Central Texas isn’t known for wine; having been in the wine business for years, and coming across some terrible Texas concoctions I, too, was skeptical. Much to my surprise, I was able to find some diamonds in the rough that produce great vino, outstanding food and all the while provide an amazing atmosphere. Here are the top three wineries Central Texas has to offer.
1st Place:
Flat Creek Estate
24912 Singleton Bend East Rd.
Marble Falls, TX 78654
(512) 267-6310
In 2006 Ashleigh and I were fortunate enough to be invited by owners Rick and Madelyn Naber to a private dinner at Flat Creek Estate. Back then, it was a relatively unknown winery, a private get away only for those in the know. Today, Flat Creek is a beautiful Estate boasting an amazing pavilion, exquisite menu and some top notch vino, driving connoisseurs from across the state onto their grounds as a can’t miss destination in the Texas Hill Country.
The majestic estate has played host to countless weddings, engagements, and parties and continues to do so. Check out their events section and for $65 you can reserve a seat for a delectable three course meal paired with Flat Creek Wines. For around $20, you can get one of the best bottles the wine industry has to offer in their Super Texan. This rockin’ bottle of Sangiovese is the wine that made them famous, and continues to do so.
Perhaps you would like to have brunch or maybe enjoy some live music while sampling their portfolio ($7), no matter what you do; rest assured you will have an amazing time. The tasting room is open Tuesday through Friday from 12pm – 5PM, Saturday from 10AM – 5PM and Sunday from 12pm – 5PM.
Perhaps the best thing about Flat Creek Estate is not the wine, the food or the atmosphere, it’s their philanthropic efforts. The winery hosts a Diamonds and Divas event in conjunction with Benold’s Jewelers that directly benefits the charity of their choice. An annual success, the Diamonds and Divas event helps to raise thousands of dollars every year while providing wonderful memories for all its attendees. If you’re looking for a great wine, outstanding food and an amazing time out at a place that cares about the surrounding community, Flat Creek Estate is it.
2nd Place:
Duchman Family Winery
13308 FM 150 W
Driftwood, TX 78619
(512) 858-1470
Established just a few years ago in 2004, Duchman has stepped up and placed a firm grip on the Central Texas wine industry as it continues to source the majority of its fruit from the Texas High Plains AVA, where the cooler temperatures are ideal for outstanding wines crafted in true authentic Italian style. Their most notable wine to date is the 2010 Vermentino, a crisp, juicy and well balanced vintage that will surely continue to place Duchman’s stamp on the Texas wine world.
Set on a breathtaking piece of Central Texas land, the newly refurbished tasting room is a vino must visit, open Monday 12pm – 6 pm, Tuesday- Saturday 11am – 9 pm and Sunday 12-8pm and is truly a site to behold. All of the wines are available for purchase and can be paired with a selection of gourmet cheeses and charcuterie.
3rd Place:
Inwood Estate Vineyards
8711 W FM 487
Florence, TX 76527
(254) 793-3364
Another diamond in the rough; Inwood Estate, produces a knock your socks off good Tempranillo-Cabernet Sauvignon blend ($39) that is a must have for any Texas wine enthusiast. The vineyards in Florence are a prime destination for wine geeks, vacationers and live music event junkies from throughout the state. Open Thursdays from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Fridays from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Saturdays from12:00 pm to 7:00 pm and Sundays from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. An absolute can’t miss destination deep in the heart of Texas, Inwood Estate will have you planning vacations to Florence for years to come.
