements of Christmas lights and decor adorn the streets of Johnson City. A cup of hot Chocolate and a ride behind a tractor complete the Texas tradition. You won’t be left wanting, and be sure to bring your camera as colorful selfies are always welcome.
Comfort food, coffee, and wine… need I say more? We’ll start by driving to Marble Falls, Texas. Lunch at the historic Bluebonnet Cafe is an absolute must. They offer lots of tasty options on their menu, and even have a pie happy hour just in case lunch wasn’t enough to fill you up. Actually, I don’t know if it is even legal to dine at Bluebonnet and miss out on their delicious pie! Before you taste some wine, you’ll need a caffeinated treat to promote healthy digestion, and to get that well needed boost of energy. Only minutes away is Numinous Coffee Roasters. This coffee shop roasts and brews some of the best coffee in central Texas. These folks pull some amazing shots of espresso, which are sure to please even the most discerning coffee palates. They also sell pastries, and other snacks at the cafe as well. Now for the wine. We’re off to Burnet, Texas to taste wine at Perissos Vineyard and Winery. Perissos is a hidden gem that is well off the beaten path. I personally feel they make some of the best wines in Texas. The vines are beautifully manicured, and their new winemaking facility is not only easy on the eyes, but also very state of the art. You’ll want to pack a picnic and stay awhile. The wines are fantastic and the views are breathtaking.
There are no lack of options to keep you busy as you enjoy the Texas Hill Country this holiday season. Whether you are feeling ghoulish, thankful, or jolly, there is something for everyone.
Cheers!
Jeremy Wilson first fell in love with wine in 2004 when, at a friend’s dinner party, an old magnum of Bordeaux wine was uncorked and decanted. That is what started it all! His passion for wine took him from aficionado to wine professional in 2013 when he decided to go “all in” and make a career out of wine. He is a Sommelier at a winery in the Texas Hill Country.
When he is not spreading the word of wine, he enjoys road cycling, playing the piano, antiquing, and flying airplanes. He is a licensed commercial pilot.
Jeremy and his wife, Robin, make the Texas Hill Country just west of Austin their home.
