During our Weekend Getaway to Fredericksburg in December, we hit the wine trail by appointment (with a couple unscheduled stops in between) on our way back home to Houston. A little more structured than A Fredericksburg Wine Trail via Shuttle the day before, and just as enjoyable. We visited Grape Creek Vineyards, Baron’s Creek Vineyards, Kuhlman Cellars, Vinovium, and Ron Yates Wines on the way home that Sunday.
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What we thought of the winery: Grape Creek is an old favorite of mine, and one that truly reminds me of being in Tuscany. I could lose countless hours perusing their gift shop, I dearly love all their Italian style wines, and enjoy spending time on the patio and property. I also appreciate that they open an hour earlier than nearly everyone else on 290, so we went their first that Sunday on our long way home.
What we tasted: Viognier, Rose of Sangiovese, Rendezvous, Cabernet Trois, Cabernet/Syrah, Petite Syrah, Bellissimo, and Mosaic
What we brought home: Rose of Sangiovese and Cabernet Trois
What we thought of the winery: This winery is new on the 290 wine trail, and new to me as well. The tasting room was spacious, clean and bright, and had side rooms that could be for private gatherings or events. Baron’s Creek isn’t making any local wine yet, not until they feel more established with the property and vines, so we tried what they offered and enjoyed every one.
What we tasted: 2014 Chardonnay, 2014 Reserve Chardonnay, 2014 Rose, 2015 Sangiovese, 2013 Hippo, 2013 Barbed Wire, 2012 Zinfandel, 2014 Crazy Train, Cellar D, and Petite Syrah
What we brought home: 2014 Rose
What we thought of the winery: Intimate setting, appointment only tastings, canape pairing, and an upper class feel without being in-your-face posh. This is a tasting you want to make time for, there’s no way to rush but why would you want to? Every wine was artfully explained, pairings were on point, and the quiet of the tasting room was a welcome respite before heading home to Houston. I loved the geologic undertones. Someone in the company has an appreciation for rocks, fossils, soil geology, and geologic settings. You’re speaking my language, man!
What we tasted: 2015 Viognier (paired with guava wafer with cream cheese, cayenne, pineapple, and mint), 2014 EXP (paired with tartlet with quince puree, mushrooms, pumpkin seeds, and thyme), 2013 Alluve (paired with spanish marcona almonds with herb de provence), 2013 Barranca (paired with BBQ tostada chip with pulled pork, queso fresco, and yellow corn aioli), and 2013 KanKar (paired with date with brie, prosciutto, and cilantro aioli)
What we brought home: 2015 Viognier, marcona almonds
What we thought of the winery: While at Kuhlman Cellars, Vinovium was recommended to us. We had some time before our next appointment so we dropped in for a Prosecco tasting and espresso (real espresso, like they make it in Europe). We found the winery to be very welcoming, complete with friendly and kissy winery dog. It felt like something between an old soda shop cafe and a winery, very nice.
What we tasted: Bortolomiol Brut Prosecco Superiore Prior, Bortolomiol Prosecco Superiore Bandarossa, Bortolomiol Prosecco Miol, Villa Degli Olmi Prosecco, and Federico Ferrero Moscato
What we brought home: Bortolomiol Brut Prosecco Superiore Prior
What we thought of the winery: Ron Yates of Spicewood Vineyards just opened this winery in Fredericksburg, so tastings are by appointment only and held in the barrel room. I enjoyed the industrial feel of it and look forward to seeing this winery and tasting room grow.
What we tasted: 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, 2015 Albarino, 2015 Viognier, 2014 Mourvedre Rose, 2014 Pinot Noir, 2014 Mourvedre, 2014 Tempranillo, and 2014 Garnacha
What we brought home: 2015 Viognier and 2014 Mourvedre Rose
Up next…A Weekend Getaway in Fredericksburg
Usually when we take road trips to Texas wineries, at some point we have to ask for a box to keep our bottles from rolling around the trunk or floorboard. But now that I have a VinGardeValise Petite wine suitcase (holds 8 bottles), I brought it for transport and to keep the wine pseudo-insulated from the Texas heat during stops (read all about how I pack my wine suitcase here). Damn, I love that suitcase.
VinGardeValise – Up to 8 Bottles & All Purpose Wine Travel Suitcase (Silver)
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