Central wine is not known; I’ve been in the wine market for years, and coming across some terrible Texas concoction I was skeptical too. Surprisingly enough, I was able to find some diamonds in the rough that offer great wine, excellent food, and at the same time a wonderful atmosphere. Here are the top three wineries Central Texas has to offer.
1st Place:
Flat Creek Estate
24912 Singleton Fleet 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, the wine was unknown, only known to those in a private retreat. Today, Flat Creek is a beautiful estate boasting a wonderful hide, an exquisite menu and some top-notch wine, driving connoisseurs from across the country to make it a destination not to be missed on Texas Hill Country.
The magnificent Praestas has played host to many weddings, engagements and banquets and continues to do so. Check out their events section and for $65 you can reserve a seat for a delicious three-course dinner paired with Flat Creek Wines. For around $20, you can get a bottle of the best wine the industry has to offer at their Super Texan. This bottle of rockin Sangiovese is a wine that has made it famous and continues to do so.
Maybe you want to have a brunch or maybe enjoy some live music while sampling the album ($7); You will definitely have a wonderful 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 air, but its philanthropic efforts. Hosts Diamond Winery and Divas event in conjunction with Benoldo Jews, which donates directly to the charity of their choice. The annual success, Diamonds and Divas events helps raise thousands of tons every year has managed to raise a wonderful memory for all its attendees . If you are looking for great wine, excellent food and an amazing time, in 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
Duchman was established a few years ago in 2004 and went to the Central Texas industry in established and continues to source most of its produce from the Texas High Plains AVA, where the cooler temperatures are ideal for excellent wines made in true Italian style. Their most outstanding wine to date is the 2010 Vermentino, a crisp, juicy and well-balanced vintage that will surely endure to mark Duchman’s place in the Texas wine world.
Located on a breathless piece of Central Texas land, the newly renovated wine tasting room is a must visit, open Monday 12pm, Tuesday 11am – 9pm and Sunday 12-8pm and truly a place to see. All wines are available for purchase and are paired with a selection of cheeses and charcuterie.
3rd Place:
Inwood Estate Vineyard
8711 W FM 487
Florence, TX 76527
(254) 793-3364
Another diamond in the rough; Inwood Estate, a good Tempranillo-Cabernet Sauvignon blend ($39) is a must-have for any Texas wine fanatic. The vineyards of Florence are a prime destination for wine geeks, vacationers and live music event junkies throughout the city. Open Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, Friday from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Saturday from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Sunday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm the afternoon An absolute can’t-miss miss destination deep in the heart of Texas, Inwood Estate will have you planning a Florence vacation for years to come.
