We love the Texas Hill Country for its outdoor attractions: spring-fed swimming holes and waterfalls, wildflowers and caverns, and Texas-sized sunsets. But lately there’s been one natural beauty that has been turning heads nation-wide--Hill Country vineyards.
After a few centuries of established wine culture in Texas, the time has finally come for the rest of the world to celebrate the pairing of Zinfandel with BBQ, Pinot Grigio with Tex-Mex, and to raise a glass to native concoctions such as peach and jalapeno wines. While Texas has only more recently received attention and praise as the fifth-largest grape and wine producer in the country, the first winery in Texas, Val Verde Winery in Del Rio, was established in 1883 and continues to operate today. Admittedly, it has taken some time for the Texan wine industry to rise to the top. That may be due in part to some setbacks that have occurred over the years: prohibition, dry counties, and legal restrictions against shipping wine out of state. So, Texas wine may not be as world renowned as the grape empires of Italy or France, yet. But, when parasites began to destroy vineyards across Europe in the 19th century, it was Thomas Volney Munson, a brilliant viticulturist of Denison, Texas, who saved the European grape and wine industry with his expertise. Furthermore, Munson set the standards for grape growers in the United States when he published Foundations of American Grape Culture in 1909, which is still referenced to this day. As we fast-forward to the current wine culture in Texas with its couple hundred family-owned vineyards, annual festivals and competitions, and not to mention over a $1 billion boost to the state’s economy, we should never forget to take pride in the pioneers who made it all possible.
The Texas Hill Country is the leading wine making region in the state with five million visitors pouring in each year. We’re also surprising some folks with the fact that the Hill Country has been ranked the second hottest wine destination in the country. The next Napa? That’s exactly what some are predicting. Even the city that never sleeps has taken a few cues from the rising popularity of the Hill Country’s food and drink specialties. In the summer of 2007, Hill Country Barbecue and Market opened its doors in New York City. Inspired by the legendary Kreuz Market in Lockhart, Texas, this barbecue newcomer has already received much praise for its Hill Country classics and even features a wine list consisting exclusively of Texas wines.
Although the Hill Country’s gastronomy and wine culture’s influence is spreading far and wide, here on the home front Hill Country wine is just a grocery trip away, and vineyards, only a day trip away. You can find many varieties of local wine at Central Market, Whole Foods, and HEB in addition to specialty liquor stores like Grapevine Market and Spec’s. For a more personal and adventurous experience, you may want to visit some of the vineyards and wineries within the Texas Hill Country, each with their individual charms, special events, and of course, wine tasting. There are many wonderful Texas vineyard and winery destinations, but just to name a few close to home:

• Becker Vineyards: (830) 644-2681, 464 Becker Farms Rd, Stonewall, TX 78671 Hours: Mon-Thu 10-5; Fri-Sat 10-6; Sun 12-6, www.beckervineyards.com
• Comfort Cellars Winery: (830) 995-3274, 723 Front Street, Comfort, TX 78013 Hours: Thu-Sat 11-6 Sun-Mon 12-5 Tues-Wed 12-6, www.comfortcellars.com
• Fall Creek Vineyards: (325) 379-5361, 1820 CR 222, Tow, TX 78672 Hours: Mon-Fri 11-4; Sat 11-5; Sun 12-4, www.fcv.com
• Fredericksburg Winery: (830) 990-8747, 247 West Main Street, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 Hours: Mon-Thurs 10-5:30; Fri-Sat 10-7:30; Sun 12-5:30, www.fpgwinery.com
• Lost Creek Vineyard: (325) 388-3753, 1129 RR 2233, Sunrise Beach, TX 78643 Hours: Mon-Sat. 10-5; Sun 12-5, www.lostcreekvineyard.com
• Texas Hills Vineyard: (830) 868-2321, 878 RR 2766, Johnson City, TX 78636 Hours: Mon-Sat 10-5; Sun 12-5, www.texashillsvineyard.com
  
  

  There are a few upcoming celebrations of wine and food in the Texas Hill Country that no wine enthusiast or aspiring aficionado would want to miss:
   

• 2008 Wine and Wildflower Trail: (Apr. 4-6, 11-13) This springtime visit to the Hill Country is free of charge and invites you to bring along a picnic basket and some of your closest wine-loving friends.
• 2008 Hill Country Food and Wine Festival: (Apr.9-13) Wine seminars, cooking classes, winemaker dinners, special guests, and tons of Texas wineries. Visit www.texaswineandfood.org for many more details.
• 2008 Austin Food and Wine Festival: (May 24-26) If it’s anything like last year’s grape-stomping good time, there will be wine sampling, live music and arts and crafts vendors. Visit www.austinwinefestival.com for more information.
• 2008 Harvest Wine Trail: (August 1-3, 8-10) As the grape harvest begins in the Hill Country, all are invited to take self-guided tours of twenty-two different vineyards. And, if you’re lucky, you’ll get to stomp some grapes.
  So, before planning a trip to the Mediterranean, you may want to experience the sights, tastes, and history of the wine culture in your backyard. And although our Texas Hill Country is becoming all the rage, there will be no lack of friendly faces and that southern hospitality awaiting your visit. BY ASHLEY CARKER