Now I know Texas wine is not one to write home about; however, some of my friends and I would like to make a trip out to Fredericksburg over the 4th of July weekend. I’m curious if any of you have recommendations on solid wineries that may be somewhat appealing to the palate/appreciation for quality wine we find on this forum. All suggestions are appreciated - thanks.
- William and Chris - variety of fun wines from pet nat to rhone style blends, to malbec. Thoughtful winemaking team aware of worldwide trends
- Inwood Estates - higher price per bottle, good wines from tempranillo to bordeaux blends - a little gimmicky with respect to ripeness, but interesting and I’m told they will pair against VERY high end wines to try and make a point. Obviously this would be more costly. I’d reach out ahead to discuss.
Becker Vineyards (owners are friends) also has a beautiful property (hills, lavender fields) to visit off 290 and a tasting room in Fredericksburg proper. The wines are varied and can be found in most grocery stores. A few are interesting but I’d recommend the first two to berserkers.
I live nearby and I have essentially no TX wine in my cellar. But a trip to Fredericksburg is fun and if you can, try to reserve a table at Vaudeville, some serious under the radar fine dining.
During my recent trip 3 of my favorites were Williams Chris, Calais and Kuhlman. If you’re into bourbon by chance be sure to swing by Garrison Brothers.
Becker and Cruz de Comal are the only Texas wineries still in existence I am aware of that are making wines you could serve blind at a WB gathering and impress at least a few people. The vast majority of the new ones are touristy and trendy- focusing on making people feel fancy for a day and not serious winemaking.
Becker’s whites are very good- especially their Viognier. The Cabs can age and improve for 10-15 years for the reserve bottlings.
Cruz de Comal is the dream of a storied Texas attorney who is committed to finding ideal grape varieties and wine-making techniques to yield high quality unique Texas wines.
Kuhlman Food & Wine experience and Williams Chris. There are other places that are fun to sit and have a sip w/ friends, but those 2 have some of the better wines.
I love what the folks at Southold Farm are doing:
really unique wines that change from year to year. cool setting, new restaurant. Check them out if you’re in the area.