When you leave, make your way to Castell to cross the Llano River for what we Texans call “God’s Country.” From there, Texas 152 will take you west to US 87; either left or right will continue your drive in wildflower paradise. If you turn left, back toward Fredericksburg, you will find Chisholm Trail Winery west of Fredericksburg off Hwy 290. It is nine miles west and two plus miles south on Usener Road along Spring Creek, along unfenced range land with cows and sheep and cattle guards. I hope you are not in a hurry, because this kind of Texas is fast disappearing. Chisolm Trail opened in 2001 before it was quite so clear that most wineries would locate to the east of town, and their wild west theme is well done and quite a bit of fun. They are also known for pizza from an old-timey brick pizza oven, although pizza is presently not offered, it will be again soon.
Heart of Texas Magazine
Wine and Wildflowers: The Most Relaxing Tour Through the Hill Country
Forget everything you know from having visited the well-capitalized, stylish, beautifully done wineries on Wine Road 290 out of Fredericksburg. This is off Hwy 29, which is one zero short of the others. Brock Estes, a 35-year-old raised near this spot, builds everything himself and struggles with a single 4 GPH well. His two winery buildings (they are each about the size of a two-car garage) are built from reclaimed (read: free) lumber, and he has a third in the works. Brock spent three weeks in Portugal learning winemaking and shares equipment and knowledge with his five fellow Mason County wineries and vineyards. Both Brock and his winery are both a work in progress, but he does have a nice Tanat. If you like adventure and want to visit Fly Gap Winery, call or email Brock a week or more out, and come with an appreciation for his passion. Be sure and ask him how Fly Gap got its name (hint: it has something to do with “hold your horses!”).
The very slowest way to enjoy wildflowers is a walk at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. The Loop Trail in the spring and summer delights color-hungry people from subtle bluebonnets to overpowering yellow coreopsis. Prickly pear cactus flowers are as outrageous with their orange, yellow, and red flowers as their cactus spines are sharp. Little Dome and West Little Dome also have surprising flower displays among the rocks. The drive to and from the park on RR 965 from either Llano or Fredericksburg will at times be breathtaking. You won’t be the only person with this idea, so take advantage of the new TPWD system for making reservations for day use.
Another way to enjoy wildflowers is through an event promoted by the Texas Hill Country Wineries organization, which sponsors a Wildflower Trail, March 29-April 14, 2019. For you city folk, some advice: If you are driving in the country and come across a field of wildflowers, and you want to walk amongst them, don’t. Everything is private property out this way, and if you happen to be rolling around in the bluebonnets in a field belonging to my friend Buddy near Willow City, he may greet you with an AK-47 in hand. However, Wildseed Farms on US 290 east of Fredericksburg welcomes you to stroll in a field of wildflowers and take photos of your beautiful children or special person amongst the blossoms. Want to plant your own field of dreams? Wildseed Farms farmer and founder John Thomas says, “In Texas, always plant bluebonnet seed in the fall; September, October, and November. Well-drained soils with plenty of sunshine are best.” The Aggie experts also say that the seed must be scarified (lightly scratched, and this is usually done chemically by the grower) and covered with a light layer of soil. Otherwise, few will germinate, and the birds will eat the rest.
