Trade I-10 Traffic For A Tasting

When

Texas Wine Country Closer Than You Think

you think about Texas wine country, you probably picture the rolling hills around Fredericksburg, but you don't really have to drive all the way to the Hill Country to enjoy a vineyard, a tasting room, or even a relaxing weekend getaway. This week on Where the Roads Can Take Us, we're exploring six wineries a little closer to home, from the bayous of Southeast Texas over to the countryside of the Brazos Valley. Our

Free State Cellar On Adams Bayou

first stop is practically in our own backyard. Free State Cellar sets along Adams Bayou in Orange, where Muscatine grapes have been growing since the 1980s. The winery takes its name from the historic Free State of Sabine, which is a once lawless territory along the Texas-Louisiana border. Today, visitors can enjoy handcrafted wines, outdoor patios that are overlooking the vineyard, and occasional live music. The Sunday House tasting room offers everything from traditional wines to fruit wines and frozen sangrias. A surprisingly peaceful escape just minutes off of Interstate 10. Heading toward

Hawk Vineyards Near Galveston Plans

Galvison County, our next stop is Hawk Vineyards and Winery in Santa Fe. Now this was established in 2000. Hawk has developed a reputation for award-winning wines. The property offers a genuine vineyard atmosphere with tasting experiences, got some beautiful grounds and opportunities to learn about winemaking. Its location also makes it easy to combine a winery visit with a trip down to Galvison Island. You can spend Saturday afternoon enjoying the vineyard and finish the evening with dinner along the Gulf Coast. Now that makes a pretty good weekend combination. Northwest

Bernhardt Winery With Music And Stays

of Houston, near Plantersville, Bernhardt Winery offers a little taste of the hill country without driving all the way to Fredericksburg. The 20-acre estate features rolling countryside, it's got some outdoor seating, guided wine tastings, and behind-the-scene tours of the winemaking facilities. Bernhardt is also known for its music events and relaxed atmosphere. Visitors could bring a picnic, you can enjoy the grounds, or arrange an overnight stay in one of the winery's bed and breakfast rooms. If your idea of a great weekend involves sitting outdoors with beautiful scenery and nowhere you absolutely have to be, this might just be your destination.

36th North With Dessert Pairings

Near Brynham, 36th North Vineyard offers a smaller, more personal wine country experience. It's set on a farmhouse style property along Highway 36. The vineyard emphasizes Texas wines and a welcoming country atmosphere. One of its interesting touches is the pairing of wines with homemade desserts. This gives the visitor something a little different from the traditional tasting room. Brenham itself is worth exploring with historic downtown streets, shops, and restaurants. Spend the afternoon at the vineyard, enjoy dinner in town, and you've got the makings of a relaxing overnight getaway without traveling halfway across Texas.

Messina Hoff For A Full Weekend

Our next destination is one of the pioneers of Texas winemaking, Messina Hoff State Winery in Bryan. It began in 1977 and has grown into one of the state's best-known wineries. Unlike some smaller tasting rooms, Messina Hoff offers an entire weekend experience. Visitors can tour the vineyard, sample award-winning Texas wines, enjoy a meal at the vintage house restaurant, and even stay overnight at the Villa Bed and breakfast. Now the estate combines old-world winemaking traditions with Texas hospitality. For couples looking for a special weekend or celebrating an anniversary, this is certainly one worth considering. And finally,

West Sandy Creek For Quiet Roads

we're headed into the countryside near Huntsville to West Sandy Creek Winery in Richards. This destination is tucked away from the busy highways, offering visitors a chance to enjoy wine tastings and the quiet atmosphere of rural Texas. It's the kind of place where the drive is part of the experience with wooded countryside and small Texas communities along the way. For anyone wanting to get away from the traffic, the schedules, and the usual weekend routine, West Sandy Creek offers a different pace. Sometimes the best destination is simply somewhere where you can go slow down for a while.

Six Stops And A Simple Reminder

And there you have it. Six opportunities to discover Texas wine country without traveling all the way to Fredericksburg, whether it's an afternoon at the bayou or a vineyard overlooking the countryside, or an overnight stay with a little romance. There's more to Texas wine country than you might expect. Of course, you got to plan ahead.