Did you know that the Texas Hill Country is popular for wine tasting?
Since the 1970’s, Texas is noted as a premier wine tasting destination in America. Over four thousand acres of land in Texas are vineyards, encompassing four hundred wineries within eight distinct regions. A long-standing viticulture history is the foundation of the Texas wine industry and stretches back to the late sixteenth century, when Franciscan friars harvested grapes for ceremonial wine.
Texas Hill Country Detail
Texas Hill Country
Texas Hill Country is designated as a top ten connoisseur’s retreat in America by the Wine Enthusiast publication. Extending through twenty five different counties, the Hill Country region accounts for over 50 unique wineries, whose vineyards cover nine million acres. The expansive acreage in Hill Country lends it the title as the second largest viticultural area in the world, and naturally there are a variety of wines to be explored.
The warm weather proves supreme for a variety of wine types to grow in Hill country – such as Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Tempranillo. Fredericksburg is listed as a central location in the Hill Country region. Residing close to seventy miles from Austin, Fredericksburg is home to famous wineries that distinctively shape its viticultural reputation.
Best Texas Wines?
Since wine tastes differ among enthusiasts, wine competitions are perfect for choosing the best Texas wines. Becker Vineyards and Grape Creek Cellars are just a couple of the award winning wineries in Fredericksburg. In 2023 Becker Vineyards was named Top Texas Wine and top All Around Winery at the 2023 Rodeo Uncorked!® International Wine Competition. The competition featured over 3,071 entries from 18 countries. Becker Vineyards has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Hill Country.
Becker Vineyards Barbera, Tallent Vineyards, Texas Hill Country, 2019—the 2023 Top Texas Wine
Beyond Texas Hill Country – The High Plains
Texas High Plains
The Texas High Plains resides at an elevation between three and four thousand feet with a dry temperate climate. With over eight million acres, the Texas High Plains AVA accounts for over eighty percent of Texan wine grapes. The minimal humidity as well as the powdery soil provides a bountiful territory for wine growing. The growing season spans from October to April. A daily shift between hot afternoons and cool nights assists the grapes with chilling and setting the acidity level.
High Plains’ wineries stretch through twenty four counties, the most eminent of which are Cap Rock winery in Lubbock and Delaney Vineyards in Grapevine and Lamesa (both are sixty miles south of Lubbock). Also notable is Llano Estacado Winery in Lubbock; awarded for their Red Blends, White Blends, Tempranillo, Pinto Grigio and Merlot.
Over 75 grape varieties are planted in the Texas High Plains AVA. The High Plains region holds the title of Texas’ most lucrative wine producing area, with a blend of red and white wines such as:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Cabernet Franc
- Grenache
- Primitivo
- Chardonnay
- Chenin Blanc
- Riesling
- Tempranillo
- And many more!
Texas Wineries Map
Find your next Texas Hill Country winery destination with our Texas wine map! Explore dozens of wineries and vineyards as you swirl, sip and explore your favorite Texas wines. This one-of-a-kind wine map has a slight vintage vibe and the details are exquisite. The inaugural Texas wine map includes wineries, American Viticultural Areas, 3 detailed inset maps (Fredericksburg, SW Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth), and is the perfect gift to satisfy your picky wine lover.