Enjoying Austin's Established Wineries

Although quite a few wineries have popped up in Austin over the past 10 years are so, there are also plenty of wineries that have been around for much longer.  Each of these wineries has been around for so long for one simple reason: they produce a great product.  So, whether you live in Austin or you are planning a visit, a stop at one of these tried and true wineries is certainly worth your time.

Fall Creek Vineyards

Fall Creek Vineyards has been around since 1979 and is located in Tow.  This winery’s specialty style is classic chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, viognier, cabernet sauvignon, and shiraz that has been perfectly blended in a “New World style” with “Old World grapes.”  The showcase wine of Fall Creek Vineyards is its 2004 Meritus, which is a blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and malbec.  This particular wine is also the winner of the Double Gold Medal at the Tasters Guild International.

Bell Mountain Vineyards

Bell Mountain Vineyards was first opened in 1976, though its first Winery Building was not completed until 1983.  Located in Fredericksburg, the specialty style of Bell Mountain Vineyards is premium varieties of the Old World, which includes cabernet sauvignon blanc, merlot, and dry and late harvest chardonnay and Riesling.  The showcase wine of the winery is merlot, which is a rich wine that is produced from the vintage of that particular decade.

Grape Creek Vineyard

Grape Creek Vineyard was founded in 1989 and is also located in Fredericksburg.  The specialty styles of this winery include cabernet trios, cabernet sauvignon, pinot grigio, cabernet blanc, and a Bordeaux style blend.  The showcase wine of Grape Creek Vineyard is Bellissimo, which is a Super Tuscan-style blend of sangiovese, merlot, and cabernet sauvignon grapes.

Wimberley Valley Winery at Driftwood

Wimberley Valley Winery at Driftwood was founded in 1983 and is located in Driftwood.  Unfortunately, this winery does not have tasting room hours.  Its specialty style of wine is sweet wines, including blush, sweet red, sangria, white, spiced, and mulled.  Its showcase wine is the Texas Country Cellars Sweet Red, which is a blend of medium body blends.

Messina Hof Winery

The Messina Hof Winery is located in Bryan and was founded in 1977.  This winery’s specialty style is aromatic whites and big and bold reds.  It showcase wine is Papa Paulo Port, which is reflective of the winery’s innovation and heritage.

Sister Creek Vineyards

The Sister Creek Vineyards were founded in 1988 and are located in Sisterdale.  The specialty style of this winery is Old European style wines, including Italian-style blends and Bordeaux.  Its showcase wine is Muscat cannelli, which is a white, crisp Italian style wine with a low alcohol content.