An amalgamation of history, friendly people, and outdoor recreation makes the Texas Hill Country a magnet for visitors, both in- and out-of-state, and over the years, it’s worked in the region’s favor with respect to the unique situation it finds itself in. Being the second largest AVA (American Viticultural Area) in the United States has generated business enough to also make it one of the most visited wine regions in the country. “Wine Road 290” in the Fredericksburg area is a prime example, featuring a procession of more than a dozen wineries within a 45-mile length of the highway. However there are many others, if you know where to look, that might require a little more time and energy, but are valued for their contributions to the region as well. The northern part of the Texas Hill Country Wine Trail, in the vicinity of US 281, and northwest of Fredericksburg, features a number of these entities, attracting wine enthusiasts and tourists to the northern parts of the Hill Country on a regular basis.
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Wonderful Texas Hill Country Wineries Found Off the Beaten Trail
Fall Creek Vineyards
Photo: Facebook/The Wine Wankers
Fall Creek Vineyards, located in Tow, is one of the Hill Country’s oldest wineries, first establishing in the 1970s, and with tasting rooms in both Tow and Driftwood, it has since become one of the more acclaimed in the state. Focusing on both white and red wines made from sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and chardonnay grapes, the winery has broadened its horizons to include vintages made from grapes that are grown in warmer climates (i.e. Tempranillo), and with innovative winemaking techniques and a well-appointed tasting room, Fall Creek Vineyards is a stately stop along this portion of the Hill Country wine trail.
Perissos Vineyard and Winery
Photo: Facebook/Wine Marketing Guide LLC
Perissos Vineyard and Winery, located in Burnet, features beautiful property including a family farm in the back and wonderful Hill Country vistas surrounding their lush vineyard. Much of their vintages are developed from grapes which are grown on-site, and their tasting room is a vaulted design, built by the owner himself together with help from the family. The result is lush and opulent red wines as well as fresh, floral-kissed whites which are award-winning.
Pilot Knob Vineyard
Photo: Facebook/Aaron David
Pilot Knob Vineyard, located in Bertram is situated amongst rolling pastures of the Hill Country. Established in 2011, the name of the winery comes from a volcanic formation which is located approximately 6 miles southeast of the business. Their tasting room features a view of their property and a wonderful selection of their wines, enclosed in over 6 thousand square feet, and they have a lovely patio area for pairings and enjoying their Texas Hill Country setting. Their wines are made from quality Chenin blanc, viognier, cabernet franc, muscat blanc and tempranillo grapes, producing refreshing whites and sophisticated reds.