wine

Why This Slice of Texas Hill Country is America’s Top Wine Region

Written by Cathy Hale | February 28, 2018

This past weekend, hundreds of folks flocked to Spicewood Vineyards for its 10th Annual ‘Pair It with the Claret’ chili contest. Chili connoisseurs were tasked with the delicious job of figuring out which homemade chili best paired with Claret.

For Lake Travis residents, this event is practically right in your backyard. That’s because you have access to one of the top wine regions in the country. In fact, the Texas Hill Country is the largest AVA (American Viticulture Area) in Texas, which means it’s a designated wine grape-growing region distinguished by its geographic features.

To celebrate our local wineries and vineyards, we’re taking a look at fun facts about the Texas wine region nestled in the Texas Hill Country, which happens to be a hop, skip and jump away. So, cheers!

7 Must Visit Wineries & Vineyards in the Lake Travis Area

Written by Cathy Hale | May 24, 2017

There’s no need to fly to Sonoma or Napa to celebrate glorious grapes, because you have plenty of delicious handcrafted wine in and around the Lake Travis area.

With sweeping views, tasting rooms and laid-back friendly vibes, the vineyards and wineries nestled throughout the Texas Hill Country are not to be missed. And now that summer is here, perhaps you have more time to get acquainted with your local wine producers.

From Fredericksburg to Spicewood, we’ve picked 7 spots that will make your inner grape geek sing:

Hill Country Galleria Wine Walk: Free Wine Tasting Every Month

Written by Todd Hower | April 14, 2016

Mark your calendar and grab a group of friends for a fun night of wine tasting during the Hill Country Galleria Wine Walk. For a date night, girls night out, or just a fun way to expand your wine repertoire, you can’t beat this Thursday night offering.

This evening of wine tasting begins at your first stop, the Twin Liquors located near Dick’s Sporting Good (map).

While there, you’ll be given your first taste of wine … and a map. The map will be your guide (and ticket) as you make your way throughout the Hill Country Galleria to stop at participating businesses and taste wine from all over the world.

It’s the perfect opportunity to test your skills at drinking wine and navigating a shopping center.

Along with the free wine tasting, you will also receive a Hill Country Galleria shopping bag filled with exclusive offers. Choose your route and enjoy this event (and drinks) at your own pace — those little samples of wine can add up quick.

This fun and free event happens on the second Thursday of every month from 5pm-9pm. Feel free to arrive later for this casual night of strolling and sampling. Reservations are not required, but you must be 21 years of age or older.

Are you saying it right?

Here’s a quick pronunciation guide to the 5 most popular wines and a link to more wine-related terms:

Pinot Grigio (Pee-noe Gree-joe)

Sauvignon Blanc (So-veen-yawn BlahN)

Pinot Noir (Pee-noe Nwahr)

Chardonnay (Shar-doe-nay)

Cabernet Sauvignon (Cab-air-nay So-veen-yawN)

Check out how to taste wine like an expert and look like a sommelier (so-mel-yay) on your next Hill Country Galleria Wine Walk.

The Bistro at Flat Creek Estate: A Taste from the North Shore of Lake Travis

Written by Sandra Spicher | December 29, 2015

Take 1431 west from Lago Vista, a left on Singleton Bend Road and another on Singleton Bend East, and follow the scent of woodsmoke to the Bistro at Flat Creek Estate.

Not only a vineyard and winery, Flat Creek Estate is a fine destination for delicious food that fuses Hill Country fresh with international style. Local artists also sell jewelry, gifts, and cards from the adjacent Tasting Room.

Reservations for the Bistro are required and easy to come by: call 512-267-6310. Gratuities are not accepted, but you’re welcome to leave a donation for the nonprofit World of Children.

Gift Like A Boss: How Free Tastings Mean Happier Holidays

Written by Marjorie Vesper | December 8, 2015

Most of us will happily drink just about anything — sure, we lust the good stuff but let’s get real here — a sixer of Lone Star gets the job done on the cheap, and fits nicely in that garage fridge.

We all know that there’s a time when pulling out the craft brews, higher priced wines, and guest whiskey is key. And there’s hardly any better occasion for the good stuff than the holidays.

The most fool-proof way to give the very best in spirits this year (and secure VIP status at that Christmas party), is to really know what it is you’re gifting in that fancy little wine bag with the tinsel on top.

wine

Are you saying it right?

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